If the wind comes somethings gotta give. The hinges are the fuse and easily replaceable. If they were stainless steel then you're looking at bent arms. They probably designed it that way on purpose (plus it's cheaper). If I boaght one I guess I'd order a set of hinges with it to keep in the jeep. Good video. I am in the market and seeing yours break was helpful to know.
I'm in the market for one, so doing a lot of research. After seeing how easily it broke, and others saying they have had the same problem definitely made me decide that this isn't the one for me. Thanks for your honest review.
I had the previous original version - I think they merged or bought it from Oztent. Mine had Rhino Rack Batwing Oztent labels. I had it on a Lexus LX470 with Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform rack and man it was perfect. It was easy to deploy by myself, although the poles were separate so as it deploys, it's temporarily stressing those plastic hinges. After about 3 yrs. I finally had a couple hinges break, but it's designed that way to prevent additional damage. I was at the top of hill overlooking a lake. I didn't even think about the wind coming up off the lake and hitting the awning like a sail. It happened so fast. All of a sudden, two of the poles were snapped and on top of my rig. I ordered some replacement hinges and it was fine. I did not stake it down as that would have prevented it. There was no wind and then WOOOOSH a huge gust came out of nowhere. I like this new design where you can stake down the poles and not have to have guy lines everywhere. As others have said, I'm also considering the free standing type. I've changed rigs - 2015 Tundra with an ARE camper shell - gotta buy the roof rack first.
Probably worth mentioning that they give you two free hinges with the awning and they're designed to break before something more expensive does (e.g. the mounting bracket or the poles).
1 - Zipper - use some of that zipper lube that comes with the Yeti soft coolers / or some silicone spray 2 - Hinges - it's designed to be a break away point to save the rest of the system. Consider it a "sacrificial" point to help save further damage. The aluminum would just bend and then you would not be able to get it back into the bag without full dismantling. The hinges are cheap to purchase replacements. Look at all the Indy cars/Nas Car, heck all of our own cars that have plastic crumple zones. 3 - full deployment anchor point - Mine did not have this - all I did was wrap the strap around the back right 90 corner to the #4 support pole and pull it tight. That additional anvil looking thing is just an extra "improvement"
Seeing the zipper problems, those chincy plastic hinges, and how easy they broke with a little wind, is all I need to see to steer clear of this awning. Thanks for the full disclosure in your video. I have a Eazi-Awn on my current rig, and it is pretty sturdy. All metal parts and a big, strong zipper. I'm looking around to see if I want a different one on the camper that I currently have on order. I definitely won't be putting the Rhino on it.
User Error; As you open it pull the legs down in a supporting manner, don’t t leave it dangling in the wind, find your set up height and leave legs at that height when opening and closing, User Error #2 Peg It Down asap, most damages are from failure to peg it down. 8/10 for review.
Good to see a long term review out there. I have had mine for 3 years now and it has done very well. My only issue has been the hinges. My first trip I had one break, but I had an extra with me and was able to fix on the spot. I have had 2 break since, but I always keep a "repair kit" to fix it when they break. An aluminum replacement would be great! But my next one will be a free standing aluminum one that only requires the poles in higher winds.
Thanks for the great review. I've been looking into getting an awning for my Suzuki Jimny and I keep going back to the Rhino Batwing. The 'breakage' issue has definitely come up and like people have already pointed out they 'designed it' that way #shrug. You could go with one of the much more solid ones that are even free standing, however in my case weight does matter. It's always going to be some sort of trade off. Cheers!
So glad you left the breakage scenes in - that alone is really informative for some one who is thinking to buy one of these. I am curious to know how long you’ve had the awning and how much use it had before that happened? Thanks for a great review
I have an ARB 2.5m on the driver side and an Tuff Stuff on the back. That way I can deploy one or both. And the 2 of them were cheaper than any of the 270 awnings.
Thanks for the view, been considering these for my LX, same kind of setup with a pioneer platform + awning as you have. Good to know about the hinges breaking as the beaches here in West Aus can get a bit windy so proper setup will be important for me to not break anything.
Just bought one of these. It broke on its first use. The hinges are made of brittle plastic and snapped off in a mild breeze and the struts bent extremely easily. Very unimpressed.
So sorry that happened! Thankfully the parts are pretty cheap and easy to replace. I’m far more cautious when opening now than I was before. Best of luck, and happy adventuring!
That’s what keeps me from buying a batwing awning I have the backbone rack system on my JK and would like to have the batwing awning but it breaks too easy
@4:00 I'd say if you know you're going to get it dirty, just run some masking tape or Gaffer's tape on the zipper to keep it clean. Cheap and effective solution.
Great question! It really depends. If I get water it’s typically just some drops where it folds out along the back of my vehicle. I don’t experience any significant water, and I’ve had it deployed during major rain storms.
I hate this awning. The first time I set it up it broke one of the rods. I fixed it and have very cautious ever since. Recently at a beach while I was seeing it up with no wind, I pulled it out and leant into my cab to get the sand stakes and the slightest breeze blew the awning over my canopy and broke three plastic rods and scratched my car. I would not buy this again. Go for somthing a bit stronger.
His first point he likes the height? the height is dependent on where he mounts it to and the height of the vehicle. I'm 6' 8" and its too low when mounted on my mini moke? the fact it broke in the first minute of the video? I'm sure you can find something of equal or better quality for a lower price.
You’re right! Height is dependent on where it is mounted. I’m also 6’8, and it has been great for me on vehicles with a lift and without a lift. The telescopic legs allows for adjustments vs static poles. That’s the pro. There are many options out there, and I encourage everyone to get what is best for them. The Batwing awning is great, but isn’t perfect. Nothing is. Thanks for watching!
Any other thoughts on the Rhino Rack Pioneer with a roof top tent? Doesn't seem super common but your Smittybilt video didn't mention it so I assume its ok? Also like the neighborhood, pretty sure I'm right down the street.
It's a solid setup. No concerns about weight (static or dynamic) or mounting. I did not want to have to drill holes through the rack slats, so I opted to offset the tent, allowing the support tracks to sit between the slats. This works well for us as it creates space for our water tank and awning. With those added items, the weight is offset pretty evenly.
BIGMAN; I was wondering why you decided to install the awning on the driver's side for me I think I would rather place the awning on the passenger side; my reason is; if ever I park On the side of the road for a bit I can set up not being in the way of traffic but to each his own. Play safe from Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada
I prefer my tent opening over the passenger side, though that is now moot as I’ve purchased the Roofnest Falcon tent. You are correct though, to each his own.
@@BIGMANOVERLAND Thanks for the reply; funny you should say, I am considering the same tent for my 2022 TOYOTA RAV4 TRAIl. Just having trouble convincing the wife to use a ladder to get into it. Enjoy. And again play safe from Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada.
The up and down of ladders can be a drag, but gosh I love the flat, comfortable surface. Let her know you are trying to rescue her from the bugs, rodents, reptiles, and other ground animals!
THE ZIPPER IS THE LEAST OF YOUR WORRIES. I HAVE THE EXACT SAME RHINO RACK BATWING AWNING AS IN THE VIDEO. IF THERE IS EVEN A SLIGHT GUST OF WIND, IT WILL BREAK AT THE HINGES. IT WAS A PAIN TO WORK WITH. I HAD IT ATTACHED TO THE DRIVER SIDE OF MY JEEP AND WENT TO THE BEACH ON A NOT SO WINDY DAY AND GUESS WHAT? THREE HINGES IMMEDIATELY BROKE. LUCKLY I HAD SPARE ONES. BUT TO NO AVAIL, I COULDN'T GET IT SET UP BECAUSE IF IT BLEW A FEW INCHES UP OR DOWN, THE HINGES WOULD BREAK. IT WAS A PAIN IN THE ASS. IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE ME, LOOK AT THE RHINO RACK DEMONSTRATION...YOU KNOW WHERE THEY DEMO THIS AWNING? INSIDE THEIR SHOP GARAGE WHERE THERE ISN'T ANY WIND. LOOK AT THIS VIDEO...HIS BROKE WHEN THERE WAS A SLIGHT GUST...AND WHEN HE SET IT UP THERE WAS NO WIND AT ALL! NO WIND AT ALL! TRUST ME. IT'S A NICE AWNING, BUT THEY NEED TO RE-ENGINEER THE HINGES/BRACKETS. MAYBE CREATE A LONG FLEXIBLE/DURABLE TUBE LIKE RUBBERIZED BRACKET. RHINO MAKES GREAT PRODUCTS, BUT THIS NEEDS TO BE REWORKED.
how convenient that they have replacement parts because they know the cheap plastic is going to break after you made the initial investment now they can charge you extra for parts that they should have just made right the first time. No thanks, i'll pass and go with the all aluminum model from OVS
Rubbish product faded within first month paid top dollar for second rate product . Stitching also started coming undone . Got a refund purchased oztent awning.
Never would I buy that awning again because how easy it breaks at pivoting joint. And you can't and shouldn't put it out on a light windy day by yourself, it worthless in my book if you can't put it out when your alone.
Thanks for the feedback! The Batwing Awning is meant to open fully before having to deploy the legs. Also, there was no wind at the time of the deploy, so that point is moot. You win some, you lose some.
@@BIGMANOVERLAND I have had the previous generation foxwing for 6 years, lost two of the 'fuse' knuckle joints in a strong gust of wind, easy to replace. Now after 6 years in the Aussie sun the plastic on the knuckles are getting weak. Easy fix, but am upgrading to the Batwing because I want the integrated leg style of the 2nd generation batwing. I have the side extensions and tagalong tent that fits to the foxwing and batwing so some investment there. But its light has been very reliable in some extreme conditions, absolutely buying again
I’m a HUGE fan of the Batwing (and pretty much all things Rhino Rack). I love all the accessories for the awning - definitely a solid purchase. Happy trails friend!
Thanks for the suggestion! It looks great. Free standing aluminum is such a great way to go. Does it work with the Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform? The mounting bracket is quite long, but I assume it would.
@@BIGMANOVERLAND yes and no. just saw this question while checking your video I made a video about it and I happened to have rhino rack platform. I used the beefy brackets and I use “spring nuts+3/16nits” inside unistruts holding the rack . Only modifications I have to do was enlarge one of the holes to made it sit flat under the unistrut. Great awning works with. Rhino rack.
I installed mine on a rhino rack platform roof rack and works great. Just small mod on awning bracket and done . Please check my video for more info. Thanks
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If the wind comes somethings gotta give. The hinges are the fuse and easily replaceable. If they were stainless steel then you're looking at bent arms. They probably designed it that way on purpose (plus it's cheaper). If I boaght one I guess I'd order a set of hinges with it to keep in the jeep. Good video. I am in the market and seeing yours break was helpful to know.
I'm in the market for one, so doing a lot of research.
After seeing how easily it broke, and others saying they have had the same problem definitely made me decide that this isn't the one for me.
Thanks for your honest review.
Always!
Love the top you were wearing in the initial part of the review.
I had the previous original version - I think they merged or bought it from Oztent. Mine had Rhino Rack Batwing Oztent labels. I had it on a Lexus LX470 with Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform rack and man it was perfect. It was easy to deploy by myself, although the poles were separate so as it deploys, it's temporarily stressing those plastic hinges. After about 3 yrs. I finally had a couple hinges break, but it's designed that way to prevent additional damage. I was at the top of hill overlooking a lake. I didn't even think about the wind coming up off the lake and hitting the awning like a sail. It happened so fast. All of a sudden, two of the poles were snapped and on top of my rig. I ordered some replacement hinges and it was fine. I did not stake it down as that would have prevented it. There was no wind and then WOOOOSH a huge gust came out of nowhere. I like this new design where you can stake down the poles and not have to have guy lines everywhere.
As others have said, I'm also considering the free standing type. I've changed rigs - 2015 Tundra with an ARE camper shell - gotta buy the roof rack first.
That’s awesome. Had a Tundra myself and would have loved to build that out.
Probably worth mentioning that they give you two free hinges with the awning and they're designed to break before something more expensive does (e.g. the mounting bracket or the poles).
Correct!
No they don’t
uhg. rather have the option to buy something stronger however - and then if something else becomes the stress point, it's on me.
1 - Zipper - use some of that zipper lube that comes with the Yeti soft coolers / or some silicone spray
2 - Hinges - it's designed to be a break away point to save the rest of the system. Consider it a "sacrificial" point
to help save further damage. The aluminum would just bend and then you would not be able to get it back into the
bag without full dismantling. The hinges are cheap to purchase replacements. Look at all the Indy cars/Nas Car, heck
all of our own cars that have plastic crumple zones.
3 - full deployment anchor point - Mine did not have this - all I did was wrap the strap around the back right 90 corner to the #4 support pole and pull it tight. That additional anvil looking thing is just an extra "improvement"
Just got the zipper lube in the mail and will give it a go!
Seeing the zipper problems, those chincy plastic hinges, and how easy they broke with a little wind, is all I need to see to steer clear of this awning. Thanks for the full disclosure in your video. I have a Eazi-Awn on my current rig, and it is pretty sturdy. All metal parts and a big, strong zipper. I'm looking around to see if I want a different one on the camper that I currently have on order. I definitely won't be putting the Rhino on it.
Glad it was helpful!
User Error; As you open it pull the legs down in a supporting manner, don’t t leave it dangling in the wind, find your set up height and leave legs at that height when opening and closing, User Error #2 Peg It Down asap, most damages are from failure to peg it down.
8/10 for review.
Not true, but I appreciate you sharing!
Good to see a long term review out there. I have had mine for 3 years now and it has done very well. My only issue has been the hinges. My first trip I had one break, but I had an extra with me and was able to fix on the spot. I have had 2 break since, but I always keep a "repair kit" to fix it when they break. An aluminum replacement would be great! But my next one will be a free standing aluminum one that only requires the poles in higher winds.
Your review was very helpful. I was between this and the EEZI awning, going the other way on the breakage.
Good Video. Pro-tip. Use candle wax on the zippers and then wipe off. What little is left will keep that dirt/mud out of there.
Thanks for the great review. I've been looking into getting an awning for my Suzuki Jimny and I keep going back to the Rhino Batwing. The 'breakage' issue has definitely come up and like people have already pointed out they 'designed it' that way #shrug. You could go with one of the much more solid ones that are even free standing, however in my case weight does matter. It's always going to be some sort of trade off. Cheers!
So true about trade offs. Love the Batwing personally. The hinges are cheap and super easy to fix.
So glad you left the breakage scenes in - that alone is really informative for some one who is thinking to buy one of these. I am curious to know how long you’ve had the awning and how much use it had before that happened? Thanks for a great review
Thanks for watching! I had the awning about three years (roughly 10 multi-day trips) before the hinges snapped.
Thanks for the review. I am really considering it
I have an ARB 2.5m on the driver side and an Tuff Stuff on the back. That way I can deploy one or both. And the 2 of them were cheaper than any of the 270 awnings.
Nice!
Good review. Try some bicycle dry lube on the zipper after cleaning it. Will last a long time and move freely.
Great suggestion!
Quality review and good production. I subscribed and look forward to more. Cheers.
Thanks for being a part of the journey!
Thanks for the view, been considering these for my LX, same kind of setup with a pioneer platform + awning as you have. Good to know about the hinges breaking as the beaches here in West Aus can get a bit windy so proper setup will be important for me to not break anything.
Hope you found it helpful! Thank you for watching!
Yeti gives a zipper lube that comes in a chapstick looking container. I imagine that would help with your problem. Certainly worth a try
That’s awesome!
Great vid and review!!
Thanks for watching
Great videos; timeline; editing… keep going
Thanks for watching!
Great video! Thanks for posting … I’m enjoying your content. Keep it up!
Thanks!
Supposedly they’re meant to break so the frame doesn’t bend and become unusable.
Makes sense! It’s a quick and easy fix. Annoying when it happens, but not the end of the world.
thank you. this changed my mind.
Just bought one of these. It broke on its first use. The hinges are made of brittle plastic and snapped off in a mild breeze and the struts bent extremely easily.
Very unimpressed.
So sorry that happened! Thankfully the parts are pretty cheap and easy to replace. I’m far more cautious when opening now than I was before. Best of luck, and happy adventuring!
That’s what keeps me from buying a batwing awning I have the backbone rack system on my JK and would like to have the batwing awning but it breaks too easy
@4:00 I'd say if you know you're going to get it dirty, just run some masking tape or Gaffer's tape on the zipper to keep it clean. Cheap and effective solution.
Good idea!
Nice video, thanks for sharing
Have you purchased and used the matching mesh floor saver?
I haven’t. I’ve considered buying the sides and floor, but it’s not what I need at this time
Does water come in from the back and sides where it attaches to the rack and hits the back of the rack?
Great question! It really depends. If I get water it’s typically just some drops where it folds out along the back of my vehicle. I don’t experience any significant water, and I’ve had it deployed during major rain storms.
I hate this awning. The first time I set it up it broke one of the rods. I fixed it and have very cautious ever since. Recently at a beach while I was seeing it up with no wind, I pulled it out and leant into my cab to get the sand stakes and the slightest breeze blew the awning over my canopy and broke three plastic rods and scratched my car. I would not buy this again. Go for somthing a bit stronger.
His first point he likes the height? the height is dependent on where he mounts it to and the height of the vehicle. I'm 6' 8" and its too low when mounted on my mini moke? the fact it broke in the first minute of the video? I'm sure you can find something of equal or better quality for a lower price.
You’re right! Height is dependent on where it is mounted. I’m also 6’8, and it has been great for me on vehicles with a lift and without a lift. The telescopic legs allows for adjustments vs static poles. That’s the pro. There are many options out there, and I encourage everyone to get what is best for them. The Batwing awning is great, but isn’t perfect. Nothing is. Thanks for watching!
Short people..... jeez!
Hahahaha. 6'10" here.
Ha! The tall life can be the hard life.
Any other thoughts on the Rhino Rack Pioneer with a roof top tent? Doesn't seem super common but your Smittybilt video didn't mention it so I assume its ok? Also like the neighborhood, pretty sure I'm right down the street.
It's a solid setup. No concerns about weight (static or dynamic) or mounting. I did not want to have to drill holes through the rack slats, so I opted to offset the tent, allowing the support tracks to sit between the slats. This works well for us as it creates space for our water tank and awning. With those added items, the weight is offset pretty evenly.
A quick question what style of roof rack are you using.
TIA
Using the Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform with their Backbone system.
Helpful! THX
You’re welcome!
BIGMAN; I was wondering why you decided to install the awning on the driver's side for me I think I would rather place the awning on the passenger side; my reason is; if ever I park On the side of the road for a bit I can set up not being in the way of traffic but to each his own.
Play safe from Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada
I prefer my tent opening over the passenger side, though that is now moot as I’ve purchased the Roofnest Falcon tent. You are correct though, to each his own.
@@BIGMANOVERLAND Thanks for the reply; funny you should say, I am considering the same tent for my 2022 TOYOTA RAV4 TRAIl. Just having trouble convincing the wife to use a ladder to get into it. Enjoy.
And again play safe from Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada.
The up and down of ladders can be a drag, but gosh I love the flat, comfortable surface. Let her know you are trying to rescue her from the bugs, rodents, reptiles, and other ground animals!
It’s a $700 awning sometimes you pay for what you get
THE ZIPPER IS THE LEAST OF YOUR WORRIES. I HAVE THE EXACT SAME RHINO RACK BATWING AWNING AS IN THE VIDEO. IF THERE IS EVEN A SLIGHT GUST OF WIND, IT WILL BREAK AT THE HINGES. IT WAS A PAIN TO WORK WITH. I HAD IT ATTACHED TO THE DRIVER SIDE OF MY JEEP AND WENT TO THE BEACH ON A NOT SO WINDY DAY AND GUESS WHAT? THREE HINGES IMMEDIATELY BROKE. LUCKLY I HAD SPARE ONES. BUT TO NO AVAIL, I COULDN'T GET IT SET UP BECAUSE IF IT BLEW A FEW INCHES UP OR DOWN, THE HINGES WOULD BREAK. IT WAS A PAIN IN THE ASS. IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE ME, LOOK AT THE RHINO RACK DEMONSTRATION...YOU KNOW WHERE THEY DEMO THIS AWNING? INSIDE THEIR SHOP GARAGE WHERE THERE ISN'T ANY WIND. LOOK AT THIS VIDEO...HIS BROKE WHEN THERE WAS A SLIGHT GUST...AND WHEN HE SET IT UP THERE WAS NO WIND AT ALL! NO WIND AT ALL! TRUST ME. IT'S A NICE AWNING, BUT THEY NEED TO RE-ENGINEER THE HINGES/BRACKETS. MAYBE CREATE A LONG FLEXIBLE/DURABLE TUBE LIKE RUBBERIZED BRACKET. RHINO MAKES GREAT PRODUCTS, BUT THIS NEEDS TO BE REWORKED.
Is it waterproof in the rain?
Yes. I just used it the past three days, two of which had torrential downpours and me and three others stayed nice and dry.
how convenient that they have replacement parts because they know the cheap plastic is going to break after you made the initial investment now they can charge you extra for parts that they should have just made right the first time. No thanks, i'll pass and go with the all aluminum model from OVS
The hinges are designed to break before anything more serious bends in a strong gust of wind.
Correct!
Their awning case is not keep it dry I owned one it rains it gets wet in the case
I haven’t experienced any water getting inside, though not all experiences are the same for sure.
Plastic gets brittle in colder weather
bundatec is the best awning buy a mile
If it breaks this easily sorry,, It's a hard pass for me
Rubbish product faded within first month paid top dollar for second rate product . Stitching also started coming undone . Got a refund purchased oztent awning.
Man, that’s lame! Sorry that was your experience. Thankful I haven’t run into that...yet! Glad you found a good option to replace it with!
how all products work in the rain. no video to prove it.
Never would I buy that awning again because how easy it breaks at pivoting joint. And you can't and shouldn't put it out on a light windy day by yourself, it worthless in my book if you can't put it out when your alone.
Jajajaj😂😂😂😂😂😂
No thebushcompany
DEDICATION. Fixed it and kept on with the video goddamn
🤘🏻
it's price point is low and the quality is cheap I'm very disappointed in rhino rack
😂😂😂😂😂
fuck, it broke!!!!!!
🤷🏻♂️😂
It didn’t brake,you broke it.
Strong wind, try to open it without dropping the legs..C’mon seriously..
It’s not a free standing.
Thanks for the feedback! The Batwing Awning is meant to open fully before having to deploy the legs. Also, there was no wind at the time of the deploy, so that point is moot. You win some, you lose some.
@@BIGMANOVERLAND I have had the previous generation foxwing for 6 years, lost two of the 'fuse' knuckle joints in a strong gust of wind, easy to replace. Now after 6 years in the Aussie sun the plastic on the knuckles are getting weak. Easy fix, but am upgrading to the Batwing because I want the integrated leg style of the 2nd generation batwing. I have the side extensions and tagalong tent that fits to the foxwing and batwing so some investment there. But its light has been very reliable in some extreme conditions, absolutely buying again
I’m a HUGE fan of the Batwing (and pretty much all things Rhino Rack). I love all the accessories for the awning - definitely a solid purchase. Happy trails friend!
You might wanna check overlandpros 4K 270 awning
Thanks for the suggestion! It looks great. Free standing aluminum is such a great way to go. Does it work with the Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform? The mounting bracket is quite long, but I assume it would.
@@BIGMANOVERLAND yes and no. just saw this question while checking your video I made a video about it and I happened to have rhino rack platform. I used the beefy brackets and I use “spring nuts+3/16nits” inside unistruts holding the rack . Only modifications I have to do was enlarge one of the holes to made it sit flat under the unistrut. Great awning works with. Rhino rack.
I installed mine on a rhino rack platform roof rack and works great. Just small mod on awning bracket and done . Please check my video for more info. Thanks