Thread: Mounting Awning on roof crossbars

Hi Ean,

I am no expert but I recently went through this process and my set up seems to be working ok. I did replace my original cross bars to do it though.

I have the 'oval' cross section Rhino bars. I went for a longer than standard, 1500mm, I think standard is 1375mm, to allow me to hang the awning under the bar - I did not want to make the car any taller. I also wanted a wider load area on top of the bars = to carry roof pod as well as surfboards. That was the other reason to change the cross bars from the OEM.

The oval section rack has a groove/cutout on the top and bottom and the bracket for the awning secures to a plate in the groove. All the instructions only tell you to do it in the top groove but my ARB dealer said the bottom groove was okay (despite my doubts). - the size of the plate is determined by which groove you want it in.

Since I have put it on, it has travelled a few thousand highway k's and a few hundred on rough tracks around Moreton Island without incident.

I will try to get a photo on to upload of the set up.

I am sure there are other ways to do it, but hope this helps.

Pat

Hi Ean,
I have 3 aero (oval) Rhino crossbars and a few months ago installed an awning. I bought another pair of mounting brackets and used one on each crossbar. It seems very sturdy. I will get a photo of it if you want.
Cheers,
Rob

Hi Ean, my RRS has the oval roof bars and I have fitted an 'Ezy-Awn' no problems with the mounting bracket that comes with the kit. My bars are the Rhino Aero ones. I just used T bolts that slide into the channel on the top of the bars. You just trim back the rubber strip for the length of the mounting bracket so it bolts down solidly to the actual bar. I have also incorporated shovel holders using the second T bolt. You have to detach the roof bar from the legs to access the channel if you have the bars, like mine, that dont sit on top of the mounting legs, if you know what I mean!! Couple of pics below - I can get one of the actual mounting if you like.

Originally Posted by jonesy63

Hi Ean,
I have 3 aero (oval) Rhino crossbars and a few months ago installed an awning. I bought another pair of mounting brackets and used one on each crossbar. It seems very sturdy. I will get a photo of it if you want.
Cheers,
Rob

Gday Rob,


If its not to much trouble a couple of pics would be great.


Cheers Ean

I always get the HD bars,no problems attaching many things

Thanks all,


So are people finding that 2 crossbars on the raised part of the roof is sufficient for mounting and keeping the awning stable.... or should I look at 3 bars.


I am not sure of the awning size but its close to the length of the roof.


Cheers Ean

Ean,
My Rhinorack Sunseeker awning is 2.5mtrs long and is held in place on 2 aero (oval) cross bars. Has been on the D3 for nearly 3 years with no problems at all. I hope this helps.

Cheers,
Glenn.

Originally Posted by PKD4

Hi Ean,

I am no expert but I recently went through this process and my set up seems to be working ok. I did replace my original cross bars to do it though.

I have the 'oval' cross section Rhino bars. I went for a longer than standard, 1500mm, I think standard is 1375mm, to allow me to hang the awning under the bar - I did not want to make the car any taller. I also wanted a wider load area on top of the bars = to carry roof pod as well as surfboards. That was the other reason to change the cross bars from the OEM.

The oval section rack has a groove/cutout on the top and bottom and the bracket for the awning secures to a plate in the groove. All the instructions only tell you to do it in the top groove but my ARB dealer said the bottom groove was okay (despite my doubts). - the size of the plate is determined by which groove you want it in.

Since I have put it on, it has travelled a few thousand highway k's and a few hundred on rough tracks around Moreton Island without incident.

I will try to get a photo on to upload of the set up.

I am sure there are other ways to do it, but hope this helps.

Pat

Hi Pat, a couple of photos would be fantastic. I'm particularly interested in the overall total height with the bars and awning fitted, and the part numbers of the Rhino stuff you used?

Thanks