Thread: Freedom v's southern cross

would it be worth it to go to someone who makes the canvas works for the campers and see how much they would charge to make a tent out of that green canvas

My first family tent was a Freedom and has lasted for over 20 years. It is one of the tourer types which attaches to the back of the vehicle. Is showing it's age now though.

I now have a Southern Cross centre pole with the side pole kit. Also a fantastic tent. Quality of both is unmatched in my opinion as both are made with good quality Australian canvas. I dont think you could go wrong with either.

The only main difference I can see from the pics and I would be looking at the family tourer (freedom) or the ulitmate trecker or deluxe (southern cross). Is that the freedom has 4 windows and the southern cross only has 3. The extra window in the freedom tents being in the back wall (where the extention is) I think this would be an advantage in air flow.

The only other difference that I have "read" on other forums (taken with grain of salt possibly) is that the floor in the southern cross is thinner / less strong than the freedom.

Do they both use the same thickness of canvas, I think the freedom is 12oz?? correct me if I am wrong. I am not in the positipon to be able to personaly look at these tents being in NQ so am reading what people have to say and going with that.

Andrew

I have had a S/cross tourer for 15 years. No issues with the floor. They are a well made product using good materials.


Cheers
JLo

Talking to some canvas people, it would seem that there is a lot of conjecture over canvas weight. 11, 12 or 13oz, doesn't seem to matter. Dynaproofed Bradmill would probably be the best there is.

We've had a freedom for the last 10 years and worth every cent. Although I agree with Numpty in that you can't go wrong with either. Nothing like having a campsite to yourself after a big storm and all the sodden dome tents have packed up and left.

Just talked to freedom today.
They said that they will be open untill early - mid april. They will then be shut for up to 3 months. After this time they will most likley be opening up again in a smaller / differnt location. I talked to Liam and he basicly said if I want to use the tent in June July for my cape trip I will need to buy it now.

How about the awnings? worth the cost at about $400 extra I am trying to work out how often I will use it. I guess they would be realy good when stopped for a couple of days.

Andrew

Hi
We have a 12 year old southern cross with centre ploe and it still looks like the day it was made, waterproof and dry in some really wet times. A really well made, good solid tent worth the $$$.

Andrew