Summary of Contents for Taxa Outdoors tigermoth 2017
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tigermoth owner’s manual 2017 TI GE RM OT H™ taxaoutdoors.com. 1830 west 15th street houston, tx 77008 (rev.09152016)
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HEADS UP! We recommend closing and locking and throwing the deadbolts on the doors and drawer before driving away. Check Wheel 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 excessive breaking and following winter.
WELCOME TO THE 2017 TIGERMOTH! Congratulations on your new TigerMoth™! We want you to go on adventures. We want to make the RV go away. How about AV (adventure vehicle)? How about PTV (personal transformation vehicle)? That is why we designed it the way we did. Please have a great time.
YOUR OWNER’S MANUAL (AND OTHERS) Please consider this Owner’s Manual a permanent part of your trailer, keeping it with the trailer at all times including if and when you sell it. Keep the manuals, stickers and tags associated with your trailer’s items, add-ons, appliances and equipment in the trailer as well.
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 manual and their corresponding meanings/definitions: DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
OVERVIEW OF SAFETY PRECAUTIONS You’ll find various safety-related references, discussions and instructions throughout this owner’s manual, and all of them are important. This overview is not an exhaustive list of the safety issues discussed or contemplated in this manual. Please carefully read and follow all safety issues discussed in this manual. If you have any questions regarding trailer safety issues, please contact your dealer and/or Taxa Inc.
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- lug nut torque … be sure wheel mounting nuts (lug nuts) on trailer wheels are tight and properly torqued. Inadequate and/or improper wheel nut torque (tightness) is a major reason that lug nuts loosen. Loose lug nuts can rapidly lead to a wheel separation with potentially serious safety consequences. Refer to a qualified technician before travel if you have any questions regarding your wheel nut torque.
HITCHING Use of any other hitch ball diameter size will create an extremely Our trailers require a 2” diameter hitch ball. dangerous condition that can result in separation of the coupler and ball, and/or hitch ball failure. Other than this crucial 2”...
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hitching steps and instructions (1) crank the tongue of the trailer jack until the hitch coupler is raised enough to clear the tow vehicle; (2) back the tow vehicle to the trailer until the hitch ball is directly under the trailer coupler. The use of a backing aid mirror may be helpful, especially if you are hitching alone;...
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coupler securely latched and pinned trailer wiring plugged securely into tow vehicle, lights tested chains crossed and securely attached to frame of hitch (8) adjust side mirrors; (9) check all lights on trailer and tow vehicle, ensuring that they are communicating properly, FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY YOUR VEHICLE’S TOW PACKAGE MANUFACTURER AND/OR INSTALLER.
LOADING The process of safely and properly loading your trailer should become easier with practice and experience. Please first get familiar with and understand the following terms related to your trailer’s weight, carrying capacity, and rating: gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum permissible weight of the trailer when fully loaded and equipped/outfitted.
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WEIGHT/LOAD DISTRIBUTION AND TONGUE WEIGHT Proper weight and load distribution is also essential to safe towing. Load the trailer 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.
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 trailer. As previously indicated, we recommend that you practice towing your TigerMoth™, for example, an empty parking lot before going on your first camping trip.
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SWAY AND FISHTAILING … excessive sway or fishtailing of your trailer can lead to the rollover of the trailer and tow vehicle, and thus, serious injury or death. The tendency for the vehicle to sway increases with speed. Thus, reduce speed as needed and in inclement or harsh weather conditions (i.e. high winds, rainstorms, slippery roads, etc.).
freeways and highways … try to pick and stay in the far right hand slow(er) lane. corner turns … trailer wheels do not follow the path of your tow vehicle’s wheels during corner turns. The trailer will make a closer, tighter turn than the tow vehicle. Compensate by moving further into the intersection before turning so that the trailer clears any objects in or near the road such as but not limited to the curb and parked vehicles.
TIRES if size: ST 205/75 R 15 pressure: 50psi cold size: LT 215/75 R 15 pressure: 65psi cold overview … Properly maintained tires improve the steering, stopping, traction, and load-carrying capability of your vehicle. Under-inflated tires and overloaded vehicles are a major cause of tire failure. Maintaining proper tire pressure, tire and vehicle load limits, avoiding road hazards, and regularly inspecting tires for cuts, slashes, and other irregularities are important steps in avoiding tire failure, such as tread separation or blowout and flat tires.
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TIRE TREAD The tire tread provides the gripping action and traction that helps prevent your vehicle from slipping or sliding, especially when the road is wet or icy. Generally, tires are not safe and should be replaced when the tread is worn The following chart is a general guide for determining the condition of and maintenance down to 1/16 of an inch.
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tire pressure steps: - Locate the recommended tire pressure on the vehicle’s tire. - Record the tire pressure of all tires. - If the tire pressure is too high in any of the tires, slowly release air by gently pressing on the tire valve stem with the edge of your tire gauge until you get to the correct pressure.
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pre-trip torqueing procedure: Be sure to tighten the wheel nuts and torque to 90 lbs. Follow the torque sequence and torque table provided next: Wheel Nut Torque Table TigerMoth Wheel 1st Stage 20-25 ft./lb. 2nd Stage 55-60 ft./lb. 3rd Stage 85-90 ft./lb.
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TIRE SAFETY CHECKLIST (1) check tire pressure regularly (at least once a month and before any extended trip/travelling), including the spare tires, if any… Note: When checking air pressure, be sure that all tires have both the correct and identical pressure before getting on the road;...
TIGERMOTH DESCRIPTION TI GE RM OT H™ taxaoutdoors.com. 1830 west 15th street houston, tx 77008 (rev.09152016)
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TI GE RM OT H™ taxaoutdoors.com. 1830 west 15th street houston, tx 77008 (rev.09152016)
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TI GE RM OT H™ taxaoutdoors.com. 1830 west 15th street houston, tx 77008 (rev.09152016)
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TI GE RM OT H™ taxaoutdoors.com. 1830 west 15th street houston, tx 77008 (rev.09152016)
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TI GE RM OT H™ taxaoutdoors.com. 1830 west 15th street houston, tx 77008 (rev.09152016)
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PLUMBING SYSTEM TigerMoth™ has no integrated plumbing. Your TigerMoth may be equipped with a 5-gallon Jerry can with gravity spigot. Drain can if freezing temperatures are expected. Keep interior clean. TI GE RM OT H™ taxaoutdoors.com. 1830 west 15th street houston, tx 77008 (rev.09152016)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Your TigerMoth’s electrical system is a primarily a 12 Volt Direct Current (DC) system and has 120V AC outlets that operate only when attached to shore power. This is explained as follows: 12V DC OVERVIEW Your trailer 12 Volt system is powered by a 12V battery or batteries ( “Battery”...
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If you have a mounted air conditioning unit, it will operate only on external 120V power from a home, campground Important Note: or a generator. There is a dedicated 120V outlet located close to the air conditioner’s location. you must refer to the manuals and other instructions of any and all appliances, add-ons and/or accessories regarding their respective electrical requirements.
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WFCO enlarged WARNING: NEVER REPLACE INSTALLED CIRCUIT BREAKERS OR FUSES WITH CIRCUIT BREAKERS OR FUSES OF HIGHER AMPERAGE RATING THAN THOSE ORIGINALLY INSTALLED. THIS COULD OVERHEAT THE WIRING AND START A FIRE. NSTL TI GE RM OT H™ taxaoutdoors.com. 1830 west 15th street houston, tx 77008 (rev.09152016)
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T BETWEEN THE TOW VEHICLE BATTERY AND AN ELECTRIC OR ELECILL CAUSE THE CONTROLLER TO CEASE FUNCTIONING BOTH cabin harness TI GE RM OT H™ taxaoutdoors.com. 1830 west 15th street houston, tx 77008 (rev.09152016)
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ceiling harness TI GE RM OT H™ taxaoutdoors.com. 1830 west 15th street houston, tx 77008 (rev.09152016)
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AUTOMATICALLY AND Y CAUSING LOSS OF TRAILER BRAKING WITH NO ADVANCE WARNING. chassis harness TI GE RM OT H™ taxaoutdoors.com. 1830 west 15th street houston, tx 77008 (rev.09152016)
BATTERY overview … a single DEEP CELL 12-volt battery is supplied with your trailer. It is specified and installed by your dealer. WARNING: BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID, WHICH IS HIGHLY CORROSIVE, FLAMMABLE AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THUS, WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU HAVE ALL BATTERY MAINTENANCE, SERVICING AND INSTALLATION PERFORMED BY A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN.
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(2) being towed … if your tow vehicle has been wired properly, your trailer’s battery will charge while being towed (the rate of charge varies depending on the tow vehicle); and (3) connected to shore power … when you are connected to shore power (an external 120V power source), all batteries will charge automatically and will be regulated by your converter/charger so they don’t overcharge.
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Here are three ways to charge your battery: 1. Plug into any 120V outlet via the inlet located on the front driver’s side of your TigerMoth. 2. Plug the trailer’s 7-pin connector into an appropriately wired tow vehicle while the vehicle’s engine is running. 3.
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APPLIANCES AND FIRE EXTINGUISHER optional please be sure to read The following appliances are . If you choose to equip your trailer with any options, and follow the separate manuals and instructions regarding safety, risks, use, maintenance, care and service associated with each option, add-on, appliance and/or equipment.
PRE-TRAVEL CHECKLIST interior … turn off all switches at switch panel on ceiling. Be sure your cargo and berths are secured, and close and latch all windows Be sure doors and drawer are closed and latched properly at all three locations from inside and outside. Be sure shoreline power cord, 7-pin connector are secured (and properly attached, if applicable).
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OTHER IMPORTANT PRE-TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS Be sure to pack wheel chocks and blocks. Be sure roof rack cargo, if any, is secure. Be sure to monitor your battery’s charge before and during your trip. Charge battery before travelling, if necessary. Tow vehicle … read and follow the manual and all pertinent instructions provided to you by your tow vehicle manufacturer.
SITE SELECTION AND SET UP With time and experience, you will get better at spotting and identifying good camping sites. Although they will vary to some degree, all good sites will (a) be level and (b) have a firm, not soft, ground that will support the weight of jacks and/or other support devices.
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Awning Instructions An awning or shade structure can be a very useful addition to your TigerMoth. Shelter from the sun, rain and bugs can be achieved with different styles. Numerous attached awnings or shade structures can be used with a TigerMoth. TAXA has provided attach points on the rear and front of the TigerMoth to which tarps can be tied off.
VENTILATION overview …. good ventilation and indoor air quality is essential to long-term enjoyment of your trailer. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels. To maintain good air quality, be attentive to proper ventilation of your trailer, keep it clean, and prevent and avoid unnecessary air pollutants. Common indoor air pollution sources include molds, pollen, pet fur dander, secondhand smoke, carbon monoxide from burning propane and other fuels, and household cleaners.
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MOISTURE/CONDENSATION The relatively small volume and compact construction of travel trailers means that the normal activities of even a few persons can lead to rapid, visible moisture saturation in the trailer, especially in cold weather. Note: some estimates indicate that a family of four can vaporize up to three gallons of water through daily breathing, cooking, bathing and washing.
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Remember … your natural tendency may be to close the trailer tightly during cold weather. This will actually make any moisture/ condensation problems worse. You need to ventilate the trailer, allowing inside air to travel outside. Note: 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 damage to your trailer.
SEVERE WEATHER USE Your trailer 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.
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Here are some notes for camping in: WINTER: - bring bottled water for drinking, washing, brushing teeth etc. - bring a suitable portable heater for your situation (gas or electric). (we have been happy and in 20 below zero winter with a small propane heater!) - have a good sleeping bag, zip two together SPRING: - no special considerations unless you are up high or far north where temps may drop below zero at night.
GENERAL CARE AND MAINTENANCE Regular care & maintenance of your trailer is important in furthering safety and dependability. Keep good records of all service and maintenance performed on your TigerMoth. These records may be necessary for limited warranty purposes or may assist in future repairs. Always refer to the manufacturers’ care and maintenance recommendations for installed appliances.
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sealants … Inspect all sealants/seals (i.e. doors, windows, plumbing components, undercarriage) every ninety (90) days, when the seasons change, and before each trip. During your inspection, look for cracks, voids, shrinkage, and any other sign of deterioration. Replace sealant where necessary, using the same type of sealant. Contact your dealer or Taxa Inc.
STORAGE, WINTERIZATION & BRINGING OUT OF STORAGE If storing your trailer in persistently cold weather (less than 20 degrees F), you must prepare your trailer appropriately. We recommend that you store your trailer in a dry, level, well-ventilated area protected from the elements.
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BRINGING OUT OF STORAGE If your trailer was properly and carefully stored and winterized, taking it out of storage and prepping it for another travel season should be relatively simple. Note: if your trailer sustained damage while being stored, please consult with your dealer or Taxa Inc.
TROUBLESHOOTING Electrical Description Possible cause 120v circuit breaker pops Wet extension cord Dry cord, reset breaker. Check tow hitch connection and Battery not charging wiring 7-pin connection Check trailer end connection Test converter charger; replace converter element if necessary Converter/ charger Check lower fuses at electric center Faulty Battery...
Lift window to full open position. It should now go all the way down. Window will not close dirt or grit Repeat if required Install new part by pressing pin hole in small plastic mount on window surface, slide broken arm Broken window arm Misuse off, and replacing...
YOUR TIGERMOTH LIMITED WARRANTY We want you to enjoy your TigerMoth without problems. As the owner, you are responsible for regular care and proper maintenance of your TigerMoth. Proper use, care, and maintenance will help avoid situations under which the Limited Warranty will not cover items due to neglect or misuse. Maintenance should be performed in accordance with this manual as well as the corresponding component manufacturer’s manuals included within your trailer.
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After a repair is performed, inspect it thoroughly. Go over the repairs with the dealer and/or service center representative. Upon your satisfaction, sign the repair order. In the event a problem should reoccur after you have left the dealer or other authorized facility, contact the dealer or Taxa Inc. as soon as possible so that the situation can be resolved quickly.
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WHAT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY/EXCLUSIONS This limited warranty does not cover any damage, loss, deterioration or malfunction resulting from any alteration, modification, improper or unreasonable use or maintenance, misuse, abuse, tampering, accident, neglect, exposure to excess moisture, fire, lightning, power surges, and/or acts of nature or God. This limited warranty does not cover any damage, loss, deterioration or malfunction resulting from any repairs attempted by anyone unauthorized by Taxa Inc.
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batteries, air conditioning, heating, plumbing and electrical systems, lubricants, sealant and seals, etc., and/or damages resulting from lack of proper maintenance and servicing; (8) Adjustments to all doors, drawers, locks, latches, slide-outs, awnings and window treatments after ninety (90) days of the date of the original retail sale; (9) Damage or loss caused in whole or in part by unauthorized attachments, modifications or alterations to the structure, body, pin box, or frame of the unit including but not limited to trailer hitches, or platforms for supporting cargo;...
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APPLIANCES/COMPONENT PARTS/ACCESSORIES Be advised that the manufacturers of some, if not all, of your trailer’s appliances, component parts, add-ons and accessories will offer you their own separate warranties. Such wholly separate, additional warranties, if any, are administered directly from and are the sole responsibility of the manufacturer of the specific component part or appliance.
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