Super Cool Batwing Canopy, But Will It Work?

Came across this super cool canopy called the Batwing which covers one side and rear. If you had roof racks and the SUV package for extra height, do you think this would clear all the way over the rear hatch? Would it be annoyingly low causing you to have to duck?


#33100 - Batwing Awning (Left) | Rhino-Rack

 

Definitely cool

 

Well here it is! (As promised Cary and Craig!) The Batwing awning by Rhino Rack. Just got mine in and the installation was very simple and straightforward. Since I just installed it I have not yet determined what the benefits would be if the wing was justified a bit left or right of center. The instructions state you may move it forward or backwards from exact center as long as it does not exceed approximately 40in from either bracket. Benefits to consider are more or less coverage over the door vs more or less over the galley. There is a huge amount of coverage and as you can see. I love how much coverage I have over the door even though I decided (to begin with) to slide it past center, over towards the galley. So coverage is still well forward, past the door and extends all the way around the galley clear past the galley to the other side! It’s amazing, for my purposes anyway. To be able to unzip the bag, roll the wing all the way around, easily tension and strap it to the opposite roof rack then just turn around from that point and pop (unfold) the integrated legs down and adjust to desired height. I would then stake it down with provided stakes and /or guy ropes. That’s it! For my purposes, I decided to keep the height just above to the point where I can still reach the galley hatch. This happens to be about the point that the struts I installed rest comfortably by themselves, holding up the hatch door. Lots to consider here like height, angles to select for proper rain drainage etc, but the combinations are endless as there are 4 poles that can be adjusted/extended up to 7’5”. In addition to the photos with the awning set for my preferred wheelchair height (which will work fine for my wife as she is just a tad taller than 5ft) I will include some shots with it raised higher for someone like my son who is 5’11”. I have not yet Maxed it out, I will report back with the highest Point possible it as it relates to the galley. Lots more to consider and exact preferred height and angles will come with real life experiences on the road soon.
I purchased mine from a great company out in California, Rhino Adventure Gear https://www.rhinoadventuregear.com I happened to call in on the Memorial Holiday weekend, they were closed so I left a voicemail not expecting a callback until the following tues, but instead I received a call from the owner “Joost” about an hour later. Joost was so helpful and took his time answering my specific questions and concerns. I was so impressed and ordered my awning the following week. They have a lot of cool camping/adventure gear and have an impressive resume of specialized adventure gear including vehicles. Check them out.
More to come.
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Yes I agree. The batwing is a new improved foxwing with I integrated poles and larger sturdier bag amongst other things. No more assembly and separate bagel with poles. Thanks Again!

 

WOW!!! Rob, that is awesome. The question of whether it will work or not has now been answered. Looks like it works great.

Cary

 

Very cool! New option Cary?

 

We had one of these on a different teardrop we rented and it worked out great! It rained for the whole day one day. We had to angle the ceiling down, lowering the poles. If you have a chance, please post feedback on the setup when it rains.

 

Of course real life experiences will have much to teach me but yes for fair weather, all options (height, angles)are open but for now I’m sure I will want to lower the galley hatch and get the runoff going in the right direction when it looks like rain is imminent. Heck I would probably want the hatch closed altogether anyway but yes I will be happy to report my experiences after first time out. Thanks!

 

Hey RollingRob, I have a couple of questions about your Batwing. I was looking at them before I saw your post and was wondering if it would fit on the CampInn. You've answered that one already but I'd like to know if you installed the roof rack yourself and what kind of rack it was? Did you us the Rhino Roof Rack or another brand? Any problems with doing that and I see when it's mounted on a car it shows attaching the first part of the canopy to a clet attachment, how did you attach that and where or does it just attach to the roof rack tracking?

 

Hey thanks, the Yakima jet stream rack was installed at the factory. The craftsmen and women are so great to work with. If you can’t make it to the factory, reach out to a Craig or Cary because there is a very specific location the mounts have to go so they are right the very first time. It is solid. As to the cleat, It’s easily attached to the opposite side on the rear rack, slips right on and tightens up however I didn’t even have to attach it, I just used the provided strap and strapped it around the mounting bracket. Snaps on and off. Easy peasy! Gotta day, the batwing construction and mounting instructions along with the included hardware are top notch quality. I did not have to purchase any thing else. I purchased mine through an outfit in California, rhinoadventuregear.com. Great folks to work with. Hope this helps!

 

Great info Rob. Thanks for getting back to me. That's what I needed to know. Enjoy your adventures in the camper, Dave

 

You bet! glad to do so, do not hesitate to reach out for anything else!

 

Rob, any updates on how the Batwing is holding up in the field?

 

Hi Andrew, sorry for delay, I have been away. So far it has held up well! On a calm day I did not even stake it down since I was not leaving site. But I was at a ranch where winds were moderate so I did stake it down and I had no issues. I can not report on rain yet. Hope this helps.

 

Rob, Any more to report on the Batwing? Thinking of adding it with a Roof too tent. I’m 6’2”. Would it need any mounting brackets to raise the mounting height? Any experience in rain yet?

 

Looking at an alternative to the Batwing that is freestanding without needing support poles. Pretty sweet. Awnings | BUNDUAWN | BunduTec USA I like that it has a design that gives extra head clearance when deployed.

 

Batwing 270 worked well using custom aluminum raise lower connections to fit over gally door. Rained and hailed 2 nights, all ok. Easy setup and takedown.

 

What a clever way to raise the mounting height for extra head room!