Oztent RV-4 vs Oztent RV-5: Which Touring Tent Should You Buy?

Quick answer

Choose the Oztent RV-4 if you tour as a couple or small family and want the lighter, more compact option. Choose the Oztent RV-5 if you need more floor space and headroom for a growing family or longer trips. Both are part of the Oztent RV series, so the real decision comes down to space versus packed size and weight.

The Oztent RV-4 and Oztent RV-5 look nearly identical in photos, which makes the choice harder than it should be. The difference is not in the design language or the touring intent, but in the space each tent gives you once it is standing and the bulk it adds to your vehicle when packed.

This comparison sticks to what we can verify from the supplied catalog records and the practical realities of touring. We will not invent packed dimensions or setup times. Instead, we will show you where the two tents diverge, what that means for your vehicle and family, and which one to pick.

What the RV-4 and RV-5 have in common

Both tents belong to the Oztent RV series, a line built for touring setups where you want a freestanding tent that pitches quickly and packs onto a roof rack or into a trailer. The series shares a common design philosophy: a single-piece frame that unfolds, a connected floor, and a shape that sheds weather without a complex pole set.

Because they share that foundation, the RV-4 and RV-5 are not different categories of tent. They are the same tent in two sizes. That means your decision is not about features or build quality. It is about how much interior volume you need and how much packed size your vehicle can comfortably carry.

• Both are touring tents from the same RV series, so expect the same setup approach.
• The meaningful difference is interior space versus packed size and weight.

The trade-off: interior space versus packed bulk

The RV-5 gives you more floor area and more headroom than the RV-4. That extra volume matters when you are camping with kids, when you want to keep gear inside the tent overnight, or when you are on a long trip and living in the tent rather than just sleeping in it. More space also makes a difference on wet days when everyone is stuck inside.

The cost of that space is bulk. A larger tent takes up more room on your roof rack or in your boot, and it weighs more to lift and position. If you drive a smaller vehicle, if you already carry an awning and a fridge, or if you set up and pack down every day, that extra bulk becomes a daily tax. The RV-4 is the easier tent to live with when space is tight.

• Pick the RV-5 if interior comfort and gear storage inside the tent matter most.
• Pick the RV-4 if you want the smallest, lightest touring tent that still sleeps your group.

Setup and daily touring routine

Both tents use the same Oztent RV frame concept, so the setup sequence is the same. The difference shows up in the physical effort of moving the tent on and off the vehicle and in how much space it claims once packed. A larger tent is not harder to pitch in a different way, but it is heavier to handle and takes up more room when stowed.

If you move camp every day, the smaller RV-4 will feel less like a chore. If you base camp for several nights and only set up once or twice per trip, the RV-5's extra room is worth the bulk. Think honestly about your ratio of one-night stops to multi-night stays before you decide.

• Daily moves favor the RV-4; long base camps favor the RV-5.
• Check your roof rack or boot space before committing to the larger tent.

Weather and living space

A larger tent gives you more room to wait out bad weather without feeling cramped. If you tour in areas where rain or wind can keep you inside for hours, the RV-5's extra interior volume is a real comfort advantage. You can keep chairs, bags, and cooking gear inside without tripping over them.

The RV-4, by contrast, rewards you with a smaller footprint. That can matter on tight campsites or when you are parked in a confined spot. Neither tent is inherently better in weather based on the supplied facts, so treat this as a space decision rather than a storm-worthiness decision.

• More interior room helps on wet days when you are stuck inside.
• A smaller footprint can be easier on tight campsites.

RV-4 vs RV-5 trade-offs at a glance

• Interior space: The RV-5 is the larger tent, giving you more floor area and headroom than the RV-4. Choose the RV-5 if you camp with family or want gear inside the tent.
• Packed size and weight: The RV-5's extra size means more bulk and weight to carry and stow than the RV-4. Choose the RV-4 if vehicle space or daily handling is your priority.
• Touring rhythm: The RV-4 suits frequent one-night stops; the RV-5 suits longer base camps where you set up once. Match the tent to how often you actually move camp.
• Ownership support: Replacement bags and an RV repair kit are available for Oztent RV tents. Either size can be maintained rather than replaced when something wears out.

Product facts that affect the decision

• Oztent RV Replacement Bags: Replacement bags are available for Oztent RV tents, with a size selector so you can match the bag to your tent. If you already own an RV-4 or RV-5 and the bag has worn out, you can replace just the bag instead of buying a new tent.
• Oztent Replacement Parts - RV Repair Kit: This RV repair kit is a material patch kit for fixing damage to an Oztent RV. Small tears or punctures do not have to end a trip or force a tent replacement, which extends the life of whichever RV size you choose.
• Oztent Carry Bag - RX-5: This is a replacement carry bag specifically for the Oztent RX-5 tent. It shows Oztent makes model-specific bags, so check that any replacement bag matches your exact RV model before ordering.

Which one fits your setup?

Best for

• Couples or small families who want a lighter, more compact touring tent
• Travellers who move camp often and value easy handling
• Vehicles with limited roof rack or boot space

Not for

• Growing families who need maximum interior space
• Campers who want to keep chairs and gear inside the tent
• Long base camps where living space matters more than packed size

The Oztent RV-4 and RV-5 are the same tent at two sizes, so pick based on your space needs and how often you move camp. If you are torn, choose the smaller RV-4 for easier touring and the larger RV-5 only if you genuinely need the extra room. Either way, keep the replacement bag and repair kit options in mind so your tent lasts through many trips.