We are waiting for our 21ft caravan to be built and we are thinking about purchasing a full annex for the van.
The awning is 17ft in length, roughly speaking how much can we expect the annex to weigh?
Thanks in advance
Glenn
Radar said
08:41 PM Jan 18, 2023
Hi Farmhouse.
Total weight of Annex,
3 sides plus the full length skirt.
2 X velcro track sections.
The adjustable Aussie flappers for each end.
Good selection of pegs and guide ropes.
Looking at about 50 kgs.
PS. our 2012 annex lives up on a shelve in the shed as we do not have a vision to using it on our travels. The original owners only put it up once, so it was a waste of money.
Possum3 said
08:48 PM Jan 18, 2023
Glenn the only answer to weight question can come from annex manufacturer = totally dependent on fabric and hardware of said annex.
Everyone we have met that has purchased a full awning has regretted their decision and leaves annex at home - the are too much hassle to put up for less than a week stay in one spot, they consume valuable limited weight carrying capacity. Awning and light privacy screens are a much better option IMHO.
Put off buying annex until you have a few trips under your belt, save the money for other necessities.
Whenarewethere said
09:36 PM Jan 18, 2023
We only have a car. The last 3 month trip didn't bother to use our ARB awning once. Before that very rarely used it. It is 2.0m wide & 2.0 long awning 12kg.
As others have said, do a trip without one, then a trip with a simply ground sheet & cheap sticks to see if you want to bother with an awning.
More unnecessary weight taken from one's limited payload.
Bobdown said
10:53 PM Jan 18, 2023
As Possum says, privacy screen with one end screen is sufficient. Cheers Bob
hufnpuf said
11:16 PM Jan 18, 2023
My van is only around 16ft, it came with an annex. It's a sort of heavy duty vinyl and it weighs quite a lot and is also quite bulky in size when folded up. I had a look at it but haven't bothered putting it up because it seems quite fiddly to do. As your van is bigger, yours would be bulkier and heavier. As mentioned, there's also the weight of the ropes and springs.
I just bought some privacy screens. They are light and fold up small. I haven't used them yet. Mostly I am out and about, I don't really sit outside the van. Also I haven't been away in the heat so as to need them for shade yet.
I'd only bother taking the annex if I were going to stay longish term at one place so it was worthwhile putting up. I don't do that, I tend to take short trips. because I have to pay to board my pets, so I'll probably never use it.
I agree with the advice to wait and see whether you think you need one.
Mike Harding said
07:57 AM Jan 19, 2023
When I bought my van, new, four years past I looked at annexes but decided to wait until I'd used the van for a few months before deciding - I still don't own an annex.
Farmhouse said
10:02 AM Jan 19, 2023
Thanks for the responses.
After reading them I have decided to shelve the full annex idea and wait and see if required later.
Now thinking of a smaller version, a skirt on the van to keep the dog in and the wind out, one end wall. and a front end wall I can also use to cover the slide out kitchen.
(I already have a mesh side wall}
I think that will work for us.
Thanks again
Glenn
Mike Harding said
03:38 PM Jan 19, 2023
Good move.
An annex is good if you regularly camp in really poor weather or perhaps have young children/grandchildren but, in general, in Australia, I don't think they earn their keep.
Dougwe said
04:04 PM Jan 19, 2023
I stay in places for a while usually and have just got privacy screens all round with an opening either end or side, depending on location I am set up in. I find them great and light weight. Privacy during the day but if a light is on under awning at night you can see in from outside. That's no problem for me but you were naked or getting changed under the awning you will be seen. That might be good though as there might not be anyone around in the morning as you frightened them all away In my case the whole area would be empty.
Gundog said
06:39 PM Jan 19, 2023
We have an Annex and at every stop longer than 3 days. It can be bucketing down horizontal rain and wind you still have an extra room at your disposal.
I would never go without a full Annex.
Cupie said
12:36 AM Jan 20, 2023
A full annex was one of the first accessories that we got for our van 25 years ago and it has lived in the back shed for at least the last 5 years.
It was great when we used to take our Grandchildren with us for extended stays at the beach. Could set up a separate room for them & direct A/C through a side window into their space when needed.
As we moved to a touring life I made a rule that it would only go up if the weather was poor (cold or raining hard), or we were to be stationary for a week or more.
Then Privacy screens came on the market.
After ditching poor quality ALDI stuff we outfitted the van with 2X side panels (includes one for the whole of the fridge side) and two ends. So much lighter & easy to erect. Privacy is not as good but is acceptable.
If I were going to a single local area for a few weeks, I would probably take the annex .. just because I can!
But as suggested by Gundog in heavy rain the annex is far superior, and the same in strong windstorms.
I would save the circa $2000 for an annex and buy a set of good quality privacy screens (eg. Coast to Coast?) for around $500.
deverall11 said
11:47 AM Jan 20, 2023
Gundog wrote:
We have an Annex and at every stop longer than 3 days. It can be bucketing down horizontal rain and wind you still have an extra room at your disposal. I would never go without a full Annex.
X2. Did the same. Useful for cooking outside if you don't want the fumes inside. Extra room that is welcome
when you don't think you would need it. 3 days or more is about the right balance for the time spent erecting
it and packing it up. Privacy screens great for the shorter stay. With the unpredictable weather these days,
it's nice to have a fully enclosed dry space outside the van.
Billy Cokebottle said
12:01 PM Jan 20, 2023
We went up to Arlie for a week or so and the rain for a few days was pouring down. I carry my annex and when the forecast came I put it up. Mum and I were glad for a larger area than the van. I recon mine ways about 60 kilos. It is in 3 bags plus the bars and the springs and pegs.
If we go away longer I will always take mine.
Cupie said
03:21 PM Jan 20, 2023
The actual weights of my Vinyl Kakado Annex is
Side 10.5 Kg
Front End 6.5Kg
rear End 6.5 Kg
Wind Break3.2 Kg
Poles 9.1 Kg
Total ... 35.8 Kg
Privacy Screen 3.7 each side (Don't have the actual end weights but I estimate them to be 1.5Kg each) = 10.4 Kg appx
Saving by using privacy screens .... 25.4 Kg (that's about 6 casks of wine)
Oops .. Forgot the pegs & shock cord, but using plastic screw ins & rubber bands from old inner tubes the weight is negligible and the same for both options.
-- Edited by Cupie on Friday 20th of January 2023 03:23:55 PM
The Travelling Dillberries said
06:53 PM Jan 21, 2023
Cupie wrote:
The actual weights of my Vinyl Kakado Annex is
Side 10.5 Kg
Front End 6.5Kg
rear End 6.5 Kg
Wind Break3.2 Kg
Poles 9.1 Kg
Total ... 35.8 Kg
Privacy Screen 3.7 each side (Don't have the actual end weights but I estimate them to be 1.5Kg each) = 10.4 Kg appx
Saving by using privacy screens .... 25.4 Kg (that's about 6 casks of wine)
Oops .. Forgot the pegs & shock cord, but using plastic screw ins & rubber bands from old inner tubes the weight is negligible and the same for both options.
-- Edited by Cupie on Friday 20th of January 2023 03:23:55 PM
Thats interesting Cupie, I have the Jayco canvas annexe, ie 2 ends and front, thats all I need. I carry a bag of pegs and skirt anyway. No poles required,
Total Weight of annexe in bags is 15.9 kg.
Alway take it and use it if staying for 5 days or more.
Cheers.
Mike Harding said
06:59 PM Jan 21, 2023
Cupie wrote:
Saving by using privacy screens .... 25.4 Kg (that's about 6 casks of wine)
I love the way you think Cupie :)
Cupie said
10:52 AM Jan 22, 2023
The Travelling Dillberries wrote:
Cupie wrote:
The actual weights of my Vinyl Kakado Annex is
Side 10.5 Kg
Front End 6.5Kg
rear End 6.5 Kg
Wind Break3.2 Kg
Poles 9.1 Kg
Total ... 35.8 Kg
Privacy Screen 3.7 each side (Don't have the actual end weights but I estimate them to be 1.5Kg each) = 10.4 Kg appx
Saving by using privacy screens .... 25.4 Kg (that's about 6 casks of wine)
Oops .. Forgot the pegs & shock cord, but using plastic screw ins & rubber bands from old inner tubes the weight is negligible and the same for both options.
-- Edited by Cupie on Friday 20th of January 2023 03:23:55 PM
Thats interesting Cupie, I have the Jayco canvas annexe, ie 2 ends and front, thats all I need. I carry a bag of pegs and skirt anyway. No poles required,
Total Weight of annexe in bags is 15.9 kg.
Alway take it and use it if staying for 5 days or more.
Cheers.
Yes, I'm sure that modern Annexes are far better & lighter than my old 'technology' heavy but long lasting vinyl from 1999.
The Travelling Dillberries said
11:09 AM Jan 22, 2023
Cupie wrote:
The Travelling Dillberries wrote:
Cupie wrote:
The actual weights of my Vinyl Kakado Annex is
Side 10.5 Kg
Front End 6.5Kg
rear End 6.5 Kg
Wind Break3.2 Kg
Poles 9.1 Kg
Total ... 35.8 Kg
Privacy Screen 3.7 each side (Don't have the actual end weights but I estimate them to be 1.5Kg each) = 10.4 Kg appx
Saving by using privacy screens .... 25.4 Kg (that's about 6 casks of wine)
Oops .. Forgot the pegs & shock cord, but using plastic screw ins & rubber bands from old inner tubes the weight is negligible and the same for both options.
-- Edited by Cupie on Friday 20th of January 2023 03:23:55 PM
Thats interesting Cupie, I have the Jayco canvas annexe, ie 2 ends and front, thats all I need. I carry a bag of pegs and skirt anyway. No poles required,
Total Weight of annexe in bags is 15.9 kg.
Alway take it and use it if staying for 5 days or more.
Cheers.
Yes, I'm sure that modern Annexes are far better & lighter than my old 'technology' heavy but long lasting vinyl from 1999.
The vintage and quality may explain your weight, a mate has recently had a vinyl one made for his 21ft Swift and while I thought it was heavier than mine it is most likely lighter material than yours.
watsea said
10:15 PM Jan 22, 2023
I cannot inform on the weight but Aussie Traveller make annexes from their EuroWall material, a polyester material, which is lighter than most canvas type annexes. As mentioned in earlier post, ask the manufacturer for a weight estimate.
The annexes are well made. We have one for our van. Custom made and we were able to take the van to the Aussie Traveller premises for measurement and fitting.
I understand Aussie Traveller also allows a van owner to make the appropriate van measurements and after manuafacture of the annex, the owner fits the annex.
-- Edited by watsea on Sunday 22nd of January 2023 10:16:56 PM
-- Edited by watsea on Sunday 22nd of January 2023 10:17:45 PM
Whenarewethere said
11:07 PM Jan 22, 2023
Our ARB car awning is canvas. Prior to that we used a silvered ground sheet. On sunny days it was always hot underneath, you could feel the heat coming through the plastic.
The canvas awning is heavier but you don't get the same radiating heat coming through the material.
Not so much a technical question so here goes.
We are waiting for our 21ft caravan to be built and we are thinking about purchasing a full annex for the van.
The awning is 17ft in length, roughly speaking how much can we expect the annex to weigh?
Thanks in advance
Glenn
Hi Farmhouse.
Total weight of Annex,
3 sides plus the full length skirt.
2 X velcro track sections.
The adjustable Aussie flappers for each end.
Good selection of pegs and guide ropes.
Looking at about 50 kgs.
PS. our 2012 annex lives up on a shelve in the shed as we do not have a vision to using it on our travels. The original owners only put it up once, so it was a waste of money.
Everyone we have met that has purchased a full awning has regretted their decision and leaves annex at home - the are too much hassle to put up for less than a week stay in one spot, they consume valuable limited weight carrying capacity. Awning and light privacy screens are a much better option IMHO.
Put off buying annex until you have a few trips under your belt, save the money for other necessities.
We only have a car. The last 3 month trip didn't bother to use our ARB awning once. Before that very rarely used it. It is 2.0m wide & 2.0 long awning 12kg.
As others have said, do a trip without one, then a trip with a simply ground sheet & cheap sticks to see if you want to bother with an awning.
More unnecessary weight taken from one's limited payload.
As Possum says, privacy screen with one end screen is sufficient. Cheers Bob
My van is only around 16ft, it came with an annex. It's a sort of heavy duty vinyl and it weighs quite a lot and is also quite bulky in size when folded up. I had a look at it but haven't bothered putting it up because it seems quite fiddly to do. As your van is bigger, yours would be bulkier and heavier. As mentioned, there's also the weight of the ropes and springs.
I just bought some privacy screens. They are light and fold up small. I haven't used them yet. Mostly I am out and about, I don't really sit outside the van. Also I haven't been away in the heat so as to need them for shade yet.
I'd only bother taking the annex if I were going to stay longish term at one place so it was worthwhile putting up. I don't do that, I tend to take short trips. because I have to pay to board my pets, so I'll probably never use it.
I agree with the advice to wait and see whether you think you need one.
When I bought my van, new, four years past I looked at annexes but decided to wait until I'd used the van for a few months before deciding - I still don't own an annex.
After reading them I have decided to shelve the full annex idea and wait and see if required later.
Now thinking of a smaller version, a skirt on the van to keep the dog in and the wind out, one end wall. and a front end wall I can also use to cover the slide out kitchen.
(I already have a mesh side wall}
I think that will work for us.
Thanks again
Glenn
Good move.
An annex is good if you regularly camp in really poor weather or perhaps have young children/grandchildren but, in general, in Australia, I don't think they earn their keep.
I stay in places for a while usually and have just got privacy screens all round with an opening either end or side, depending on location I am set up in. I find them great and light weight. Privacy during the day but if a light is on under awning at night you can see in from outside. That's no problem for me but you were naked or getting changed under the awning you will be seen. That might be good though as there might not be anyone around in the morning as you frightened them all away
In my case the whole area would be empty.
A full annex was one of the first accessories that we got for our van 25 years ago and it has lived in the back shed for at least the last 5 years.
It was great when we used to take our Grandchildren with us for extended stays at the beach. Could set up a separate room for them & direct A/C through a side window into their space when needed.
As we moved to a touring life I made a rule that it would only go up if the weather was poor (cold or raining hard), or we were to be stationary for a week or more.
Then Privacy screens came on the market.
After ditching poor quality ALDI stuff we outfitted the van with 2X side panels (includes one for the whole of the fridge side) and two ends. So much lighter & easy to erect. Privacy is not as good but is acceptable.
If I were going to a single local area for a few weeks, I would probably take the annex .. just because I can!
But as suggested by Gundog in heavy rain the annex is far superior, and the same in strong windstorms.
I would save the circa $2000 for an annex and buy a set of good quality privacy screens (eg. Coast to Coast?) for around $500.
X2. Did the same. Useful for cooking outside if you don't want the fumes inside. Extra room that is welcome
when you don't think you would need it. 3 days or more is about the right balance for the time spent erecting
it and packing it up. Privacy screens great for the shorter stay. With the unpredictable weather these days,
it's nice to have a fully enclosed dry space outside the van.
If we go away longer I will always take mine.
The actual weights of my Vinyl Kakado Annex is
Side 10.5 Kg
Front End 6.5Kg
rear End 6.5 Kg
Wind Break3.2 Kg
Poles 9.1 Kg
Total ... 35.8 Kg
Privacy Screen 3.7 each side (Don't have the actual end weights but I estimate them to be 1.5Kg each) = 10.4 Kg appx
Saving by using privacy screens .... 25.4 Kg (that's about 6 casks of wine)
Oops .. Forgot the pegs & shock cord, but using plastic screw ins & rubber bands from old inner tubes the weight is negligible and the same for both options.
-- Edited by Cupie on Friday 20th of January 2023 03:23:55 PM
Thats interesting Cupie, I have the Jayco canvas annexe, ie 2 ends and front, thats all I need. I carry a bag of pegs and skirt anyway. No poles required,
Total Weight of annexe in bags is 15.9 kg.
Alway take it and use it if staying for 5 days or more.
Cheers.
I love the way you think Cupie :)
Yes, I'm sure that modern Annexes are far better & lighter than my old 'technology' heavy but long lasting vinyl from 1999.
The vintage and quality may explain your weight, a mate has recently had a vinyl one made for his 21ft Swift and while I thought it was heavier than mine it is most likely lighter material than yours.
I cannot inform on the weight but Aussie Traveller make annexes from their EuroWall material, a polyester material, which is lighter than most canvas type annexes. As mentioned in earlier post, ask the manufacturer for a weight estimate.
The annexes are well made. We have one for our van. Custom made and we were able to take the van to the Aussie Traveller premises for measurement and fitting.
I understand Aussie Traveller also allows a van owner to make the appropriate van measurements and after manuafacture of the annex, the owner fits the annex.
-- Edited by watsea on Sunday 22nd of January 2023 10:16:56 PM
-- Edited by watsea on Sunday 22nd of January 2023 10:17:45 PM
Our ARB car awning is canvas. Prior to that we used a silvered ground sheet. On sunny days it was always hot underneath, you could feel the heat coming through the plastic.
The canvas awning is heavier but you don't get the same radiating heat coming through the material.