Happier Camper 2022 HC1 Lightweight Travel Trailer User Guide
- June 3, 2024
- Happier Camper
Table of Contents
Happier Camper 2022 HC1 Lightweight Travel Trailer
The first step to any great adventure is performing routine maintenance to your trailer. By following these maintenance tips, you’ll be ensuring your trailer is on the road for generations to come.
CARING FOR FIBERGLASS
AFTER A TRIP
To protect your fiberglass and keep your camper’s lustrous gelcoat shine, be
sure to rinse off debris after a road trip. Dirt, oxidation, sap, road salt,
bugs, and UV exposure can eventually make your trailer appear dull and dirty.
After getting home from a road trip, use a gentle cleanser (such as a solution
of 1 cup of liquid laundry detergent and 1 gallon of warm water) and a soft
brush, remove all dirt and debris from your fiberglass gelcoat.
In addition to vacuuming or sweeping your trailer, you can remove all of the
components and hose out the trailer.
A self-service car wash is also an easy place to clean your trailer before
storing it after a trip.
WAX EVERY 3-6 MONTHS
Depending on how you store your trailer, you need to ensure you are protecting
the gelcoat from UV damage and grime.
Your first line of defense is storing your camper indoors or using a UV-
resistant exterior cover. If you plan to keep your camper outdoors year-round,
be sure to keep a routine waxing regimen of every three months or so. Even if
you are storing your camper indoors, we recommend waxing your trailer twice a
year.
CLEANING INSIDE YOUR TRAILER
QUICK TIPS FOR REMOVING DIRT
Your floor panels are easy to take out and shake off the worst of the dirt.
Sometimes doing this an running a vacuum quickly can be enough to tidy your
camper.
Did your last epic adventure leave more than a little dirt inside your
trailer? Don’t worry about the mess! You can simply remove all of your
Adaptiv™ components and hose out the camper using the same gentle cleansers
you use on the outside.
QUICK TIPS FOR REMOVING DIRT
For best results always use non-abrasive cleaning solutions and materials,
such as soft sponges and microfiber towels. We have linked our favorite
cleaning product recommendations here.
Meguiars Clay Kit: A popular cleaning solution Lucas Oil Slick Mist: Quick
detailer spray
Standard Turtle Wax: A simple spray wax Premium Gel-Gloss Wash and Wax: For
routine cleaning and gelcoat protection
Protect All Fiberglass Oxidation Remover and Color Restorer: To remove
oxidation and restore shine Meguiars Marine Fiberglass Restoration System for
Oxidation: Another oxidation solution
Long-handled RV Brush: To get to those hard-to-reach places
TRAILER MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
BEFORE EACH TRIP
- Check tire pressure and tread levels
- Ensure the wheel lug nuts are tight
- Empty water tanks
- Ensure propane tanks are full and securely fastened
- Check your trailer hitch and coupler for damage
- Ensure your coupler nut is tightened
- Ensure 7-pin connector is free of debris
- Check that your brake lights, blinkers, and tail lights are functional
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
In addition to the cleaning advice mentioned above, the mechanical elements
and accessories on your trailer require care.
You should inspect and grease the wheel bearings
as needed. Use a specialty grease, such as Lucas Oil Marine Grease. Never use
WD-40 as it can strip away the mechanical grease.
Be sure to check your plumbing hookups, such as city water and freshwater
hookups, for damage or leaks.
Routinely check safety equipment, such as the C0 Monitor’s battery and fire
extinguisher volume and expiration date.
ANNUAL MAINTENANCE
Inspect the weather seals in the windows and doors to ensure there is no
damage or leakage. Also check the exterior body and roof for debris, cracks,
or
grime build-up.
The brake linings and magnets require inspection every 6,000 miles or
annually.
To ensure you are towing your trailer safely, grease your hitch coupler every
6,000 miles or 6 months.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
OXIDATION
If you start to notice a dull or cloudy appearance on your gelcoat, oxidation
could be the culprit.
To remove the oxidation, polish the oxidized area with a microfiber towel
soaked with a fiberglass restoration product. Once you’ve restored the
gelcoat’s lustrous shine, finish with a coat of wax.
ACCESSORY MAINTENANCE
For accessories such as the cooling package or forced air heater, we recommend
checking with the manufacturer for specific maintenance information.
The solar panel on the roof of the camper unit can be cleaned simply with a
microfiber towel and basic vehicle washing solution. You’ll also want to keep
it clear of debris.
Be sure to remove any snow that collects on the roof of your fiberglass travel trailer. Not doing so may result in damage to the fiberglass.
STORAGE AND PROTECTION
To prevent UV damage to your camper, we recommend covering your trailer with a
Happier Camper exterior cover or parking it in a covered area.
If you live somewhere with heavy winters, you’ll need to prevent snow from
collecting. More than a few inches of snow can damage the fiberglass. You’re
always welcome to come visit us in sunny Los Angeles to get a reprieve from
the snow!
WINTERIZING YOUR CAMPER
Before storing your camper for winter, you have
to follow the essential “winterizing” steps. The Prepare Your Camper for
Winter resource has more information on how to prepare your camper until
camping season resumes.
REPAIRS
As discussed in the Nature of Fiberglass guide, some cracks, such as gelcoat
cracks and spider cracks, are to be expected. Should any damage occur to your
fiberglass, you can find a local service provider to get your camper back in
tip top shape. Oftentimes, Happier Camper owners have successfully had their
fiberglass repaired at a boat repair facility and locations that specialize in
fiberglass work dealing with gelcoat.
In the event of a flat tire, there is a spare trailer tire located underneath
your trailer’s frame, or in the case of the Traveler, underneath the rear
window.
Contact support@happiercamper.com with any
additional maintenance questions you may have!