The Best Awning for a VW Transporter (T5, T6 & T6.1)

The VW Transporter is the UK's best-loved campervan, and for good reason. Whether you have a tidy T5, a newer T6 or T6.1, or a full pop-top conversion, the right awning turns the space beside your van into a proper outdoor room - shelter from a passing shower, shade on a hot pitch, and somewhere to keep the boots, the kettle and the dog.

As a family-run Thule specialist, we help VW Transporter owners kit out their vans every week, so we know exactly what works. Here is our straightforward guide to choosing the best awning for your T5, T6 or T6.1.

What to think about before you buy

Three things decide which awning is right for your Transporter:

Your roof. This is the big one. VW campers come with either a pop-top (elevating) roof or a fixed roof, and the awning options are different for each. The kit we feature below is designed for right-hand-drive T5 and T6 vans with a pop-top (lift) roof, and it mounts to the roof line using specially created brackets. If you have a fixed (non-pop-top) roof or a left-hand-drive van, there are other options - see "Pop-top or fixed roof?" below, or just check with us and we will sort the right setup for you.

Your wheelbase. Transporters come in short wheelbase (SWB) and long wheelbase (LWB). This decides the awning length you need, so it is worth knowing which you have before you order.

How you will use it. Day trips and festivals, or longer touring holidays? That will guide whether you add a sun blocker, a tension rafter for windier pitches, or a full driveaway-style tent room later on.

If you are ever unsure, our team is happy to help you get it right first time - just get in touch.

The best awning for a pop-top VW Transporter: the Thule Omnistor 4200 kit

For pop-top (lift-roof) T5, T6 and T6.1 campers, our go-to is the VW T5 & T6 (with Pop Up Roof) Awning Kit with the Thule Omnistor 4200. It comes with the awning and the correct brackets together, so everything you need arrives in one box. (Got a fixed-roof Transporter? Skip to "Pop-top or fixed roof?" below.)

The Omnistor 4200 is Thule's latest wind-out cassette awning, and it is a genuine step up on the older 4900 it replaces. A smaller roller tube keeps the weight down while improving stability and fabric tension, and the redesigned legs drop vertically as you wind it out, reducing the risk of catching the side of your pride and joy. The canopy is a single sheet of fabric with welded joints for excellent waterproofing, so you get reliable shelter that lasts.

A few highlights:

• Easy manual operation with a telescopic hand crank

• A choice of three cassette colours - White, Anodised (Silver) and Anthracite (Black) - with smart Mystic Grey fabric

• Thule QuickFit, EasyLink and Residence Tent compatible, so you can expand your setup later

• Backed by Thule's two-year warranty

Pop-top or fixed roof? Your options differ

The kit above is specifically for VW Transporters with a pop-top (lift) roof, which is the most common camper conversion. If your Transporter has a fixed (non-pop-top) roof, the mounting is different and there are alternative kits and adapters to suit.

The easiest way to see what fits is to browse our VW Transporter campervan awning kits or simply contact us with your van details and we will point you to the right one.

Getting the size right

The 4200 kit is offered in two sizes to match your Transporter:

Not sure which you need? Just contact us and we will confirm the perfect fit. It helps to know whether you have a pop-top or fixed roof and whether your van is short or long wheelbase - most owners do, and if not, a quick measure nose to tail will tell us.

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 pop-top kit above needs neither - it mounts to the roof line using specially created brackets. However, if your Transporter already has an awning rail or multi-rail fitted, you do not need the full kit. Instead, pair a multi-rail adapter with a Thule Omnistor 4200 awning bought separately. Not sure what you have? Send us a photo and we will point you in the right direction.

Worth adding

A few popular extras that make life on the road easier:

• Tension rafter - keeps the fabric taut and helps shed rain on the longer 2.5m projection

• Hold-down side strap kit - extra reassurance on breezier pitches

• Thule Rain, Sun & View Blockers - add privacy and shade in seconds

• Residence G3 tent - turn your awning into a full enclosed room for longer stays

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 Transporter 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 Transporter awning FAQs

Will this awning fit my pop-top T5 or T6? 

Yes. The Thule Omnistor 4200 kit is designed for VW T5 and T6 lift-roof (pop-up) RHD vans, mounting to the roof line using specially created brackets (no awning rail needed).

Does it fit the T6.1 too? 

The T6.1 shares the same bodyshell as the T6, so the kit fits in the same way. If you have any doubts, just ask and we will confirm.

What size awning do I need for my Transporter? 

SWB vans take the 2.60m awning and LWB vans the 3.00m. If you are unsure, just contact us and we will confirm the right size for your van.

Do I need an awning rail? 

No. The kit mounts to the roof line using specially created brackets. However, if you already have an awning/multi-rail fitted, you can buy a multi-rail adapter and the 4200 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 Transporter?

Browse the VW T5 & T6 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.