Loading - Taxa Outdoors Mantis 2021 Owner's Manual

LOADING

The process of safely and properly loading your habitat should become easier with practice and experience. Please first get
familiar with and understand the following terms related to your habitat's weight, carrying capacity, and rating:
gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum permissible weight of the habitat when fully loaded and equipped/outfitted.
It includes but is not limited to all weight at the habitat axle(s) and tongue or pin as well as all add-ons, appliances, accessories,
potable water, etc. Your habitat's GVWR is 4200 lbs. This number is recorded on the permanent label on the tongue your
habitat.
Dry weight or unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) is the weight of the habitat as manufactured at the factory (typical weight without
loading, no options). It includes all weight at the habitat axle(s) and tongue or pin. Your habitat's standard UVW is approximately
2932 lbs. However, you will need to account for the weight of dealer or third-party installed add-ons, options and accessories,
if any, in determining your actual UVW. In sum, your actual UVW will vary (and increase) to the extent you have outfitted your
habitat with additional items. Note: Your cargo carrying capacity (discussed below) will vary (and decrease) to the extent of the
weight of dealer or third-party installed add-ons, options and accessories, if any.
cargo carrying capacity (CCC) is equal to GVWR minus UVW and potable water weight. Your habitat's CCC is approximately
1088 lbs. However, remember that your actual CCC will vary (and decrease) to the extent you have outfitted your habitat with
additional items. Please refer to the stickers located at the front exterior of your habitat for CCC.
gross axle weight rating (GAWR) is the value specified as the load carrying capacity of a single axle system, as measured at
the tire-ground interfaces. Your habitat's GAWR is 4000 lbs. Please refer to the sticker located at the front exterior of your
habitat for GAWR.
gross trailer (habitat) weight (GTW) is the weight of the habitat with all the items and supplies that are loaded into the unit at any
point in time and must be less than the allowed GVWR.
WEIGHT GENERALLY
Before towing, you must choose the items you will load onto your habitat and then determine whether the loaded weight is safe
and proper. Of course, the best way (highly recommended) to calculate the loaded weight of your habitat is to have it weighed
while 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 exceeds the GVWR, your habitat is overloaded
and should not be towed. You will need to remove items from, and reduce the loaded weight of, the habitat until it's at or below
the GVWR before towing. Note: remember to include in your calculations the weight of dealer or third-party installed equipment,
options, add-ons, accessories and any other non-standard items. As an additional safety precaution, we recommend that you
take a conservative approach when doing your own weight calculations.
WEIGHT/LOAD DISTRIBUTION AND TONGUE WEIGHT
Proper weight and load distribution is essential to safe towing. Load the habitat evenly (front to back and side to side) and
securely, keeping heavier items as low as possible. Be sure to secure the load. A firmly secured load will be less prone to
shifting and should help maintain load balance during travel.
Tongue (the habitat arm extension that couples with the tow vehicle receiver) weight is the amount of weight borne by the habitat
hitch and another important consideration when loading your habitat. Generally, the actual tongue weight should equal
approximately 10-15% of the gross habitat weight. Excessive tongue weight will make your tow vehicle's steering and braking
less responsive. Insufficient tongue weight may cause your habitat to sway.
You could weigh your loaded habitat's tongue to determine the actual tongue weight. However, you may also observe the actual
tongue weight and determine if it is too light or too heavy. For example, a habitat with a proper tongue weight will form a straight
line from front to back between the tow vehicle and the habitat. A habitat with the weight improperly distributed (i.e. a light tongue
weight) will cause the coupling between the tow vehicle and habitat to rise, with the weight pressing down at the rear of the
habitat and the front of the tow vehicle. Excessive tongue weight will do just the opposite.
If you notice a rise or fall in your tow coupling, you will need to redistribute the weight of the load before getting on the road. If
you have trouble estimating the combined weight of your habitat plus cargo, take your loaded habitat to a vehicle scale at a
nearby weigh station or truck stop. Important Note: you need to also refer to your tow vehicle's towing capacity and other towing
and load capacity-related definitions and instructions before getting on the road. Please also consult your supplying dealer or
Taxa Inc. if you have any questions regarding these terms and/or loading your habitat.
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