Does 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Need All 3 Vortex Crossbars for Batwing Awning?

Updated 03/12/2025 | Published 02/26/2025

Question:

I have a 2013 Jeep Wrangler four door. I have the rhino rack vortex flush bars only on the front, because JK. I recently acquired a rhino rack right side batwing 270. It doesnt look like the two mounting points on the cross bars would be enough, or even long enough. Do you guys have brackets that I can mount to the side of my Jeep for this? Not scared of drilling.

asked by: Eric R

Expert Reply:

Hey Eric, thanks for reaching out and congrats on the Rhino-Rack Batwing # RR33200!

While using all 3 crossbars that come with the Rhino-Rack Vortex Roof Rack # RR44RE would add to the stability, according to the mounting instructions for the awning you only need a minimum of 700mm (27-1/2") between the centers of the mounting brackets in order for the awning to be secured properly. I'm not sure what the distance is between just your front crossbars, but that's something you should be able to verify pretty easily.

I'm not seeing any issues with compatibility with your crossbars though. Are you thinking it wouldn't stick out far enough?

expert reply by: Jon G

Rhino-Rack Batwing Awning Mounting Dimensions
(click to enlarge)

Eric R.

3/2/2025

I wish I could attach a picture. Being that it is a Jeep JK, cross bars can only be mounted above the front two doors. The dimension of center to center of crossbars is 34.5", while this is in spec, it seems to leave a lot of unsupported weight towards the rear, especially for daily driving. If we feel that this is okay to mount for daily driving, I may need longer mounting brackets, have not tried the ones that came with the batwing yet and I was concerned about the weight towards the rear not being supported. Thoughts?

Jon G.

3/3/2025

@EricR It looks like the max Rhino-Rack is okay with the awning sitting towards the front or the rear is about 39-1/4", so as long as you won't be exceeding more than that you'll be just fine. Will you have more than the 39-1/4"?

Eric

3/8/2025

@JonG The dimension that the Vortex flush mount bar is currently mounted, no, it is 44" to rear of the vehicle. If I moved the Vortex flush mount bars back a few inches I would be able to get that dimension under 39-1/4". I am not opposed to this, but if there is a way to add a third mounting point I would feel more confident, as this is a daily driver and I don't plan on removing it once installed. Here are the variables, bars and basket are already mounted: Cross bars are Rhino-Rack SG Roof Rack for Rain Gutters - Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black Part Number: RRSG59 Basket is Rhino-Rack Roof Mounted Steel Cargo Basket - 57" Long x 42" Wide - 165 lbs Part Number: RMCB02 Rhino-Rack Batwing Awning - Roof Rack Mount - Bolt On - Passenger's Side - 118 Sq Ft Part Number: RR33200

Jon G.

3/12/2025

@Eric I've reached out to my contact at Rhino-Rack but they still haven't gotten back to me about this. What I recommend doing is shifting the awning forward enough to fit within the specs that Rhino-Rack has laid out in their instructions. The awning might sit a little more forward than what you're wanting, but we just want to make sure we're mounting and using it in the way they tested it.