Vango Galli CC II Low Review: Six Years With the Galli 3 and Why We Upgraded
- Carina
- Jun 6
- 14 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Six years, two kids, two chow chows, one named storm. The Galli 3 earned its place. Here’s why we finally moved on — and why we stayed with Vango to do it.
By Carina · Nest Nomad & Beyond · last updated June 2026.
Quick Verdict
Best for | Families and couples with campervans wanting serious living and sleeping space |
Vehicle fit | Low profile campervans 180–210cm kador height — VW T6, T5, Vito and similar |
Awning history | Vango Galli 3 (6 years) → Vango Galli CC II Low (2026) |
Pitch time | Around 15 minutes once you figure out the new TriSpan connector |
Stood up to | Six years of UK and European touring including Storm Floris in Snowdonia |
Price (Galli CC II Low) | £914.99 · Carpet sold separately |
Would we buy again? | Yes — without hesitation. Staying with Vango was the right call. |
In this Vango Galli CC II Low review we cover both awnings: what the Galli 3 was, and what the CC II has improved on.
If you’ve read our Vango Galli 3 review, or lived with one as long as we have, you’ll know this awning earned a genuinely devoted following. Six years, two kids growing from small to not-so-small, two chow chows, one named storm in Snowdonia, and a memorable Swiss river running through our corridor on the first night we ever used it. The Galli 3 survived all of it.
But the Galli 3 has now been discontinued. Vango have moved on, and so have we. The question was whether to move on with Vango or look elsewhere. We looked. We stayed. And after taking the Vango Galli CC II Low on its maiden voyage — timed it and everything — we can tell you exactly why.
This post covers both awnings: what the Galli 3 was (and still is, if you can find one), and what the Galli CC II Low has improved on. If you’re an existing Galli 3 owner thinking about upgrading, or someone weighing up a newer Vango model, this is the honest account from a family who has now lived with both.
The Vango Galli 3: A Fond Farewell
The Galli 3 is no longer in production. You can still find it from current stock - and if you do, it remains an excellent awning at what will likely be a discounted price. But Vango have retired it in favour of the CC II range, and if you’re starting fresh, the CC II Low is what you’ll be buying.
For context on what we’re comparing: we bought our Galli 3 the summer we first got our VW T6. Maiden voyage was the Swiss Alps. We arrived, set up enthusiastically, had rain, and discovered we’d angled things so comprehensively wrong with the gradient on our pitch, that an impromptu Swiss river joined us through the connecting corridor. We were not novice campers. The van was a new novelty, and frankly after a long drive to the Alps we made bad pitching choices. The awning was not at fault, it was clearly us, and we learned fast.
The Galli 3 gave us a proper family living room on a campsite. Large communal floor space. Two inner bedroom options. SkyTrack II running throughout. Sentinel Pro 420D fabric with a 6,000mm hydrostatic head. We reproofed it at the six-year mark with Fabsil Universal Fabric Protector and it came back perfectly. We’d still recommend it to anyone who finds one.
But it had a limitation we’d been working around for years. And Vango have fixed it.
Why We Upgraded: What the Galli 3 Couldn’t Quite Do
The Porch Problem
The front porch on the Galli 3 was useful but limited. Wide enough for a camping table and a clothes airer underneath at night, folding chairs stacked neatly under the table - but not quite large enough to actually sit under for a meal when it started drizzling. The choice between eating quickly and getting wet, or moving everything inside, was a real one we faced regularly.
We solved it with the Vango Zipp Front Extension, which, to be clear, does not actually zip onto the Galli 3 (there’s no provision for that in the awning design). We fixed it over the existing porch section and secured it with storm straps and guide ropes. It worked well enough. Storm and Nala appreciated the extra shade. But it was unambiguously a workaround and honestly felt quite ‘make-shift’, largely because it was.
The Corridor Water Issue
The fix we arrived at was attaching the Galli 3 to our roll-out side awning rather than directly to the track on the van body, winding the roll-out awning back in slightly to create tension. This worked largely well. But on even a slight gradient, collected water on top of the corridor connection when pushed off, would sometimes roll back into the corridor space at ground level. There was always a knack to clearing it – figuring out the gradient before the inevitable water clearance began, choosing whether to push water towards the front or back of the corridor. Both Martin and I have spent more than a few nights not sleeping well, knowing what was accumulating out there. Martin has braved it in the wee small hours on many occasions in a down pour, only to return to bed moments later with wet feet.
Vango it seems - heard us. Or heard all Galli 3 owners across the land. Because the headline upgrade on the 2026 Galli CC II is specifically designed to solve exactly this problem.
Vango Galli CC II Low Review: What's New in 2026
The ‘CC’ stands for Closed Canopy. That’s the first and most immediately obvious difference if you’re coming from a Galli 3: the front porch is no longer a partial-coverage area you work around. It’s a fully integrated front canopy that can be zipped completely closed or opened as conditions require.
We took it out for an evening - a maiden voyage to test the upgrades before we plan a longer European trip this summer. Here’s what we found.
The Key Upgrades: What’s Actually Different
1. The TriSpan Tunnel Support - Total Game Changer
This is the one. The one that, on first inspection, made all four of us stop and marvel. Because we all knew immediately exactly what it was designed to solve and how.
The Vango Galli CC II comes with a new interconnecting pole system for the corridor connection tunnel. Vango call it the TriSpan. It’s the only pole system in an otherwise fully air beam set up. Think three-legged spider shape (for all my Back to the Future fans, think giant flux capacitor configuration). It slots into ready-prepared housing inside the corridor connection ceiling, adding structural support and pulling the whole tunnel roof taut against the van.
Straight away, this solves the bagging issue completely. The tunnel roof now has positive tension and structure. Water cannot pool. It cannot hang. It cannot accumulate into the heavy sagging situations that have disturbed sleep on multiple trips and sent Martin out in the night more times than I care to mention.
We cannot overstate how significant this is for bad-weather stays. This upgrade alone would be reason enough to move from the Galli 3. The fact that the rest of the awning has also been improved is a bonus.
2. The Closed Canopy Front Porch — No More Timing Meals Around the Weather
The pre-attached front canopy is the other headline change, and it is substantial. Where the Galli 3 porch was a partial-coverage workaround we extended with a separately purchased Zipp extension, the CC II has a full front canopy as standard. You can zip it completely closed for full enclosure, or open it fully for airflow in warm weather.
In practice this means: a properly sheltered outdoor eating space for four to five people regardless of the weather. No more dashing for cover mid hotdog. No more making the call between staying optimistic about drizzle and accepting defeat indoors. In warmer climates where you’d want to cook outside rather than in the van, this space would be ideal for a camp kitchen setup as well.
This is the fix for the thing we’d been working around for six years. Frankly, it feels like what the awning always should have had.
3. The Built-In Groundsheet — Muddy Pack-Away No More
The Galli CC II comes with a fully sewn-in groundsheet as standard. This changes the set-up sequence: straight out of the bag, you peg it down and inflate. No separate groundsheet to lay, no separate groundsheet to roll up soaking and mud-covered at the end of a wet stay. Anyone who has done this, particularly with a few accompanying slugs, will understand why this is a very welcomed change.
To be clear: if you’re expecting genuinely bad weather you can still use a separate groundsheet as a buffer layer. The option remains, and it make sense to avoid getting you actual awning dirty when rolling it up at take-down. But the built-in version means in good conditions you simply don’t have to, and the pack-away process is cleaner and quicker for it. On a warm European trip? That separate groundsheet step is one we will not miss.
4. Reinforced PVC Tunnel — Structural Durability Improvement
Alongside the TriSpan support system, the 2026 model also features a reinforced PVC panel within the tunnel. This adds strength particularly when the sliding door is opened, which is especially relevant for VW T7 and Ford Transit models. A quiet upgrade, but an indicator that Vango have been listening to how people actually use this awning day to day.
5. Redesigned Fly Screens and Door Facelift — Better for Pets and Small Children
The doorways and fly screens have been given a design update. Rather than running full-length top to bottom, the fly screens now have a small panel of fabric across the lower section. Plenty of mesh still for ventilation and bug protection - but a stronger, more secure base arrangement that means small dogs or toddlers can’t find their way under them. For anyone travelling with pets this is a straightforward practical improvement.
For high energy doggies like Storm, this is a reassuring upgrade for peace of mind.
6. Fabric Upgrade — Sentinel Active 150D
The CC II uses Vango’s Sentinel Active 150D fabric rather than the Sentinel Pro 420D in the Galli 3. This is lighter and more compact in the bag, which contributes to the meaningful weight saving (22.5kg vs 29kg on the Galli 3). The trade-off is a lower hydrostatic head rating - 4,000mm versus 6,000mm on the Galli 3. What does that actually mean? Well it’s the waterproofing.
In practice, 4,000mm is more than adequate. It meets EN ISO 5912 standards for wind and heavy rainfall. The Galli 3’s 6,000mm rating was reassuring in extreme conditions, but the CC II’s Sentinel Active fabric combined with ColourLok Eco technology (upgraded to a more eco-conscious version) should serve most families well across a full touring season. We’ll see how it performs in practice on the European trip, and if there are any concerns in this area, the self-waterproofing we did on the Galli 3 after 6 years of use, would work just as well here.
7. Set-Up Time — The 15-Minute Claim, Tested
Vango claim the CC II can be pitched in 15 minutes. We timed our first go. We got 18 minutes and 36 seconds.
To be fair to Vango: our main time overhead was working out the TriSpan connector for the first time. Now we’ve done it once, 15 minutes feels genuinely realistic moving forward. The rest of the set-up process is simple and straight forward
One note on the pump: Vango include an AirBeam pump with the full kit, but the 15-minute claim would be harder to hit with that. As with the Galli 3, we’re using the Outdoor Master Shark pump - you set the exact PSI required, it does the rest, no guessing or trying to read a dial gauge while pumping. It works like a dream and takes a fraction of the time.
8. Interior Compatibility — Old Accessories Still Fit
The interior footprint of the CC II is largely the same as the Galli 3, which means existing Galli accessories -carpets, bedroom compartments - are compatible. Our carpet and bedroom units from the Galli 3 fit straight in. This is a significant practical bonus for existing Galli owners considering the upgrade. You’re not starting from scratch on the accessory investment.
The SkyTrack II system is retained throughout - still the most useful feature of any Vango awning for day-to-day organisation. Lanterns, bags, wet gear, the children’s clothes from the day — it all goes up and off the floor. Carabiner clips on the SkyTrack are great for hanging things like towels or coats up to dry.
The styling has also had a refresh. It looks like a smart bit of kit. Not that aesthetics are the point, but it’s a noticeably more contemporary design than the Galli 3 and wears its upgrade well.
Spec Comparison: Vango Galli 3 vs Galli CC II Low
Specification | Vango Galli 3 Low | Vango Galli CC II Low (2026) |
Status | Discontinued (available from current stock) | Current 2026 model |
Price | £898 (Amazon UK) | £914.99 |
Vehicle height | 180–210cm kador height | 180–210cm kador height |
Kador length | 290cm | 240cm |
Pack size | 78 x 43 x 45cm | 74 x 45 x 45cm |
Weight | 29kg | 22.5kg |
Fabric | Sentinel Pro 420D double ripstop | Sentinel Active 150D |
Waterproof rating | 6,000mm HH | 4,000mm HH |
Colour technology | ColourLok | ColourLok Eco (upgraded) |
Groundsheet | Sewn-in Oxford polyester | Sewn-in (built-in standard) |
Front porch | Partial coverage — Zipp extension recommended | Full closed canopy, fully zipable |
Tunnel support | None — tension management manual | TriSpan pole system (NEW 2026) |
Tunnel reinforcement | Standard | Reinforced PVC (NEW 2026) |
Fly screens | Full-length top to bottom | Updated design with lower fabric panel for pet/child security |
SkyTrack II | Yes | Yes |
Pitch time (approx) | ~15 minutes | ~15 minutes |
Sleeping capacity | Up to 2 inner bedrooms (sold separately) | Single or double bedroom option (sold separately) |
Warranty | 2 years (3 with online registration) | 2 years (3 with online registration) |
What Stays the Same — And Why That Matters
Not everything changed. The interior footprint is largely unchanged, which means our existing Galli 3 carpet and bedroom compartments fit straight into the CC II without modification. The communal living space remains genuinely generous - a proper family room on a campsite with room for chairs, a table, the cool box, wet gear on the SkyTrack. The drive-away functionality works exactly as before: roll back the tunnel, toggle it, and the awning stands independently while you’re out for the day.
The SkyTrack II system is still there and still the most useful daily feature. The AirBeam inflation process is the same clean experience. And the corridor — that useful transitional space between van and awning for coats, shoes, wellies, the dog leads and the camping toilet for smaller children - remains a proper functional space rather than just a technical necessity.
The things that were good about the Galli 3 are good about the CC II. The things that needed addressing have been addressed.
Dog Owners: Read This Section
Still relevant from our Galli 3 experience: the sides of the tunnel corridor closest to the van can have a small gap at the van contact points where the awning meets the vehicle body. For large or well-behaved dogs this is unlikely to be any issue. For smaller dogs or escape artists, the fix remains the same — lightweight magnets at the van contact points, cost of a few pounds, problem solved before the first trip rather than discovered on it.
The fly screen redesign on the CC II does add a lower fabric panel at the base of the screens, which will give better pet and toddler security at the doorways. An improvement worth noting.
The Van Connection: Still Worth Understanding
Still relevant for CC II owners: The TriSpan system transforms the bad-weather performance of the corridor connection. But the parallel positioning of the van is still important for a clean setup. Read this section before your first trip. |
The TriSpan pole system on the CC II does the heavy lifting for tunnel tension in ways the Galli 3 couldn’t. You no longer need to manage the van’s position with the same precision to get a taut connection - the TriSpan creates the structural tension from inside the tunnel rather than relying on everything lining up perfectly on the outside.
That said, a roll-out awning on the van side is still our preferred connection method and we’d still call it close to essential for regular touring. It gives you flexibility on pitch positioning and creates a clean, taut connection every time regardless of exactly how the van has been parked. The TriSpan then does its job from there, and the combination of the two means we expect the water issues that made Snowdonia nights uncomfortable to be entirely a thing of the past.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you still buy the Vango Galli 3?
Yes - from current stock while it lasts. The Galli 3 has been discontinued by Vango and will not be remanufactured, but remaining stock is still available from various retailers. If you find one at a good price and it suits your needs, it remains an excellent awning. If you’re starting fresh, the Galli CC II Low is the current model to consider.
Is the Vango Galli CC II Low compatible with Galli 3 accessories?
Yes - the interior footprint is largely unchanged between the two models. Our Galli 3 carpet and bedroom compartments transferred straight to the CC II without modification. This is a meaningful practical bonus for owners upgrading from the Galli 3.
What is the TriSpan Tunnel Support on the Galli CC II?
A new pole system for the 2026 model that slots into prepared housing inside the corridor connection tunnel ceiling. It creates structural tension and positive support across the tunnel roof, eliminating the sagging and water collection issues that affected the Galli 3 (and other awnings) in heavy rain. It is, without question, the most significant upgrade in the 2026 release.
What does CC mean on the Vango Galli CC II?
CC stands for Closed Canopy - referring to the pre-attached front porch area that can be fully zipped closed to create an enclosed, weather-protected space. The standard Galli range has a partial-coverage front area; the CC range has a fully enclosed option as standard.
Is the Galli CC II good in bad weather?
Yes. The TriSpan tunnel support eliminates the primary bad-weather weakness of the Galli 3 range. The fully enclosed front canopy adds a fully weather-protected eating and social space. The Sentinel Active 150D fabric carries a 4,000mm hydrostatic head rating and meets EN ISO 5912 standards for wind and heavy rain. The TBS II Tension Band System braces the airbeams at three points in high winds. Storm straps remain non-negotiable in significant wind conditions - this applies to all awnings.
How long does the Vango Galli CC II Low take to pitch?
Vango claim 15 minutes. We timed our first attempt at 18 minutes 36 seconds, with the main overhead being working out the TriSpan connector for the first time. Our expectation, now that we know it, is that 15 minutes is achievable from the second pitch onwards. We use the Outdoor Master Shark pump rather than the included manual AirBeam pump, which makes inflation significantly faster.
What height vehicles does the Galli CC II Low fit?
The Low version fits vehicles with a kador height of 180–210cm - the VW T5, T6, Vito and similar. The CC II range is also available in Mid (210–255cm) and Tall (255–295cm), which is a significant expansion from the Galli 3 which was only available in a single height. If you’re on a T7 or Ford Transit note the 2026 model also includes a reinforced PVC strip in the tunnel specifically addressing the sliding door opening on these vehicles.
How much does the Vango Galli CC II Low cost?
The current retail price is £914.99. This is slightly higher than the Galli 3 at £898, but reflects a meaningful package of upgrades. Inner bedrooms are sold separately, as is the carpet if you want full floor coverage.
Is the Vango Galli CC II good for camping with dogs?
Yes. The corridor space is useful for dogs as a transition zone. The 2026 fly screen design update - with a lower fabric panel rather than full-length fly screen to the ground - improves door security for pets. For any remaining gap at the van contact points on the tunnel sides, lightweight magnets remain our recommended fix.
The Honest Bottom Line
Six years with the Galli 3 gave us strong opinions about what a family driveaway awning should do, and a very clear picture of where it fell short. We went into the CC II research prepared to go elsewhere if Vango hadn’t addressed those shortcomings. They had addressed them, and so we stayed.
The TriSpan tunnel support is the upgrade the Galli range needed all along. The closed canopy porch is the upgrade we’d been bodging a workaround for since year one. The interior compatibility means our existing accessory investment carries over. The lighter weight and more compact pack size are genuine bonuses we hadn’t anticipated.
For families with a low-profile campervan -particularly those coming from the Galli 3 range - the CC II Low is the straightforward successor. The things that were good are still good. The things that needed fixing have been fixed. That’s all you can really ask.
Products Mentioned in This Post
What a detailed review, very informative. Thanks 👍🏻