This collection brings together Brunner's full range of driveaway awnings and tailgate tents for campervans, motorhomes and mini-campervans. You'll find A.I.R. Tech inflatable awnings like the Trouper 2.0 and Trouper Auto Up alongside polycotton models such as the Air Travel II and Wise, plus vehicle-specific tailgate tents including the Comet for VW T5/T6 and the Pilote range for VW Caddy. Connection heights range from 180 cm to 230 cm across the lineup, covering everything from low-roof campervans to medium-height minibuses. Every awning here is freestanding and detachable, meaning you pitch it once and drive away without dismantling.What types of Brunner driveaway awnings and tailgate tents are available?
Brunner driveaway awnings split into two categories: A.I.R. Tech inflatable models and traditional fiberglass-poled designs from the Bustent Classic range. Tailgate tents attach directly to the rear hatch of specific vehicles. Inflatable awnings connect via piping, tunnel pole or velcro straps, with connection heights from 180 cm to 230 cm for campervans and minibuses.
The A.I.R. Tech range is Brunner's inflatable awning technology, and it's where most of the lineup sits. The Trouper 2.0 uses Crossbeam Technology with a double-action hand pump, measures 310 x 260 x 230 cm, weighs around 20.5 kg and includes a sewn-in groundsheet, panorama windows and mosquito nets on all doors. The Trouper Auto Up takes the same basic footprint but adds an integrated electric pump with a rechargeable battery, so you inflate and pack up without manual pumping. For those wanting a premium fabric, the Air Travel II and Wise use Brunner's polycotton material (60% polyester, 40% cotton) with the Oneflate single-chamber inflation system. Polycotton breathes better than pure polyester, significantly reduces condensation and offers higher UV resistance for a longer service life. The Bustent Classic range uses traditional fiberglass poles (Durawrap 12.7 mm) and 68D polyester, with models like the Beyond offering dimensions of 340 x 240 x 210 cm at just 12 kg.
Tailgate tents are a different proposition. The Comet VW T5/T6 is a frameless tent that drapes over an open tailgate and pegs to the ground, measuring 200 x 200 x 205 cm and weighing 5.1 kg. It's designed for VW Transporter owners who want quick rear-access shelter for cooking, storage or sleeping. The Escape fits the Peugeot Traveller, Citroen Spacetourer and Toyota Proace using 150D Oxford polyester with magnetic strips for side wall attachment. The Pilote range serves VW Caddy owners, with the Pilote coming in at 135 x 135 x 170 cm and the Pilote Caddy 5 offering a larger footprint. All tailgate tents use frameless construction, relying on the tailgate and guy ropes for structure.
Choosing between an inflatable driveaway awning and a tailgate tent depends on how much extra space you need and how you camp. If you're touring and want a full living area with standing headroom, windows and door options, a driveaway awning like the Trouper 2.0 or Air Travel II is the right call. Look for polycotton fabric if you camp in warm weather or for extended periods, as condensation builds rapidly under pure polyester on hot days. Entry-level polyester models from the Bustent Classic range offer lighter weight and lower cost but suit shorter stays. Premium inflatable models with polycotton and Oneflate inflation sit at the top of the range and are built for frequent tourers who value fast pitching and comfort. Tailgate tents, on the other hand, work best for day trips and weekend breaks where you need a quick shelter without the commitment of a full awning setup.
The most common mistake is getting the connection height wrong. Measure your vehicle's rain gutter or awning rail height with the van on level ground before ordering. Brunner's driveaway awnings cover 180 to 230 cm across the range, so check which height band your vehicle falls into. VW T5/T6 Transporters and Ford Transit Customs typically fit the 180 to 220 cm range. The Comet tailgate tent only fits VW T5 and T6 models, and the Escape only fits the Peugeot Traveller, Citroen Spacetourer and Toyota Proace platform. Trying to use a tailgate tent on the wrong vehicle results in sagging fabric and poor sealing. For the Pilote range, check whether you have a Caddy up to Mk4 (2020) or the newer Mk5, as fitment differs. Always dry your awning thoroughly before long-term storage to prevent mould, particularly on polycotton fabrics where the cotton content retains moisture.
The Brunner Comet is a frameless tailgate tent designed specifically f
The Brunner Escape is a frameless tailgate tent designed specifically
The Brunner Pilote VW Caddy 4 Tailgate Tent is a frameless rear awning
The Brunner Pilote Caddy 5 is a frameless tailgate tent designed speci
How popular are campervan driveaway awnings in the UK?
UK motorhome registrations grew 20.2% in 2024, and the broader caravan and motorhome manufacturing sector contributes over £1.8 billion to the UK economy annually. With 16.7 million camping and caravanning trips recorded across the UK in 2022 and the camping equipment market valued at approximately £2.83 billion, driveaway awnings remain one of the most popular accessories for campervan and motorhome touring.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Brunner A.I.R. Tech and Bustent Classic awnings?A.I.R. Tech awnings use inflatable air beams instead of traditional poles, allowing faster setup with a hand pump or integrated electric pump. Bustent Classic awnings use Durawrap fiberglass poles (12.7 mm diameter) and 68D polyester fabric. A.I.R. Tech models tend to be heavier but pitch faster and pack down without rigid poles. Classic models are lighter and cheaper but take longer to assemble.What connection height do I need for my campervan?Measure from the ground to your awning rail or rain gutter with the vehicle on level ground. VW T5/T6 Transporters and similar campervans typically fall between 180 and 220 cm. The Brunner Trouper 2.0 and Air Travel II cover 180 to 230 cm. Medium-height motorhomes and larger minibuses sit in the 220 to 280 cm range and need the HC (high-connection) variants where available.Why choose a polycotton driveaway awning over polyester?Brunner's polycotton fabric (60% polyester, 40% cotton) breathes naturally, which reduces condensation buildup inside the awning. It offers significantly higher UV resistance than pure polyester, extending the awning's lifespan. Polycotton also reduces wind noise. The trade-off is slightly more weight and the need to dry the fabric thoroughly before storage to prevent mould forming in the cotton fibres.Will the Brunner Comet tailgate tent fit my campervan?The Comet is designed specifically for VW T5 and T6 Transporters. It drapes over the open tailgate and pegs down using guy ropes with no frame required. It will not fit other vehicles properly. For the Peugeot Traveller, Citroen Spacetourer or Toyota Proace, use the Brunner Escape instead. VW Caddy owners need the Pilote or Pilote Caddy 5 tailgate tent.What does Brunner's Oneflate inflation system do?Oneflate is Brunner's single-chamber air frame system used on polycotton A.I.R. Tech models like the Air Travel II and Wise. All air beams connect internally, so you inflate the entire frame through one valve. This speeds up pitching compared to multi-valve systems where each beam needs separate inflation. The Trouper Auto Up goes further with an integrated electric pump and rechargeable battery for hands-free inflation.How do I attach a Brunner driveaway awning to my vehicle?Brunner driveaway awnings offer multiple connection methods. Most models include a piping strip (keder beading) that feeds into your vehicle's awning rail, a connection pole that bridges the gap between awning and vehicle, and velcro straps that wrap over roof rails. You can use whichever method suits your vehicle setup. Vehicles without an awning rail can use the strap-over-roof method, though this gives a less weatherproof seal than a direct rail connection.
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