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MANTIS

 

 www.taxaoutdoors.com 

1830 west 15th street  houston, tx 77008  usa          (rev.08262020)                  56                                          

 

FOUR SEASON USE / EXTREME WEATHER

 

 
Your habitat was NOT designed for use in extreme climates or weather situations.  It was designed to be used any season you 
wish. Some conditions require special consideration or preparations. 

If conditions are extreme due to weather or other natural or unnatural causes BE SAFE!  

Get yourselves to safety. Get your vehicles to safety as a secondary concern. 

 

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 32 degrees F and 100 degrees 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  (see further notes below).  Please  be advised that some 
damages, losses or injury 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 the following

:   

 

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 Grey water 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 on your habitat. You can comfortably camp in winter!  However, your drinking 
water should come from portable water containers that you can keep unfrozen or do not care if they freeze.  Please also refer 
to the “Plumbing System” section. 

   

 

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 your  heat tape, etc. manufacturers.   Periodically check the habitat systems 
and components.  

 

 

additional  tips …. 

thoroughly dry, thaw out and drain water from 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.     
 

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, if with shore power, can plug in a portable electric heater. 
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 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 

Please use common sense when camping. 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: 
 
WINTER: 
- bring bottled water for drinking, washing, brushing teeth etc. Keep those plumbing lines and tanks free from water in prolonged 
freezing conditions. 
- your furnace will keep you warm and toasty even with the roof up. We have been to well below freezing in our experiences. 
- have a good sleeping bag, zip two together 
- some people close the roof at night for extra insulation 
 

Summary of Contents for Mantis 2021

Page 1: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 1 Mantis owner s manual 2021...

Page 2: ...orners snap the bottom take a shower change your clothes 4Wheel Lugs On your first trip tighten wheel lugs at start and at 10 25 and 50 miles Thereafter check wheel lugs before each trip after excessi...

Page 3: ...mostly of families but I know all sorts of families so I should be a little more specific It can sleep up to four full sized people in its berths two of those people can share a double bed with the ot...

Page 4: ...Your unit will contain any such manuals provided to Taxa Inc by the specific component part appliance add on system and accessory manufacturer Please read them to gain a more complete understanding o...

Page 5: ...65 SAFETY TERMS We have included various safety messages in this manual all of which are important Please read and obey them The following are safety related terms and symbols referred to in this man...

Page 6: ...ability of your habitat and tow vehicle Under inflated tires and over loaded vehicles are major causes of tire failure Please refer to Tires section for a more detailed discussion on your tires and ti...

Page 7: ...ains Be sure to correct any noted problems or defects before towing the habitat Important Note be sure to raise all habitat jacks and close the habitat fully before driving off after hitching One of t...

Page 8: ...DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY IF THE HABITAT UNCOUPLES FROM THE TOW VEHICLE 7 Synchronize the AUTOWBRAKE and key fob before towing https taxaoutdoors com wp content uploads 2019 05 Autowbrake Installation...

Page 9: ...te brake controller 12 You may depending on your tow vehicle or intended usage of the habitat want to consider the use of a weight distributing hitch and or sway bars These distribute the tongue weigh...

Page 10: ...e loaded and then compare it with the GVWR 4200 lbs Otherwise you will need to do some calculations on your own in order to make an appropriate determination If the loaded weight of your habitat excee...

Page 11: ...taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 11 example of poor weight distribution proper 10 to 15 of habitat on car coupler and or introduction of weight distributing hi...

Page 12: ...ball However if the safety chains fail the breakaway pulls the pin out of the switch which fires the brakes and serves as a last line of defense against a runaway habitat The breakaway switch cable n...

Page 13: ...with heightened caution until the problem can be identified and remedied WARNING Side to side motion sway that begins as you reach a certain speed will likely become whipping at higher speeds As soon...

Page 14: ...will move an vibrate more than the tow vehicle a good rule of thumb is 25 mph or less MUCH less on severely rutted roads parking Whenever possible avoid parking on a grade If unavoidable turn the fro...

Page 15: ...all adjustments made periodically because of for example changing loads and driving conditions Brake Controllers are proportionally adjustable and small adjustments are easily made Important Note be s...

Page 16: ...only The LT indicates Light Truck Service and designed to be used on vehicles that are capable of carrying heavy cargo maximum load rating Is the maximum load in kilograms and pounds that each tire c...

Page 17: ...uge until you get to the correct pressure If the tire pressure is too low note the difference between the measured tire pressure and the correct tire pressure These missing pounds of pressure are what...

Page 18: ...he habitat with missing lug nuts or faulty lug bolts BALANCING ALIGNMENT AND LUBRICATION To avoid vibration or shaking of the vehicle when a tire rotates the tire must be properly balanced This balanc...

Page 19: ...15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 19 MANTIS DESCRIPTION TAXA IS CONSTANTLY MAKING VIDEOS TO HELP YOU GET TO KNOW AND USE OUR HABITATS SEE TAXA OUTDOORS CHANNEL ON YOUTUBE https www youtube...

Page 20: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 20...

Page 21: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 21...

Page 22: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 22...

Page 23: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 23 FUSE AND SWITCH PLATE AT KITCHEN...

Page 24: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 24 FUSE AND SWITCH PLATE AT SIDE DOOR...

Page 25: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 25 STORAGE TOWER BAG BIN...

Page 26: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 26 REAR LADDER REAR DOOR STRAP USAGE...

Page 27: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 27 TENT WINDOW SCREEN...

Page 28: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 28 AC SHROUD AND LOCKS FOR OPERATION...

Page 29: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 29 KITCHEN PLUMBING DIAGRAM all dimensions are subject to change...

Page 30: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 30 KITCHEN PLUMBING DIAGRAM all dimensions are subject to change...

Page 31: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 31 CHASSIS PLUMBING DIAGRAM all dimensions are subject to change...

Page 32: ...and work well They are typically white in color with a light blue stripe which helps to identify the hose and serves as a reminder to keep it separate from other hoses or hardware especially those use...

Page 33: ...w 4 turn off each sink faucet as the water flow becomes steady and free of air stops sputtering and a solid stream of water flows from the faucet 5 allow the water pump time to stop running the water...

Page 34: ...city water inlet hose especially if you plan on consuming your stored water See below discussion regarding sanitation filling the freshwater tank 1 prepare the inlet on the driver s side panel of the...

Page 35: ...tank Otherwise it may destroy the pump and cause a blown circuit to empty the fresh water tank The valve for the fresh water tank is located beneath the habitat directly connected to the bottom of th...

Page 36: ...e flaps closed 5 bathe cassette toilet your Mantis has a built in cassette toilet Utilizing a cassette toiler rather than a Black water tanks gives you the freedom to empty into an RV dump station OR...

Page 37: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 37...

Page 38: ...DO SO MAY DAMAGE YOUR HABITAT WIRING AND ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEM We recommend disconnecting the 7 pin connector from the tow vehicle when camping When hitching and unhitching be sure to move the 7 pin...

Page 39: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 39 ELECTRIC CHASSIS OVERVIEW...

Page 40: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 40 CABIN OVERVIEW...

Page 41: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 41 CHASSIS HARNESS...

Page 42: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 42 CHASSIS SECONDARY RUNNING LIGHTS AT REAR...

Page 43: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 43...

Page 44: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 44...

Page 45: ...treet houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 45 WARNING NEVER REPLACE INSTALLED CIRCUIT BREAKERS OR FUSES WITH CIRCUIT BREAKERS OR FUSES OF HIGHER AMPERAGE RATING THAN THOSE ORIGINALLY INSTALLED THIS COULD...

Page 46: ...can fail even without a short circuit under low voltage The converter charger system in your Mantis will help you manage your electrical requirements and charging needs The converter charger monitors...

Page 47: ...ever charging your batteries in some other fashion Please remember that the AC runs only on 110v installation proper battery installation is critical Thus please see a qualified technician for the ins...

Page 48: ...tion add on appliance and or equipment air conditioner For best performance Park in a shaded area Keep blinds down and closed Keep windows and doors closed allowing the habitat to cool efficiently If...

Page 49: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 49 SAFETY OVERVIEW...

Page 50: ...een properly attached check underneath habitat for any damage or displacement emptying water tanks prior to travel will decrease tow weight and improve fuel efficiency of your tow vehicle WARNING DO N...

Page 51: ...habitat from the tow vehicle unplug 7 pin connector from vehicle 6 Lower the stabilizing jacks until they firmly engage Be sure all jacks have about the same pressure on them Note Before resuming tra...

Page 52: ...ound the exterior of the habitat to ensure that no tent fabric is caught in the roof no jacks cords hoses etc were left in place TENT ROLLED UP AND NOT CAUGHT IN LATCH You must roll tented side fabric...

Page 53: ...ms as you go The Mantis Tent is created in four segments Detach the Velcro that attaches the tent Fold carefully Done PUTTING IT BACK ON 1 separate the Mantis tent into its four sides and four corner...

Page 54: ...signed to remove particles from the air There are many types and sizes of air cleaners available to you on the market Note Air cleaners are not generally designed to remove gaseous pollutants The effe...

Page 55: ...te If the tips outlined here are not effective in controlling condensation it may be necessary for you to invest in a dehumidifier to reduce the health risk to you or your family as well as prevent da...

Page 56: ...unfrozen or do not care if they freeze Please also refer to the Plumbing System section insulation and heat keep the inside of the habitat heated and insulated Use your furnace that is integrated int...

Page 57: ...t SUMMER your habitats 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 la...

Page 58: ...ly and coupler appears damaged in any way contact your dealer and resolve the problem before travel safety chains Inspect safety chains before each trip Replace them before travelling if they are dama...

Page 59: ...ng abrasive pads and scouring powders which may dull surfaces and increase exposure to future staining Remember to use a chopping block or cutting board when using knives on the countertop Pots and pa...

Page 60: ...erior components attachments etc breakaway switch cords safety chains are secured Prevent habitat from rolling unexpectedly during storage chock wheels raise levelling jacks and retract step assembly...

Page 61: ...your dealer Operate air conditioning system if equipped Inspect and clean the interior Check sealants on and around the roof body seams and windows resealing as needed Wash the exterior thoroughly flu...

Page 62: ...hen Replace pump Water heater not working no hot water Verify that furnace heat is working Check LCD control panel to make sure setting is correct not on a timer that timed out Check top of furnace un...

Page 63: ...settings Ceiling lights not functioning Blown fuse in WFCO Check fuse 2 Kitchen 12v outlet not functioning Blown fuse in WFCO Check fuse 3 Exterior 12v outlet not functioning Blown fuse in WFCO Check...

Page 64: ...l the way down Repeat if required Window gap adjust latches interior latches have two locked positions one closes to weather and dust other leaves 1 8 gap Broken window arm Misuse Install new part by...

Page 65: ...at no cost to you and within industry standards Taxa Inc will also in its sole discretion use the same substantially similar new remanufactured refurbished and or reconditioned components parts mater...

Page 66: ...by Taxa Inc whether warranted separately or not by their respective manufacturers including but not limited to tires batteries fuses ac units heaters refrigerators porta potty s roof racks generators...

Page 67: ...ages resulting from or related to the use of your habitat in extreme weather conditions as defined in the severe weather use section of this manual 24 any item not specifically listed in the coverage...

Page 68: ...MANTIS www taxaoutdoors com 1830 west 15th street houston tx 77008 usa rev 08262020 68 NOTES...

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