ARB Batwing Awning

[HarryO]

Looking at fitting an ARB Batwing awning to the next D4 - anyone have good / bad experiences with this or other brands?

Cheers.

[W&KO]

Is there an ARB branded bag wing??

I assume you’re looking at a 270 awning??

I’ve had

- standard type straight off the side (home made)

- supapeg peg 270, which was one of the earlier one to hit the market. It required piles and pegs and was pretty much a two person job to establish in a timely matter.

- I now have a alu-cab 270 self supporting (probably most expensive on the market), the best I’ve owned to date, it so easy, so quick and only takes one person less than a minute. This means we open it up very regularly due to the ease. If I had my time over I’d have looked closer at the ostrich. We have only had to use the one pole and rope 2 maybe 3 time over the hundreds of time we’ve used it.

An example, we were on Fraser, is along with say 10 other cars watching the Taylor fisherman. Every car but one had some sort of awning, mostly Kings. It started to rain everybody hopped in their car ls or tried to huddle next to their car........30 sec our was out and we were sitting in comfort enjoying the fishing show. Two punter come over and were amazed at the ease of setting up.

The only issue for us is water pooling overnight or when we are away from the car, the Alu-Cab has a leg that pops up to provide a slope on the roof...doesn’t stop the water pooling, I’m about to make up two more legs to stop the pooling.

I’d recommend shelling out a few more dollars on a self supporting.

[W&KO]

I notice you are in Brisbane, you’re more than welcome to check out mine. I’m at bracken Ridge but currently way on the south side ‘Warner’ watching cricket.

I dropped in with a mate to check out the 30sec awning at brendale, for the dollars I’m not sure it’s the best value for money based on looking at the material.

[DiscoMick]

Just make sure you peg and rope it down in wind. I saw one blown right over the roof of a Prado and broken.

[scarry]

Just make sure you peg and rope it down in wind. I saw one blown right over the roof of a Prado and broken.

Good point.

Yes,been there,done that..[bigsad][bigsad][biggrin]

Happen Punsand Bay,Cape York,a great camping spot.We did some temporary repairs and were able to use it for the rest of the trip.

We have had the Foxwing for many years,has been great,but we did learn the hard way with the wind.Luckily all the parts were available for it and it was relatively easy to repair.In remote areas,we often sleep under it.

There are now many other brands on the market,good luck with your choice.

[Redback]

If you're in Brisbane, go check out the SupaPeg batwing awning at 14 Binary St Yatala, I swear by my SupaPeg Rapid wing awning.

[SeanC]

I have a 270 degree Howling Moon awning. Quick to set up. Self supporting but I usually put the legs down and a couple of sand screw pegs in case of a wind gust. Two person job when windy but solid once set up. Good quality.

[Briar]

Have just gone through process in deciding which 270 degree awning. Read every review and watched countless videos. Decided on the Drifta 270 (without valance).

Why? Only 15-16 kg. Packs up small on rack. Integrated legs in awning arms. Good quality material. Australian made.

YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbyH-j4amrk)

[W&KO]

Have just gone through process in deciding which 270 degree awning. Read every review and watched countless videos. Decided on the Drifta 270 (without valance).

Why? Only 15-16 kg. Packs up small on rack. Integrated legs in awning arms. Good quality material. Australian made.

YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbyH-j4amrk)

Drifta do make nice gear...and I tend to lean towards Aussie made when I can.

I think Drifta started off using supa peg awnings...could be wrong.

I’m an surprised they don’t offer a self supporting awning.....they’re just three years too late for us.

[Briar]

Drifta do make nice gear...and I tend to lean towards Aussie made when I can.

I think Drifta started off using supa peg awnings...could be wrong.

I’m an surprised they don’t offer a self supporting awning.....they’re just three years too late for us.

They discussed about self-supporting awnings in one of their videos. Their comment was that all the self-supporting ones have to use huge hinging on the rear corner and that is a lot of pivoting force on the roof rack at a single point.

The Drifta awning uses a horizontal knuckle arrangement that is quite compact. In addition, Drifta make up special brackets for their awning for the Rhino Pioneer Platform that extends across two of the platform rails to spread the weight of the awning.

Getting the awning next month along with Drifta drawers and integrated water tank. I really like how Drifta integrate a water tank into their drawer system.

[W&KO]

They discussed about self-supporting awnings in one of their videos. Their comment was that all the self-supporting ones have to use huge hinging on the rear corner and that is a lot of pivoting force on the roof rack at a single point.

The Drifta awning uses a horizontal knuckle arrangement that is quite compact. In addition, Drifta make up special brackets for their awning for the Rhino Pioneer Platform that extends across two of the platform rails to spread the weight of the awning.

Getting the awning next month along with Drifta drawers and integrated water tank. I really like how Drifta integrate a water tank into their drawer system.

We have been using our Alu-cab for nearly three years, and set up nearly every night we camp as it so easy. We are getting close to our two year trip on the road, poles and ropes are something I only wanted to worry about in bad weather. We’ve left ours un-supported in a couple of big storms, and managed to sleep soundly. I am considering upgrading to an ostrich before we leave.

Agree the hinge takes all the load.....but I haven’t seen one fitted to a roof rack so cannot comment on the effect, design a good bracket and you should be right. I wonder if Drifta have actually tried one.... Ours is mounted to the direct to the defender and I haven’t seen any impact with the offset bracket that mine is fitted too, once tensioned a lot of the weight is transferred tot ie tensioning strap.

The swing down poles on the Drifta and others assist with setting up supported awnings, my supa peg had separate poles which added time to set up, and quite often you’d leave the hinge system to support the awning while dealing with poles.

Considering I crossed the simpson with a total roof load of 220kg including the home made roof rack I reckon it would have easily handle the extra load of a self supporting awning....roof rack and defer are long gone, have learnt a bit since those days.

I had Drifta kitchen in the HCPU camper I built. I swapped the orientation of the two draws, Drifta couldn’t really get it when I suggested they should highlight the benefit in there video. Worked well, and they have come a long way since I brought mine eight years ago, I had to integrate my own fridge into the system, than they start offering . I considered Drifta to fitout out my defer, but distance is an issue.

Back to awnings, I see I’m way out of touch with pricing.....self supporting

Alu-cab @ $2100, glad I only paid $1200 three years ago

Ostrich @ $1500 represent good value

Darche start at 1100, I had a close look the other weekend at a 4WD show, not convinced it at the same standard as the above...and that had piles down with ropes on the display, I asked if they could remove the poles so I could see how self supporting it was, they said they couldn’t.

30sec is just under $1000.....I told my mate the ostrich would be a better choice for the long term.....but he’ll probably go 30sec

Lots of options out there, all comes down to budget and effort required.

[W&KO]

Good point.

Yes,been there,done that..[bigsad][bigsad][biggrin]

Happen Punsand Bay,Cape York,a great camping spot.We did some temporary repairs and were able to use it for the rest of the trip.

We have had the Foxwing for many years,has been great,but we did learn the hard way with the wind.Luckily all the parts were available for it and it was relatively easy to repair.In remote areas,we often sleep under it.

There are now many other brands on the market,good luck with your choice.

Our supa peg awning launch twice.....at least I was carrying spare hinges for the second event.

[scarry]

Our supa peg awning launch twice.....at least I was carrying spare hinges for the second event.

We have nearly done it again,but haven't yet succeeded[bigsad][biggrin]

Weight is an issue as well,the self supporting ones are quite a bit heavier than the others.

Ours weighs around 19KG,plus the RTT,at 70KG with bedding,then the two roof rails,so on the limit or over for the D4.

[LRD414]

Pretty sure the Drifta awning is a re-badged SupaPeg product. At least that’s what Drifta used to do. I have a straight-out SupaPeg awning and it’s excellent quality. The legs being integrated makes setup & pack up really quick.

Something to keep in mind with 270 awnings is height with tailgate raised, especially if you have a ladder.

Regards,
Scott

[DieselLSE]

Something to keep in mind with 270 awnings is height with tailgate raised, especially if you have a ladder.
I was wondering about that, Scott. Is it a problem? Does the ladder interfere too much?

[Redback]

The Drifta awning is made by SupaPeg in QLD.

[LRD414]

I was wondering about that, Scott. Is it a problem? Does the ladder interfere too much?

Yes a fair bit, depending on which awning and ladder combination but I think all combos need to be looked at.

Scott

[SeanC]

I have a Front Runner ladder. With the awning fully extended the tailgate doesn't open fully as it hits one of the arms.
I put some pinchweld (below) on that section of the arm to stop scratching the ladder.

The only time it is a problem is opening the fridge door without the tailgate fully up.
I adjust the awning to allow the ladder to fit between the arms.
This leaves some slack in the awning.
I pull the awning back towards the vehicle and stretch a long bungee cord between the first pole and the roof rack to take up the slack.

[mark2]

I am leaning towards the 30 second 270 awning. The frame trusses and corner bracket appear very strong and (from the comparison videos I've watched) setup and pack down is very easy by one person. Built in poles also. Another thing I like about it is the range of zip on side panel options and even a dome tent attachment.
The price is about mid-range - appx 1k.

[W&KO]

I am leaning towards the 30 second 270 awning. The frame trusses and corner bracket appear very strong and (from the comparison videos I've watched) setup and pack down is very easy by one person. Built in poles also. Another thing I like about it is the range of zip on side panel options and even a dome tent attachment.
The price is about mid-range - appx 1k.

I have to decide very soon if I’m upgrading, my mate is about to pull the trigger on a 30sec awning.

He said he’d buy my Alu-Cab awning

[Eric SDV6SE]

Just had a look at both the Drifta 270, the Rhino batwing and the 30 second awning.

In order of preference:
30sec
Rhino batwing
Drifta

The 30 sec is heaviest, but looks so easy to set up and strong in the wind. I also like the centre pillar to push up and allow water to drain off. Cheaper than the drifta too by 200 bucks or more.

Rhino second because i have a rhino platform, but the knuckle looks flimsy and reviews indicate the same. Canvas looks ok though and self supporting also ok. Also cheaper than the Drifta.

Drifta a close third, a bit more expensive, appears a bit awkward to set up, but the tailgate flap is neat and knuckle appears a bit better. But at around 1200 bucks, a bit too steep.

Ive currently got a straight 2.5x3.0 unit that is a PITA to set up, needs 2 people to set up, even with integral poles.

Just my thoughts.

[Briar]

Just had a look at both the Drifta 270, the Rhino batwing and the 30 second awning.

In order of preference:
30sec
Rhino batwing
Drifta

The 30 sec is heaviest, but looks so easy to set up and strong in the wind. I also like the centre pillar to push up and allow water to drain off. Cheaper than the drifta too by 200 bucks or more.

Rhino second because i have a rhino platform, but the knuckle looks flimsy and reviews indicate the same. Canvas looks ok though and self supporting also ok. Also cheaper than the Drifta.

Drifta a close third, a bit more expensive, appears a bit awkward to set up, but the tailgate flap is neat and knuckle appears a bit better. But at around 1200 bucks, a bit too steep.

Ive currently got a straight 2.5x3.0 unit that is a PITA to set up, needs 2 people to set up, even with integral poles.

Just my thoughts.

I decided on Drifta mainly due to the weight. Every kilo less I carry is useful for something else. I also liked Drifta's brackets for their awning. It is designed for the Rhino platfoom and goes across 2 slat supports to make it more secure. I went for the awning without the valance as I'm never going to add walls to the awning, so that made it lighter and smaller when rolled up.

As you state, there not much between them all, but for me it was weight mostly, but ease of setup was also important.

[Homestar]

Been looking for one for the 101. Weight isn’t an issue thankfully so i’ll be going the 30 second unit. Will post some pics when i’ve got it installed.

[HarryO]

I finally decided to get the Rhino Batwing - looked at the 30sec and was not too happy with the support poles joints at the poletops.

Like the joint on the Rhino Batwing and also way it folds up as part of the frame to fold away - everything just felt a bit sturdier to me.

Get the new (used) Landy next week - can’t wait but this time round I’ve had every anti theft gizmo fitted and then some. Stolen one not found yet..

.

[Tombie]

I really like the Batwing set ups.

Ironically, I purchased an awning about 3 years ago and fitted it up to the rack. Haven't set it up even once. [bigrolf]

[DiscoJeffster]

I really like the Batwing set ups.

Ironically, I purchased an awning about 3 years ago and fitted it up to the rack. Haven't set it up even once. [bigrolf]

We use our standard awning a lot on beach trips with the kids. Annoying in WA though as it’s always so windy and they just don’t do well in the wind. I’d be keen to know if these batwing free standing ones (with the poles down) are more stable.

[W&KO]

We use our standard awning a lot on beach trips with the kids. Annoying in WA though as it’s always so windy and they just don’t do well in the wind. I’d be keen to know if these batwing free standing ones (with the poles down) are more stable.

Our self supporting has handle very windy conditions...and the ease of setup l, one person we set it up at the drop of a hat.

Our only has one pole but three ropes, have only needed to use the pole 2 or 3 times, each time only used the rope on the post arm.

Get comments all the time about how sturdy in the wind.

Like my example above on Fraser Island. On Fraser nearly every car has one fitted but rarely did I see them being used.

[Landy Smurf]

I have the Rhino-Rack Batwing Awning. I will try and do a video review on it tomorrow.

[Larry]

I have a Bunduawn by Bundutec.

YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQe8L7dIg3k)

Huge covered area, one person set up & pack up, doesn't pool water as the car side is always higher than the edges - gives more head room too. Did I mention the huge covered area???? [bigwhistle][thumbsupbig][bigsmile1]

[W&KO]

I have a Bunduawn by Bundutec.

YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQe8L7dIg3k)

Huge covered area, one person set up & pack up, doesn't pool water as the car side is always higher than the edges - gives more head room too. Did I mention the huge covered area???? [bigwhistle][thumbsupbig][bigsmile1]

Nicely priced to

Are the poles part of the awning or separate ??

Bundu Awn – Bundutec (https://bundutec.com.au/awnings/bundu-awn/)

[Larry]

Nicely priced to

Are the poles part of the awning or separate ??

Bundu Awn – Bundutec (https://bundutec.com.au/awnings/bundu-awn/)

You can use normal tent poles if necessary, but I've never had to. It comes with built in guy ropes if it does get too windy, but again, I haven't had to use them either. I call it my awning of awesomeness! [bigrolf]

[Landy Smurf]

That does look like a great awning. I like how it doesnt just all pivot from the one end. I think it is reasonably priced for what you get.

[Homestar]

Can someone that has the 30 second awning advise how many mounting points it needs? Is it like most awnings that runs a solid extrusion from one end to the other so mounting can be anywhere? I'm limited on the 101 to where I can mount it although the points I can use can take 100KG if needed, so no issues there, but it would need to be mounted close to each end. Not a drama on my last awning, but the 30 second awning is quite a bit heavier.

TIA.

[W&KO]

Two, from when I looked at one with a late the other week....this was at the distributer @ Brendale.

They always have one on display connect to a dual cab.

I live pretty close and can do a drive by if you like.

[Homestar]

Thanks mate - thought that might be the case, just wanted to check before I drop some coin one. [emoji106]

[Saitch]

Available from the factory in Brendale. I've been and had a squiz and it will be at the pointy end of my preferences when I'm cashed up for an awning.

CleverShade(R) - 270deg 4WD Vehicle Shade - Australian Made (https://www.clevershade.com/clevershade-270-4m-vehicle-shade/)

[W&KO]

Available from the factory in Brendale. I've been and had a squiz and it will be at the pointy end of my preferences when I'm cashed up for an awning.

CleverShade(R) - 270deg 4WD Vehicle Shade - Australian Made (https://www.clevershade.com/clevershade-270-4m-vehicle-shade/)

I like the d-shackle for the rope in one of the pics.

If you go down this road, throw a couple of guy ropes and sand pegs....for those really windy days.

[W&KO]

Thanks mate - thought that might be the case, just wanted to check before I drop some coin one. [emoji106]

Just look at one, mounting points are only 1m apart.

You will have the flexibility to attach anywhere

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200303/e5fa6987521c12197bf797ac6677774e.jpg

[Saitch]

I like the d-shackle for the rope in one of the pics.

If you go down this road, throw a couple of guy ropes and sand pegs....for those really windy days.

Also, because I use both the D3 and Tojo 'tilly for camping, it's a simple way of putting the awning on the vehicle I'm going to be using. It could even have a 3rd location out the back of the house, when not on a vehicle.

[W&KO]

Also, because I use both the D3 and Tojo 'tilly for camping, it's a simple way of putting the awning on the vehicle I'm going to be using. It could even have a 3rd location out the back of the house, when not on a vehicle.

I used to swap supa peg awning between the defer and hi-lux, the alu-cab permanently on the defer

[Landy Smurf]

Sorry for being a bit late with the video. It is quite lengthy so you can skip throughout it to any parts of value.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3gTxsPsIjo

[W&KO]

Sorry for being a bit late with the video. It is quite lengthy so you can skip throughout it to any parts of value.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3gTxsPsIjo

Thanks......very helpful for those going the supported version.

[Stuart02]

Camping as a kid in the 80s my old man slotted telescopic tent poles in the rear roof bar on the Transit, hooked the tarp of choice over the eyelets and extended the poles out to tension. Two uprights and guys off the other end.
Ok it took two minutes not 30 secs, but you could use any tarp and $20 of poles from Aussie disposals. *shrug*

[Tombie]

Camping as a kid in the 80s my old man slotted telescopic tent poles in the rear roof bar on the Transit, hooked the tarp of choice over the eyelets and extended the poles out to tension. Two uprights and guys off the other end.
Ok it took two minutes not 30 secs, but you could use any tarp and $20 of poles from Aussie disposals. *shrug*

Had similar on my Defender when new. Worked a treat.

[scarry]

Camping as a kid in the 80s my old man slotted telescopic tent poles in the rear roof bar on the Transit, hooked the tarp of choice over the eyelets and extended the poles out to tension. Two uprights and guys off the other end.
Ok it took two minutes not 30 secs, but you could use any tarp and $20 of poles from Aussie disposals. *shrug*

We had similar set up on D2,it was fine.

We would also have another tarp tied to top of bull bar,and angled down and pegged into the ground.
This was the sleeping quarters,for two.

[W&KO]

Yeah I started with a piece of tarp and sail track........

Distant memory.....just as everything has evolved so has awnings.

[HarryO]

Had decided on the Rhino Rack Bat Wing but then read a review about the Darche 270 - I liked the way the awning extends past the open front door and the shade coverage is good. I was about to buy one but not too sure now..

Read one year old post on AULRO that had a problem with the Darche pouch leaking when stowed.

Has anyone else experienced this?

[loanrangie]

Does anyone make a 180 awning , the rear part is superfluous for s D3/4.

[Odysseyman]

Does anyone make a 180 awning , the rear part is superfluous for s D3/4.

why??

I think our 270 Rhino is brilliant - note the open tailgate.

160498

cheers

David

[Turtle60]

Had decided on the Rhino Rack Bat Wing but then read a review about the Darche 270 - I liked the way the awning extends past the open front door and the shade coverage is good. I was about to buy one but not too sure now..

Read one year old post on AULRO that had a problem with the Darche pouch leaking when stowed.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Had the Darche 270 eclipse on our camper and was very good and self suppoting. Had fold down poles if things got windy. Dry as a bone when zipped up. You can get a full wall kit as well. The way it folds up it’s not too long on the car either.

that’s my pick at about a grand. Will be buying one again soon.

they do a 180 one as well.

[ATH]

I had a nice canvas about 3 mtrs square made up 20 or so years ago for an awning. Length of square bar which attaches to the vehicle roped to one side (been on 5 or 6 different ones so far), round bar at the other which it rolls up on. It's got eyelets down both sides and when out I put poles in about 1.5 - 2 metres out and the end hangs down and tied to give some weather protection. Guy ropes used on each pole of course to keep it out.
Can also be attached to trees if they're handy. I never leave it on the vehicle when not in use and it's a 5 minute job to put 2 bolts in to keep it locked solid onto the Rhino roof rack attachments.
Had it first on our Disco 1 and got quite a few comments when we parked up with the kids on beaches. Since then awnings have appeared everywhere on so many vehicles and I wonder how many actually get used.
Ours is not fancy but is effective.
AlanH.

[loanrangie]

270 is pretty pointless and the 180's are tapered at the ends so hardly more coverage than a standard side awning.
A 180 that reached from nose to open tailgate would be a winner.

[ATH]

Mines not quite that long but provides good cover for the Cook to do what cooks do. The poles can be put right out for about 3 x 3 mtr cover or as is usual with us, put out about 2 mtrs. from the vehicle side and that's quite enough.
Much better than some of the pocket hankie sized ones we see on many vehicles.
AlanH.

[Odysseyman]

270 is pretty pointless and the 180's are tapered at the ends so hardly more coverage than a standard side awning.
A 180 that reached from nose to open tailgate would be a winner.

When your trying to cook on the rear tailgate and it’s windy, pouring with rain or hot sun it’s not pointless
cheers

[ChookD2]

270 is pretty pointless and the 180's are tapered at the ends so hardly more coverage than a standard side awning.
A 180 that reached from nose to open tailgate would be a winner.

Isn't that a 270??? [bigwhistle][wink11]

[Lukeis]

I drive on beaches quite a bit with a missus and kid so I’ve often toyed with the idea of upgrading from the standard kings style awning to the 270, main reason being speed And ease of set up but this is only a benefit if it is self supporting - crazy as it sounds the simple act of having to fiddle with poles is enough to sometimes not bother.

haven’t made the jump for two reasons:

1 it’s not overall a large addition of Usable shade, Having to stand in the sun to get a beer from the boot Occasionally isn’t a big deal

2 more often than not when I’m using the kings awning I have to drop the front down low to make sure there is ample shade as the sun moves - this is not possible with self supporting ones, and would often leave the shade less than adequate

[Loading...]

I have a Rhino Batwing on my daily driver/camping ute, a 2018 Hilux Rogue. I went with this over the Drifta awning for 1. price ($650 compared to ~$1500), and 2. it connects to my Oztent as well as other zip on/off accessories.

I know a few people with the Drifta one and while it is great, the only real difference is the quality of canvas used. The Rhino uses the same canvas material as the Oztent, so pretty good. The Drifta uses better stuff, but can't justify the $850 price difference. They both use similar swivel knuckles, which I did break one on Fraser Island, but a 2 min job to replace is easy.