Oztent RX-5 Deluxe Review | GearJunkie Reviewed

Rooftop tents are super cool. But they are not suitable for everyone or all instruments. That’s especially true if you’re still a daily driver and value fuel economy or handling. Fortunately, there is another option for those of us who want something different: the Oztent RV/RX-series of 30-Second Tents.

The Oztent RX-5 Deluxe is unlike any other tent you may have used. The first thing you notice before you take it out of the bag is that it’s big. It is 79.5 inches long, 14.9 inches wide, and 10.6 inches tall, and weighs 67.2 pounds.

This is definitely a car camping tent or top jump! Once you’ve found a flat surface and taken it out of its bag, setting up the tent body usually takes less than 30 seconds.

I tried it last year, and it has become a staple for my family and me.

In summary: The Oztent RX-5 Deluxe ($2,199) strikes the perfect balance between the comfort and durability of a rooftop tent and a low-top tent, which is not strapped to the roof of your car at all times. It’s big, oddly shaped, heavy, and expensive, but it’s built to last for decades and offers more comfort and protection than anything short of a yurt.

Oztent RX-5 Deluxe Review

The RX-5 uses an aluminum frame with two folding arms that extend outwards to create a tent area. Once these arms are folded, you simply step inside the tent door and lift the frame, which opens the tent like an accordion. On the inside, there are braces on both sides that give the tent structure and there are latches in the middle that lock the tent in its open position.

Once those are set, you’re ready to rock. The dimensions of the tent when set up are 102.3 inches wide, 102.3 inches deep, and 74.8 inches tall, measured at the door.

Ventilation with Oztent is excellent. The RX-5 Deluxe has two side windows and a large sunroof, all with excellent bug protection. The front door is large and uses three zips in an upside-down T shape, making getting in and out very easy. There are also two “eyebrow gaps” above the door, which I leave open at all times to eliminate blurring.

Quick setup is a feature of the Oztent title, but that’s far from the only trick it has up its sleeve. For example, there is a built-in sun visor, which is standard on all tents in the series. This is one of my favorite parts of the tent, because with a few poles and guy lines, you have a decent sized covered area to keep out the sun or rain.

And, because it’s permanently attached to the tent and made of the same 8-ounce canvas material, it’s incredibly strong and wind-resistant. The dimensions of the awning are 102.3 inches wide by 78.7 inches deep. The length varies depending on your preference, as the poles tend to telescoping.

Oztent RX-5 size

The RX-5 (and its almost identical twin, the RV-5) is the largest tent in Oztent’s 30-Second Tent lineup. They are sold as 5-person tents, but like all other tents, those people must be small. That said, I am 6-feet, 4-inches tall, and my wife is 6-feet, 2-inches tall; we both fit the large Exped Megamat sleeping pads and, for me, the OneTigris large bed, no problems.

Another bonus of the RX-5’s size is that, in the doorway, I can almost stand upright, which makes things like changing clothes much easier. For those campers looking for a smaller setup, the RV-3 and RV-4 are available. There are also RS-1 and RS-2 swags, smaller still.

The RX-5 Deluxe also comes with a zip-on rainfly that features a reflective coating on the roof to keep heat out of the tent. This is a big deal in the Australian Outback and in sunny Southern California, where I live. An additional zipped compartment that attaches to the safe and creates a second enclosed living area is very useful when the weather turns bad or if you want more privacy.

The Downsides

Sounds good, right? Of course, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There is a trade-off. While the initial setup of the tent sleeping area is very quick and easy, the awning, fly, and extra room all require more effort.

If you have an innate aversion to messing with poles or pointing guy lines, look elsewhere, because Oztent uses plenty of both. If you’re just setting up for the night, all the rigamarole can be a lot to deal with, especially after a long drive to camp. Most nights, however, are totally worth it.

The ripstop canvas the tent is made of is wind and water resistant, but it does require some care and maintenance to keep it that way. Specifically, canvas tents need “seasoning,” which involves spraying them down with a hose once a year to help the seams swell, preventing water ingress.

Is it big? No. Is it more work than occasionally venting through a nylon tent? Yes. The floor of a PVC bucket is very rugged and does not require special care, although it can be vulnerable to sharp rocks or dog claws.

Improving Experience

Everything about the Oztent looks and feels high quality, except for the bag it comes in. Enough, but it can be a real problem to get the tent in and out. For my tent, I bought a set of bags, poles, and accessories from an Aussie company called Drifta.

They are made of very high quality fabric, and the tent bag is extra large and has a zipper on three sides, making it very easy to pack the tent. They aren’t very cheap, costing around $280 at current exchange rates, and shipping from Australia to the States (as there is currently no US Drifta distributor) is a bit steep as well, but it’s worth it.

The decision

Oztent has several US distributors and a US website, making it easy to order. Prices are pretty steep for a cheap tent, but not miles from something as solid as the Springbar.

My RX-5 Deluxe comes with flywheel and extra room, which are usually optional extras, and sells for an unthinkable $2,199. Oztent also sells a mesh floor protector, which fits under the tent and awning, which I would recommend, and will run $180.

So, if you’re ready to move away from traditional tents and want something strong that will withstand any weather Mother Nature throws at it and still last for decades, the Oztent is a great choice. It offers something truly unique with its simple setup design and excellent build quality. It’s a great alternative to rooftop tents for people who can’t leave the tent on their rig all the time.