The quality of the HC1 is extremely unsatisfactory.
Rust: There is substantial rust on the camper. Having purchased the camper new, I expected no rust to be present. From the bolts and screws used in construction. To the frame, axle, and wheels, I have an easier time finding some piece of metal rusted vs finding one that is clean. The first request to have it remediated was refused. With Happier Camper stating that areas of high humidity can cause rust to occur more quickly. After letting them know we received the camper with rust, and have only owned it for roughly 20 days at that point, I wouldn’t expect that much rust to be present. They agreed to provide some funds to cover the rust.
I then had to point out the area I live in has below average humidity, before they would stop using the canned answer about humidity, and take some responsibility for the rust. I had to request again for them to cover the rust under warranty before they agreed to resolve an issue they should have fixed before it was shipped out. The amount of rust, and how quickly it happened, leads me to believe the quality of materials used, and their preparation are in no way equal to the quality they claim to provide.
To maintain this camper will either require hours upon hours of manual labor each year, or a considerable sum of money to have it remediated each year.
Gel Coat: There were a number of dings and dents on the gel coat after receiving the camper. The top of the camper was so lightly sprayed that you can see the fiber glass underneath it. The gel coat was not fully applied around the middle section as can be seen in some of the pictures. We also received the camper with a crack present on the rear hatch.
Leaks: We have already had two leaks in the camper. The door had a substantial leak during the rain.The second was while working on the table underneath the HVAC, another leak appeared and caused water to fall onto my work laptops. Now I don’t feel comfortable using it as a workspace during any rain.
Items falling off in transit: We have had two items fall off during driving. Our porch light fell off on the first drive, and the door stopper fell off on our way home from a trip.
While Happier Camper, after some argument back and forth, has stated they will fix all of the above items; I am very dissatisfied with the quality of the product. It’s now a running joke between my wife and I about which item will break on the camper next. For the price paid I certainly expected a higher quality camper, without the myriad of issues that occurred within the first few weeks of owning it. I have big concerns about what will continue to break as we use it, and the funds it will cost to maintain it, especially after warranty.
The pros: it is very light, and has lots of storage inside of it.
Items Lost: Porch light fell off during first drive. Door Stopper fell off during sixth drive.
Gel Coat: Top of the camper gel coat is under sprayed, and fiber glass lines are visible. Crack on rear door of camper. Dents in fiber glass around the exterior. Deep scuffs on roof, and on sides of the camper.
Door: Door is leaking during rain and snow. HVAC is leaking during rain.
Rust: The screws coming from underneath the camper, that are connected to the table leg holders. The bolts connecting the leveling legs to the camper. The steel connecting the levelling legs to the camper. Lug nuts on both tires. Front hitch. Rear hitch. The axle connecting the tires. The bar connecting to the corner of the frame. The door stopper. Between the frame...
Read moreThree years later, we still love our cute little Happier Camper HC1 trailer and have been camping in it since January 2022. The longest trip was Florida to Maine. We ordered the trailer custom built with the bunk bed. It has a simple, retro look. There is no giant logo, no tacky zig zags or swirls or animals or anything else on the outside. The interior is white, bright, and easy to clean. It also is fiberglass, not made of the usual wood and aluminum that can warp or rot like many other campers in rain and humidity. When I was looking at other campers, most had a cheap feeling and I don't get that feeling in the HC1. We chose the lifted option with rugged tires, which makes the camper sit about 3 inches higher, and we also chose to get the spare tire. This trailer only weighs approximately 1500 pounds (better for gas mileage) and fits in a single parking spot. It's so light I can unhitch it and pull it around by hand on a flat surface. We were tent campers for many years. I did not want something that felt like an apartment on wheels, I wanted to still feel like I was camping. This is a lot more comfort, but we still feel like we're camping. Yes, you can stand up in it if you’re shorter than 6’2. Also, it was the only camper I found that had an interior that you can move around all the components/cubes or even completely empty the entire contents. This is great if you want to sweep it out or if you want to haul large items or help someone move. The HC1 has a drain in the floor so you can hose it out. Every cube is hollow so you can store items inside (I recommend the cube with the door on the side so you have two ways to access the contents). If you decide you want different components (kitchenette etc) in the future, you can always buy them separately. You don't have to buy/use the components you don't need (kitchen, toilet, fridge, etc). You can also use the many of the components outside. You can constantly reconfigure it during your trip depending on your needs. I can sleep 4 inside, if also using the bunk bed that turns into a couch. We have slept 4 plus a dog. When camping alone, you could opt to leave the table set up in the back and instead of setting up the big bed, sleep in the bottom bunk while putting bags/gear on the top bunk. The HC1 has a super cool back hatch that you can open all the way. You can add an off-grid solar package that can also run the AC. We have the off grid AC package and also a fan. There are many outlets and lights. I had a small issue within the first year, and HC customer support was good and we used the warranty without a problem. We had never towed anything or owned a camper before, and we learned very quickly. I used to tow the trailer with a Honda Odyssey minivan, and now I tow it with a Toyota Highlander. This trailer was a great purchase. We get a lot of compliments, and many people wanting to take pictures and see inside. My only complaint is that I wish I had more time to...
Read moreI couldn't be more thrilled with my Happier Camper HC1 Studio! As a first-time camper owner, I was looking for something that would be both functional and stylish—and this little gem has exceeded all my expectations.
First off, the HC1 Studio is ultralight and a breeze to tow behind my 4Runner. Whether I'm driving through city streets or hitting the open road, I hardly even notice it's back there.
What truly sets this camper apart, though, is its modular configurations. The clever, customizable components let me set up the space exactly how I need it, whether it’s for a remote work station or a romantic getaway in nature. The flexibility is truly game-changing.
The HC1 Studio’s stunning design has this perfect mix of vintage charm and modern functionality. It feels like I’m driving a little slice of nostalgia, while still being fully equipped with all the comforts I need — especially the built-in kitchen, bathroom and solar panels.
Lastly, I have to give a huge shout-out to the Happier Camper team. As a new camper owner, I had a lot of questions, and the staff were incredibly responsive and helpful. Their support was quick, thorough, and genuinely kind, which made the entire experience of owning a camper even more enjoyable.
All in all, I’m incredibly impressed and appreciative of the HC1 Studio. It’s lightweight, versatile, beautiful, and backed by fantastic customer support—what more could I ask for? Highly recommend to anyone looking for a camper that blends style, craftsmanship and...
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