GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #26 | Page 43

RV FEATURE The Batwing Compact provides 6.4 square metres of coverage. BATWING COMPACT The other piece of essential kit: an awning. Previously, I used a side awning and, like the roof rack it was attached to, it did the job. But in rain, I’d inevitably get wet when I needed to get something from the cargo area. I like that the awning legs don’t need to be fully retracted to pack the awning away. I’ve set them to my preferred height so that each time I open the awning, the awning is at the correct height – no adjustment is necessary. I went with the Rhino-Rack’s new(ish) Batwing Compact for two reasons: 1) it’s designed to easily fit all Rhino-Rack Pioneer systems, and 2) it wraps 270 degrees around the side and rear of the vehicle to give 6.4 square metres of coverage. The mounting brackets are designed to allow installation at different heights. The Batwing Compact is available in passenger and driver-side configurations, and when stowed inside the 580gsm PVC bag, the legs are secured at one end by rare earth magnets. Like its big brother, the Batwing, the Batwing Compact is made from a heavy-duty water and mould-resistant material that has been tested and rated to UPF 50+. It comes with pegs and guy ropes – Rhino-Rack has cleverly stitched a pouch for these things inside the awning’s main bag. I’ve so far used the awning three times with no complaints. It is easy to setup and pack away – I’m looking forward to testing it further. MORE INFO www.rhinorack.com.au / 43