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Who Makes Taxa Trailers?

Who Makes Taxa Trailers?

Have you thought about downsizing and getting a smaller camper? Do you want to explore more places and connect with the outdoors? If so, the Taxa trailer lineup may have something for you. From the 19-foot Mantis to the less-than-11-foot Woolly Bear, these Taxa camper models have unique designs for adventurers who want to connect with nature. However, you don’t have to sacrifice modern conveniences. Let’s dive in!

Why TAXA Habitats?

Who Makes Taxa Trailers?

Taxa Outdoors is an independent RV manufacturer based out of Houston, Texas. Founded in 2014 by Garret Finney, the vision of the company was to make a new kind of camper that enabled more people to get outdoors. Finney, previously a NASA architect, is the CEO and Chief Designer at Taxa who brings space-age design concepts to the campers. With a focus on precision and workmanship, a Taxa trailer is going to be unlike any other camper you’ve encountered.

What Types of Trailers Does Taxa Outdoors Manufacture?

Taxa Outdoors likes to say they manufacture “habitats” rather than campers. These habitat trailers are a fresh new way to look at camping, and each trailer brings the outside in with its unique design. Taxa campers feature rugged materials to withstand off-road travel and stylish accommodations to make the habitats feel like home.

Taxa campers are for people who want to spend most of their time outdoors. It’s also for those who maybe don’t want to deal with a whole RV, but just need the basics: shelter, water, food. Taxa Outdoors builds them to get to trailheads and kayak launches rather than parking in campsites at RV resorts. From the Mantis to the Woolly Bear, Taxa handcrafts each habitat for the adventurous spirit.

These trailers come in four model series: the Mantis, the Cricket, the TigerMoth, and the Woolly Bear. The Mantis and the Cricket are more pop-up-camper-like with a deployable roof to stand up inside them. The TigerMoth and Woolly Bear operate as basecamp trailers with rooftop tents. They have everything you need for an enjoyable camping trip, from flexible storage options and comfortable sleeping accommodations to fully-functioning kitchens. We’ll examine each fully below.

Made in Space City - TAXA Outdoors

What Makes Taxa Trailers Unique?

You won’t find many companies like Taxa Outdoors. Their campers are unique because of their innovative design, quality materials, and easy maneuverability. You won’t find a kitchen island, an ample wardrobe, or a double vanity. However, you will find a lightweight, durable trailer that will get you into nature and home to your garage.

Sustainability

One of the most significant advantages of a Taxa trailer is its lightweight design. This means you don’t need a heavy-duty truck to tow it. Instead of creating a need for more extensive, fuel-guzzling vehicles, Taxa Outdoors manufacturers campers that smaller vehicles can pull.

These trailers also move efficiently down the highway. You’ll have to fuel up less, which is better for the environment. Plus, because these habitats are small enough to fit in a garage, you don’t have to buy a shelter or pay for storage space.

Materials

Because the Taxa campers are for adventure, they must stand up to rugged terrain. Taxa Outdoors’ material is good for the planet and strong enough to withstand weathering and regular travel.

You’ll find durable powder-coated steel on all habitat chassis, including the Mantis and Woolly Bear skeletons. The fenders and gravel guards are also powder-coated steel. You can attribute the lightweight design of the Cricket and TigerMoth to the aluminum skeleton. Eco-friendly aluminum composite panels and a 2-pound cell foam core mean proper insulation year-round.

Garageable

Finally, Taxa trailers are unique because you can park them in a standard garage. You don’t have to worry about paying a monthly fee or finding out about the local regulations for parking a trailer outside your house.

The Mantis is the longest habitat at 19 feet. When you pack it away, it measures less than 7 feet high. So when you head to the trailhead, you’ll travel lightly and swiftly, but when you arrive, you can extend the camper to 7 feet, 10 inches inside, for a comfortable overnight stay. When heading home, you can back it into your garage until the next camping trip.

Pro Tip: Don’t break the bank. Invest in one of these Cheapest Travel Trailers On the Market Today.

Taxa trailers are built to last with durable materials.

The Taxa Camper Lineup

There are five Taxa trailers. Each habitat is for different types of campers with unique needs. For example, a family probably won’t enjoy the tiny space of a TigerMoth, but they might appreciate the kid’s berth set of the Cricket.

Mantis 4.1

With sleeping space for at least four adults, the Mantis 4.1 is 19 feet long and extends from 5 feet 11 inches to 7 feet, 10 inches of interior height when open. It has a 20-gallon freshwater tank and a 22-gallon gray tank for a restful weekend of dry camping.

The Mantis 4.1 has 11 inches of ground clearance, a 435-pound tongue weight, and a GVWR of 4,200 pounds. It also has torsion axle suspension with electric brakes and THULE ProBar Evo 175 adjustable load bars. The roof tracks provide storage options for all kinds of outdoor gear.

This Taxa trailer comes with some great amenities. There’s an 8,000 BTU air conditioner, Truma Combi Eco furnace and water heater system, 2-burner stove, sink, and raised cooler platform. Finally, an exterior hot and cold shower means you don’t have to go all weekend without rinsing off.

The full-size bed also has access to 21 cubic feet of under-bed storage. There’s an option to add a folding couch/bunk bed system for additional sleeping space. A hammock or rooftop tent could increase the sleeping capacity more.

New to the Truma Combi furnace? Learn all about it here!

TAXA Outdoors Mantis Walk Around Tour

Mantis 5.2

The difference between the 5.2 and 4.1 is the flexible interior space of the Mantis 5.2. There’s a new front Flex Space in the 5.2 model, providing space for work or play. A table adjusts to be a standing desk, counter extension, or meal prep table.

There’s also an indoor or outdoor restroom in this Taxa trailer. The enhanced shower accommodates someone up to 6 feet, 6 inches tall, and the flexible hose can reach outside the doorway. After a day of hiking or paddling, it’s nice to have this amenity before stepping into your home on wheels.

It all comfortably fits into the 19-foot length. All the specifications and features of the Mantis 4.1 are the same as in the Mantis 5.2. The interior height extends to almost 8 feet, the tank capacities are the same, and the weights are the same.

You still get the torsion axle suspension with electric brakes, roof tracks, THULE ProBar Evo 175 adjustable load bars, 8,000 BTU air conditioner, Truma Combi Eco furnace and water heater system, 2-burner stove, sink, and raised cooler platform.

Taxa Mantis Pros VS Cons | Taxa Outdoors | An Honest Review

Cricket

The Cricket measures 15 feet long and extends from 4 feet, 2 inches to 6 feet, 10 inches of interior height when open. It’s smaller than the Mantis models but provides necessities like a 15-gallon freshwater tank and a 16-gallon gray tank.

This Taxa trailer has 11 inches of ground clearance, a 245-pound tongue weight, and a GVWR of 2,700 pounds. It also comes with torsion axle suspension with electric brakes, a pop-up roof, roof tracks, an exterior hot and cold shower, a Truma Combi Eco furnace and water heater system, a 2-burner stove, and a sink.

Available options include the THULE ProBar Evo 175 adjustable roof load bars on the Mantis, a portable toilet, a 5,000 BTU driver’s side window air conditioner, a hanging kid’s berth set, or a THULE/TEPUI 6-foot awning with mosquito room. These add-ons can help make your camping trip even more enjoyable and comfortable.

The Cricket already has room for a family to sleep with the full bed, featuring under-bed storage and a dinette that transforms into another sleeping space. But if you add the hanging kid’s berth, that provides more private sleeping space for everyone.

Taxa's Secret Weapon: Cricket Overland - Sleeps 4 & Fits in a Garage

TigerMoth

The most compact Taxa habitat is the TigerMoth. It measures 12 feet, 10 inches in length and varies from 4 feet, 7 inches to 3 feet, 9 inches in interior height. It doesn’t extend to provide additional headroom like the Mantis and Cricket models.

The TigerMoth has 15 inches of ground clearance, a 127-pound tongue weight, and a GVWR of 2,200 pounds. Like other Taxa camper models, it comes with torsion axle suspension with electric brakes and roof tracks. The cargo deck features a 200-lb weight capacity, which is plenty of space to transport your outdoor gear.

Inside, there’s a full-size bed with 12 cubic feet of under-bed storage and a 21 by 18-inch cafe table top. The pull-out kitchen provides countertop space with a cutting board, a 2-burner portable stove, a portable sink, and two spacious cubbies. You have plenty of room for meal prep and cooking as you enjoy the outdoors.

Finally, the side hatch of this Taxa trailer provides stunning views and allows for gentle breezes. It also helps when loading/unloading to have this roomy hatch. Like the Cricket Taxa camper, you have options to add products to make your camping trip more enjoyable, like the THULE ProBar EVO 175 adjustable load bars, a tongue tool box, a THULE/TEPUI 6ft awning with mosquito room, a THULE/TEPUI 3-person roof top tent, or a 5,000 BTU front window air conditioner.

TAXA Outdoor Tigermoth Walkthrough

Woolly Bear

Finally, the Woolly Bear is unlike any other Taxa camper. This trailer features adjustable risers, multiple cabinets and compartments, and a cargo deck to transport all your camping gear. There’s no “interior” like the Mantis, Cricket, and TigerMoth have. Instead, the adjustable risers create an elevated platform for a rooftop tent.

The Woolly Bear Taxa trailer measures 10 feet, 8 inches long, and has 12 inches of ground clearance. It has a 140-pound tongue weight and a GVWR of 2,100 pounds. The cargo deck is 91 by 32 inches and has a 600-pound weight capacity. Like the other Taxa trailers, the Woolly Bear has torsion axle suspension with electric brakes.

There’s also an accessory rear hitch, stainless steel countertop, and a cooler drawer. You can add a 6-foot awning, mosquito net room, THULE/TEPUI 3-person rooftop tent, and THULE ProBar EVO 175 adjustable load bars.

Pro Tip: Take a closer look at the TAXA Woolly Bear Trailer for Camping with Small Cars.

Woolly Bear - TAXA Outdoors - Camping Trailer Overview

What Are the Overland Options By Taxa Outdoors?

Each Taxa camper has overland options for explorers who want to go off the beaten path. For example, the Mantis 5.2 Overland trailer has the features of the Mantis 5.2, like a wet bath and full kitchen, and added upgrades like a Lock ‘N’ Roll hitch and a Timbren axle-less suspension with increased ground clearance. The Mantis Overland has 14 inches of ground clearance, a 5,000-pound GVWR, a 1,500-pound tongue jack, quad stabilizer jacks, and a 23Zero 180-degree Peregrine “Batwing” awning.

The Cricket Overland Taxa camper is also more robust than the Cricket trailer, which allows it to travel down dirt roads and uneven terrain. It has 14 inches of ground clearance, a GVWR of 3,000 pounds, a 1,500-pound tongue jack, and quad stabilizer jacks. The TigerMoth Overland trailer features a Timbren axle-less suspension, 18-inch ground clearance, 2,400-pound GVWR, 1,500-pound tongue jack, and dual stabilizer jacks.

Finally, the Woolly Bear Overland trailer includes a Timbren axle-less suspension with electric brakes, 2.75 inches of more ground clearance, a Fulton XLT 1,500-pound swivel tongue jack, and quad heavy-duty stabilizer jacks. In addition, the Woolly Bear Overland trailer has 16-inch steel wheels, Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires, a front storage platform, a double battery box, and a custom front-mounted MOLLE panel.

Mantis 5.2
Taxa trailers are small, but pack a big punch.
Source: Taxa Outdoors

What Kind Of Vehicle Do I Need to Tow a Taxa Camper?

It’s crucial to consider the type of vehicle you’ll use to tow your Taxa camper. Even though they’re lightweight and easy to maneuver, if you’re going off-road with your trailer, you want a tow vehicle that can also go off-road. Just because your minivan can tow a Woolly Bear doesn’t mean it should. A Toyota 4Runner or Land Rover would make a much better choice.

So even if you have a vehicle capable of towing the 5,000-pound Mantis Overland trailer, you want to ensure you properly outfit it for rugged terrain. Standard vehicles include the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Raptor or Tremor, or Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator.

How Do I Order a Taxa Trailer?

First, if you’ve decided that a Taxa habitat suits you, you’ll want to talk with a specialist at Taxa Outdoors to discuss financing, design, finding a dealer, and more. Then you’ll decide on one of the base models. Finally, you’ll pay a $250 refundable deposit to reserve your production spot.

BOONDOCKING Across America - My Journey So Far | Toyota Tacoma and Taxa TigerMoth

Is Taxa Outdoors a Good Company?

One happy TigerMoth owner wrote, “Seriously love this camper! It’s the perfect little trailer for all adventures! Super warm in the winter (I took it out with -15 degree nights and was warm with a little electric heater). In the summer, the camper is well vented and stays cool! It’s space efficient and made to customize for you! We now take it on all our travels; our home away from home!”

Another Taxa trailer owner said, “Taxa has the quality products needed for outdoor living! They make some of the most versatile, high-quality products on the market.” 

So if you’re looking for a vehicle to help you connect with the outdoors, a Taxa trailer may be a solution. Check out all the campers, from the Mantis to the Woolly Bear, to decide if their unique designs suit your adventurous spirit!

Is a Taxa trailer right for you? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

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Tom & Caitlin Morton of Mortons on the Move gave up the stationary life for one where they are constantly on the move. They are full-time travelers, television hosts, and digital media producers.
They left their jobs, sold their house and possessions, and hit the road in September 2015 in their full-time “home on wheels”. Since then they have traveled the US, Canada, and even internationally by RV.
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