TAXA Mantis

Story by Howard J Elmer, photos courtesy of the TAXA Outdoors

There is a relatively new niche emerging in the world of RVing. It’s called Overlanding. Have you heard of Overlanding? If you have, it probably puts you into one of two camps. Interested in this camping concept – or not interested at all. So, what is it?

Well, most RVers are aware of the terms boondocking and/or dry camping. These monikers describe setting up camp without services. No electric, no water, no cable or any other amenities you may find in an organized government (or private) park. But Overlanding, while a form of dry camping, is in fact taking the off-grid, out-of-the-park description one step further. That is the point of Overlanding. Those who choose to Overland want to go where most don’t; they don’t dry camp because they happened to get caught between organized campsites one night. These folks are not concerned with comfort stations, hydro hookups, pools and shuffleboard courts. They want to get away – really get away.

If this image of Overlanding appeals to you, then be thankful you live in Canada. We are blessed with so much easily accessible outdoors space that the pursuit of Overlanding virtually puts the whole country at your disposal.

Now, Overlanding (most likely) started with rooftop tents on 4WD trucks/SUVs. I know I’d seen many versions of these, particularly in Africa at least a decade ago. Then I saw them in the western United States. I even attended an Overlanding expo in Northern California some years ago. Now this rooftop tent trend has been augmented with the purpose-built Overlanding trailer.

A company called TAXA recently sent us a news release showing off its newest Overlanding trailer, the Mantis. Reviewing that company’s website is what led to this discussion on Overlanding.

TAXA’s website says they build trailers with everything you need – and nothing you don’t. Looking at the Mantis, this statement proves true, I think.

toys. Low roof access height is offset with a pop-up fabric tent-roof that is also optimal for ventilation when setup. The Mantis features 20 gallons of fresh water, a wet bath with cassette toilet, two-burner stove and a separate sink.

But the key to an Overlanding trailer is two-fold – low overall weight and high ride height. Mantis has a dry weight of just 2,972 lb. It also features a ground clearance of 14-inches. That’s more than most factory-built trucks and SUVS. This trailer also has a Timbren axle-less suspension (think four-corner independent automotive suspension). By eliminating the full width of the axle, this trailer is much less likely to get hung up on rough terrain. It also rides on Cooper Discoverer AT3 16-inch tires. These are rated for both on and off-road use. Another unique feature is a Lock ‘N’ Roll hitch. This articulating hitch has 360 degrees of rotation and 3-axis movement. It gives you rough trail access as it won’t bind up when towed over uneven ground - you can’t do that with a standard ball hitch.

Inside, the Mantis is all about using every available inch of space and having design features that often serve more than one purpose. For instance, the open shelves are designed to accept milk crates. These stow securely yet can be removed to pack and unpack. Other spaces transform – the dinette drops down to be a bunk or couch. Ceiling-mounted bunks can also be opened for use and stowed flat when not in use. There is even a mounting hookup for an indoor hammock for sleeping. Still not enough sleeping space? Mantis has a separate optional rooftop tent available.

This Mantis builds on the features of TAXA’s smaller trailers by offering more livable accessories that make long-haul trips more comfortable. The 12V electrical system runs most everything. A wet bath with shower and cassette toilet is a step above hiking down to the creek, while A/C and a furnace take the edge off both hot and cold weather. There is even a hot water tank.

So, while the Mantis is the largest and newest of TAXA’s trailers, they also build seven models in all. The others are smaller – with descriptive names like Cricket and Woolly Bear. Its website is worth a look – if for no other reason than to really see what an Overlanding RV is. www.taxaoutdoors.com