The Best Awning for a VW Crafter

The VW Crafter is a brilliant base for a bigger camper or van conversion - tall, long and full of space - so it deserves an awning to match. Because the Crafter comes in several heights and lengths (and shares its underpinnings with the MAN TGE), there are a few more things to get right than on a compact camper. The good news is we have a Crafter awning kit to suit any size of van.


As a family-run Thule specialist, we help Crafter and MAN TGE owners kit out their vans all the time. Here is our straightforward guide to choosing the best awning for your Crafter.


What to think about before you buy

With a van this size, a few things decide everything:


Your height (H2, H3 or H4). This is the big one, because it decides whether your awning is wall-mounted or roof-mounted. If you are not sure which height you have, measure your van from the ground to the roof line and we will identify it for you.


Your length (MWB, LWB or XLWB). Also written L3, L4 and L5. This sets the awning length you need. Most owners already know their wheelbase; if not, a quick measure nose to tail will tell us.


Your roof and how you will use it. A pop-top roof, or a roof covered with solar panels, can affect which mounting works best - so it is always worth a quick chat before you order.


If any of that feels like a lot, do not worry - just contact us with your van details and we will confirm exactly what you need.

The best awning for a VW Crafter: the Crafter Awning Kit

Our recommendation is the VW Crafter Awning Kit (2017 to current) - Thule Omnistor 4200 / 6300. Rather than a one-size-fits-all box, it is a range of kits built around your exact van, pairing the right Thule awning with the correct adapters, and it fits both the 2017-onward VW Crafter and the MAN TGE.

Depending on your van, it uses one of two excellent Thule Omnistor wind-out awnings:


  • The Thule Omnistor 4200, a wall-mounted cassette awning, fitted with a Vamoose Multi Rail and DV100 adapters.

  • The Thule Omnistor 6300, a larger roof-mounted awning, fitted with a Thule vehicle-specific adapter (an option on some vans - see below).


Both come in three cassette colours - White, Anodised (Silver) and Anthracite (Black) - with smart Mystic Grey fabric, and both are available in passenger-side or off-side configurations. Like all our Thule awnings, they are covered by the comprehensive Thule two-year warranty.

Wall-mounted or roof-mounted? It depends on your height

This is where the Crafter differs from a smaller camper, so it is worth getting clear:


  • H2 and H4 vans take a wall-mounted awning - the Thule Omnistor 4200 with a Vamoose Multi Rail and DV100 adapters, mounted to the side of the van.

  • H3 vans can go either way. You can have the same wall-mounted 4200 kit, or step up to the roof-mounted Thule Omnistor 6300 with a Thule vehicle-specific adapter.

  • Pop-top roof, or a roof with solar panels? This affects what is possible up top, so get in touch and we will recommend the best mounting for your setup.

Getting the size right

For the wall-mounted Crafter kit, the awning length follows your wheelbase:


Length

Awning length

Projection

MWB (L3)

3.00m

2.50m

LWB (L4)

3.50m

2.50m

XLWB (L5)

4.00m

2.50m


Not sure of your size? Just contact us and we will confirm the right kit. It helps to measure from the ground to the roof line (so we can identify your H height) and nose to tail for the length - though most owners already know their wheelbase.

Do you already have an awning rail?

Worth clarifying, because a roof rail (the bars on top of your roof) and an awning rail are two different things. The Crafter kits include the correct mounting for your van - the wall-mounted option comes with a Vamoose Multi Rail and adapters. If your Crafter already has an awning rail or multi-rail fitted, you may not need the full kit. Send us a photo of what you have and we will point you to the right awning and adapter.


Worth adding

A few extras that make a big van feel even more like home:



Prefer to have it fitted?

Many customers are happy to fit the kit themselves, but if you would rather have it done professionally, we can point you to our installation and repair service - giving you access to a nationwide network of approved installers (Approved Workshop Scheme members).


Why buy your VW Crafter awning from Perfect Awnings

We are a family-run business specialising in genuine, quality Thule awnings, not a general retailer dabbling in everything. That means real expert support before and after you buy, our Price Match Promise if you find it cheaper elsewhere, and free UK delivery on orders over £250. Every awning also comes with the comprehensive Thule two-year warranty.

VW Crafter awning FAQs


Will this fit my MAN TGE? 

Yes. The 2017-onward VW Crafter and the MAN TGE share the same platform, so the same kits fit both.


Will it fit my older (pre-2017) Crafter? 

The previous-generation Crafter was a different van based on the Mercedes Sprinter, so it needs a different setup. Contact us with your year and we will sort the right kit.


Should I choose a wall-mounted or roof-mounted awning? 

It depends on your height. H2 and H4 vans take the wall-mounted Thule 4200; H3 vans can choose the wall-mounted 4200 or the roof-mounted Thule 6300. If you have a pop-top or solar panels on the roof, check with us first.


What size awning do I need? 

For the wall-mounted kit: MWB (L3) takes a 3.00m awning, LWB (L4) a 3.50m, and XLWB (L5) a 4.00m, all with a 2.50m projection. Unsure? Measure ground to roof line and nose to tail, then contact us.


Do I need an awning rail? 

No. The kit mounts to your van using specially created brackets and the supplied rail/adapters. However, if you already have an awning/multi-rail fitted, you can buy a multi-rail adapter and the awning separately instead.


Can I fit it myself? 

Yes, many customers do. If you would prefer, we can arrange professional fitting through our nationwide network of approved installers.



Ready to kit out your Crafter?

Browse the VW Crafter Awning Kit or the full Van & Campervan Awnings range. Need a hand choosing? Call us on 02380 706542 or email sales@perfectawnings.co.uk - we are always happy to help you find the perfect awning for your van.