Tent Dilemma, Ruggedized version or larger tent?

[B^2]

Looking at picking up a tent from Tepui and wondering if the ruggedized version is worth it over explorer series. So far it's my wife, myself, our 2.5 year old daughter and our 70lb dog. I know the ruggedized version has a the anti condensation mat and the base plus thicker fabric. Unfortunately, Tepui only makes the ruggedized version in a 3 person tent vs the explorer series in a 4 person. Just wondering if people felt like the extra features of the ruggedized version were worth it. With a young child, I doubt I'm going to be doing any camping in real nasty weather. I figured other people have gone through the same decision.

 

[NatersXJ6]

I’ve owned 3 different explorer series from Tepui and found them all to be plenty “rugged”. The exception being the strength of the floor. The floor will eventually dent down in between the ribs, especially if you stand or walk in it frequently. I’m guessing a toddler and dog will do that, especially if you are actually lifting the dog up there.

Personally, I’m a modification guy, so I would buy the larger tent and then figure out how to add a stiffer layer to the top of the floor eventually, if and when the dents bothered me. But I doubt you will ever look at the poles or fabric or the explorer series and think you should have gone heavier.

on edit: The used market is also very healthy. Rugged Tepui and similar from CVT pop up all the time as people change or upgrade their rigs. Watch the classifieds if you have cash and aren’t into instant gratification.