Well, took the van and equipment back to ADP Caravan Services (oops was I supposed to mention their name) to explain why I thought they had fitted the annex equipment incorrectly. This is a company that prides itself on customer service, yet we were made to feel like we were strange because we wanted to have it fitted differently to how they "always fit them".

When I suggested they roll the dometic roll back a quarter turn and redrill the holes for the support braces, thus preventing the strain on the wall zips (which incidentally failed because of this) and preventing the seam from leaking, I was told "most people want to get the maximum size from the available annex space and rolling it back would decrease it 3 inches".

I couldn't believe this and said straight out, "3 inches - mate I lose a whole foot or so because of the water pouring down the wall of the annexe".

This guy even added "These things always leak" which didn't help us much. I just couldn't believe that they were happy to just keep installing them the same way, not wanting to be shown that it is wrong and have customers put up with a leaking annex. The technician was even suggesting seam sealant to fix the problem, when my suggestion would have fixed it without the use of sealant. Unbelievable!!!

Needless to say, we didn't leave the van with them as neither of us felt like the guy understood anything I was saying and when he attempted to convey this to the "technician" (I use that term loosely) I realised that I wasn't going to get what I want.

I will be taking the broken zip to someone else to replace and looking keenly for a new place to spend the $3000 bonus I will be getting next month.

Do these people realise what they are doing? I hope they read this and realise they are doing something wrong, because they weren't picking that up from us today.

Hi - we got our annexe walls from Ron at RV Warehouse in Brendale (Brisbane) and his advice is exactly what has been previously stated - that the groove for the wall should be at 9oclock (facing the van) - and that the awning should be in the roll-up (not roll-out) position to keep the tension on the awning. Excellent quality and service and no problems so far

Your Son should contact Barnes Caravans at Lansvale as they specialise in Awnings...It may be too far gone to repair but they would be able to quickly replace it if it cannot be saved.

Regards