Rhino-Rack Batwing 270 Freestanding Awning: Shade for the Journey
For experienced overlanders, the campsite is rarely just a place to sleep.
It becomes the place where you cook after a long day on the trail, sit with friends as the sun goes down, shelter from an unexpected shower, or simply take a few hours to slow down and enjoy where you've arrived.
That's where a good awning becomes more than an accessory.
The Rhino-Rack Batwing 270 Freestanding Awning is designed to create a substantial outdoor living area around the vehicle, providing 12.3 m² of coverage while allowing you to set up camp without relying on a forest of support poles.
270 Degrees of Coverage
The Batwing 270 is designed to wrap around the side and rear of your vehicle, creating an expansive sheltered area where you can cook, relax, organise equipment or simply escape the African sun.
When deployed, the awning extends to more than 5.9 metres, reaching up to approximately 2 metres from the edge of the vehicle. The result is an impressive 12.3 m² of usable coverage.
For an overlander travelling with family or friends, that additional space can make a significant difference.
Instead of everyone retreating into the vehicle when the weather turns, the Batwing creates a comfortable outdoor environment around the vehicle.
Freestanding Means Less Fuss
The real attraction of the Freestanding Batwing is the ability to create your sheltered area without having to install support poles throughout the entire perimeter.
That makes setting up camp considerably more practical when you're stopping for lunch, spending the afternoon at a scenic viewpoint or establishing camp after a long day on the road.
Optional poles, pegs and guy ropes are included, allowing you to secure the awning when conditions require additional support.
As with any large awning, sensible judgement is important in strong winds and severe weather. Freestanding doesn't mean windproof, and securing the awning appropriately remains part of responsible campsite setup.
Built for the Outdoors
The Batwing 270 uses 280gsm rip-stop polycotton canvas, combining durability with protection from the elements.
The fabric has a 2000mm waterhead rating and UV50+ protection, helping provide shelter from both rain and harsh sunlight.
For Southern African touring, where a single trip can take you from intense summer heat to sudden afternoon storms, having dependable shelter can make the difference between packing up and carrying on enjoying the campsite.
Designed Around the Vehicle
The Batwing 270 is available in left- and right-hand mounting configurations, allowing the awning to be positioned to suit the vehicle and your preferred camp setup.
The current range is compatible with a variety of Rhino-Rack systems, including:
- Pioneer Platform
- Pioneer Tradie
- Pioneer Elevation
- Vortex
- Sportz
- Reconn-Deck
The correct mounting configuration and hardware should always be confirmed for your specific vehicle and roof-rack system.
Compact When Packed Away
Despite the amount of shelter it provides, the Batwing 270 packs down into a relatively compact package.
The packed awning is approximately 2.2 metres long, with dimensions of around 2380 × 260 × 260 mm depending on the specified model and configuration.
A dedicated weatherproof storage bag protects the awning when it is stowed, helping keep the system ready for the next adventure.
An Awning That Becomes Part of Your Camp
The best overlanding equipment is equipment that earns its place on the vehicle.
A 270-degree awning can change the way you use your campsite.
Your vehicle effectively becomes the centre of your outdoor living area:
Vehicle → Shade → Kitchen → Seating → Campsite
Whether you're preparing breakfast before an early departure, enjoying lunch beside a remote track or settling in for an evening around camp, the Batwing creates a defined space between the vehicle and the environment around it.
And that's one of the great pleasures of overlanding.
You don't simply arrive somewhere.
You live there for a while.
Ready for the Long Road
The Rhino-Rack Batwing 270 Freestanding Awning is designed for travellers who want more from their vehicle setup than simple shade.
With its large 270-degree coverage, durable rip-stop polycotton canvas, UV50+ protection, 2000mm waterhead rating and freestanding design, it provides a versatile outdoor shelter solution for serious touring and overlanding.
Because once you've travelled far enough, you realise that the journey isn't only about getting to the destination.
It's about what happens when you get there.
Find your shade. Set up camp. Open the Batwing. And enjoy the adventure.
Specifications at a Glance
- Coverage: 12.3 m²
- Fabric: 280gsm Rip-Stop Polycotton Canvas
- Water Resistance: 2000mm waterhead
- UV Protection: UV50+
- Packed Length: Approx. 2.2m
- Deployed Length: Over 5.9m
- Maximum Extension: Approx. 2m from vehicle
- Mounting: Left or Right
- Colour: Khaki
- Weight: Approx. 32kg
- Warranty: 1 year
Specifications are based on Rhino-Rack's current published information and may vary by market or configuration. Always confirm compatibility, vehicle roof-load limits and fitting requirements before installation.
Rhino-Rack SA
Robertville, Randburg, South Africa
For vehicle-specific fitment advice, speak to Rhino-Rack SA about the appropriate Batwing 270 configuration and mounting solution.