annexe recommendation for viscount poptop

Submitted: Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 at 12:28

ThreadID: 71434 Views:6519 Replies:6 FollowUps:4

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CHamilton

Hi
I have an early 80's viscount poptop (grand tourer I think!) which is about 13-14' long. It's been inherited from family and we're looking to get an annexe as we have 3 small kids and at least 2 of them will have to sleep outside. Being used to camping in very weatherproof dome tents & childhood memories of drafty 70's annexes, I was wondering what recommendations people have for an annexe.
There is little to no room over the door & external light for a sail strip, so if i get a traditional annex then it'll need to either be raised in this area so the door can open, or attach to the top of the poptop somehow. I've considered buying a cheap/good second hand canvas annex and having it professionally modified, but not sure if this is the best approach. Our camping is generally for 1 - 2 weeks so setup time is not an issue, moreso it needs to be weatherproof
Caravan photo 1

caravan photo 2

I saw this one on eBay -Is this the best setup? sample

I've seen some dome-tent style annexes that are used on Kombi's but I'm not sure if this is the best idea either??

I'm also looking at keeping this under $1000 if I can.
any help or first hand experience is much appreciated.

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Reply By: Tenpounder (SA) - Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 at 12:47

Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 at 12:47

Hi.
We have a late 80s Coromal Poptop, which was already fitted when we bought it with a sail track along the roof, not the van top, plus batten brackets, and vertical sail tracks to take annex ends.
We only use an awning, and I use a loose piece of heavy ply wedged between the roof and the van body to stop the roof coming down in strong winds (OK; crude, but it works). The awning seems quite safe and secure.
So you may be able to find an awning and adapt it to suit.
Incidentally, I think the 'proper' annex for the Coromal is exactly like the picture you found on E-bay, with a ridge roof, and attached to the van body.
I hope this will help you.

AnswerID: 378642

Follow Up By: Tenpounder (SA) - Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 at 12:54

Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 at 12:54

Sorry, should have said "So you may be able to find an ANNEX and adapt it to suit."
If you provide an email address, I can send you photos of our arrangement.

FollowupID: 646024

Reply By: Member - John M (NSW) - Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 at 14:12

Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 at 14:12

I also have a Vicount Van the same as yours. The annex is mounted off the roof with a sail track as per the sample picture.
When I bought the van, it didn't have an annex and I was lucky to buy one off ebay that came from a similar Jayco size van. In perfect condition with all poles, pegs, ropes etc for $350.00 and has another 2.5 metre extension room. It takes me about 15 - 20 minutes to erect the annex, so not a lot of time if you are staying for a few days.

Keep your eyes open on ebay and other sites and have a look at similar style annexes from other brand of vans.

Good luck.

Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!

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AnswerID: 378655

Reply By: CHamilton - Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 at 14:18

Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 at 14:18

Hi John, when you say "sail track on the roof", is the track rivited/screwed to the edge of the roof (close to the door), rather than to the top of the wall above the door? Or do you mean the roof of the pop-top (so the poptop canvas walls would be inside the annex).

eBay definately seems to be the way to do it. As long as I know the best way to fit it, I think I'll get one that's as close as I can and modify to suit. Just so many fitting options until you work it all out though....

many thanks

AnswerID: 378656

Follow Up By: Member - John M (NSW) - Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 13:16

Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 13:16

The sail track is screwed to the main frame structure on the top of the van above the door, not on the side and not the pop top roof.
The annex has 1 x high lift roof pole and 1 x extendable pole that runs the full length of the annex which gives you plenty of head height.

It is the same as in your sample picture

Hope this helps.
Regards

Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!

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FollowupID: 646172

Reply By: aka - Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 08:45

Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 08:45

Where do you live I have one that I dont use not to old I am near Albury

AnswerID: 378778

Follow Up By: CHamilton - Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 09:48

Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 09:48

I'm in the Warragul/Pakenham area to the east of melbourne & work at Mount Waverley. Would be interested if you have one that's suitable - do you have any photos of it setup?

FollowupID: 646138

Reply By: aka - Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 11:52

Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 11:52

did you et my posts

AnswerID: 378797

Reply By: CHamilton - Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 12:06

Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 12:06

yes aka - see above... I'm in the Warragul/Pakenham area to the east of melbourne & work at Mount Waverley. Would be interested if you have one that's suitable - do you have any photos of it setup?

cheers

AnswerID: 378801