They are both top quality - you would be happy with either. I have a Freedom NT and it is superb. For all the hoo har about black wolf turbo thingos etc - forget it, they just don't compare. ;)
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They are both top quality - you would be happy with either. I have a Freedom NT and it is superb. For all the hoo har about black wolf turbo thingos etc - forget it, they just don't compare. ;)
I think I have made the decision on a freedom family tourer, without awning at this stage due to not realy being able to fork out the extra 500 for the awning. I like the idea that the freedom has the extra window at the back over the southern cross. Being in North Queensland I think this will be an advantage.
Good stuff. Photos of first camp please.:thumbsup:
Change of plan
Yesterday I bought a second hand southern cross number. Off a couple north of brisbane.
According to owner - only five years old used a couple of times a year, awning only used twice, looks the goods and in excellent condition. It is an ultimate tourer I think, with the extra bit out the back and a back window. $1200 for the lot, tent, large awning, poles pegs and ropes.
Considering the new version of that would have been nearly 2 and a half grand from either freedom or southern cross, I think that is a pretty good deal.
I have not been able to look at it personaly but photos look good.
Can't wait will post pics when I get it.
Andrew
We've had both - and they're equally as good.
We've got a Southern Cross centre pole now ( also bought second hand but never used ). It leaked a fair bit around the top seams, in our first big downpour. I rang Southern Cross and he posted us out a tube of white liquid to rub in the joints. Good as gold ever since.
I have been having the same problem, on the corners of the top frame I have visable holes (1mm) around stiching holes. Have given it a huge soaking and left it to dry, but no change might have to give them a call and use a sealer like you did.
Andrew
Thrower,
We just couldn't afford a Southern so we bought a COI Leisure canvas tourer. Sewn in NZ from Aus 10oz canvas. Primus bought the company and replaced the tent with a much lighter heap of jung from China.
The COI's are around half a Southern, and are very simple, i.e no pockets or optional awnings. You would have to sniff one out and there may be non left around anyway. You would have no warranty I would imagine.
The warranty didn't worry us but I can certainly vouch for the build quality. We picked it up from Down Under Camping, Brisbane.
The only problem with either brand is finding the room to pack it.
I have a Southern Cross Ultimate with an awning (I have never used) but it takes up a large amount of room in the old 1984 Rangie.
Great to set up a couple of minutes then your helping the dome tent people set up theirs.
Mine was about 10 years old when I bought it, still looks great and no leaks whatsoever. I too got sick of dome tents.
We,ve had a southern cross tourer for over 10 years. We camped in ours every night for nine months plus numerous other trips. It is still as good as it was they day we bought it.