Thule Omnistor 4200 or 5200: which suits my van?
Choose the 4200 if you want a lighter cassette (around 17 kg for a 2.6 m unit) and a straightforward shade for smaller vans, in lengths up to about 4.5 m. Choose the 5200 if you need a wider choice of lengths, from roughly 1.92 m to 5.02 m, with integrated tension arms on longer sizes, pitch adjustment and Quick-Lock convenience.
Key takeaways
- The 4200 is the lighter option. A 2.6 m unit is publicly cited at around 17 kg.
- The 5200 has the wider size range. Roughly 1.92 m to 5.02 m, against about 2.6 m to 4.5 m for the 4200.
- Longer 5200s add control. Integrated tension arms and pitch adjustment help the fabric line and rain run-off.
- Measure your clear wall run first. Allow for doors, windows, fridge vents and racking.
- Neither replaces a full awning. Treat both as fast-deploy shade and roll them in when gusts build.
Thule Omnistor cassette awnings are a familiar sight on UK motorhomes and campervans because they roll out quickly, sit neatly on the wall when parked, and give you shade without a full fabric room. Two of the most discussed models are the Omnistor 4200 and the Omnistor 5200. They look similar at a glance, yet they suit slightly different vans and travel styles.
This comparison sticks to publicly known product traits: weight, length range, projection, tension arms, pitch adjustment, and everyday usability. Use it to shortlist the cassette that fits your roof line and how you pitch, then browse CamperNV RV cassette awnings or the wider awnings collection when you are ready.
Who the Omnistor 4200 suits
The 4200 is often chosen when weight and a compact cassette matter. Public product data puts a shorter 2.6 m example around 17 kg, which is appealing on lighter motorhomes and campervans where every kilogram on the side wall counts. Lengths typically run from about 2.6 m to 4.5 m, with projection up to around 2.5 m.
That combination works well for couples and small crews who want a clean sunshade for chairs and a table rather than a deep outdoor room. If you tour frequently, park on hardstandings, and value a cassette that is easier to lift during fitting, the 4200 is usually the first model to study.
Who the Omnistor 5200 suits
The 5200 stretches across a wider size range, publicly listed from roughly 1.92 m to about 5.02 m. Longer sizes bring integrated tension arms and pitch adjustment, which help when you want a more controlled fabric line and the ability to tweak the angle for rain run-off or low sun.
Owners who want a longer shade line along a larger coachbuilt van, or who like Quick-Lock style convenience when securing the arms, often lean toward the 5200. It is the more flexible choice when your wall has the length and your payload can accept a more capable cassette package.
Side-by-side: what actually differs
- Weight: the 4200 is positioned as the lighter option, with a publicly cited figure around 17 kg for a 2.6 m unit. The 5200's weight rises with length and hardware, so check the exact SKU for your van.
- Length range: 4200 commonly spans about 2.6 m to 4.5 m. 5200 covers a broader band from roughly 1.92 m to 5.02 m.
- Projection: the 4200 projection is publicly described up to about 2.5 m. Confirm the matching 5200 projection on the product sheet for the length you need.
- Tension: longer 5200 sizes feature integrated tension arms for a more composed fabric face in everyday use.
- Pitch adjustment: available on the 5200, useful for shedding water and tuning shade angle.
- Quick-Lock: associated with the 5200's arm handling, speeding up secure set-up compared with fiddlier older patterns.
| Omnistor 4200 | Omnistor 5200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | The lighter option, around 17 kg for a 2.6 m unit | Rises with length and hardware, check the exact SKU |
| Length range | About 2.6 m to 4.5 m | Roughly 1.92 m to 5.02 m |
| Projection | Up to about 2.5 m | Confirm on the product sheet for your length |
| Tension arms | Check the product sheet | Integrated on longer sizes |
| Pitch adjustment | Check the product sheet | Yes |
| Quick-Lock | Check the product sheet | Associated with the 5200's arm handling |
Bottom line
Choose the 4200 for a lighter cassette and lengths up to about 4.5 m on smaller vans. Choose the 5200 for a wider choice of lengths, integrated tension arms on longer sizes, pitch adjustment and Quick-Lock convenience.
Mounting, wall space, and van type
Both models are wall-mounted cassette awnings. Before you choose a length, measure the clear wall run where the cassette will sit. Allow for doors, windows, fridge vents, and any existing racking. A cassette that looks perfect in a brochure can still collide with a sliding door track or a side window if the wall study is rushed.
Campervans with shorter flanks often land naturally in the 4200 length band. Larger motorhomes with long straight walls can take advantage of the 5200's wider size ladder. Either way, confirm fitting brackets and wall construction with a competent installer if you are not mounting it yourself.
Accessories and living with the cassette
Cassette awnings become more useful when you add the right extras: privacy panels, room annexes where supported, LED strip lighting, and sturdy support legs for overnight pitches. Accessory availability can differ by model and length, so treat the base cassette and the soft panels as one system when budgeting in GBP.
On UK pitches you will also care about wind. Cassette fabric is not a substitute for a full caravan awning in a gale. Roll in when gusts rise, use the legs as directed, and never leave a deployed cassette unattended in changeable weather.
Decision guide: 4200 or 5200?
- Choose the 4200 if you want a lighter cassette, a straightforward shade for smaller vans, and lengths in the mid range up to about 4.5 m.
- Choose the 5200 if you need a wider choice of lengths, prefer integrated tension arms on longer sizes, and value pitch adjustment plus Quick-Lock convenience.
- If you are between lengths, measure the wall twice and pick the cassette that leaves doors and vents clear rather than chasing the maximum fabric span.
Still unsure? CamperNV Experts can talk through van length, payload, and which cassette SKUs we stock. Call 0330 122 7773 or use the contact page.
Weather, projection, and day-to-day use
Projection depth shapes how you live under the cassette. Around 2.5 m of outward reach on the 4200 class gives room for a table and chairs along the van without claiming half the pitch. On longer 5200 installations, integrated tension and pitch control help keep the fabric steadier when a typical British breeze picks up mid-afternoon.
Neither model replaces a full enclosed awning when you need walls against driving rain. Think of both as fast-deploy shade and light weather cover. Roll the cassette away when gusts build, stake or weight the legs as the manual directs, and check local site rules if you leave the van for the day.
Colour and cassette finish also matter on UK vans. Matching the cassette to existing trim keeps the side elevation tidy, while a contrasting shade can look intentional if the wall already carries racks or a bike carrier. Factor finish into the order so brackets, arms, and fabric arrive as one coherent package.
FAQ: Thule Omnistor 4200 vs 5200
Is the 4200 always lighter than the 5200?
The 4200 is marketed as the lighter family member, with a public example around 17 kg at 2.6 m. Exact weights still depend on length and options, so compare the datasheet for the size you need.
Can I fit either model myself?
Experienced DIY fitters do install cassette awnings, but wall type, bracket choice, and sealing matter. If you are unsure about drilling into a sandwich panel or finding structural members, use a professional fitter.
Do I still need a porch awning?
Some owners use a cassette for day shade and keep a separate porch for deeper enclosed space. Others rely on the cassette alone for touring. It depends whether you want walls and a floor area or simply a quick canopy.
Where can I browse cassette options?
Start with CamperNV RV cassette awnings, then widen to the main awnings collection if you also want porch or full fabric rooms. We offer free delivery on all orders to UK mainland addresses.
Next step
Measure your clear wall length, note your payload headroom, and decide whether pitch adjustment and longer sizes earn their keep on your trips. When you are ready, compare live stock on CamperNV and ring 0330 122 7773 if you want a second pair of eyes on the 4200 versus 5200 choice.
