Camper trailers have come a long way, even from just a decade ago. TAXA Outdoors is one of the companies pushing the development of compact, light weight mobile adventure platforms. For 2021 they’ve made updates to their Mantis and Cricket habitats to offer more storage space, improved A/C performance, trash management and more…
Mantis 2021
The Mantis is a 19′ trailer sized to fit 4+ adults. It weighs in at 2,972lbs and has a tongue weight of 435lbs. Thanks to its pop-top, the compressed habitat will fit in most 7′ tall garages. Outside dimensions include 7’6″ wide, 6’10” high closed 10′ open and 1′ of ground clearance. Inside it’s 4’7 high closed 5’11 – 7’10” open and 6’10” wide.
One of the best design features is the fact that the pop up roof is only on the front 2/3rds of the camper. That leaves the back third open for a roof top cargo storage area with included Thule Probar Evo 175 load bars and a cargo capacity of 1,028lbs. You can then mount storage for bikes with roof top racks, or even add accessories like a roof top tent, cargo box, or other things to increase your adventure-readiness.
Inside, the Mantis is equipped with AC and furnace units, cooler platform (fridge/freezer upgrade available), 2 burner stove, wet bath toilet/shower and a sink. Its freshwater tank is 20gal and its grey water tank is 22gal. A 12V electrical system keeps lights on and outlets going, and it’s prewired for solar panels. Optional upgrades include a folding couch/bunk bed system, the wet bath shower and cassette toilet, 15″ spare tire, and Thule/Tepui 3 person rooftop tent for even more sleeping room.
Updates for the 2021 Mantis include the 8,000 BTU AC, lockable sliding base, optimized AC placement, additional storage, a 16gal trash can and a new backsplash kitchen panel. Price for the 2021 Mantis is $46,200.
Cricket 2021
The Cricket is their 15′ trailer that sleeps 2 adults and 2 children. Its dry weight is 1,800lbs and a tongue weight of 205+lbs. Its dimensions are 6’7″ wide, exterior height of 6’11” closed 9’2″ open, interior height of 4’2″ closed 6’10” open, 1′ ground clearance and an interior width of 5’3″.
Amenities include a 2 burner stove, sink, cooler/fridge upgrade space, a portable toilet, AC unit and rooftop storage space.
On this model, the roof top storage racks (again with included Thule Probar Evo 175 bars) move with the roof. But it still offers a 700lb cargo capacity which should be plenty for all your bikes or other gear.
Additionally, there’s a 15gal freshwater tank, an exterior hot and cold shower, furnace and water heater system and prewired solar panel input. There’s a battery compartment to supply power to the interior and exterior outlets. Upgrades include a 5000 BTU window AC unit, kid’s berths, portable toilet, soft good package, Thule adjustable bars and a 15″ spare tire.
Similar to the Mantis, the 2021 Cricket gains storage space, an added rear window and an aerodynamic a/c placement. The Cricket is priced at $31,800.
