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©2022 TAXA INC. v.4.2.010122
©2022 TAXA INC. v.4.2.010122
Your habitat was NOT designed for use in extreme
climates or weather situations. Your habitat was
designed for short-term use (typically seven days
or less) in normal, moderate temperature and
climate conditions. Normal, moderate temperatures
are between 320 F and 1000 F. Climates falling
outside of this range are considered extreme for
purposes of this manual and your habitat. Be
advised that some of your habitat’s systems and
components are not appropriate for use in extreme
climates and may require special precautions.
NOTE: Some damages or losses arising out of use
of your habitat in extreme climate conditions may
not be covered under the Limited Warranty. See
Limited Warranty section herein. Thus, before you
consider using your habitat in extreme conditions,
please read this full section. If conditions are
extreme due to weather or other natural or
unnatural causes BE SAFE!
Get yourself to safety. Get your vehicles to safety
as a secondary concern.
PLUMBING SYSTEM
Your habitat’s fresh and waste water plumbing
will require preparation and/or attention during
extreme cold weather use. The interior plumbing
can be kept from freezing either by use of your
furnace OR by draining all lines and traps. The
fresh water and greywater tanks are exterior
and not insulated. Freezing temperatures can
cause extensive damage to the plumbing system,
resulting in costly repairs or replacement not
covered under your Limited Warranty. Your
plumbing system and components should not
be used in below freezing conditions. Remember
that no portion of the plumbing system is situated
in a heated compartment, and much of it is
directly exposed to the outdoor air and especially
susceptible to freezing. Thus, be sure to take
notice of where all plumbing is situated in your
habitat. Thoroughly thaw out, drain, and dry hoses
before storing and drain holding tanks if possible.
This should reduce the likelihood of damage to
your tanks from a freeze. Supply your habitat
with bottled water for drinking, cooking, washing
and brushing your teeth. You may also consider
winterizing your habitat. See “Winterization”
section herein.
INSULATION AND HEAT
Keep the inside of the habitat heated and insulated.
Use your furnace that is integrated into the habitat
to keep interior temperatures modulated. Follow all
manufacturer’s instructions for safety.
The panels of your habitat are insulated. You may
consider installing heat tape or similar underneath
the habitat and around exterior plumbing
components. If applicable, wrap the fresh water
inlet plumbing and waste lines with heat tape. Be
sure to follow all use and installation instructions
provided by respective manufacturers.
BATTERY AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
If you are connected to shore power or have a
generator, you should have all the power you need
to operate appliances. You can easily run your
furnace, or you can plug in a portable electric
heater if using shore power. However, if you are
dry camping (i.e. no shore power or generator),
your battery or batteries will be your only source
of power, and thus, your primary electrical
system is a concern in extreme cold. Be sure to
keep the battery charged and conserve available
energy when possible. Remember that there is
no substitute for common sense when camping
in extreme weather conditions. Please also refer
to the “Battery” and “Electrical System” sections
herein.
EXTREME HEAT AND COLD
Extreme heat and extreme cold can cause injury
and or death, especially to the elderly and young.
Take all necessary precautions when camping.
Here are some notes for camping in:
1. Winter:
Bring bottled water for drinking,
washing, brushing teeth etc. Keep plumbing
lines and tanks free from water in prolonged
freezing conditions. Your furnace will keep
you warm even with the roof up. Have a good
sleeping bag, zip two together. Closing the
roof at night for extra insulation may permit
sleeping in temperatures bellow freezing.
2. Spring:
No special considerations unless you
are up high or far north where temps may drop
below zero at night.
3. Summer:
Your habitat’s 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 late! Get a clip on a 12v fan or two!
Some climates support swamp cooler use.
Some may need an AC
4. Fall:
No special considerations unless you are
up high or far north where temps may drop
below zero at night.
WINTERIZATION
EXTREME WEATHER
If storing your habitat in persistently cold weather
(less than 20 degrees F), you must prepare your
habitat appropriately. We recommend that you
store your habitat in a dry, level, well-ventilated
area protected from the elements. Use blocks,
chocks, or ramps for the wheels, if necessary. A
garage is ideal. Refer to and follow the following
storage preparation guidelines.
INTERIOR
Open your refrigerator, if any, and remove all food
items, block the lid open to provide air movement.
Spread out your upholstery so that air can reach
all sides. Open all cabinet doors and drawers,
including interior storage area. Place containers of
moisture-gathering beads in the habitat. Clean the
floor, walls and all surfaces.
CHASSIS
Lubricate all grease fittings on the axle hubs.
Check all tires for damage and set tire pressure
to the maximum as indicated on the tire sidewall.
Clean the tires and wheels with regular soap/car
wash solution. Clean the tires and wheels as well
as the underside of the habitat. Wash off mud
and/or other road accumulations on frame, axles,
and other components. Inspect and make note of
damage in the area of any components.
EXTERIOR
Close all vents and windows and thoroughly wash
the exterior, including roof, sidewalls, and front and
rear. Note any maintenance issues that arise that
may be needed. Inspect the sealants around roof
accessories (vents, racks, etc.), windows and doors,
reseal as necessary before winter rains or snows
accumulate (to prevent leaks when snow melts in
spring). Cover all exterior appliance vents.
Extend the awning (if equipped). Vacuum or sweep
away branches, leaves, and any other debris. Wash
with a mild, natural soap to reduce mildew. Allow
to dry completely before retracting the awning.
Be sure all exterior components, attachments,
etc. (breakaway switch, cords, safety chains) are
secured.
MOVEMENT
Prevent habitat from rolling unexpectedly during
storage - chock wheels, raise leveling jacks, and
retract step assembly.
PLUMBING SYSTEM
Proper preparation and winterization of your
habitat fresh water and greywater systems is
vital. Freezing water expands, leading to possible
rupture of tubing, fittings, tanks, and fixtures. Thus,
be sure to empty the holding tanks before storing
and winterizing. Drain hot water or fill traps and
lines of system with non-toxic antifreeze if you
are unable to blow out any pockets of water with
pressurized air. Turn off the water heater, if any,
and let it cool. Remove access panel and remove
HW distribution line per instructions in section
“plumbing system.” Siphon water from the tank
per same instructions. Reinstall HW line by firmly
pushing it back into place. Open your sink and
shower faucets, both hot and cold, Open the
drain valves of both the gray and potable water
tanks, and fully drain the tanks . Close the valves
when tanks are completely drained and empty.
Disconnect the shower hose and drain the hose.
Drain your TRUMA furnace and hot water heater
per manufacturer’s instructions.
For complete instructions from the manufacturer
of your water heater, please view the
manufacturer’s product manual, available at:
https://taxaoutdoors.com/manuals/#appliances-
accessories
NOTE: All fresh water lines must be flushed with
fresh water ro clear the fresh water system of any
antifreeze prior to using fresh water system after
storage.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Preparation and winterization of the electrical
system primarily revolves around your battery.
Proper battery storage helps ensure both the
powering up of your habitat systems on your next
trip, and maximizes the life of your battery. Refer
to the “Battery” section of this manual for proper
storage information. Important Note: remember
to turn off all electric loads in your habitat prior to
storage.