If you’re looking for more than the standard awning for your caravan, there are a few things you need to consider before splashing out.

If you want walls, it seems like nowadays most people are installing them under their rollout awning rather than buying a traditional annexe. Walls can be either vinyl, canvas or shade walls.

Wall type

No matter which you choose, the walls will need to be tailor-made to suit your van. Vinyls are popular but produce a lot of condensation and trap heat. Canvas on the other hand breathes a little bit more but vinyl is also half the weight of canvas. Another option is to have the top two-thirds canvas and the bottom-third vinyl.

This gives the walls the weight advantage and breathability of canvas and a heavy base to encourage the walls to hang better. The vinyl base is also much more durable than canvas, dries quicker and is easier to clean.

Shade walls are a good compromise as they tend to be good enough at keeping the rain out, offer good sun protection and some privacy. Shade cloth also allows the breeze to flow through the walls, so there is no need to add windows.

You should always look for walls that are quoted a high sun protection as per the Australian standards as well.

Layout and support system

Layout can include the position of windows and doors, internal walls, additional rooms or even en-suites that extend beyond the awning. Flared annexe walls are recommended because they provide more floor space and assist with rainwater run-off.   

Anyone looking to have an awning made should always have zips in the opening and corners rather than Velcro because zips make assembling the walls quicker.

For support systems, an annexe pole arrangement with clips is preferred to attaching walls to awning de-flapper kits because they require less physical effort.

Ventilation

Australian standards relating to annexes and enclosed awnings prevent caravan owners from interfering with cross flow ventilation. These regulations are in place to prevent the build-up of combustible gases, which means you can’t buy walls for your awning or annexe if you have a door, fridge or rangehood venting into that part of the van, or a gas outlet for a barbecue underneath the rollout awning.

Manufacturers could face a $2000 fine if they install annexes and walls to caravans that have fridges and gas appliances venting to the awning side of the van.    

This article was originally featured on Without a Hitch.