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# 1
Rhino-Rack Batwing Awning - Roof Rack Mount - Bolt On - Passenger's Side - 118 Sq Ft
Love this awning! I installed a Batwing awning on a RAM Promaster High Roof van. Had to purchase extended legs for it so they will reach the ground. It is great to be able to be protected from the elements at both the side and the back of the van and while moving between side and back. Some things to be aware of: 1) At least one ladder is needed for opening and closing the awning in this high-roof situation. And it is best to do it with 2 people. 2. With the crossbars mounted on the vehicle's standard middle and rear mounting posts, the awning does not completely cover the sliding door. The front 24 to 30" or so of the door is exposed. If the crossbars are mounted to the front and middle mounting points, most of the sliding door will be covered, but the awning will not extend as far out on the rear. 3. Rain will come through between the side of the van and the awning. The crossbars need to be shifted as far to the driver's side as possible in order to minimize the gap between the side of the van and the awning. 4. The height of these vans makes the awning even more susceptible to being pulled up by wind gusts. Make sure the awning is secured to the ground. This is another reason why it is best to open the awning with 2 people.
This is the one piece of camping gear that once it's set up people just come by and say "whoah". First off, it's huge and the amount of coverage it gives is amazing and makes single panel awnings just look silly in comparison. I love how easy it is to set-up which makes it a no-brainer whether or not to deploy it, always yes. Here's a few tips after using it for a year... If it's windy at all stake it down and if you have a buddy to help with setup all the better. These things are like giant sails and I've snapped a few of the hinge pieces due to big gusts and not staking it down. The GOOD news is that the hinges are designed to snap under load (instead of the more expensive arms) and are easily replaceable and you can do it with basic hand tools by yourself so keep the spares they give you in the stake pouch. You can extend the coverage with the zip-on panels ...or just get some spring clamps and attach a sheet/tarp/towel/whatever for the extra shade. I had someone come up and chat me up about the awning and he asked this simple question, "if you had to do it over would you buy this one again?". 100% yes.
# 2
Rhino-Rack Sunseeker Awning - Roof Rack Mount - Bolt On - 8' 1" Long x 6' 10" Wide
I'm very happy with my awning. I have the Rhino Rack Pioneer roof rack so it was very simple to install with the included hardware. I wan't sure by the description if it came with the zipper for the optional extension, so I purchased that as well. Turns out it came with the zipper so I have an extra one if needed in the future. It's not as simple to deploy as some of the new ones hitting the market with automatic scissoring extensions that can hold themselves up without poles or guy lines, but it's also not as expensive or bulky as those models. Everyone has to choose what works best for them. I like this awning and it holds up well. The added effort in setting it up and taking it down does not bother me. If I were to see any design flaw it would be the use of plastic for the hinges that let the poles fold out from the housing. Nothing broke yet, but those make me a bit nervous when I'm setting everything up.
We bought this awning because we did a trip across America in our 1999 Chevy Diesel Suburban last year and used a 10x10 awning off the side at night, while it worked and stayed together the whole trip- it was still a 1/2 hour set up time, and there was a gap between truck and tent at all times. (Not great for rain). We plan on going back to the areas we want to spend more time, and this will allow us to have our shade/rain protection and a 5 minute set up time! The following pictures are of what we used (old system) to the new Rhino Rack Sunseeker 55sq ft awning from etrailer.com set up in the driveway- new adventures are in the beautiful future!!! Thank you to the awesome staff at etrailer.com for the great price, ease of ordering and fast shipping!
# 3
Rhino-Rack Dome Awning - Roof Rack Mount - Bolt On - 8' 2" Long x 8' 4" Wide
I mounted this awning to the back of my pick up cap. I chose this one for the dome shape so the rear door of the cap could be opened under the awning with little interference. Feels well made. And the awning easily mounted to a Rhino Rack roof track to make it look stealthy and snug to the roof. Only negative, is the dome tent poles are difficult to install in the pockets, but I assume this will get easier with use and as the temperature outside increases. I should have bought some sand screws for the beach.
The Rhino-Rack Dome 1300 is a great addition to my Toyota Tacoma. I use my Tacoma for transporting SCUBA gear and the Awning is great for having shade at a dive site. Easy to setup and take down.
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