Box Rocket
Well-known member
I did not get the annex with the new tent. Since I have an annex already with my other tent I don't think it's necessary to really comment on an annex. But the new Ruggedized tent is very nice. I think the upgrades to the Ruggedized models are very nice and worth the extra cost. The Diamond Plate base platform alone is a welcome upgrade. There is a much more sturdy feel from that alone. There is a clear difference in the tent material too. The heavier weight fabric has a much more durable feel and the double sealed seams look like they'll help a lot with weatherproofing. My week in Cruise Moab was not wet or humid so I didn't see any real results from the anti-condensation mat but I am sure that the mat will be another valuable piece. Fortunately the mats can be added to standard tents. That is one of the only complaints I've had with my standard model Autana tent is that there is condensation under the mattress in the mornings.
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The Kukenam XL is huge inside and for my trailer it is a perfect size at 4x6' closed footprint. The extra space inside is great. I don't know if there is really any truth behind it but my wife commented that it seemed more comfortable than the Autana. Not sure if that's a results of the anti-condensation mat or just that she had a good night's sleep, but she feels like it's better.
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IMO, the standard model tents are a great value and are very durable on their own. For the average person who is camping in the tent a couple times a month the standard models will give years of comfortable use. For the guy that is taking extended trips far more frequently and spending 100+ nights a year in a RTT the Ruggedized models are great with a higher level of durability. Or if you just want the piece of mind that your tent is gonna handle anything you throw it at the Ruggedized is a great choice.
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I have loved my Autana tent, and the new Kukenam XL has been a great addition. I am probably going to sell my Autana w/annex and swap it for a regular size Ruggedized Kukenam (in orange) for permanent mounting on the truck. I will also probably sell the grey Kukenam XL and swap it for an orange one. I just like the look of the orange tents. For me the annex is not as necessary anymore with two tents. We got the annex for a place for the kids to sleep but with the two tents my wife and I can sleep in the smaller one on the truck and the 4 kids can sleep in the big XL on the trailer. Should work out great.
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The Kukenam XL is huge inside and for my trailer it is a perfect size at 4x6' closed footprint. The extra space inside is great. I don't know if there is really any truth behind it but my wife commented that it seemed more comfortable than the Autana. Not sure if that's a results of the anti-condensation mat or just that she had a good night's sleep, but she feels like it's better.
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IMO, the standard model tents are a great value and are very durable on their own. For the average person who is camping in the tent a couple times a month the standard models will give years of comfortable use. For the guy that is taking extended trips far more frequently and spending 100+ nights a year in a RTT the Ruggedized models are great with a higher level of durability. Or if you just want the piece of mind that your tent is gonna handle anything you throw it at the Ruggedized is a great choice.
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I have loved my Autana tent, and the new Kukenam XL has been a great addition. I am probably going to sell my Autana w/annex and swap it for a regular size Ruggedized Kukenam (in orange) for permanent mounting on the truck. I will also probably sell the grey Kukenam XL and swap it for an orange one. I just like the look of the orange tents. For me the annex is not as necessary anymore with two tents. We got the annex for a place for the kids to sleep but with the two tents my wife and I can sleep in the smaller one on the truck and the 4 kids can sleep in the big XL on the trailer. Should work out great.
