How to Put Up an Annex in a Caravan

How to Put Up an Annex on a Caravan (Step-by-Step Guide)

A caravan annex can transform a basic campsite into a functional, livable home away from home. But many caravanners avoid them, thinking it’s harder to add one to the set-up than it actually is. The reality is that attaching a caravan annex is quite simple, and the difference it makes to camp is game-changing. 

If this sounds like you, and you’re wondering how to put up an annex on a caravan without the hassle of jumbled poles, tangled ropes, and arguments with your other half, keep reading. 

In Summary: 

• Before you start putting up your annex, it pays to be prepared. Make sure you’ve got all the necessary equipment before you leave home.
• We’ve got a nine-step process that breaks it down for you, but a good, clean site definitely helps. If the terrain is tricky, it’s going to be a bit harder.
• Once you've got it down pat, it should take you around 20 to 40 minutes to set up. Don’t rush the process, otherwise your set up is prone to more problems. 
  

What Is a Caravan Annex?

A caravan annex is an enclosed or semi-enclosed area that attaches to your caravan awning. It gives you extra covered space beside the van, which is handy for sitting, storing gear, keeping shoes out of the weather, or just getting a bit more room around camp.

Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

Before you start, or head out on your getaway, check you have all the necessary equipment on hand. It may seem obvious, but missing a wall or a handful of pegs is enough to derail the whole setup.

You’ll usually need:

• Awning walls such as front and side panels
• Poles or rafters if your annex uses them
• Tie-down gear like guy ropes, pegs, and screen springs
• A mallet or drill/driver
• Ground mats
• Annex skirt or draught skirt, if you have one included in your setup
• A second pair of hands helps too.

Before You Start: Preparing Your Site

A good site is a clean site. If you’re parked towards the wind, or on tricky terrain, it’s going to be harder than you’d like to get your caravan annex in. 

Before you get started:

• Park on the flattest, most even ground you can find
• Level the caravan correctly
• Lower the stabilisers and chock the wheels
• Check you’ve got enough room on the awning side to extend outwards
• Look at the wind direction before putting walls up

How to Put Up a Caravan Annex (Step-by-Step)

When you have done it a few times, putting up an annex on your caravan will become like second nature. Following a methodical process is the secret to getting it done swiftly, securely, and stress-free. 

1. Roll out the awning

Start by rolling out your caravan awning fully and securing it in place. Make sure the legs are stable and the fabric is sitting square before you add any annex walls. If the awning already feels loose or has a few wobbles, fix that first. 

2. Lay out the annex parts

Unpack all the annex front and side walls, poles if you have them, ropes and pegs, and lay it all out on the ground. Work out which panel is which before you start feeding anything into tracks or zipping things together.

3. Attach the side walls

Most caravan annex setups begin with the side walls. Depending on the setup, these will slide into a track, zip into place, or fasten around the awning legs with velcro.

When you attach the side walls, take your time and keep the fabric straight. If a panel starts bunching or pulling, pause and reset it.

4. Add the front wall

Once the side walls are attached, fit the front wall. This usually zips to the side panels or fastens across the outer edge of the awning. Get the corners lined up first. If you force one side, the front can end up sitting crooked.

5. Fit any poles or support rafters

If your caravan annex uses support poles, add them now. These help hold tension across the walls, stopping the annex from sagging or flapping around in the weather.

6. Peg the corners down

Once the annex walls are attached, start pegging the corners into the ground. This will square the annex up before you lock everything else down. 

Pull each corner point firm, but don’t overdo the tension. The walls should sit neat, rather than look stressed and pulled. 

7. Peg out the rest of the annex

After the corners are set, peg the remaining base points around the annex. Check the walls as you go, making sure they remain square, tight and tidy with smooth zips, even tension and no major sagging. 

8. Add guy ropes and tie-downs

Once the annex is attached, secure it with guy ropes or tie-downs wherever they’re needed. This is particularly important if you’re expecting wind, or are planning more than a weekend’s stay, but really, it’s best practice all the time. 

Choose pegs that suit the terrain for a more secure hold, keeping in mind that hard ground, loose sand and soft camp sites all need a different approach.

9. Lay down the ground mat

Finish by putting down your ground mat inside the annex area and pegging it securely.  A ground mat keeps your space nice and clean, and feels more comfortable underfoot. 

How Long Does It Take to Set Up a Caravan Annex?

If you already know how to set-up your caravan annex, it should only take around 20 to 40 minutes. 

If it’s your first time, allow for longer. Wind, tough or loose ground, or an extra-large caravan annex will mean a slightly longer process. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Setting Up an Annex

The most common and detrimental mistakes caravanners make include:

• Starting before the caravan is level
• Forcing walls or zips that aren’t lined up correctly
• Pegging everything too tight
• Using weak pegs for tough ground
• Skipping tie-downs when the weather looks fine, only for it to turn later

The main thing is not to rush the process. You can avoid a lot of problems if you slow down, and follow our steps in order. 

How to Pack Down and Store Your Caravan Annex

When it’s time to leave, pack the caravan annex down in reverse order.

Start with the guy ropes and pegs, remove any poles, then take off the wall panels. Brush off any dirt before folding things away, and if the annex is wet, let it dry out as soon as you can.

Keep your guy ropes, pegs and panels packed logically, and ideally in their designated bags. Your future self will thank you. 

Can You Leave a Caravan Annex Up Long Term?

You can leave a caravan annex up for longer stays, but it needs regular checks. Wind, rain, sun, dust and dirt all take their toll over time. 

Keep an eye on:

• Rope tension
• Loose pegs
• Sagging fabric
• Rubbing points
• Pooling water after rain
• Signs of mould or mildew

If rough weather is expected, for safety and to avoid damage, it’s best to pack your caravan annex down.

Final Tips for a Stress-Free Caravan Annex Setup

The best thing you can do? A quick shake-down at home before your first trip. In a practice run, you can work out what panel goes where, check you’ve got all the gear, and get familiar with the order. That way, when you get to camp, you’re not trying to figure it all out under pressure. 

A good caravan annex gives you more comfort, more shelter, more security, and a much better campsite overall. And once you’ve attached it a few times, it becomes just another part of your caravanning set-up.