Choosing a slide-on camper is all about how you travel, who you travel with, and how much space you want once you’re set up. Two of the most popular models in the Tommy Campers range are the S4X and the S6X. At first glance, they look similar, but there are some key differences that can make a big impact on comfort, usability, and vehicle compatibility.
In this guide, we break down the real-world differences between the Tommy Campers S4X and S6X, so you can decide which one suits your setup best.
Tommy Campers S4X vs S6X
If you only want to read one section, make it this one:
|
Best For |
S4X |
S6X |
|
Trip Style |
Short trips & weekends |
Long trips & big lap |
|
Travel Style |
Solo or minimalist |
Couples or long-term |
|
Interior Feel |
Compact & efficient |
Open & spacious |
|
Kitchen |
Functional |
Proper bush kitchen |
|
Time Spent Inside |
Minimal |
A lot |
|
Tray Length |
Standard dual cab |
Longer tray / extended |
If you already know which side you fall on, you’ve probably got your answer. If not, here’s why these differences actually matter.
Dimensions & Weight
On paper, the Tommy Campers S4X and S6X share many specs. The big difference is length, and what that extra space gives you inside.
|
Specification |
S4X |
S6X |
|
Length |
1850 mm |
2100 mm |
|
Width |
1900 mm |
1900 mm |
|
Height (no roof rack) |
1360 mm |
1360 mm |
|
Height (with roof rack) |
1445 mm |
1445 mm |
|
Bed length |
2050 mm |
2050 mm |
|
Standing room height |
1980 mm |
1980 mm |
|
Standing room (L x W) |
850 x 1320 mm |
1100 x 1320 mm |
|
Door opening width |
1290 mm |
1540 mm |
|
Base to under-bed height |
980 mm |
980 mm |
|
Dry weight |
316 kg |
336 kg |
The weight difference between the S4X and S6X is just 20 kg. In real-world terms, weight usually isn’t the deciding factor here. Space is.
Weight Difference S4X vs S6X
Only a 20 kg difference separates the S4X and S6X base models.
If you’re choosing between them, the decision is almost always about how much space you want to live in, not weight.
The biggest difference: The interior space
The single biggest difference between the Tommy Campers S4X vs S6X is an extra 250 mm (10 inches) of internal length in the S6X.
That might not sound like much on paper, but once you’re actually using the camper, it completely changes how it feels.
What does that extra 250mm give you?
- Two people can comfortably sit side by side inside the camper
- A longer and more usable bench space
- More kitchen storage
- A larger fold-down table for cooking and everyday use
- A more open feel, especially on longer trips or in bad weather
For solo traveller or minimalist setups, the S4X feels compact and efficient. For couples or anyone spending extended time inside the camper, the S6X offers noticeably better liveability.
The interior space
That extra 250mm doesn’t just add length. It adds comfort, flexibility, and breathing room, especially when the weather turns or trips get longer.
Kitchen & Layout Differences
Both campers follow the same smart Tommy Campers layout and build quality. The difference is how much room you have to actually use the kitchen day-to-day.
S4X Kitchen: Simple & Efficient
- Compact and efficient
- Ideal for quick meals and shorter trips
- Less bench and storage space compared to the Tommy Campers S6X
The S4X kitchen is perfect if you mostly cook simple meals and spend more time outside than in.
S6X Kitchen: Built for regular cooking
- Extra bench length thanks to the additional 250mm
- More storage options
- Larger fold-down table for food prep and everyday use
- Better suited to regular cooking and longer stays
If cooking is a big part of how you travel, the S6X clearly has the edge.
Your cooking style
If dinner is a quick feed before bed, the S4X does the job beautifully.
If you enjoy cooking, lingering, and actually using your kitchen most nights, the S6X feels like a serious upgrade.
Vehicle Compatibility & Tray Length
Australia’s number one selling vehicle is the Ford Ranger, and the majority are dual-cab utes. Dual cabs are an Aussie icon for good reason. They’re practical, comfortable, and great for families.
However, dual cabs come with a shorter tray, which can influence your camper choice:
Some customers opt for a wheelbase extension (not a chassis extension) through specialists such as Adaptive Manufacturing in Adelaide – who are Ford and VW-accredited worldwide for their ‘Wheel Base Extensions’ – or Multidrive in Geelong.
This allows you to keep the practicality of a dual cab while gaining a longer tray, making the S6X custom camper an option without compromising.
Common reason people choose the S4X
Many travellers don’t choose the S4X because they want less space; they choose it because it fits their existing vehicle setup perfectly.
Single-Cab option with under-bed storage
Another setup that’s becoming really popular is the Tommy Campers S6X with a single-cab ute, especially the Land Cruiser 79 Series Single-Cab.
With the longer tray on a single cab, you can choose the Tommy Camper S6X and still add an under-bed storage box in front of the camper. That extra box is perfect for things you don’t want inside, such as recovery gear, tools, a baby Weber, or anything dirty or bulky.
It’s a great option for travellers who want the extra interior space of the S6X, plus dedicated external storage, without needing a wheelbase extension. The LC79 single-cab S6X setup is clean, practical, and one we’re seeing more and more of on long-term touring rigs.
Which one is right for you?
There’s no “better” camper here. Just a better match for how you travel.
Choose the Tommy Campers S4X if you:
- Want the lightest possible setup
- Mostly travel solo or value a compact footprint
- Have a standard dual-cab tray
- Prefer simplicity and efficiency
Choose the Tommy Campers S6X if you:
- Travel as a couple
- Spend more time inside the camper
- Want more kitchen, seating, and storage space
- Have (or plan for) a longer tray or wheelbase extension
Both the S4X and S6X are built with the same rugged quality and attention to detail. The decision really comes down to compact efficiency versus long-term comfort.
That extra 250mm in the S6X might sound small, but for many travellers, it makes all the difference.
If you’re unsure which model suits your vehicle or travel style, the Tommy Campers team is always happy to talk through your options and help tailor the perfect setup. Get in touch!