Tomorrow we are collecting our first campervan. We are having a debate whether to get a drive away awning or a pop up tent (big enough to sit in and maybe set up a kitchen) Any thoughts?
As it's your "first campervan", I'd say try it out a few times, to see what(if?) you need anything.
We bought a drive-away awning not long after we bought our first camper'(2003 Duetto)but we sold it without using it in anger, as we found we never used it.
However, 10 plus years on, we do use a Quechau Base pop up with our small Toyota "camping-van"...they're very handy but quite large to lug about.
Another recommendation to try camping first before you buy anything. Look at what others are doing on sites, folk will be only too happy to talk about what they use. If you do get something, it will take up valuable storage space & some of your legal weight allowance. And you don't know yet how you'll be using the van - staying put for a week or moving on every day - a wind shield might be all you need. (Some sites charge for an awning, others don't.)
PS - A third option is a tarp. Other threads on tarps, with lots of photos. For us, it's been the best balance of storage volume & time to put it up vs. how often we use it.
I would say that 'we' are dedicated awning owners. I would also suggest that prior to buying any awning you firstly check out just how to attach an awning to your van. There are a number of ways this can be done. Some are the most awkward to fit, and that type (you will know it when you see it) are usually horrendous looking. Awning owners and users will give you tips on how to attach them to your van. But you don't want it to look like a carbuncle of a miss match and you do not want it to be smaller than / larger than you need. Let us know what type of camper it is and help will come flooding into you on here. Alter your Pennine Pathfinder to what you now have...and you will be surprised at the amount of help, experience and suggestions that will come your way. Happy Camping.
I cannot recommend highly enough the Quechua pop up tents from decathlon. We have the bags seconds which also has an optional inner to turn it into a 4 man tent when needed, way less faff than a drive away awning.
------------- Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.
Vango airbeam drive away is great. Good add on space opens out on 3 sides if weather good to use more like canopy. Sturdy, stands up well in storms. Super easy to fold and take down but takes practice putting up
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Drive away awning or pop up tent?
