Best Caravan Annexes in Australia – How To Maintain Privacy In Your Van

Are you looking for a new caravan annex?

Most caravan owners will buy an awning of some kind. While these roll-outs are very popular, annexes do hold several advantages.

A caravan annex adds another room to your camping vehicle. You can use it for storage, to eat outside, or even convert it into an extra sleeping area. The possibilities are endless.

However, there are many options available today so let’s take a look at these and help you figure out which is the best caravan annex for you.

Today we’ll look at several styles from different manufacturers. Hopefully, you’ll discover the one that suits your needs!

Best Caravan Annexes Australia

Coast Awning Wall Kit 11’-17'

What do you do if you already have a roll-out or a power awning on your van? In this case, you probably won’t want to waste it by buying another tent-style awning.

Luckily, there is another option.

Coast’s wall kits allow you to continue using your roll-out by transforming it into an annex. Their kits are suitable for roll-out awnings from 11ft to 18ft. This wide range of sizes makes them an attractive option.

They’re simple to install and you can choose between using either telescopic poles or sail tracks as a frame. Meanwhile, there are three doors (one on each panel), allowing for ease of access.

This caravan awning annex is mostly polyester. Coast uses this material because it's durable and easy to clean.

The PVC windows have zippered flyscreens so that you don’t receive any unwanted visitors when you’re eating dinner. There are also external window shade flaps if required.

While this is a good caravan annex, there are a few potential issues.

Firstly, you need a roll-out awning or it’s useless. Another issue is that Coast Awning describes this annex as ‘inexpensive.’ That’s just not true. It retails for upwards of $1,300, with a one-year warranty, and is pricier than some full caravan awnings.

This extension annex is also heavy at 38kg. You’ll need to bear this in mind when you consider your caravan’s payload. Finally, they don’t mention whether the annex is UV resistant or not, which is highly unusual.

All-in-all, this is a good caravan annex and a decent option for anybody who already has a roll-out awning.

Coast Kirra Annex Awning and Inner Tent Kit Set

Now let’s take a look at one of Coast’s more conventional caravan annex options.

Like many annexes, this is effectively a full tent that attaches to the camping vehicle. However, Coast designed this particular model for campervan and van drivers. Fixed caravan annexes can be left freestanding.

You can leave it on-site and drive away in your vehicle for the day. If you’re a caravan owner, you probably won’t be able to take advantage of this particular feature.

Like the Coast wall kits above, this annex is made of polyester. It has two clear windows with roll-up blinds and a double-sided front door for easy access.

The interior measures 210 x 240 cm and can be turned into two rooms. This annex can sleep two to four people.

Also, there is sealed zip-in tube flooring so you don’t have to stand in the mud. This is heavy-duty and easy to wash.

At about $1,000 (with a one-year warranty), this is very reasonably priced. The main cons are that it’s not targeted toward caravan owners. Also, some potential customers may feel like they’re just buying a glorified tent.

However, this is a great caravan annex with a lot of upsides.

Fiamma Privacy Rooms (3.0m - 4.5m)

This caravan awning annex is similar to the Coast Awning Wall Kit.

It effectively converts your awning into a full annex by adding a surrounding frame and vinyl walls. Once again, this is very useful if you own a roll-out awning because it gives you more options.

Fiamma has some of the best models in the business. The Italian brand’s privacy rooms are no different. Their aluminium frames are quick to install and attach to the existing roll-out awning.

Meanwhile, they use high-quality vinyl instead of polyester. As a result, the panels are waterproof and UV resistant. This makes it arguably the best caravan annex in its class.

Another great selling point is that it’s available in multiple sizes depending on your van and awning’s requirements. It suits awnings with a length of 300cm to 450cm. The Fiamma annex isn’t as heavy as the Coast either with a maximum weight of 26.2kg.

The downside is that you must have a Fiamma awning like the F45 S or F65. These awnings retail for about $1,000 so it’s a potentially expensive investment.

Meanwhile, the caravan annex extension costs almost $1,400 with a one-year warranty. It’s not cheap but it is a high-quality product.

Orbit Air Astro Annexe 325 High Profile

Australian brand Orbit has created the best blow-up caravan annex in the nation.

The main advantage of blow-up annexes is that they’re so easy to install. It takes a very short amount of time to inflate or deflate them. You won’t need to worry about it blowing away either because it has storm buckles and solid straps for enhanced security.

It’s perfectly suitable for all types of caravans and campervans. They even designed ‘low’ and ‘high’ versions to meet the needs of touring and off-road campers.

Orbit’s main focus was the Australian market. That’s why they ensured that it has a strong UV protection of UPF50+. Meanwhile, it’s functional in all types of weather as it’s robust and waterproof.

Unlike the other featured products, Orbit uses polycotton for its caravan annex. This allows for a well-ventilated space with extra protection from condensation. Meanwhile, it comes with numerous accessories including a hand pump and adjustable ladder bands.

Finally, the cost is ludicrously cheap compared to its competitors. At just $1,040, with a one-year warranty, it’s a bargain.

Dometic Rally Air Pro 260 XL Inflatable Static Awning

Dometic is a leader in the world of caravan awnings and annexes. This product is no different because it’s superior to many of its competitors.

Like the Orbit Air Astro, the Rally Air Pro is inflatable. It takes just a few seconds for it to take shape. This is what gives this style of caravan annex an advantage over a permanent caravan annex.

One of the great aspects of this annex is that it seals tightly to the caravan. Dometic recognizes that gaps between awnings and vehicles can be very annoying. They deal with this by using velcro bumper pads and an internal return.

They also designed this to meet the needs of Australians. Flyscreen offers improved ventilation and keeps unwanted visitors out of the caravan annex.

The polyester panels are double-coated to protect inhabitants from the elements. It’s weatherproofed so you won’t have to worry about the wind, rain or UV rays. Another feature is that it quickly drains water from the roof panel.

If there is one issue, it’s the price. If you buy this caravan annex directly from Dometic it will cost about $2,000 with a one-year warranty. However, it can be found for about $1,500 elsewhere if you look around.

There’s no denying that this is an excellent caravan annex. But so is the Orbit Air Astro and it costs almost half as much.

Types of Caravan Annex

Before you rush out and buy the first caravan annex you see, consider the different types available.

Also keep in mind that annexes are different to caravan privacy screens, which offer much less protection.

Awning Extension Annex

These extensions transform an existing roll-out caravan awning into a full caravan annex. In short, you’re adding walls to the awning. Examples of this style include the Coast Awning Wall Kit and Fiamma Privacy Room.

Permanent Caravan Annex

These annexes are like tents that latch onto your motorhome or van. Some, like the Coast Kirra Annex Awning, can stand freely by themselves. This means you don’t have to take them down if you go off for the day.

The main drawback is that they take longer to put up. On the bright side, they’re typically the most robust and secure style of caravan annex.

Inflatable Caravan Annex

If you want to put your annex up quickly, then an inflatable option like the Orbit Air Astro may be your best bet. These are increasing in popularity because they’re so convenient.

The downside is that they can be difficult to handle if they are sewn as a single-piece construction.

Maintaining Your Caravan Annex

It’s not difficult to maintain a caravan annex as long as you do it properly from the beginning.

The first thing to remember is to allow the panels to dry before you stow them away. This will prevent water damage and remove any bad smells. It’s always best to buy waterproofed annexes and awnings because they’re longer-lasting.

Most annexes are also UV resistant. This is great because it protects both you and the tent from the heat of the sun’s rays.

If you need to wash your annex, remember to check the manufacturer’s guidelines. It’s best not to use strong household chemicals because these can affect waterproof treatments and UV protection.

Also, avoid trying to put up your annex if it’s very windy. It may seem obvious but this is one sure way to create trouble. Wind resistant caravan annexes only work if they’re already up!

To make your annex a more enjoyable place to be, consider getting some annex matting. These mats are usually UV resistant, grass friendly and make it easy to step out of your van barefoot without getting dirty feet and bringing mud back into your van!

Final Thoughts

Caravan annexes are a valuable addition to any camping vehicle, whether it’s a campervan, RV or a caravan.

When you put one up you’ll realize what you’ve been missing out on. Space is something that every camper appreciates because we’re so restricted. Having a caravan awning annex will make the journey more comfortable for you and your passengers.

They also improve the overall quality of life. Maybe you want to store your bicycles or a table and chairs outdoors. Perhaps you and your friends are off to a festival so you need extra sleeping space. Whatever your needs, an annex will help you achieve them.

The Orbit Air Astro is the best inflatable caravan annex in Australia. The value that it presents is unmatched by any of its competitors.

You may prefer to have the option of turning your existing awning into an annex. The Coast Awning Wall Kit is a good option unless you already have a Fiamma awning. If that’s the case, you’ll probably be drawn to the Fiamma privacy rooms.

If you have any questions please leave a comment below.