A good awning gives you shade and shelter within moments of pulling up. Most cover one side of the vehicle. The Rhino Batwing awning wraps around the side and the back, a full 270 degrees. I’ve been testing it to see whether it works as a large, sheltered camp kitchen and sitting area. It’s a serious piece of gear with a reputation to live up to.
What’s in the box
A 270-degree vehicle awning that covers about 10 m², made from tough, fire-resistant fabric, with a quick-release mounting system.
What we like
- Huge 10m² coverage
- 270-degree wraparound design
- STOW iT quick-release brackets
- UPF50+ sun protection
- CPAI-84 fire standard fabric
What we don’t
- Heavy and bulky at 19.5 kg
- Side walls sold separately
- Takes up a lot of roof space
Quick Specs
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Rhino Rack |
| Material | 200D RipstopCPAI-84 |
| Colour | Khaki |
| Weight | 19.5 kg |
| Size | 2.5 × 2.5 m |
| Coverage | 270-degree10m² |
| Sun Rating | UPF50+ |
| Water rating | Waterproof |
First look
Out of the box, it’s clear the Batwing is high-end equipment. The package is long and quite heavy because of what’s inside. The weatherproof PVC bag is very thick and feels durable, with large rust-proof zips that run smoothly. The khaki colour is subtle and blends in with the surroundings.
The shape is unlike a normal awning, and you can see from the way it’s folded that it’s made to swing out in one smooth movement.
Materials & Build QualityMaterials & Build Quality
Rhino Rack uses very good materials here. The fabric is 200 Denier ripstop, which is strong and resists tears and punctures. It meets CPAI-84, a fire standard for tents, so it’s safe near a campfire. It has a UPF50+ rating for sun protection and it resists mould, which is a real bonus in a damp climate.
The arms are anodised alloy and the hinges are tough, so the awning folds out without trouble. The whole thing feels solid and secure.
Ergonomics & WeightErgonomics & Weight
The Batwing is big and weighs 19.5 kg, so getting it onto a roof rack is a job for two people. Once it’s mounted, one person can set it up. You unzip it and it swings out from its mount in one smooth motion, giving you shelter in seconds. It comes with the STOW iT mounting bracket, which lets you take the awning off easily for storage when you’re not using it.
The 270 degrees of cover wrap around the side and rear of the vehicle. That makes a large sheltered area for cooking, relaxing or sorting out gear.
Performance & FeaturesPerformance & Features
This awning copes well with different weather. The UPF50+ rating protects you from the sun on a hot day, and the waterproof ripstop fabric keeps the rain off. Covering both the side and the rear of the vehicle is a big advantage over a standard awning.
Ropes and pegs are included to secure the awning in wind. You can also buy side walls to close the space in completely.
Conclusion: Rhino Rack Batwing Awning (Left)Conclusion
The Rhino Batwing awning gives you a large, durable shelter that wraps 270 degrees around the vehicle. The materials are very good and one person can set it up in seconds. It’s heavy and bulky at 19.5 kg, it takes up a lot of roof space and the side walls cost extra. If you want as much sheltered space as possible at camp, it’s a very good long-term buy.
As much sheltered space as you can get at camp, and a very good long-term buy.
It wraps 270 degrees and 10 m² around the vehicle, the materials are very good and one person can set it up in seconds. It's heavy and bulky at 19.5 kg, takes up a lot of roof space and the side walls cost extra.
- 4WD tourers
- Groups
- Car campers
Yes, if you camp often. It’s a premium price, but 10 m² of 270-degree cover and quick-release brackets are hard to beat. At 19.5 kg it needs roof space, and the side walls cost extra.
