The Ultimate Guide to Avan Camper Annexes, Awnings & Pet Enclosures
Avan campers are well known across Australia for their clever design, lightweight construction and incredibly fast setup. Whether you’re heading away for a quick weekend trip or planning a longer touring adventure, Avan campers make travelling simple and enjoyable.
One of the best ways to enhance your Avan camping experience is by adding a custom awning, annexe or pet enclosure.
These additions significantly increase your usable living space, provide reliable weather protection and allow you to create a comfortable outdoor area wherever you camp.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything Avan owners need to know about:
If you own an Avan Aliner, Cruiser, Cruiseliner or Sportsliner, this guide will help you build the perfect camping setup.
Why Avan Camper Owners Choose Annexes & Awnings
Avan campers are designed to be compact, efficient and quick to set up. However, once you arrive at your campsite, having additional outdoor space makes a huge difference to your comfort.
An awning or full annexe allows you to expand your living space and enjoy the outdoors while remaining protected from the elements.
Extra Living Space
An annexe creates an additional outdoor room attached to your camper. This space is ideal for relaxing, cooking, dining or storing camping gear.
Weather Protection
Australian camping conditions can vary significantly. A quality awning or annexe helps protect you from:
Added Privacy
Annexe walls provide privacy at caravan parks and busy camping grounds.
Protection for Outdoor Furniture
Tables, chairs and cooking equipment stay sheltered under your awning or annexe, keeping them clean and dry.
Greater Comfort for Longer Trips
Many Avan owners travelling for extended periods rely on an annexe to create a more comfortable and practical campsite.
The Classic Tebbs-Style Avan Annexe
The Tebbs-style annexe has become one of the most recognised designs in the Australian caravan industry.
For many years, these annexes were designed by industry legend Des Tebbs, and they quickly became a favourite among Avan owners for their functionality and clean design.
Today, Alpine Annexes continues the legacy by producing high-quality Tebbs-style annexes specifically designed for Avan campers.
While staying true to the original concept, modern versions have been refined to offer:
The result is a classic annexe design trusted by Avan owners across Australia.
Avan Awning vs Full Annexe — What’s the Difference?
When considering upgrades for your Avan camper, many owners ask whether they should choose an awning or a full annexe.
The best option depends on how you like to travel.
Avan Awning
An awning provides a simple roof extension from your camper, creating shade and shelter outside your van.
Key benefits include:
For travellers who move frequently, an awning offers the perfect balance of convenience and comfort.
Full Avan Annexe
A full annexe builds on the awning structure by adding enclosed walls to create a sheltered outdoor living area.
A typical Avan annexe setup includes:
A full annexe is ideal for:
Many Avan owners consider a full annexe one of the most valuable upgrades they can add to their camper.
Avan Camper Models Our Annexes Are Designed For
Custom Avan annexes and awnings are available for a wide range of Avan camper models, including:
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Avan Aliner
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Avan Cruiser
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Avan Cruiseliner
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Avan Sportsliner
Each camper model has unique dimensions and roof configurations, which is why annexes are typically custom made to suit the exact model and specifications of your camper.
This ensures a precise fit and a professional finish.
Customisation Options for Avan Annexes
Every camper owner has different travel preferences, so annexes can be customised to suit your needs.
Common options include:
Additional Doors
Extra doorways provide easier access and flexibility depending on your campsite layout.
Larger Windows
Larger window panels improve airflow and visibility while maintaining privacy when required.
Different Wall Configurations
Annexe walls can include combinations of:
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canvas panels
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clear window panels
This allows you to adjust the amount of light and ventilation in your annexe.
Veranda Extensions
A veranda extension can be added to extend your covered outdoor area beyond the annexe.
Additional Roof Support
Extra roof supports can be added to help maintain roof tension and prevent sagging during wet weather.
Avan Pet Enclosures for Travelling Pets
More caravan travellers are choosing to bring their pets along for the adventure.
To support this growing demand, Alpine Annexes developed a Safety Pet Enclosure specifically designed for caravan travel.
This enclosure creates a secure outdoor area attached to your awning where pets can relax safely while remaining protected from the sun.
Designed for Caravan Travellers
The enclosure is designed to be:
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lightweight
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durable
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easy to install
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simple to pack away
Standard Features
Typical inclusions include:
The mesh construction allows airflow while still creating a safe boundary for pets.
It’s a practical solution for travellers who want their pets to enjoy the campsite safely.
Built for Australian Camping Conditions
Camping equipment in Australia needs to handle some of the toughest environmental conditions in the world.
High UV exposure, strong winds and sudden storms can place significant stress on camping gear.
That’s why quality annexes are designed using durable materials and strong construction methods suitable for Australian conditions.
Investing in a well-built annexe ensures:
Setup and Ease of Use
Avan campers are known for their fast setup, and your awning or annexe should complement that simplicity.
Most awnings and annexes are designed for straightforward installation using:
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camper roof tracks
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poles and support frames
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guy ropes
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ground pegs
Once familiar with the setup process, many owners can set up their awning quickly and assemble their full annexe shortly afterwards.
Choosing the Right Avan Annexe Setup
The best annexe configuration depends on how often and how long you travel.
Weekend Campers
Best option: Avan Awning
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quick setup
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lightweight
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ideal for short stays
Touring Travellers
Best option: Awning with optional wall panels
Long-Stay Travellers
Best option: Full Tebbs-Style Avan Annexe
Travelling With Pets
Best addition: Safety Pet Enclosure
Custom Avan Annexes Available Australia-Wide
Every Avan camper is slightly different, which is why annexes are custom designed to suit individual campers.
The process typically involves:
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Identifying your camper model
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Confirming specifications and measurements
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Manufacturing your annexe using quality materials
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Installation or shipping Australia-wide
This ensures your annexe fits perfectly and performs reliably for years of camping.
Upgrade Your Avan Camping Setup
Adding a custom awning, annexe or pet enclosure is one of the best ways to improve your Avan camping experience.
It allows you to create a comfortable outdoor living space while staying protected from the elements.
Whether you want:
there is a solution designed specifically for your Avan camper.
Ready to Build Your Avan Annexe?
If you’re ready to upgrade your Avan camper setup, our team can help design the perfect solution.
We specialise in:
Contact our team today or submit an enquiry to start building your ideal camping setup.
