Can I Use the Rhino Rack Batwing on a Tear Drop Trailer with a Rear Hatch That Opens 12" Above Roof

Question:

Im ordering a custom trailer that will have a Yakima rack. Its a tear trailer style from Bend Tear . The rear door will rise 12inch above the trailer. Do you anticipate an issue if I use the rhino rack 270 batwing? How far apart do the crossbars need to be? I attached an image of the trailer.

asked by: Joshua F

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you to add an awning that will work on your trailer with the Yakima roof rack, but because of the placement of that rear door and how high it raises above the roof, the Rhino-Rack Batwing Awning - Roof Rack Mount - Bolt On - Passenger's Side - 118 Sq Ft # RR33200 isn't likely going to work for you. I think you would find that the Batwing and rear hatch on the camper would hit each other when used together.

Instead, you can use something like the Rhino-Rack Dome 1300 Awning - Roof Rack Mount - Bolt On - 64 Sq Ft # RR32125 or the Rhino-Rack Sunseeker Awning - Roof Rack Mount - Bolt On - 55 Sq Ft # RR32133. These awnings will provide you with a roof mounting awning that will work similar to the one in the photo you provided.

Assuming that you will have Yakima crossbars with T-slot mounting channels you can use the Mounting Brackets for Rhino-Rack Sunseeker Awning angled down # RR32127 or the angled up bracket # RR32123.

If your crossbars won't have top channels for accessories, let me know and I can look for an alternate solution for you. I've also linked a review video of the Sunseeker awning for you to check out.

expert reply by: Erik B