Annex

Um, is this question for real?
Are you really seriously asking that question. You are about to travel Australia and you are asking this question!

G'day Liveit
I guess you are referring to an awning rather than an annexe.
In our travels over the past 5 yrs I think I have put the awning on our Coromal 535 down overnight about twice, have left it up probably 400 times. As long as you leave the legs attached to the van, it will usually take a huge gust to damage it. Also attach ropes from awning to large tent pegs for added stability.
In Darwin a few years back we had a very strong wind one night, and only two vans had a problem with their awnings, both had the legs down instead of attached to the van.
We leave chairs, tables, bikes, 2 way fridge etc under the awning and it would be a pain to have to store them away each night.
If weather report indicates extreme winds at night, put it down, otherwise there is always insurance if it is destroyed.
Can't answer your question about annexe making it stronger as we don't have one.
Cheers
KenD
Bris

hi there, if its windy i will often roll the awning in by about a 3rd and then drop the legs so its only about a meter or so above the ground. still give me room to leave the table and chairs out side with out getting dewy or wet. safe travells. mm

Instead of Annexe walls get a shadecloth end and side wall and just use those.

Our prev van had a canvas annexe which was good but we only used it when staying for 4 days or longer.
Our new van has a PVC annexe and I hate it. Its heavy and sweats.
Since getting the van we have used the shadecloth all the time.
We just put the end in to the windward way each time and swap it if necessary.

We NEVER disconnect legs from the van.
When at Geraldton there was 4 vans had awnings blown over vans in one blow.

All were disconnected from vans and some even had been pegged down.
Noticed they had 3/8 round pegs which are useless for that.

Mine are 1" angle iron and dont pull out easily They might cost $6 each but do the job.
Just keep an ear out for the weather reports and if a blow is expected roll it up.

Its quicker to roll it back out than retrieve it from over the roof.

Dear Liveit,
Replies like that of "me me" are far too common on exploroz. I would welcome the sites manager to police the far too common smart and off subject responses. We are about to head off on our first trip shortly, and look forward to the helpful, friendly caravanners who we are led to believe are out there. Have a few short test trips and talk to people in the parks. There are lost of little things to learn - many of which me me would also probably laugh at, but are important.

I think you will find that the caravan rep advised taking it down at night, as I don't think they are covered for wind damage under warranty.
As already mentioned, guy ropes & good pegs at each end should suffice.