Taxa Outdoors 2022 Mantis Owner'S Manual Download Page 17

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BATTERY INSPECTION AND MONITORING

We recommend that you inspect and monitor the
charge of the battery at least once a month and
prior to any trip. During your inspection, look for
cracks in the cover and case, and check vent plugs.

Have a qualified technician replace any cracked or
broken plugs or other such items, confirm that the

hold-down hardware is tightly secured, that the
battery box, tray or compartment is clean and free
of corrosion, and that the vent caps and terminals
are secure and tight.

NOTE: Do not store anything in the habitat
battery compartment, box or tray other than the
battery and its various components.

Mantis Battery Location

Cricket Battery Location

TigerMoth Battery Location

CHARGE CONTROLLER

New for 2022, Taxa includes a charge controller
pre-wired into your habitat. This charge controlelr
goes between the solar power SAE inlet and the
battery. The function of this charge controller is
to prevent over-charging of your battery, and it is
suggested to always use a charge controller while
using solar.

The charge controller included with our habitats
is a top-of-the-line Victron SmartSolar, which
includes bluetooth monitoring capability. To use
the full features of this product, download the
appropriate app directly from Victron.

NOTE: Having multiple charge controllers in- line
between your solar panels and battery may cause
them to function improperly. Please ensure that
you are using only the charge controller that’s
included with your habitat or you may have
adverse effects.

For complete instructions from the manufacturer
of your charge controller, please view the
manufacturer’s product manuals, available at:
https://taxaoutdoors.com/manuals/#appliances-
accessories

CHARGING

Keep the batteries fully charged but be sure not to
overcharge the battery. If the habitat is charging
via a power cord, shore power, your power
distribution center will prevent overcharging. To
check or monitor the battery charge, insert the
readout accessory into any 12V outlet on the
Mantis.

Here are three ways to charge your battery:

1. Plug into any 120V outlet via the inlet

located on the rear driver’s side of your
Mantis.

2. Plug the habitat’s 7-pin connector into

an appropriately wired tow vehicle while
the vehicle’s engine is running.

3. Plug compatible solar panels into the

inlet located on the rear driver’s side of
your Mantis. Ensure a charge controller
is inline between panel and batteries.

NOTE: When camping, detach 7-Pin connector
from tow vehicle. Otherwise it is possible that the
habitat may drain the tow vehicle’s battery.

APPLIANCES & FIRE EXTINGUISHER

ELECTRICAL

STORAGE

When habitat is in storage, maintain the battery by
plugging a 120V power source into the habitat’s
electrical inlet. The charge controller will maintain a
proper charge without overcharging.

Alternatively, use the battery cut-off switch located
on the front face of the kitchen cabinetry to
disconnect battery. (When the battery disconnect
is in OFF position it is still possible to charge the
battery from the tow vehicle or solar panel).

DEAD BATTERIES

If your battery is dead, plug into shore power
if available. Reduce the loads on the battery
by turning off any lights, 12-volt DC powered
equipment and all non-essential items to allow
rapid recharge. You may also connect the 7-way
connector to your tow vehicle and run the engine
at high idle to increase charging current and
possibly reduce charging time. If your tow vehicle
battery is dead or discharged, an external jumper
battery or battery charger must be used to either
start your tow vehicle engine, or generator, if any.

APPLIANCES

The following appliances are optional. If you
choose to equip your habitat with any options,
please be sure to read and follow the separate
manuals and instructions regarding safety, risks,
use, maintenance, care and service associated with
each option, add-on, appliance and/or equipment.

AIR CONDITIONER

The air conditioner unit (AC), if any, will plug into
an appropriately rated power outlet, and is not
compatible with your habitat’s battery system.
Remember that your air conditioner’s performance
depends largely on the heat levels/stresses on your
habitat. Habitat heat stresses may be reduced as
follows:

•  Park in a shaded area
•  Keep blinds down and closed
•  Keep windows and doors closed,

allowing the habitat to cool efficiently

• If you have an awning, use it to protect

habitat from direct sunlight

• Try to avoid using heat-producing items

inside habitat

• Turn on the AC unit early in the morning
• Maintain AC unit as instructed by

manufacturer

REFRIGERATOR

The refrigerator, if any, operates on the habitat’s
12V battery system. Please refer to the applicable
separate manufacturer instructions for care and
operation.

WATER/PROPANE HEATER

All Mantis and Cricket units are equipped with
a Truma propane combination air and water
heater. Please refer to the applicable separate
manufacturer instructions for care and operation.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Your habitat includes a fire extinguisher, which

is located near the kitchen. Test and operate
according to manufacturer instructions.

SMOKE DETECTOR and CARBON MONOXIDE
DETECTOR

Your habitat includes a battery powered smoke
detector and a separate carbon monoxide detector,
which should be tested prior to and during each
camping trip.

NOTE: Test, inspect, and maintain all appliances
in the manor prescribed my the respective
manufacturer’s instructions.

For complete instructions from the manufacturer
of your appliances, please view the
manufacturer’s product manuals, available at:
https://taxaoutdoors.com/manuals/#appliances-
accessories