The CUTEST Camper You Can Stand In: Happier Camper Tour 

Love hearing this. Your camping style sounds a lot like ours. Folks never understand when we say we would be willing to pay more for less. I could see this being a great little upgrade from the teardrop.

I love hearing your take on this trailer. It really is a a perfect little fantasy glamping setup. I can picture this coming out of burning man. I think it would be right at home there.

I'm with you there.

Haha. I like how Sean kindly said, "I think I would bring along a cooler." Good seeing you my friend.

@@PlayingwithSticks Yeah he owned up to the tiny fridge lol. I know you like a good nite-lapse...I put together a collection of time-lapse vids and called it Kimbo-Lapse hahaha a new phrase I coined lol... anyways some of my best time lapses yet all in one vid

Yeah, I thought why bother? Didn’t look like it’d hold anything.

Haha. That is so funny. I was watching this video again yesterday and I was just looking at that toilet feeling almost nostalgic. But I couldn't place my finger on it. I was thinking pop-tart wrapper. But, it was Jiffy Pop!

😂🤪😂😂. Maybe more like a Jiffy Poop. 💩💩💩💩

That would be...Jiffy Poop!

Jiffy Pop! I haven’t heard that name in decades!! 😂

That is how I feel about it as well. I would use it for day to day things. Like hauling across town, fun oceanside picnics, etc. But as for camping I would keep it primarily in one configuration. But, at least I have the option to come up with that configuation on my own. That is hard to put a price on.

You have some great points here. That was one of my concerns, storage. I had to ask Sean behind the scenes to take us through the storage. He kind of just glanced over it at first. Easy to do, with so little storage. I wanted to show, like you saw, that there really isn't a lot of storage for how big this trailer is. Yes, it is there, but under your seat. I like the open feel. But, like you I think they could sneak in a little more above head storage. I never preferred the layouts of the Casita or Scamp. I love these campers, but always thought one day I would tear out the side kitchen and move it to the front. Those cabinets start making the entire trailer feel like a hallway to me. I think they are great for couples, maybe not the best for families. But, with trailers like this with the galley kitchen in the front vs. on the side, it really feels like an open space. I would love to see this layout, but with smaller cabinets on the side like you see on vintage trailers such as Shastas. That video I mentioned in the end, a big portion of it was dedicated to comparing these two styles of layouts (basically shasta compact vs scamp).

I like how you see things! I would buy that trailer. This trailer checks almost all the boxes for May and I. That would be enough to sway us.

I'm not sure what you saw, but welcome to California prices. The stickers on the trailers there vs. what you see online is crazy! I'm not sure if there is some sort of tax or what?

@@PlayingwithSticks Yeah.. it is the price sticker on the side of the camper when it pans around. Insane price for that kinda of box on wheels. How do they expect to compete and stay afloat with those prices? Are people really paying upwards of $40,000 for these type of trailers?

For that price it should have an engine and a driver's seat.

I'd by an airstream for that price.

I understand that. We are often coming up against weight and price in our family. It is hard to find the unicorn trailer at the right price and weight. I never did find it, but I am always looking. I hope to find more Lynn's out there this year. Those are my favorite videos to make.

Same to you my friend.

Mark I'm glad you mentioned those grooves. That is something I never considered. When he mentioned washing the trailer out, I was sold. But, I didn't considered how hard it may be to actually "wash it out."

That Casita comment is new to me. I have seen a few cracked Scamp frames, but I haven't heard much about the Casitas. Thanks for sharing that. Yes, these prices... I really like the idea of a trailer that can serve multiple purposes. Would I use the modular aspects at camp? Probably not very often. But defintiely for day to day activities.

Love it! There should be an emoji for that. Thanks for sharing. I appreciate it.

That is exactly what we would do with this camper. We heard in the community section yesterday that someone' s neighbor found one used for $15K. Someone sure got lucky!

It is in my opinion the coolest looking camper out there though but I feel it is a bit overpriced.

I am learning so many new things today. Squirrley towing, pine needles and dirt stuck between the grids, what's next. Thank you for sharing this Brad. And an even BIGGER thank you for the tip. Much appreciated my friend! I'm finally boots on the ground. I also think I will be heading out to Overland Mountain West. Maybe that is the trip where our paths can cross?

And I agree. I love the look of this camper.

@@PlayingwithSticks I will see you at Mt. West!!!!🥳

@@jgrant4520 Woot woot!

Wait, are you sure? What about Bean and Escapod the leaders of fiberglass offroad trailers? Haha. I get what you are saying though. It's like flipping the axles on a Scamp, putting on bigger wheels and calling it offroad. Someday we all need to adopt the term softroad or something to describe these lifted trailers that get you off the beaten path, but aren't designed for true offroad use. I am talking about the trailers designed to get us on those dirt roads through BLM and National Forest land, but ones you wouldn't want to pull on Jeep trails regularly. Great pros and cons by the way. I wish more people would do this. I hope it catches on. Thank you for leading the way. Love that you checked out the prices of the refills. I did the same thing yesterday. And in the review section folks were saying 1 is enough for a day and a pack of 3 gets you through a weekend for a family. They said that was a pretty good deal. 🤔 I think they were like $90 for a 3 pack. Haha. Maybe I am exagerrating, but I remember it being quite high. I do like the concept though. I didn't look enough, but it would be interesting to see if any of their modular components were essentially blank shells for you to add your own components, like the composting toilet you mentioned for an example. I also think the fridge is fine, if like Sean mentioned you are brining another cooler or a 12 volt along. But, stand alone. Yes, that thing is quite small. Beings it is Dometic I assume it was first designed for sailboats and then for the RV industry as an afterthought. I am realizing quickly with a growing family that 1 fridge and a cooler are now mandatory for me. And once a fridge gets too large it is not as practical. I find 2 fridges or a fridge and cooler which we use is probably the best option for most of us family folks. I am right with you on all your pros. I go back and forth on modularity. But where I am currently at in life, it makes a lot of sense. Thanks again Preston for this great comment. This is why we make these videos.

@@PlayingwithSticks Oh, also we are moving to Alaska this summer!

I was impressed that they had 3 table mounts. But I never even considreed that they should add more. It makes sense. I also like the idea of stacking. I assume this is possible? I wonder how they would do in transport? Yes, a bug meshing would be nice and a little more storage space up front would be nice as well. Like you, I think this is more of a weekend-week long camper, but then there are folks who live full time in their 5x10 teardrops that are outliers. And yes, I like the weight on this as well. Love your breakdown of the pros of this trailer. I see this trailer very similarly.

@@PlayingwithSticks yeah but as for the cubes you really don’t need to keep them stack when your pulling this down the road. I just thought if they had drawers instead of top openings then it would make more like a dresser. And when you’re parked then stack them up. I mean I’m like you I love my teardrop but this is tall enough you stand up in it. That’s what I like over a teardrop. I guess with any RV camper or anything like that there is pros and cons. Everybodies needs or wants are different.

@@timpangburn5287 Yes, I am always looking for that perfect trailer that does it all. My answer still is that it requires 2 trailers. A teardrop and a stand up fiberglass trailer. With those two in the yard I can do anything. haha. I know I am asking a lot, but it would be neat if some of the grids on this were closer to the wall, so you could secure them during travel. Maybe they are close enough. Now that I think about it, they are the seats held right up against the wall. I assume you could easy make some sort of simple attachment for a better more securing of the loads. Like you, I think drawers would be nice. Don't get me started on my drawer speech. I can sing praises to them all day. I have to stop myself in many of these videos. But, seriously drawers make a big difference in the field for our family.

@@PlayingwithSticks even tho I have a teardrop I still bought me the springbar classic jack tent so I could stand up in it. I’ve always loved camping in a tent. But I guess I will get me some king of plastic drawers from Walmart to put clothes in or plastic totes. I’m about to go to the tent life here in Ohio for the summer. Found a campground that would let me put the tent up as long as I have my teardrop parked in the spot also. And that’s so it looks like I am staying in camper instead of a tent. Which I understand campgrounds for not having tent sites because of all the homeless people wanting to live in tents now. But no problem. I am thinking about start doing my own videos on RU-vid about the tent life.

I had a feeling there would be quite a few people who felt this way. Not only is it a beautiful trailer. It is REALLY well built.

Man Might as well get a Tiny House for that much

Some people still think it’s Covid pricing and financing not bidenomics time

Unfortunately, this is just small camper trailer prices in 2024. It’s painful. This trailer used to seem very expensive and now that all the other trailers around it have risen up in price this now seems mid range. I sure hope these trailers come back down in price. Are we all start making twice as much money 😂

@@bthunder9292 even tiny housing prices have gotten out of control. Well, then, just build your own. The wood prices are out of control as well 😢

@@tommyhairyeah7726 I have a feeling we will be in this pricing bubble for a bit longer. I hope not, but my realistic side thinks we’re going to be in it for a while.

I would love that! 🇯🇵

@@PlayingwithSticks so would we, camping here is an out of body experience

@@s.porter8646 We watch so many Japanese asmr/glamping style camping videos. I absolutely love them. Especially the videos on Supercubs. I am a supercub junky. And sadly I had to give mine away about a month ago.

@@PlayingwithSticks ew...the supercub is gone...nooooo. Yea campgrounds here are anywhere from glamping with concierge service, to basic gravel and fire pit. Also, some have hot springs on property.

@@PlayingwithSticks I've got a close friend in Okinawa ow s a campground with 20 restored airstreams permanently installed, on the most gorgeous beach.

We’ve been doing this format of video reviews for over three years. Sounds like you’re not a regular to the channel. But I know what videos you’re talking about, like you I love our hands-on reviews as well. As I continue to read your statement, you sound to be disappointed in many things. That disappoints me 🤣

@@PlayingwithSticks I am somewhat new yes. Discovered the channel this year, but mostly watched the older videos I guess. Didn’t realize they were already 3 years old. I think you mostly sold me on the Beans the most, 🤣

@CaffinePrinter these types of videos will still have a place on the channel, but you’ll definitely see less of them in the future. We’ve been living in Thailand for the past three years, kind of living a dual life. We’re finally back to the States full-time so we’ll have much more time for making more content in the woods. I’m excited for this next chapter of the channel.

@@PlayingwithSticks that’s awesome! Glad to hear you had a chance to travel that much. Appreciate the work you put in for sure and look forward to seeing more adventures! You actually inspired us to think about what we want from a camper and not just pick the biggest most feature rich one around. We realized we’re getting a camper to spend more time outside and not to drag a house behind us, so really appreciate all the work you’ve done on the channel. When I said disappointed, I was really hoping to see the camper in use since there are very few videos of people actually camping in it.

@@CaffinePrinter I totally understood your comment. I was just being playful with my response. I hope you know I was not offended.

I never considered these...Well, that's not true. I wanted one for years just for the aesthetics. But functionality wise I didn't feel they would be a good fit for our family. BUT, when I saw their new 17' model I went ooh..But it was that price take that quickly stopped my dreaming. I go back and forth on my needs. I love a Bean and I love a standing height fiberglass trailer. So I think based on the season of life I could go either way.

Agreed, the HCT 17' model is legit! Although not standard garageable. Always a tradeoff.

On the very low end of the budget without even thinking twice, I would say a runaway camper. I also really like the road toad, but I hear its build time is about 2 to 3 years out. If you want truly weatherproof and durable, I would look at the beanstalk 2.0 from Bean. It’s a bit more expensive starting at 17,000. But, it has no seams, and is built for off-road use. So it would be truly durable and weatherproof. Another trailer to look at would be a used Intech Luna. And if you don’t have to have a teardrop, I’d also look at used scamps and Casitas.

It is. The more I get to know this trailer, the more I like it. I have always appreciated the aesthetics though.

EXTREMELY? Have you seen the others in the small camper market. We are seeing trailers right now of similar size going for $50-$75K. I just saw the new trailer from Mammoth Overland. I want to say it was like $73K. I realize $25K is still ridiculous. But compared to $50K it doesn't seem as extreme.

Way over priced. That sardine can is not worth $10,000.

@@PlayingwithSticksthe Scamp is under $17000.

Sorry for the confusion. Some of the camper layouts allow bunks, well most of them I believe, but the largest layout doesn't seem to offer bunks.

Someone yesterday on our community feed said their next door neighbor got a used one for $15K. That is a great deal on a trailer very hard to find on the used market. For most a used Casita or Scamp would be a great alternative to this.

That is how I view it. It definitely isn't for all of us. But who they are targeting I don't think it is a stretch in terms of price.

You sound like us. May and I often dream about this trailer, but have never truly considered owning one.

At least tents are better priced. The makers of this trailer are on crack.

YES! I had no idea it was that expensive.

This entire thing is an over priced nightmare.

@@blueduck9409 I agree.

I wish it was off the mark. Not saying it is justified. Just saying compared to like trailers on the market these guys are closer than they have ever been. 5 years ago Happier Camper was at the top of the pricing structure in this industry. Today, this would fall mid-price. Man I miss those days when campers were less then the tow vehicle.

The price of this is outrageous!

We include prices in every video

Freaking $25,000!!!!

Way too much

Yes, these interior kitchens I find you either love them or hate them. There are not many folks inbetween. I am kind of inbetween. I like both options. I would love a trailer that allowed indoor and outdoor cooking. Not so much for lunch or dinner, but an indoor option for heating up breakfast and coffee would be nice.

@@PlayingwithSticks I’m hearing some rumbling that escapod is in some trouble, have you heard anything about that?

@Ajjakakkaka I have not. But, from my end, I noticed something interesting. They have not made a social media post since December. I still get emails from them for promotions, and see other online advertisements, but no social media. And that’s strange because they put out a lot of social media content. My first thought was what’s going on. But, it could just be that they have an open position for their social media Director. I hope they’re doing well.

@@PlayingwithSticks I wondered the exact same about their social medias. Almost inactive. A customer/owner of an escapod topo2 recently made a post explaining how escapod is currently “bombarding” their customers asking for capital donations/investments through emails… which probably isn’t a good sign. He also mentioned that their support team is almost non existent and doesn’t get back to them for weeks after his entire trailer flooded with over 10 gallons of water. I really hope their doing well too, and that this is just a small gully that their in. But who knows?

I would likely use the interior kitchen on rainy days, and cook outside on nice days.

I don't know about a whole lot cheaper, especially compared to the HC1 at 25K. But, they are nice. I noticed with Scamp and Casita lately they aren't too excited about putting that price in front of everyone. You have to dig hard to find it. And when they leave the factory they are not even close to those prices we remember just 4-5 years ago. BUT, find a used Scamp or Casita and that price is still NICE!

​@@PlayingwithSticks I owned a 1995 13' Casita many years. They were much cheaper then. Best trailer I ever owned. I could fix everything on the trailer. I can't say that about my 36' 5th wheel.

@@markmitchell457 I hear ya! I go on and on about my love for small fiberglass trailers. My parents and my brother both have travel trailers. They are holding up fairly well, but I can tell they both are afraid of them. haha. And they treat them like they are going to break. I have always appreciated the Casitas because you can treat them like camping. And they love you back!

Those memories sound lovely. I can hear the nostalgia in the tone of your writing.

Good point on the weight of the cubes. That is something I didn't even consider.

HUGE rip off.

Good thought on the toilet. I had a feeling we would get quite a few comments like that.

That’s exactly our niche I own a converted cargo trailer…

@@PlayingwithSticks cool me too.

@Materagaia it’s actually in the background of a majority of our videos, but I never really talk about it. I think I’m a little bitter because I filmed the entire episode of my trailer and then somehow deleted it all. I never got up the energy to make the video again. We actually lived in it full-time not last summer, but the summer before that and the summer before that. We were in it for four months straight each summer. Right now it is healing from its wounds from a battle with a hailstorm 🤣

@@PlayingwithSticks I can feel your pain. We’ve all likely had similar experiences. I still vividly remember accidentally deleting a research paper I had been working on steadily for nearly 12 months. Sure I had copious notes but the paper was never the same. I do dig your channel. We enjoy living “large” camping with a family of four( including 2 teenagers) in our converted 12 foot cargo trailer. As they say you “gotta get back on the horse”. This may be the perfect time to highlight more diy options instead of normalizing the out of control prices that have these quality small campers out of reach for so many people.

@@Materagaia Ouch on that research paper. You got me beat there. And I must say this comment really resonates with me. What you said is true. I do find myself over time normalizing these prices. Not something I want to be part of. I don't do it on purpose, I just have come to the point where I have decided they are what they are. Most people know I could care less about prices. This channel isn't designed to sell trailers. It is to help people see and understand them. If I fought every high price, I would be fighting almost every trailer. There is only a small number of trailers on the market today that most of us would consider affordable. It's painful. And tackling DIY would be my dream. But I tried chasing the community down last year. The map was awful. Almost every trailer was on the complete opposite side of the country. No areas with more trailers than another. It would have taken a ridiculously large budget and time that I did not have. Someday, someday we will make that dream a reality. I'm hoping to get a lot more of that content this summer.

Yes, this is what we would consider a soft road trailer. Good enough clearance and components to get you over sketchy trail to get you back to a good road. But I would do it very slow and cautiously and pick the right line. This isn’t meant for full-time trails.

😀

Will do. They all just said Hi. Rye said "Jack says hi again?" Haha. He definitely knows you now.

@@PlayingwithSticks 😀

Right? Welcome to 2024 pricing. It's crazy because we are finally seeing manufacturers going out of business, but we still aren't seeing prices falling. On the other hand it is nice to see some of these folks coming out with budget options off their popular trailers (Camp-Inn, Escapod, Vistabule, Bean, and even Happier Camper in this video). That is a step in the right direction.

@@PlayingwithSticks The saddest part of this whole thing. the price factoids... is that it has to be this way for the manufacturers to breathe in more cases than not, especially these niche/boutique builders etc. I'm also monitoring as many of us are, the downfall of the pLandemic builds/manufacturing snafus that are costing people their livelihoods STILL with trailers that are catastrophically failing and manufacturers are turning a blind eye in many of these cases. Flooding, De lamination, Cabinet screws poking through the outer fiberglass, entire chassis frames basically disintegrating, on and on while using the RV industry's "we brought it to you, it's yours and you're 100% responsible whether you accept delivery or not where do you want me to put it" as well as "oh the driver destroyed your RV? sorry we're not taking it back it's yours no matter WHAT the driver did" policies. BEWARE people. Even peeps that have done WEEKS, YEARS of research, are getting scammed with unknowns. it's a BAD , the most WORST time to buy an RV right now. on the upside, it's so low these things can only go UP from here! Blessings to you and your precious family as always!

Yep. Haha.

I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. These are the comments we hope to get, but I find with the happier camper. There’s not a lot of owners out there watching this video. Positive or negative it’s always best when we can get comments from actual owners.

Hmm, I’m seriously considering one, but have mixed feelings about what I’ve heard about build quality and QC. Anything in particular you can share that makes you think it’s poor quality? Curious to learn more.

Yep

You know I am not sure. But we get a lot of comments. Haha. I think most people initially expect them to be less then they are. For me, I have been in this world for so long my mind doesn't see the prices the way it did 10 years ago. They still shock me, don't get me wrong...but probably not near as much as a first time viewer.

And you comment Nazi need to get over yourself! We can comment about way priced and way too small camper if we want too. Specially when it says $25,000 is more "economical!!!"

I saw your same commment on the Oregon Teardrop. Yep, these small campers aren't cheap.

Literally everything is overpriced nowadays.

@@PlayingwithSticks people need to stop comparing prices on the models you show to that garbage being mass produced in northern Indiana. Those have become 3-5 year disposable items.

For real.

Really?