MANTIS
www.taxaoutdoors.com
1830 west 15th street houston, tx 77008 usa (rev.08262020) 13
maintaining a length of at least three cars and a habitat (approximately 65 ft.) between you and the car in front of you for every
10 mph of speed you are traveling (for example, at 60mph, you should maintain approximately 390 ft. of distance between your
vehicle and the vehicle in front of you). This should give you adequate time to safely complete a proper avoidance maneuver
(i.e. come to a safe stop, change lanes, etc.) in the event of, for example, an abrupt stop or emergency.
Longer stopping distances are required when towing a habitat so remember to start braking sooner than you would if driving
without your habitat. Begin slowing down well in advance of anticipated street/road dips and depressions. It also takes longer
to accelerate when towing a habitat. Thus, remember to account for both the slower acceleration rate and the combined length
of your tow vehicle and habitat when passing another vehicle and then safely returning to your lane. In sum, always pass, allow
others to pass, and change lanes with care. We also do not recommend using cruise control or overdrive when towing/travelling.
SWAY AND FISHTAILING
… excessive sway or fishtailing of your habitat can lead to the rollover of the habitat and tow vehicle,
and thus, serious injury or death. The tendency for the vehicle to sway increases with speed. Thus, reduce speed as needed
and in inclement or harsh weather conditions (i.e. high winds, rainstorms, slippery roads, etc.). The following are a few tips for
reducing sway or fishtailing if and when they occur and are not exhaustive: (1)
slow down gradually
…. do not jam/slam on the
brakes or press on the accelerator, both of which may make the situation worse and result in severe injury or death. Instead,
remove your foot from the accelerator and reduce your speed gradually whenever possible; (2)
minimize and avoid quick
steering movements ….
Quick steering movements will actually cause increased sway and loss of control;
Keep both hands on the wheel, and hold the wheel as straight as possible until stability is regained; and
As soon as practicable after regaining control
… pull over and
check tire pressures, cargo weight distribution, and inspect the
habitat and tow vehicle for any signs of failure or defect. If you suspect a mechanical failure, we recommend that you not tow
until the problem is identified and remedied. If you choose to travel, do so at reduced speeds and with heightened caution until
the problem can be identified and remedied.
WARNING
:
S
ide to side motion (sway) that begins as you reach a certain speed will likely become whipping at higher
speeds. As soon as you notice sway, slow your vehicle by letting off the accelerator pedal. Then stop to check the
habitat and tow vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Sway can sometimes temporarily controlled by pressing the brake
controller’s brake button independent of touching the tow vehicle’s brake. This tends to pull the habitat back in line
and gives greater control as one determines the issue at hand.
OTHER IMPORTANT TOWING SCENARIOS
winding, narrow roads
… stay in the center of the lane. This reduces the likelihood of the tires/wheels dropping onto the shoulder,
another potential cause of hazardous sway. Do not cross the center-line unless safely changing lanes.
WARNING
:
If a wheel goes off the paved roadway, do not steer sharply and do not brake. Let off the gas pedal, slow
down below 25 mph and then steer gradually back onto the roadway. Proceed with caution entering traffic.
sharp turns
…. minimize the suddenness of sharp turns by anticipating them, slowing down well in advance of them, and taking
them at low, substantially reduced speeds.
steep, long grades … like sharp turns, be sure to anticipate steep grades.
Down-shift into a lower gear or range in advance to
assist your braking on a descent and to add power on a climb.
Note: avoid situations that require excessive and prolonged use of the brakes. If unavoidable, apply and release brakes at short
intervals to give them a chance to cool. Downshift your tow vehicle to reduce breaking needs on long downgrades of highway.
slippery, icy pavement
… reduce speed and drive slowly. Remember that skidding/hydroplaning can occur with minimal moisture
on the road. If skidding occurs, remove your foot from the accelerator and then gently apply the habitat brakes only.
freeways and highways …
try to pick and stay in the far righthand slow(er) lane.
corner turns
… habitat wheels do not follow the path of your tow vehicle’s wheels during corner turns. The habitat will make a
closer, tighter turn than the tow vehicle. Compensate by moving further into the intersection before turning so that the habitat
clears any objects in or near the road such as but not limited to the curb and parked vehicles. Left turns require a wider than
normal turn to help prevent the habitat from edging into an opposing lane. Use turn signals early for the traffic behind you and
begin slowing down well in advance of your turn.
mud and sand …
when going through mud or sand, accelerate gently, if at all, and try to remain In the path of the previous
Summary of Contents for Mantis 2021
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