For this edition of #Vanlife, we’re taking a look at something you can tow with your van – the HC1 from Los Angeles-based Happier Camper. This two-wheeled trailer features a unique modular layout called Adaptiv, allowing a huge number of potential configurations to suit your budget and needs. At only 1,100 pounds dry, it can be towed by almost any vehicle.
#Vanlife: Happier Camper HC1 travel camp trailer
While our Vanlife series often features high-end Sprinter vans, we also love to feature less-costly alternatives, such as roof top tents and trailers like today’s HC1 from Happier Camper.
With its svelte dimensions and shockingly light weight (1,100 pounds dry, ~1,500 pounds loaded), the beauty of the HC1 is that it can be pulled by almost any vehicle with a trailer hitch. For cycling purposes, you can empty out the trailer to fit a lot of bikes inside, or use the standard 2″ receiver hitch on the back to mount up a bike rack.
Their basic list of specs has some nice features:
- ULTRA-LIGHT 1100 LBS DRY WEIGHT*
- TOW WITH MOST VEHICLES
- 100% DOUBLE-HULL INSULATED FIBERGLASS
- ADAPTIV™ MODULAR PLATFORM
- LARGE REAR HATCH DOOR
- SLEEPS TO SLEEP UP TO FIVE
- 72SF WITH 42SF OF WALKABLE FLOOR SPACE
- STORAGE SPACE THROUGHOUT
- PANORAMIC JALOUSIE WINDOWS
- SOLAR-POWERED WITH CONTOURED PANEL
- STRONG FRAME WITH BUILT-IN STABILIZERS
- STANDARD ELECTRIC BRAKES
- TORSION AXLE / 13” WHEELS / SWING BACK TONGUE
- ADVANCED POWER AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- FITS IN A SINGLE PARKING SPACE & MOST GARAGES
The key to the HC1’s versatility is its modular layout. Effectively built on a grid of squares, you can mix and match the inside spaces to better accommodate gear (bikes, kayaks, etc), sleeping arrangements, bathroom facilities, and more.
The HC1 comes standard with a rooftop solar panel and batteries, powering A/C outlets, USB plugs, DC lighter outlets, LED lights, and ceiling fans. They say that the 100-watt panel and deep cycle AGM battery can perpetually run all on-board electronics in the trailer.
The main hull of the HC1 is made from two layers of reinforced fiberglass, with thin thermal insulation sandwiched between. The outside gel coat paint can be washed and waxed like an automobile, and is available in seven color options.
The Happier Camper HC1 starts at $24,950, and is made primarily using US-designed and manufactured components. It includes a one-year warranty for workmanship, with some sub components carrying a longer manufacturer’s warranty. For now, they’re only available to the US and Canada, but Happier Camper is looking into worldwide distribution.
