“Taxa is definitely appealing to a niche market,” said Hugh Green, sales rep with Sutton RV in Eugene, Ore.,“They are absolutely geared to an active group who love getting out there hiking, kayaking and mountain biking.”
Getting people safely into the backcountry is the job of Taxa’s rugged construction. It including aluminum composite panels and aluminum or steel structural skeletons. Built for venturing off paved roads, the trailer features all-terrain tires, a torsion axle suspension, and a 14-inch ground clearance.
The Mantis comes with a roof rack system that allows users to carry their recreational gear, including canoes and bikes, on top of their camper. Having a streamlined, aerodynamic silhouette in travel mode, at camp the Mantis’ roof pops up in seconds to provide 6-feet 4-inches of headroom in the kitchen and bath areas.
Interior of the Mantis is tight, functional
The back end of the trailer features a couch with underneath storage that at night turns into a queen size bed. The front end houses two bunk beds, for a total of sleeping space for four adults.
The Mantis Trek runs on two 12-volt, deep-cycle batteries or shore power with a 110-volt converter. With plumbing for propane, it can be used for the two-burner stove, water heater and furnace. For those who want to live off-grid for weeks, it is also pre-wired for solar.
The birch kitchen has counter space for prepping food, and a 2-burner stove and flush mounted sink.
Fresh water capacity is 20 gallons, with a 22-gallon gray water tank. There is a wet bath with cassette toilet and when not in use, the bath area has a functional countertop.
Finer features include LED lights, USB charging ports to keep your electronics operating, a mesh screen door and an 8-foot awning.
The final post of this three part series talks about how the Mantis’ size and weight are perfect for city-dwellers who “want to go out passed civilization, where no one is normally around.” If you have not read Part 1, click here.
— Julianne G. Crane
Photos: Courtesy of Taxa Outdoors
