Thread: Freedom v's southern cross

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.

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.