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MANTIS

 

 www.taxaoutdoors.com 

1830 west 15th street  houston, tx 77008  usa          (rev.08262020)                  3                                          

 

WELCOME TO the 2021 MANTIS!

 

 
 
Congratulations on your new Mantis!  
 
We hope you go somewhere we have never been. Then we hope you share it with us and our community. 
  
We hope you stay safe and sane and make the best of every new adventure. These days are strange and hard but the outdoors 
always beckons and always refreshes. 
 
The ’21 Mantis has a new modular storage system of spaces and crates that we hope you love. It is designed to keep all the 
normal things that everyone stows safe and in their place AND allow you to do the same with the odd or special items you and 
only you bring to the great outdoors. It is designed to let you live indoors and out as seamlessly as we can devise to date. We 
have a new orange tent that will revive a favorite view of mine – habitats glowing like gentle lanterns in the night – and the orange 
also harkens back to Taxa’s original tent color. The same tent has a new front window where both the solid and screen can be 
unzipped giving you  unfettered access to the front roof portion from the inside of your habitat. I suppose the same goes for 
chipmunks and marmots so be aware….  
 
Buying a habitat is different than buying a vehicle – you don’t just hitch up and go – plotting and planning and outfitting and 
optimizing is part of the fun. The Mantis is a product of course but it is even more an investment in your lifestyle. Your grow into 
it. We have a set of wonderful Habitat Specialists and an even more wonderful community that will help! 
 
The Mantis is for anyone and everyone. We thought mostly of families but I know all sorts of families so I should be a little more 
specific!. It can sleep up to four full sized people in its berths – two of those people can share a double bed with the others in 
single bunks. Add hammocks and or a rooftop tent and you could theoretically get up to 8 in and on there - kids, grandkids, agile 
dogs and ferrets, more friends, a Nubian goat. We at Taxa are agnostic about who and what you camp with. We just love to help 
you get there. 
 
An Overland edition Mantis is available too – it sports a 4” lift and a strong Timbren Axle-less suspension that gets you further 
down the (dirt) road than any other 19 footer. That lift though does have the effect of making it less and less likely a Overland 
Mantis squeezes into your garage. Measure! 
 
Please support our nations’ park systems. It takes work to keep things wild and we are an essential part of that work as users, 
as stewards, as advocates. Please take with you only what you need and leave nothing behind!  
 
As ever: 
 
 

It is important that you thoroughly review this Owner’s Manual

.  

Please also consult it anytime you have a question regarding 

the safe use, operation and maintenance of your habitat, and its systems and components

.  Understanding how they work is an 

important part of having a fun, safe travel experience. 

 

 
We want your first and every adventure to be great. Have a practice session in your driveway. Hitch that habitat up and drive it 
around the block. Get comfortable. Ask questions! Get answers to any questions, issues or problems that arise during your 
practice. Get answers from the community, from our FAQs and specialists – send us an email . Give us a call or email us at 

customerservice@taxaoutdoors.com

.  Many questions can be answered quickly and easily and save you a lot of hassle.   

Best, 
 
Garrett Finney, 
TAXA Founder 

 

 

Summary of Contents for Mantis 2021

Page 1: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 1 Mantis owner s manual 2021...

Page 2: ...orners snap the bottom take a shower change your clothes 4Wheel Lugs On your first trip tighten wheel lugs at start and at 10 25 and 50 miles Thereafter check wheel lugs before each trip after excessi...

Page 3: ...mostly of families but I know all sorts of families so I should be a little more specific It can sleep up to four full sized people in its berths two of those people can share a double bed with the ot...

Page 4: ...Your unit will contain any such manuals provided to Taxa Inc by the specific component part appliance add on system and accessory manufacturer Please read them to gain a more complete understanding o...

Page 5: ...65 SAFETY TERMS We have included various safety messages in this manual all of which are important Please read and obey them The following are safety related terms and symbols referred to in this man...

Page 6: ...ability of your habitat and tow vehicle Under inflated tires and over loaded vehicles are major causes of tire failure Please refer to Tires section for a more detailed discussion on your tires and ti...

Page 7: ...ains Be sure to correct any noted problems or defects before towing the habitat Important Note be sure to raise all habitat jacks and close the habitat fully before driving off after hitching One of t...

Page 8: ...DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY IF THE HABITAT UNCOUPLES FROM THE TOW VEHICLE 7 Synchronize the AUTOWBRAKE and key fob before towing https taxaoutdoors com wp content uploads 2019 05 Autowbrake Installation...

Page 9: ...te brake controller 12 You may depending on your tow vehicle or intended usage of the habitat want to consider the use of a weight distributing hitch and or sway bars These distribute the tongue weigh...

Page 10: ...e loaded and then compare it with the GVWR 4200 lbs Otherwise you will need to do some calculations on your own in order to make an appropriate determination If the loaded weight of your habitat excee...

Page 11: ...taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 11 example of poor weight distribution proper 10 to 15 of habitat on car coupler and or introduction of weight distributing hi...

Page 12: ...ball However if the safety chains fail the breakaway pulls the pin out of the switch which fires the brakes and serves as a last line of defense against a runaway habitat The breakaway switch cable n...

Page 13: ...with heightened caution until the problem can be identified and remedied WARNING Side to side motion sway that begins as you reach a certain speed will likely become whipping at higher speeds As soon...

Page 14: ...will move an vibrate more than the tow vehicle a good rule of thumb is 25 mph or less MUCH less on severely rutted roads parking Whenever possible avoid parking on a grade If unavoidable turn the fro...

Page 15: ...all adjustments made periodically because of for example changing loads and driving conditions Brake Controllers are proportionally adjustable and small adjustments are easily made Important Note be s...

Page 16: ...only The LT indicates Light Truck Service and designed to be used on vehicles that are capable of carrying heavy cargo maximum load rating Is the maximum load in kilograms and pounds that each tire c...

Page 17: ...uge until you get to the correct pressure If the tire pressure is too low note the difference between the measured tire pressure and the correct tire pressure These missing pounds of pressure are what...

Page 18: ...he habitat with missing lug nuts or faulty lug bolts BALANCING ALIGNMENT AND LUBRICATION To avoid vibration or shaking of the vehicle when a tire rotates the tire must be properly balanced This balanc...

Page 19: ...15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 19 MANTIS DESCRIPTION TAXA IS CONSTANTLY MAKING VIDEOS TO HELP YOU GET TO KNOW AND USE OUR HABITATS SEE TAXA OUTDOORS CHANNEL ON YOUTUBE https www youtube...

Page 20: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 20...

Page 21: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 21...

Page 22: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 22...

Page 23: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 23 FUSE AND SWITCH PLATE AT KITCHEN...

Page 24: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 24 FUSE AND SWITCH PLATE AT SIDE DOOR...

Page 25: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 25 STORAGE TOWER BAG BIN...

Page 26: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 26 REAR LADDER REAR DOOR STRAP USAGE...

Page 27: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 27 TENT WINDOW SCREEN...

Page 28: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 28 AC SHROUD AND LOCKS FOR OPERATION...

Page 29: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 29 KITCHEN PLUMBING DIAGRAM all dimensions are subject to change...

Page 30: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 30 KITCHEN PLUMBING DIAGRAM all dimensions are subject to change...

Page 31: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 31 CHASSIS PLUMBING DIAGRAM all dimensions are subject to change...

Page 32: ...and work well They are typically white in color with a light blue stripe which helps to identify the hose and serves as a reminder to keep it separate from other hoses or hardware especially those use...

Page 33: ...w 4 turn off each sink faucet as the water flow becomes steady and free of air stops sputtering and a solid stream of water flows from the faucet 5 allow the water pump time to stop running the water...

Page 34: ...city water inlet hose especially if you plan on consuming your stored water See below discussion regarding sanitation filling the freshwater tank 1 prepare the inlet on the driver s side panel of the...

Page 35: ...tank Otherwise it may destroy the pump and cause a blown circuit to empty the fresh water tank The valve for the fresh water tank is located beneath the habitat directly connected to the bottom of th...

Page 36: ...e flaps closed 5 bathe cassette toilet your Mantis has a built in cassette toilet Utilizing a cassette toiler rather than a Black water tanks gives you the freedom to empty into an RV dump station OR...

Page 37: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 37...

Page 38: ...DO SO MAY DAMAGE YOUR HABITAT WIRING AND ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEM We recommend disconnecting the 7 pin connector from the tow vehicle when camping When hitching and unhitching be sure to move the 7 pin...

Page 39: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 39 ELECTRIC CHASSIS OVERVIEW...

Page 40: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 40 CABIN OVERVIEW...

Page 41: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 41 CHASSIS HARNESS...

Page 42: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 42 CHASSIS SECONDARY RUNNING LIGHTS AT REAR...

Page 43: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 43...

Page 44: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 44...

Page 45: ...treet houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 45 WARNING NEVER REPLACE INSTALLED CIRCUIT BREAKERS OR FUSES WITH CIRCUIT BREAKERS OR FUSES OF HIGHER AMPERAGE RATING THAN THOSE ORIGINALLY INSTALLED THIS COULD...

Page 46: ...can fail even without a short circuit under low voltage The converter charger system in your Mantis will help you manage your electrical requirements and charging needs The converter charger monitors...

Page 47: ...ever charging your batteries in some other fashion Please remember that the AC runs only on 110v installation proper battery installation is critical Thus please see a qualified technician for the ins...

Page 48: ...tion add on appliance and or equipment air conditioner For best performance Park in a shaded area Keep blinds down and closed Keep windows and doors closed allowing the habitat to cool efficiently If...

Page 49: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 49 SAFETY OVERVIEW...

Page 50: ...een properly attached check underneath habitat for any damage or displacement emptying water tanks prior to travel will decrease tow weight and improve fuel efficiency of your tow vehicle WARNING DO N...

Page 51: ...habitat from the tow vehicle unplug 7 pin connector from vehicle 6 Lower the stabilizing jacks until they firmly engage Be sure all jacks have about the same pressure on them Note Before resuming tra...

Page 52: ...ound the exterior of the habitat to ensure that no tent fabric is caught in the roof no jacks cords hoses etc were left in place TENT ROLLED UP AND NOT CAUGHT IN LATCH You must roll tented side fabric...

Page 53: ...ms as you go The Mantis Tent is created in four segments Detach the Velcro that attaches the tent Fold carefully Done PUTTING IT BACK ON 1 separate the Mantis tent into its four sides and four corner...

Page 54: ...signed to remove particles from the air There are many types and sizes of air cleaners available to you on the market Note Air cleaners are not generally designed to remove gaseous pollutants The effe...

Page 55: ...te If the tips outlined here are not effective in controlling condensation it may be necessary for you to invest in a dehumidifier to reduce the health risk to you or your family as well as prevent da...

Page 56: ...unfrozen or do not care if they freeze Please also refer to the Plumbing System section insulation and heat keep the inside of the habitat heated and insulated Use your furnace that is integrated int...

Page 57: ...t SUMMER your habitats roof is insulated on the hottest of days being inside is like being on a porch shady and with great cross ventilation Have a siesta in the middle of the afternoon and stay up la...

Page 58: ...ly and coupler appears damaged in any way contact your dealer and resolve the problem before travel safety chains Inspect safety chains before each trip Replace them before travelling if they are dama...

Page 59: ...ng abrasive pads and scouring powders which may dull surfaces and increase exposure to future staining Remember to use a chopping block or cutting board when using knives on the countertop Pots and pa...

Page 60: ...erior components attachments etc breakaway switch cords safety chains are secured Prevent habitat from rolling unexpectedly during storage chock wheels raise levelling jacks and retract step assembly...

Page 61: ...your dealer Operate air conditioning system if equipped Inspect and clean the interior Check sealants on and around the roof body seams and windows resealing as needed Wash the exterior thoroughly flu...

Page 62: ...hen Replace pump Water heater not working no hot water Verify that furnace heat is working Check LCD control panel to make sure setting is correct not on a timer that timed out Check top of furnace un...

Page 63: ...settings Ceiling lights not functioning Blown fuse in WFCO Check fuse 2 Kitchen 12v outlet not functioning Blown fuse in WFCO Check fuse 3 Exterior 12v outlet not functioning Blown fuse in WFCO Check...

Page 64: ...l the way down Repeat if required Window gap adjust latches interior latches have two locked positions one closes to weather and dust other leaves 1 8 gap Broken window arm Misuse Install new part by...

Page 65: ...at no cost to you and within industry standards Taxa Inc will also in its sole discretion use the same substantially similar new remanufactured refurbished and or reconditioned components parts mater...

Page 66: ...by Taxa Inc whether warranted separately or not by their respective manufacturers including but not limited to tires batteries fuses ac units heaters refrigerators porta potty s roof racks generators...

Page 67: ...ages resulting from or related to the use of your habitat in extreme weather conditions as defined in the severe weather use section of this manual 24 any item not specifically listed in the coverage...

Page 68: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 68 NOTES...

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