Owner Spotlight

Andrea jachman & Jim Mcdonald

From

Minneapolis, MN

Year and Make of your Happier Camper?

2016 HC1 (aka Lola Esperanza)

What’s your tow vehicle?

2010 Mazda5 with a 5 speed manual transmission for all that downshifting

Why did you buy a Happier Camper?

We are long time tent campers and, like many, started to look more seriously at getting off the ground and into a trailer during the pandemic. We didn’t want to upgrade our tow vehicle right away so needed something very light. Aside from its weight, we fell in love with the HC1’s aesthetics and flexibility. A fellow owner was kind enough to show us one in person and that sealed the deal. There were less expensive options but, like puppies and old sports cars, these are emotional decisions…

Tell us about your camper!

It’s an early model (#034 or 037) in Mojave Sage, purchased used in July 2020. Andrea got an RV Trader alert that it came up for sale and within 10 minutes we contacted the seller, who was wonderful and willing to hold it for us despite lots of inquiries. This was a Tuesday night and we left Minneapolis to pick it up in Colorado Springs that Saturday morning. Twelve hours of driving out and fifteen back the next day, it was a weekend full of white line fever but all worth it. We have a 10-year-old daughter and wanted to be able to sleep up to four so have a lot of cubes and tables. But other than the kitchenette, it does not have many of the “big” options—no AC, fridge, heater, awning, etc. Some of these might not have been available on the early models and we wanted to keep it simple for weight and maintenance purposes anyway. We did get an external 100W Renogy solar panel that easily keeps our battery topped off, given our limited electrical draw. Aside from several camping trips, we’ve used it for Get Out the Vote drives (the GOTV RV!) and pulling up to restaurants for socially distanced (but still warm) takeout meals.

What are your favorite HC features?

Vintage look with modern comfort, rear hatch that brings the outside in, endless configurability, and all the smiles / conversations it generates!

Best camping trip you’ve taken with your Happier Camper?

Temperance River State Park on the North Shore of Lake Superior

What’s your next planned camping trip?

Probably another MN state park as soon we can shake this winter

What camping destination is on your bucket list?

We should take her back to her CA birthplace someday, either Big Sur or Yosemite.

Any advice for new owners?

Keep it simple and don’t go overboard on the options. A lot of stuff can be added later if you decide you want it. Be prepared to tackle small jobs and to be very popular wherever you park.