Overland Vehicle Systems 270 Batwing Awning - an initial review

[smlobx]

Hi folks-
As you may know I am building my JTR for long range Overland travel. One of the items on my list was a good awning. Shade can be crucial when you don’t have AC!
Anyway I have been looking at literally dozens of manufacturers and watching every review I could get my hand on….Long story short I ended up buying a OVS 270 Batwing awning and after spending a few hours installing it I can say this thing is great and covers a lot of ground!

Here are a couple of pictures showing it installed on my Alu-Cab canopy. I also picked up side walls which will provide additional protection from the elements as well as some privacy when needed.

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[MPMB]

Wow. They handwrite dimensions on the paperwork? Top class. Kidding. Nice to have the overall. OVS is probably what I'll go with, only the 180*; my RTT opens rearward, over the tailgate. From my research awhile ago, they were the best coverage vs. price imo.

You can have it open without legs, right? Just windy time?

 

[Rokon]

I have the same awning and it is awesome!! Build quality is really good and it provides a lot of shade.
When deploying and setting the tension straps that keep it open, I think it is best to bring the straps back to the cross bars rather than pulling downward to the bumper.
I also cut and re-sewed one of the straps so the cam operated in the opposite direction. Just made it so much easier to use changing the direction you pull on it to tension.

 

[smlobx]

Wow. They handwrite dimensions on the paperwork? Top class. …..
You can have it open without legs, right? Just windy time?

Ya thanks!
The directions say to always put the 3 poles down and that’s what I intend to do. I know some say you don’t have to but these awnings are pretty big and I can see any awning get ripped off if not properly supported and guy wired down when completely set up.

 

[smlobx]

I have the same awning and it is awesome!! Build quality is really good and it provides a lot of shade.
When deploying and setting the tension straps that keep it open, I think it is best to bring the straps back to the cross bars rather than pulling downward to the bumper.
I also cut and re-sewed one of the straps so the cam operated in the opposite direction. Just made it so much easier to use changing the direction you pull on it to tension.

You’re right about the strap being secured to the rack instead of my bumper. I was excited to set it up and didn’t read about it in the instructions until later!

 

[Rokon]

As far as poles you need to use them all if putting the walls up. If it is breezy you want at least the three poles stowed on the arms and guy ropes. Another important item if raining is to put guy ropes in between the arms to “vee” the awning to prevent water pooling.
With the AluCab Cap I installed clips to the ceiling tracks that hold the three auxiliary poles. Similar to the clips used to hold broom and mop handles in a pantry.

 

[SelfmodJT]

I purchased the ovs 270 nomadic awning but it wont ship until 8/5. I was intitally told they were in stock and would ship right away. Something tells me they just wanted an interest free loan. I also purchased the walls, how much did you pay for them? Im wondering of i got a good deal?

 

[Rokon]

I paid $949 for just the awning a year ago. Bought just the #1 wall with a door separately a bit later. Don't recall the price on that.

 

[Rokon]

OVS lists them on Amazon and as in stock.

 

[smlobx]

As far as poles you need to use them all if putting the walls up. If it is breezy you want at least the three poles stowed on the arms and guy ropes. Another important item if raining is to put guy ropes in between the arms to “vee” the awning to prevent water pooling.
With the AluCab Cap I installed clips to the ceiling tracks that hold the three auxiliary poles. Similar to the clips used to hold broom and mop handles in a pantry.

Great minds think alike!
Last night I ordered a set of “Quick Fists” to secure the extra poles to the ceiling of my Alu-Cab canopy…right next to my shovel and table that is also secured to the ceiling,

 

[smlobx]

This is the one I bought..

https://overlandvehiclesystems.com/...-wall-1-2-3-mounting-brackets-passenger-side/

Although I think it came to just under $1500 delivered..

 

[smlobx]

OK guys here are some additional pictures…

I ordered the 3 walls in an effort to increase useable space even if the weather isn’t cooperating and I have to say I’m impressed. The 3 walls easily zipper to the awning and to each other (except wall 2/3 interface which has Velcro).
They are labeled which makes installation a breeze after a day of hard driving. The base where you install the stakes have shock cord to minimize stress on the system. Very nice! As you can see in the pictures the walls don’t just hang down but extend out maybe 3.5 to 4 feet giving you much more useable space!

It took me maybe 15 minutes to set everything up my first time. I’m sure it will go a lot faster next time…

 

[Kevrend]

What made you choose passenger side over driver side?

 

[rharr]

what does this thing look like all packed up. seems to be very few photos showing that.

 

[Rokon]

Here it is packed up.

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