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Six benefits of awnings

18 Jul 2022

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Cooling shade, sun protection, wet weather cover, and epic amounts of space for activities – awnings are practically mandatory for outdoor adventures. Forget worrying about missing the last shady spot at your campsite or baking in the hot sun while you’re relaxing on the beach. Grab a Rhino-Rack Awning and enjoy home comforts in the great outdoors.

We offer three collections of awnings – the Batwing, Sunseeker and DOME 1300. These styles are packed with style and functionality and allow you to use all of your favourite awning accessories. Side walls, extension pieces and mesh flooring are all compatible, allowing you to maximise and customise your awning. Think picnics with friends, camping with your family, watching sports games, and lazy days relaxing on the beach - the opportunities are endless.

Still not convinced? Here are six ways you can use an awning on your next adventure.

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1. Shade and sun protection

Awnings offer an escape from the hot sun. Our awnings are made from a tough-as-nails canvas, which doesn’t just protect the awning itself, but your skin too. The Batwing range has been tested and rated as UPF 50+ and the Sunseeker range and Dome 1300 as UV50+, offering maximum sun protection while you relax outdoors. Our awnings offer plenty of shade, from the Compact Batwing’s 270 degrees of shade to 5.15-sqm (55.38-sq ft) with the 2.5-meter Sunseeker – and that’s before any extensions are added.

Australian-based Ocean Photographer, Sean Scott said, “The Rhino-Rack Batwing Awning is unreal. I use it a lot on family trips to stay out of the sun.”

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2. Hassle-free extra space

Whether you place a table and chairs under your awning for lounging, store your luggage and camping gear, or just want a sheltered, outdoor sleeping area, an awning creates more undercover space for you and your crew to relax in comfort. If you’re seeking extra height, our Dome 1300 awning stands over 2-meters (6.5-feet) tall while still covering a large space.

Although you’re bringing more gear away with you to provide this space, its easy-to-use design allows for a quick setup and pack down, giving you more time on the road exploring. All of our awning models are compatible with the Pioneer Platform, making storing your awning even more convenient. If you’re seeking extra space with minimum hassle, an awning is your best bet.

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3. Wet weather-proof protection

The heavy-duty, water- and mold-resistant material acts as both your and the vehicle's saving grace against the outdoor elements. The lightweight awning material of the Batwing and Sunseeker Awnings promises a water-resistant rating of PU 2000mm. Even better, both are rust-proof too, so no matter how long your awning is exposed for, it won’t take a beating.

If you’ve got other accessories hooked up to your vehicle, you won’t need to worry about them being damaged in the wet weather either. Our Batwing Awnings can protect your whole vehicle and all of your gear, so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying your adventure.

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4. Create a cosy tent

Using your awning to create a tent is highly cost-effective, easy to set up, and extremely cozy! Add one of our Tapered Extensions and your job is done. You can easily join multiple extensions together via the zippers and velcro tabs, keeping the extension secure around the pole. Made to withstand the elements, the tapered walls allow you to create a large indoor area where you’ll have both shelter and privacy.

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Photo: @theroadchoseme


5. Create your very own outdoor cinema!

If your idea of a good night involves a cosy movie, then you’re in luck. Your awning can double up as a moonlight cinema at your campsite when you bring along a portable projector like Monique from Overland Lady has done. Simply angle and point your projector onto the awning and allow it to serve as your very own, DIY movie screen.

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Photo: @moniquesong
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Photo: @moniquesong


6. The perfect tailgate party setup

Our Dome 1300 Awning, which can be mounted at the side and back of your vehicle, is designed to provide extra height. It turns out this setup is ideal for tailgate parties – the additional clearance offering a sociable, open environment to mingle while still being protected by the elements.

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Ready to grab an awning for yourself? View our awning collection below: