Campervan outfitter Storyteller Overland has acquired trailer maker TAXA Outdoors, according to a post on Storyteller’s website. The Texas-based TAXA offers four models that use aerospace-inspired designs and have a unique, futuristic look.
Under Storyteller’s corporate umbrella, TAXA will be headed up by entrepreneur Neil Grimmer, who started a successful baby food brand, Plum Organics, in 2007 and has since gone on to stints in product management at Harley-Davidson and several other brands. “We are stoked to welcome Neil Grimmer and the TAXA team along with their loyal owner community into the Storyteller Overland galaxy,” Jeffrey Hunter, CEO of Storyteller Overland, said in a press release. “Both of our companies share a passion for inspiring and equipping individuals to boldly explore and expand their horizons and connect more deeply with our growing community of adventurers around the globe. This acquisition represents a natural alignment of the vision, values, and vibes that support those passions. For us, all of this is yet another giant leap forward to help more people live free, explore endlessly, and tell better stories.”
Currently, Storyteller Overland sells four “MODE” campervan models based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, with the top-spec Beast MODE model (above) essentially a turn-key overlanding platform that includes suspension lift, AT tires, and a full suite of comfort and off-road travel tech. The Beast MODE sells for over $230,000. A new overlanding-focused model, the $450,000 Hilt, is based on a RAM 5500 diesel truck chassis.
TAXA offers four trailer models, with the top-spec Mantis starting at around $45,000. Most models are available in “standard” or “overland” versions with axle-less suspension, off-road hitches, pop-top sleeping quarters and other off-road ready features. The smallest model, the Wooly Bear, is designed to work with the buyers choice of rooftop tents.
In its press release, Storyteller Overland says the TAXA trailers are “inspired by its founders’ roots in NASA habitat design and space architecture.” The unusual form factors include unusual angles and highly efficient floor plans with a focus on storage and interior space, befitting their spacecraft roots. TAXA refers to their enclosed trailers as “habitats,” which is the same moniker NASA and other space agencies (and sci-fi movies) give to crew quarters, often shortened to “hab” or “habs.”
“By fusing TAXA’s expertise with Storyteller Overland’s innovative approach to motorized adventure vehicle design, exceptional dealer sales & service network, and deep commitment to fostering community engagement, the combined entity will empower new generations of underserved and underrepresented customers to elevate their experiences and pursue their passions in the outdoors,” Storyteller said in their press release. TAXA has commitments to several organizations, according to its website, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Black Outside, and others.
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New TAXA CEO Grimmer said TAXA owners can expect service for their products going forward. “With the support of Storyteller, TAXA Outdoors customers and dealers can expect full and uninterrupted support for existing products, as well as the introduction of exciting new offerings that leverage the combined expertise of all companies in the Storyteller galaxy of brands.”
