Are you tired of crowded surroundings, nosy neighbours, and glaringly hot sun? If so, then you are definitely not alone. While caravan and camping can be relaxing, sometimes we’d just prefer a bit more privacy, especially when taking advantage of popular caravan park locations and on-site living.
Privacy screens and annexes are the most popular solution for the problems mentioned above. Let’s take a dive into the difference between them and find the best option for your next trip.
Privacy Screens:
If you’re new to the terms “privacy screen” or “annex”, you’re probably asking yourself, What’s the difference? Well, for the most part, sunscreens/privacy screens are designed specifically to provide shelter from natural elements such as the sun and light rain showers. Generally, they are installed on the front-wall or sidewall of your awning, and in combination with the caravan’s surface, create a tent-like structure under which campers can enjoy a bit of shade.
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In addition to providing shelter, sunscreens also provide a bit of privacy. For those camped in caravan parks where your neighbour is closer than you expect, the privacy screens allow you the comfort of closing your outdoor space off and still keep the fresh cool breezes blowing in. Thule offer a range of side and front walls in various sizes to suit a range of awnings and privacy needs.
When installing the privacy screen/sunshade you will need to factor in the awning you own and how you'll attach your sunscreen to your awning. If you own a Fiamma awning, you will need a Fiamma Clip System to use side sunscreens. This ensures proper installation and support especially on windy days.
There are after market anti-flap kits that can be used for easy installation of your sunscreen sidewall. These can be used with all awnings on the market including box and roll out awning from varying brands. These are high quality and offer a more affordable solution. The Aussie Traveller range of Anti Flap Kits offer a range of different sizes and adapters to suit all awnings. They are quick and easy to install and offer support of your awning to prevent stretching of your fabric and to enable you to install the side screens with a sail track ready to go. Simply clip on your Aussie Traveller Anti Flap Kit, fit it into your awning with the correct fittings and you are ready to slide your sunscreen in. It is that easy! If you have a cassette/box awning you will require a few extra parts, so make sure you check them out in the accessories list before you buy.
When it comes to adding a sunscreen to the front of your awning these should fit into the sail track of your existing awning.
Hot Tip: Always check your privacy screen fits your awning. Roll out and box/cassette awnings can have different sized sail tracks. Remember measure twice, buy once!
Privacy Screens can also be designed for different caravans such as pop-tops or full height vans. Pop-top screens are normally square and attach to your awning bar while full vans are higher on the wall end compared to the front awning end. Aussie Traveller offer end walls for either full height caravans or pop-top caravans.
Leading Brands:
The most common brand is the Coast V2 Sunscreen with reinforced sturdy seams and an anti-kink spline. This range is available in different sizes to suit your awning type.
Annex Wall Kits:
For those looking for more control of the weather elements and even more privacy, this is where a full, annex wall kit comes into place.
The Coast wall kit includes three full walls that are attached onto your awning, and are generally equipped with screened windows and a full-sized door.
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The closed in style & waterproof material of the annex walls provide complete shelter from rain & sun as well as completely blocking the view of fellow campers.
The Coast wall kit is great for providing all round weather protection, while having ample sized windows for ventilation and breezes on a hot day. It will require a few initial installation steps which can be found in the product manual. These can be bulky and weighing in at approximately 30-40kg which can be important when you are limited with total weight capacity.
If you have a Fiamma F45 awning then you have the option to check out the Fiamma Privacy Rooms, they come with the Fiamma Fast Clip and provide the perfection solution for extra space and privacy.
Leading Brands:
Purchasing a high-quality annex is important because they are generally not the cheapest of additions. In general, the cost of the annex goes up with the quality of the material, zips & stitching used.
There are two major brands in annex/privacy rooms: Fiamma and Coast to Coast.
In summary, the privacy screens are to provide slight privacy and shade while still allowing air flow. Annexes are designed to completely expand your living space by providing a water and wind proof option as well as full privacy if you require.
For more information about Caravan RV Camping’s popular screens and kits, click here.
DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
