“The Mantis is really easy to deploy,” said David Tracy, internet manager for World Wide RV in Mesa, Ariz. The size and weight is perfect for city-dwellers who “want to go out passed civilization, where no one is normally around.”
With an empty weight of around 3,000 pounds and a GVWR of 3,800, many family vehicles have the horses to pull it.
“It can easily be towed by a Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner, said Tracy. “Owners often say they forget it is even back there. And, it is narrow enough that those giant side mirrors are not needed.”
Tracy added: “A number of our buyers live in urban neighborhoods where an RV cannot be left outside. With the Mantis’ retractable top, the 6-foot 9-inch folded height can be stored in most residential garages out of sight and where the weather can’t beat on it.”
As for cost, asking price of an expandable 2019 19-foot Mantis Trek ranges between $36,000 and $49,000 depending on amenities.
“They are expensive when you compare them to conventional trailers of the same size,” said Hugh Green of Sutton RV. “But when you look at the materials they use and the build quality, they can definitely back up the price.”
To read the other two parts on ‘Taxa’s Mantis trailer,’ click here.
— Julianne G. Crane
Photos: Courtesy of Taxa Outdoors
