Charles Darwin proposed the theory of evolution under the premise that lifeforms change and adapt. That theory can also be applied to the RV lifestyle, as new designs and models are introduced to a new generation. For TAXA Outdoors, that lifestyle leans more towards the minimal than the excessive.
TAXA Outdoors was founded 5 years ago, in 2014 by NASA architect and Yale graduate Garrett Finney with the creation of the Cricket, TAXA’s first design. Finney is still at the helm of TAXA’s innovative designs and philosophy, serving as CEO.
“We don't design houses on wheels,” Finney said. “We design habitats that help you fulfill your dreams and leave you to what's important - being outside. Whether that dream is living on the road for a year, visiting every national park or just a quiet place for you to escape and experience the outdoors.”
Finney recognized that there was a need for a model of recreational vehicle that appealed to families, like his own, that wanted a travel trailer that could be easily be towed by a minivan. He wanted something sustainable and efficient and something that would cater to an active, athletic camper, someone who wanted to kayak, bike, and hike.
“Our demographic is very different than the ‘typical’ RV owner,” Finney said. “Our owners don't consider themselves RVers. They're athletic, adventurous, value quality material, design and sustainability much more than the average RVer.”
That sustainability is evidenced in the manufacturing process. The four TAXA Outdoor models are built with quality materials and without using composite products that contain potentially harmful substances. For example, instead of wood and plastic, aluminum and steel are used for the walls and the units are insulated with expandable foam. The birch cabinetry is not made with particle board, eliminating the presence of formaldehyde in the construction.
The Cricket camper made by TAXA Outdoors. [Photo/TAXA, Inc.]
This green philosophy was born from Finney’s time spent working with NASA for the International Space Station. His job was designing space habitats and how people can effectively live well in smaller spaces. He took note of the use of the classic Airstream trailers used to quarantine astronauts. Taking these real life space experiences and translating it into the design of a vehicle to be used for earth exploring was the result.
"Green is more than just a marketing ploy for TAXA, it's at the core of why TAXA was founded,” he explained.
Finney said he wanted to design a camper that fit into the lives people already. Experiencing camping should not require a bigger vehicle that lacked fuel efficiency or required finding a space to store a large RV.
“Our habitats fit in a 7 foot garage and are towable by most 4 cylinder SUVs,” Finney said. “These are built to last your lifetime so that there is less waste.”
The aluminum hull is coated with an environmentally-friendly substance called Kynar which provided UV-protection and prevents sun damage.
TAXA’s models range from the original 15-foot Cricket to the 19-foot-long, 3,000 pound Mantis. Mantis contains a kitchen, propane plumbing, a wet bath and toilet, fresh and grey water tanks and a queen-sized bed. Cricket is designed to sleep 2 adults and 2 children and is designed with a pop-up roof for ventilation, and integrated plumbing and electrical systems.
The Tiger Moth model is considered TAXA’s “most rugged human habitat.” Light in weight and on amenities, it is ideal for those who are seeking a more secluded camping adventure. It sleeps two adults comfortably and has an optional tent top-side that can accommodate two more adults.
The fourth model, the Woolly Bear is designed as a base camp for the outdoor adventurer. Features include a full-size outdoor kitchen, storage systems, pull-out area for coolers and an elevated platform that accommodates most 2- to 3-person tents, according to information on the website. Like all TAXA models, it can be hauled with a minivan or SUV.
Camping trailers like those made by TAXA are among the latest trends being exhibited at RV trade shows, according to a report a recent edition of Popular Mechanics. A younger demographic touted as being a more ecologically-centered generation is drawn to RVs that are fuel efficient, easily towed, feature solar power, and smart-water use, among other green design features. They also want rigs made with sustainability in mind and chemical-free construction materials, according to the magazine’s recap of the RAX show in Colorado earlier this year.
That same demographic is more technologically savvy then others and that has meant a chnge in direction for TAXA Outdoor’s marketing strategy.
“Traditionally we marketed through dealers and print media but we are seeing an overwhelming response from our social media marketing,” Finney said. “We launched a new website this year that allows customers to put deposits on vehicles down and built their vehicle with options so that they can make their purchase decisions more quickly.”
In the five years since Cricket first appeared in the RV and camping marketplaces, the company has achieved recognition. One publication included it in its list of the top eight small travel trailers, and Forbes Magazine called it a “camper for 21st century off-the-grid explorers.”
The design and minimalistic nature of TAXA Outdoor’s designs allow it to go almost anywhere in any climate.
“Our habitats are built to take you down dirt and paved roads,” Finney said.