Ironman 4x4 Cross 1200 MK2 vs Ironman 4x4 Uber Lite

Both of these are Ironman 4x4 tents, so the question is not which brand to trust but which size and configuration suits your vehicle and how you camp. The Cross 1200 MK2 and the Uber Lite share Ironman 4x4's construction and warranty; where they part company is in the numbers below.

The Uber Lite is 8.799999999999997 kg lighter at 47.2 kg against 56 kg, which on a factory roof rated for 68 to 75 kg is often the difference between a legal fit and a rack upgrade. Inside, the Cross 1200 MK2 gives 4.38 m² of sleeping floor against 2.82 m², about 55 percent more, and it sleeps 3 to the Uber Lite's 2. Headroom separates them further: 128.02 cm in the Cross 1200 MK2 against 99.06 cm, which is the difference between sitting up to dress and doing it lying down. The Uber Lite lists $600 lower, at $699 against $1,299.

Canvas differs too: 420D polyester Oxford fly; 120gsm super-fine insect mesh against 600D ripstop poly-oxford fly with 3000mm water-head rating. Closed, the Uber Lite sits 8.89 cm lower on the roof — 34.04 cm against 42.93 cm — which is drag you carry on every mile you are not camping.