How to Install Oztent Peaked Side Panels on RV Tents
By Oztent USA | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: How-to Guides
A step-by-step guide to zipping Oztent Peaked Side Panels onto RV-2, RV-3, RV-4 and RV-5 awnings, including pole setup and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick answer
Zip the two peaked side panels to the awning and tent sides first, then add the supplied 2.2 m poles and ridge bar to raise the peak. This order keeps the fabric aligned and lets rain run off without lowering the front poles.
Why the peak matters in wet weather
The ridge bar creates a higher peak in the awning, which encourages rain to run off instead of pooling. That is the main reason to fit the panels before a trip rather than improvising with a tarp. The trade-off is a little extra setup time and two more poles to pack, so allow a few minutes on the first attempt.
Check your tent model before you start
The Oztent RV-2/3/4/5 Peaked Side Panels Set is listed as suitable for RV-2, RV-3, RV-4 and RV-5 tents. If you own a different RV model or an RX tent, confirm compatibility with Oztent before buying. The catalog does not list panel dimensions or fabric specifications, so use the model fit as your primary guide.
Step-by-step installation
- Lay out panels and identify zips: Unfold both panels and match the zip edges to the awning and the tent side. The panels zip to both the awning and the side of the tent, so check the orientation before attaching anything. A common mistake is twisting a panel; if the zip does not run smoothly, flip the panel rather than forcing it.
- Zip panels to the awning first: Start at the front of the awning and zip each panel along the awning edge, leaving the tent-side zip open for now. This keeps the panel hanging in the right position while you work. Do not zip the tent side first; doing so can pull the awning out of shape.
- Zip panels to the tent sides: With the awning zip closed, pull the panel around and zip it to the side of the tent. Work from the bottom up to avoid trapping fabric. Check that the panel sits flat against the tent wall before moving on.
- Insert the 2.2 m poles: Feed the supplied 2.2 m poles into the panel sleeves or attachment points as directed by the panel design. These poles support the raised peak. Do not overtighten the poles; they should stand upright without bending the panel fabric.
- Fit the ridge bar: Connect the ridge bar across the top of the two poles to create the higher peak. This is the part that lets rain run off without lowering the front poles. Make sure the ridge bar is fully seated on both poles before tensioning.
- Tension and check: Adjust the poles and guy lines so the panels are taut but not stretched. Walk around the tent and confirm both panels are zipped fully and the peak is higher than the awning front. If the panels flap, add tension at the pole base rather than pulling the zips.
Product facts
- Oztent RV-2/3/4/5 Peaked Side Panels Set: The set includes two side panels, extra 2.2 m poles and a ridge bar to create a higher peak in the awning. You get the hardware needed to raise the awning peak and improve rain runoff without sourcing separate poles.
Oztent RV-2/3/4/5 Peaked Side Panels Set
