Towing - Taxa Outdoors Mantis 2021 Owner's Manual

TOWING

We want your towing experiences and practices to be safe and enjoyable. Please take your time, avoid being in a rush and
give special attention to all safety matters prior to and during the towing of your habitat.
As previously indicated, we recommend that you practice towing your Mantis in, for example, an empty parking lot before going
on your first camping trip. This initial trial and practice is fun and will help you get accustomed to and familiar with Mantis's
systems and operation. Please also make note of any questions, issues or problems that arise during your pre-travel towing
practice, and then inquire with your dealer or email us customerservice@taxaoutdoors.com. You can also visit our website
(www.taxaoutdoors.com) for more contact information. Please also refer to the "Overview of Safety Precautions" and "Pre-
Travel Checklist" sections before towing your habitat.
safety chains ... We have equipped your habitat with safety chains. Make use of them. Safety chains serve to maintain the
connection between your habitat and the tow vehicle in the event of separation of the ball and habitat coupling. Be sure to hook
the safety chains to the frame of the tow vehicle (not the hitch), crossing them under the habitat's tongue. Also, remember to
inspect the length of the chains once they are attached to the tow vehicle frame. A proper chain length will allow turns and
prevent the chains from dragging on the road.
breakaway switch ... Your habitat is equipped with a breakaway switch. For every Mantis the breakaway switch is wired to the
Mantis's internal battery. Breakaway switches are designed to activate the electric brakes in the event your habitat
disconnects/uncouples from the tow vehicle. Your habitat battery powers this braking. Ideally, the safety chains will prevent your
habitat from disconnecting if the coupler comes off the hitch 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 needs to be secured to the tow vehicle bumper or frame independently of the habitat safety chains. The following are
guidelines for attaching the cable:
The cable should come straight out from the switch to attach to the tow vehicle
The switch and cable should be located and secured on the same side of the habitat and tow vehicle
Do not loop the cable over the hitch ball; the cable may bounce off while the vehicle is moving
Before towing you may test the breakaway by pulling the pin out of the switch to confirm activation of the habitat electric
brakes. See below
tire pressure ... you are responsible for maintaining proper tire pressure in the tires of your habitat and tow vehicle. Thus, always
check your tire pressure and refer to the "Tires" discussion herein before traveling.
brakes ... you are responsible for inspecting and maintaining both your habitat and tow vehicle brakes before towing. Do not
tow your habitat unless you have confirmed your brakes are in good condition and operating properly. Be sure to have a qualified
technician perform all brake adjustments, service and maintenance. Please also refer to the "Brakes" discussion herein before
traveling.
lights ... be sure to check all electrical connections to ensure all lights on the tow vehicle and habitat are functioning properly
before traveling. The brake lights, and hazard and turn signals should be in synchronization with the tow vehicle.
stay level ... the habitat and tow vehicle must be level when hitched. Risers and drops are available to match the tow vehicle's
hitch height with the habitat's. Dragging may occur if the hitch is too low. Conversely, if the hitch is too high, the rear of the
habitat is exposed to striking higher points in the road.
general towing/driving ...
M A N TI S www.taxaoutdoors.com
1830 west 15th street houston, tx 77008 usa
drive defensively, anticipating stops, braking early, and never following closely.
SHOWN: 2" ball hitch
switch location
cable attached independently to tow vehicle, with
pin secured in switch
(rev.08262020) 12
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