2 Years With Our TAXA Mantis

[@caseylyons7461]

Thank you for sharing your perspective on this camper. Very informative.

[@TheMantisExperience]

Happy to help.

[@theoutdoordad7395]

Good video! Still no issue with leaks? Build quality good? Would you purchase again? Thanks!

[@brandonhill9820]

You could probably rig a small cooking table off the large back step in the back next to the hatch.
To save a little time when putting the top down by yourself, you can string up a long bungee cord across the back. Attaching it to the zippers on the side windows. As you close the top it will pull the sides in. I attached the straps that are located on the flip up panels underneath the cushions, the ones with the carabiner clips to the bungee cord to also pull in the back panel. Make sure it is a long bungee cord so you don't put to much stress on the zippers. After the top is closed, I string it up across the back attaching it to holes in the black frame one just above the A/C unit and one on the other side. It would also make a good line if you wanted to hang a curtain across for a little privacy. Hope this makes sense.
I replaced the wood screws in the Truma panel with inserts and thumb screws so I can quickly remove that panel. I think I bought the thumb screws on Amazon.

[@TheMantisExperience]

Great ideas. Thanks.

[@robertwalker7496]

Check out the Tailgator table- I've used one for a while now and love it. I put mine on my truck, cook on it, eat dinner at the table, or use it for an outdoor office. Also, great video!

[@TheMantisExperience]

Those are great. Love them. Thanks!

[@rustytriggers9769]

What kind of camp sites can you take this camper to? In one video you mention Texas state parks, I’m in Texas as well and was curious if I’m limited to RV sites or if the mantis counts as a pop up tent camper (the mantis has a smaller foot print) and can be used in regular drive up camp sites. (Like Lake Whitney, or possum kingdoms lake state parks). I’m not really fond of “RV Park” style sites, they feel less “outdoorsy” I really like the mantis but before I buy Im curious about the limitations.

[@aarongolob4725]

what not add a 180 awning? i have an OVS 180 that i have on my last trailer, planning on swapping out the arb asap. the new models have a 180 as an option now.

[@gfp1011]

I would have loved for you to show us what you were talking about. A picture is worth a 1000 Words.

[@TheMantisExperience]

Can you clarify what you're talking about? I'd be happy to help if possible.

[@RR-cm8dr]

I'm on board with that... how bout a walk around, show us the camper inside n out plz.
All I heard was you explaining it without ever seeing it really... thought it was gonna come around at some point but never did, bummed.

[@TheMantisExperience]

Gotcha. What would you like to see that isn't available from TAXA? I'd be happy to help if you provide some direction.

[@mattvmalone]

I'm looking at the new Mantis 5.1 and was curious if it can withstand all seasons for long term living.

[@TheMantisExperience]

Well, there are a lot of external factors that come into play here, which makes this a difficult question to answer. There have been some people who have lived full time in a mantis. I'd recommend looking in some of the FB groups to see if you can connect with someone who has done this.

[@jimbelcher988]

I know this is an older posting but I was wondering how this camper does with rain and does it leak. Saw pots where theirs were leaking but the models were older than yours.

[@TheMantisExperience]

It seems to me as though TAXA has really resolved this issue, as I haven't seen nearly as many posts about it lately, and they have been waning with each year.
That said, we did have a minor leak on ours once. Ended up being a seal that had become damaged. We put a sealant over the top (took me 5 minutes) and we've never had an issue again. And we've been in some pretty serious rain situations (see the video of the broken awning) and it has held up as I would expect.

[@jimbelcher988]

@@TheMantisExperience Thanks for your reply. No one really comments from what I have seen regarding the dryness during storms. We are very experienced campers and from what I observe, most posters do not have a good maintenance routine. Almost every camper I’ve owned has had a leak of sorts.

[@TheMantisExperience]

If you go into it with that mindset, you'll be in great shape. My belief is that many expect it to be like a home, and it's just not. We got caught in a storm that ripped the window off (our fault, and only our fault) but the roof didn't leak.

[@Alex-cv7qj]

Hey, thanks for the video! Wondering if you can help with a question. We’re considering purchasing a 2020 Mantis, and I was wondering how well the air conditioning works?
It sounds like Taxa changed the config to get more of the AC unit outside in the 21/22 models, which supposedly increased performance. However, I’m wondering how the AC does on the 2020 and earlier models. Thanks!

[@TheMantisExperience]

It does fine. We are in Texas, and we can sleep on summer nights when we use it. Are we cold? No. But, we can sleep.

[@Alex-cv7qj]

Hey, thanks for the info. Much appreciated.
One other question- I’ve seen some feedback online about some issues with the Mantis. The one we’re looking at has had some warranty repairs so I’m thinking it’s probably sorted, but do you have any idea if the newer models (2022 and beyond) are likely to have a lower chance of issue from the factory? Trying to figure out if it makes sense to go with a used one that’s been sorted, or a new one with newer manufacturing and a fresh warranty. Curious if you had any thoughts, or if there’s any other issues you’d recommend looking out for on a Mantis.

[@TheMantisExperience]

I really don't know if a new model is better or worse than a 2020. I don't know what the particular issues were either the one you are looking at, so it's hard to say. The good thing is that most issues are very easily resolved.

[@dwightcarpen5095]

We park our 2020 mantis in our garage... Have about 3/4 inch clearance from the racks pulling it in. We pull it in and then use a couple of car Dolly's to slide it to one side and all the way back. Works great.
I've thought about putting a slide out or swing out from under the fridge and front portion of the bed platform.

[@TheMantisExperience]

That's awesome!

[@SSL0707Star]

Hi, sorry I have two more questions 1. Do you find it cool to shower except summer? The reason I ask is I would love to keep the indoor shower for all other season. 2. Also would you please explain a bit more why the back back hitch door is great? Thanks a lot again. Enjoy 😊

[@TheMantisExperience]

I'll be honest, if I shower, I do it using the exterior shower.
As for the back hatch, it changes the experience. You can enter through the back, open it while eating in the dinette and enjoy the view, it helps with cross ventilation, and more.

[@SSL0707Star]

@@TheMantisExperience make perfect sense. Thank you for explaining.

[@yaninaespinoza518]

I was wondering if you have any issues with leaking?

[@TheMantisExperience]

We had one slight issue with a leak once upon a time. Put a little sealant on the roof, and we haven't had a single issue since.

[@matthewswantner812]

How does your Mantis work for a family of five? I’m looking at getting one and assume I might just sleep outside in a tent when we all go camping together.

[@TheMantisExperience]

Much of that will probably depend on the ages of the kids. My kids are younger, so it works great. Interestingly, TAXA just announced the Mantis 5.1, which ironically had some of the features I wished for in this video. Long-term, we plan to get a RTT to put on the back, more than likely. If you can't tell, we love ours and it has worked great for us.

[@SSL0707Star]

@@TheMantisExperience hi, sorry, what mantis 5.1 are you talking about? We are new to Taxa, but love it instantly:) we are looking at Mantis 5.1 overland, and are really excited about it. Will Taxa have big changes /improvements on 5.1 overland? ( I mean shall we wait a bit for their new model release) as I said in my earlier comment, we appreciate your channel a lot, it’s been super helpful to us. BTW, we are a family of four ( two young kids) living in Virginia! Just 1.5h from your dealer. LOL

[@TheMantisExperience]

I doubt there will be any interior differences between the 5.1 and the Overland 5.1. Is that what you're asking?

[@SSL0707Star]

@@TheMantisExperience ‘em, because you said Taxa just announced Mantis 5.1, and I’m not super familiar with their history, I’m thinking if they are going to announce a new 5.1 overland or sth, that we should hold for now.