Mesh walls on the annex?

[kiwi_camper]

We purchased a Vacation Campers Eco CT which is a scaled down version of their semi off road Tourer. The cost fit our budget and since then we have done a lot more to it- drifta DPOR kitchen, boat rack, battery system etc that suits our style of camping. The full canvas annex came with the CT and the kitchen wall but not the rest of the canvas walls ( to enclose the annex) or the mesh walls. We went back to VC and got them to custom make the end canvas wall, so we can have it up or down depending on the weather.

Recently we were at Noosa North Shore and we had beasties getting into the kitchen at night, so we had to put everything away before bed and wipe everything down in the morning. I said to my husband that we may never need the full canvas walls but the mesh walls would be a good investment for keeping flies, mossies and beasties out. He said we haven't really been anywhere where it's been a problem and that he doesn't want to spend the extra time needed to put it up or the expense, as we have other priorities. I can understand that. More stuff=more set up time=more take down time.

My question is- do you have the full canvas and/or mesh walls and use them? You hear of people buying them and never using them. Have there been times when you were glad you had them? If so why and where were you (due to the type of CT we have, it may not be places we would consider going to)?

Thanks
Gina

[Nay-DMAX]

Hi Kiwi_camper
We don't have the same CT as you but ours came with full canvas walls and full mesh walls when I say full canvas it is in 3 pieces most times we have at least the kitchen wall on and usually the other wall but I don't think we have had the front one on yet.  The mesh walls we haven't used as yet but our canvas ones do have fairly big windows that can be rolled up or put up on poles.  We don't have children but I can see how if you did it would be handy if wet weather to have all walls on and a bit more dry space and the same with mesh walls if you are camped where it is hot and want to enclose the area.  The walls are good if there is a bit of wind around gives a bit more protection especially if it is dusty.  Hope that helps some

[Campa]

We had the same thoughts with our Customline. After a wet and windy trip away we now have the full flyscreen / canvas combination wall kit. Its an expensive option but well worth it if the weather turns bad. We've used it many times now in wet camping trips and as a wind break when camping up the beach.  Mesh fly screens give a little more privacy!
I reckon it also helps with resale too, if you decide to sell later on down the track.

[sonny]

Hi - we have a Vacation Camper and have used the full spectrum of the set up with the Annexe.  For quick set up we just use the roof, most times just adding the kitchen wall.  We have used the other full canvas walls (including draft skirt) when we camped at the Bunya Mountains in June - fog and mist did not lift for 2 days and it was freezing - were so glad to have every bit of canvas up and able to keep dry and warm.  When we camp at the beach we put up the mesh walls.  Great for extra room without feeling completely enclosed.  We also find the mesh walls give a little bit more security if leaving the kitchen all set up as it makes it harder for someone to just walk past and easily snatch something (know this is more just a feeling as it wouldn't really stop someone pinching something - usually only feel this way in a crowded cp)

[gclan]

We have carried our very big and heavy annexe across the country on several trips, just in case, and never used it. We have only really used it when we set up a base camp somewhere for a week or more (which has only been twice), and even then we often don't use it.

They are great in theory, but in our experience, we've found carrying the extra weight and the time to erect it all a burden.
As is lifting it on and off the camper every time we set up and pack down when we're touring.

I should clarify though, our Mountain Trail Extended Expedition camper has a very large tent and annexe, with the heaviest weight canvas on the market. Our annexe actually has the mesh permanently joined with the canvas walls, so we can't just take the mesh walls.

If we had the option for just taking the mesh walls, we may feel differently, but in all of our travels we may have just been very lucky timing wise, but we've never found anywhere where the critters were so bad that we needed the mesh screen protection, and that includes The Kimberley, Cape York, Fraser Island and Outback Australia.

It probably depends on your travelling style (1 night stops or several days in each place) and your tolerance levels for bugs etc...


Karen

[JethroT]

Hi Kiwi,

We had our last annex made by The Canvas Place at Redcliffe.  He gave us a number of different options for the Goldstream and we made one with a bedroom on the end and huge windows, with the new van we are going for a lighter material, sorry I cant think of the name of it, it's a bit dearer but is half the weight.  Might be an option for you.  The last annex was 20 foot long and cost $1300.00.

Regards
Geoff

[BernieS]

Hi Gina,
We started out with just the annex roof and L shape canvas/mesh end wall behind the kitchen and part side.
However since then and a trip out west where the mozzie's and flies were  the size of aeroplanes have had the other two canvas/mesh walls made up. We plan to travel out west again, as there's still lots we want to see.

Pretty sure I read on this site that others have made up temp walls using tulle and clips. Shade cloth didn't work so well for us as smaller bugs can still pass thru.  Having said that we will  still use our hand made/zippered shade cloth walls on the camper in warmer weather as canvas does get pretty hot during the day. Shade cloth is good for some privacy.  I'm happy and lucky to have two options.

Cheers
Bernie.

[DarWen]

Hi Kiwi_Camper, We have a Vacationer and always have a least the mesh wall, kitchen wall and draft skirt on. ( it keeps SWMBO happy) however it does keep the nasties out. We have just started leaving the anwing attached when packing up one less thing to zip on when setting up. We carry all our full set up at all times. Can i suggest that you get the PVC curtins as these keep the weather out whilst letting the light in. Regards Darren.

[elle.mac]

We have the full mesh/canvas combo annex walls on our customline and found it worth the money.It seems to keep pesky flies away as well as mozzies. We also found when we stayed at Cania Gorge the full annexe closed at least kept the cold out so the kids could eat with out wanting blankets wraped around them. Plus with the Customline combo walls you can have the screens shut but the canvas acts as another awning - great in the hot weather to keep the inside cool

[KingBilly]

What elle said ^^^^^  and we really appreciate the full canvas walls when it is raining.  Can sit inside and read or play games with the kids.

KB