Do we still love our Scout Kenai after 7 months, 10K miles? | Loves, Hates and Issues we had.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ก.ค. 2024
- Welcome back to another video! Thank you so much for stopping by! We wanted to just give a quick update, on how we are feeling about our Scout Kenai Truck Camper. We talk about some things that we love, some things that we hate, and a few issues we have had along the way! For those of you that are new to the channel, We use our Scout Truck Camper to overland / boondock while we do wildlife photography, landscape photography, and wildlife videography. Thanks so much for watching ✌️
LOVES 00:00
HATES:
ISSUES 07:45
Shot on a Canon R6, Canon R5, and all canon RF lenses.
A simple solution to the Ford "Ultimate Tow" dilemma -www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
#truckcamper #truckcamping #truckcamperlife #scoutkenai #scoutcampers @ScoutCampers #diodepartner #overlanding #boondocking #overlanding4x4 #overlandingusa #boondocking - บันเทิง
Josh , your knowledge of everything Scout Camper is unbelievable and your explanations are both comprehensive and understandable ! This video will be THE go to post for anyone looking into this camper for purchase or problem solving issues . Because you have researched so thoroughly I know this will be unbelievably helpful to many . Well done as ALWAYS !
Thank you so much! Im so glad you liked it!
Thank you for the honest review. I like how you were just honest not overly upset about the things that went wrong. Especially at the dealership and not taking your frustration with them out on the Scout customer service. That to me speak volumes. Thanks for the heads up on some possible issues!
Thank you Fox + Fir!!
Thank you! Honestly, things go wrong all the time. I don't understand when people get irrationally upset about things that are out of their control. If you are looking for a Scout, I hope you love it!
For the mattress add a Froli sleep system under the mattress. It keeps the mattress off the floor of the overhang; it allows air to circulate under the mattress to avoid condensation and mold; and it provides some additional support.
Unfortunately the froli isn’t a good option for me. The bunk extensions keep me from getting them for the leg section. My best option is a new mattress, and then similar thickness pads for the leg area
For a mattress, check out Hest. You’ll be VERY glad you did!
I will totally check them out! thanks SO much for the suggestion!
What an awesome video, thanks for putting it together. Your explanations are to the point and answered a lot of my questions. I have seen much in the way of discussion around drive stability with the height of the unit. I would be coming from a slide in pop-up and worry a bit about issues around tipping and off grid sight clearance. Any thoughts or observations? Again, thanks for the awesome work!
Thank you! I really appreciate that! I also had a slide in pop up before this, and personally I don’t think the extra height is an issue with stability. Granted, I use airbags and upgraded shocks. But it’s rock solid. I probably wouldn’t rock crawl with it, but I also wouldn’t rock crawl a super duty either haha. The only issue with the height is worse MPG than a pop up, and some trails I hit a lot of low hanging branches. But that’s about it
Good review - appreciate knowing the real owner frustration and it was nice to see some steps Scout is taking to mitigate those issues for future owners.
For the battery, I'd recommend looking into buying a larger LiFePower 5kWh battery and a Victron Inverter and Solar Charge Controller (MPPT). If you went with a 12v battery, you could also pick up a 12V to 12V DC-DC charger that allows your vehicles engine to charge your house/Scout battery off of its alternator while idling or en route to your destination. It may seem intimidating to build a system like this at first, but the amount of capacity per dollar you'd gain is massive and it's really not too bad (source: I built a DIY system for my bus with no prior experience). Your current battery is 1.5kWh and costs about $1800 new, the Goal Zero 3000 is 3.0kWh and cost about $3,500 new. For around $2,250-$3,000, you could buy a 5kWh battery with an inverter (the part that makes the power AC for normal house plugs), a MPPT(the part that converts the DC voltage to something useable by the battery), and that DC-DC 12V alternator battery charger.
Alternatively, to avoid having to buy a separate generator, you could pick up Goal Zero's Vehicle Integration Kit: www.goalzero.com/products/yeti-link-vehicle-integration-kit to be able to top off your battery from your vehicle while it's running. If you really want to avoid a dedicated generator and loads of ground-deploy solar panels, especially once you scale your battery capacity, this is a great option within the Goal Zero ecosystem.
If you're going to be running AC, you'll definitely need a fair amount more capacity and likely a 6000X or DIY solution would be best.
You might already know this but tossing it out as a bonus bc I didn't prior to jumping into the world of batteries head first - when possible, run everything you can off of the DC ports on your battery and keep the AC ports (house plugs) turned off. A battery stores energy as DC and so when AC is required, it needs to invert the power from DC to AC and there is a bit of power lost in the process. Charging your devices directly from USB on the device, even if a bit slower, will prolong the battery life and prevent that phantom draw from the inverter. Those AC power bricks for phones and laptops are taking that AC power and inverting it from AC right back to DC anyway for the battery in your device to store/use.
Best of luck in scaling your system! Thanks for the Kenai live in review :)
Hi Nate, thanks so much for such a great, detailed response!
I would love to get a new, dedicated set up, im just not 100% sure its right for me right now. The camper is completely set up for Goal Zero, which means all of the internal power is connections via Anderson plug, the solar input is anderson, the fridge is 12V, etc. The easiest, fastest, and most conveniant right now would be to just get the 3000X and plop it in there. While a system like RedArc (Im leaning towards a RedArc system) would be more cost effective, I would need to do significantly more work, planning, and customization at this point.
I actually already have the option to charge via the truck, through the 7pin, to Goal Zeros 12v plug, and into the battery. I cant justify the cost and time to install the Vehicle integration kit, but I have thoroughly considered it. Really, the best option for me would be a mix of Solar + Wind generation while the truck is parked.
I laughed out loud when you said you research like a psychopath. 😂😂 We have a 27’ Airstream but sometimes it would be nice to go off road like you do. We have been looking for something to use on the back of the truck, like you. But we also have an Akita who has to have AC. So, that would be a deal breaker for us. Thanks for your honest review!!
Haha im glad you liked it! ✌️
Beloit Mattress in Beloit Wi made a mattress the exact inches I needed for sleeping in my FJ. We pull it out when we tent camp, and grandkids sleep on it when the stay over at home.
Thats a great recomendation, I also live about an hour from Beloit, so i might be able to stop right into the factory
Ryobi 40v power station. It holds four 40v batteries. I've used it to power skil saws, shop vacs, and other power tools. I love this thing
Thanks for commenting, unfortunately that's no where near the power I need. even using 4 of their biggest batteries (12AH), that's only 30% of the stock Yeti 1500X (140AH Battery)
In regards to the battery; the bluetti 2200w is a MUCH better solar battery/inverter; the 175w solar panel just isn't enough; so adding solar to the rooftop is a great solution. I have placed three 200-watt Rich Solar solar panels on my Adventurer rooftop and they provide plenty of power to the bluetti.
I’ve looked into the Bluetti, and they make a great product. It would require a bit of re-wiring / adapters to get all the plugs to fit correctly. I’m not convinced on a different battery, or a dedicated system like red arc
shoulda gave this lecture inside the camper, so we can see what they look like
Look at my tour video
Nice video - very thoughtful on the coverage and crisp. I liked it. I'm considering a truck camper and I'd like to know how you find this approach working on forest service roads and rough trails with pot holes and ditches - does the camper make that terrain awkward ? and how are you managing with losing the backup camera in the tail gate ?
Thanks! I love it on forest service roads, and it handles all of those wonderfully. I also have airbags and upgraded shocks, and AT tires, so that helps too. But it feels very similar to the same as the truck unloaded. I don’t have any worries at all taking it off road. I don’t care so much about losing a rear view camera. It’s not a deal breaker for me. But the new Super Duty has a camera attached to the top of the tailgate when it’s down, if it’s really needed for you.
Thank you so much! I think we have the same issue on our Ford F-150 and 2023 Scout Yoho. Where did you find the loose cable to the 12V external cable that you re-crimped? I’ve looked and can’t find it! I repaired a broken crimp on our solar panel cable already.
Hi! Thanks for watching! My issue was the crimp between the female 12v Cigarette lighter plug, and the wire leading to it from the 7PIN. It was inside the little battery cubby. you just gotta peel back some of the tape to find it!
My friend is considering this after sleeping in my Winnebago Roam camper van. These products are not comparable but I will say not having AC option would be non starter for me. That said AC is only useable if plugged into 30 amp shore power. Battery w inverter won’t get you far. So if viewed as an off grid camper only, lack of AC not a deal breaker.
Dometic made a 12V AC that pulls 19AMP in Eco mode. I have considered getting a dedicated battery set up, with significantly more storage and giving it a shot, I think it would work fine, as long as I have a ton of battery power, and 400-500 watts of power coming in through the daytime. I usually don't need AC, but every now and then it would be nice to escape the heat a little bit.
I really like this camper but Im a full timer on the east coast and no AC is definitely a non starter for me. Maybe they will try to incorporate the Dometic 12v
When out camping for a longer period of time; water is the key. The 4.75gal overhead container is not enough and those optional RotoX water containers don't hold much either. Perhaps that larger outside storage area could be converted to a large water tank?
I need that storage space for tools, chainsaws, ladders, etc. I have 4 extra gallons in rotopax, and I have a 7 gallon extra jug inside now. So I have about 17 gallons of fresh water ready.
Why did you buy this over a Lance or Nucamp with more amenities? I think the lack of no AC is a deal breaker for me because I go back and forth between Texas, and AZ. Very informative video!
Honestly, I didnt need any of the Amenities that they offered. The Scout is much smaller, lighter, and easier to drive offroad with. I really only need something to sleep in, cook in, and protect me from the elements. Having an AC would be really nice, but not a deal breaker for me personally. If they end up offering one, I will probably have that installed. But being that I do 99.99% of my camping off grid, It will need the capability of being ran off battery / solar / wind power, which is a really tall task for AC units currently.
Great video. I also have a Scout Kenai. Question for you. How did you mount the MaxTrax on the rail along the side of the camper. I'm interested in doing something similar. Thanks!
Thanks for watching! I got some Overland Kitted Boomerang mounts, and some hardware from the store and put them on. Make sure you get the "raised" version, because the normal flush one doesn't have enough room and will beat the shit out of the side of the camper. You will also need a "pin set" from MaxTrax. You can get everything but the nuts and bolts straight from MaxTrax!
Have you ever thought of getting a camper van? What stopped you? I’m really between this and the camper van. I’m mostly doing weekend stuff though and that’s it.
I know you didn’t get the pop up tent but if you did what mattress does it come with?
Also can I leave this camper on the back of the truck at all times or does it mess your car up bc I know I’d be too lazy to take it off and on and would majorly detour me from using it if I had to.
Also what trucks are preferred for this Kenai scout??
We did! The problem is that when you convert a camper van, its always going to be a camper van from that moment on. Where this, we can drop the camper and still have a traditional truck to do truck things with (Which we do often). The rest of those questions can be answered better by Scout, on their website. It does not mess up the truck to leave it on, but its also easy to take off. Its maybe 15 minutes to take off / on. so its no biggie.
Hi Josh, love all your videos! We have the exact same problem of 7 pin doesn't charge yeti with our Ford truck with ultimate tow package. Could you share details on how you fixed with resistors or any instruction videos you found helpful? thank you so so much!
Hi! I am sorry you are having the same issue. It's really frustrating. They actually make an adapter that works great ( I tested it out after I made my wiring). The only reason it didn't work for me, is that I am using the 7PIN in the bed of the truck, and not the bumper. So it was a little bit too tight of a fit. But this will probably work great for you! I updated the description of this video with the link! It's called the Tow Ready 20142!
@@FoxandFir oh awesome, thank you so much for sharing the product! Our 7pin is actually in the bed as well, also a ford F350. You mentioned it being a little too tight - does it not really fit or it barely can work? Thanks again!
@@mengyuanliu1002 I think it would fit, but just be really tight. Since I already had the cable made, I didn't want to push it. I don't have a wiring diagram or anything for the cable. Im sorry!
@@FoxandFir thank you! Then we will try this product first. Thank you so much!
@@FoxandFir just want to report back that it works and fits! Thank you so much for solving this mystery for us!!
AC in humidity is very helpful. I’m surprised there isn’t some option for that.
Me too, maybe in a future model 🤷🏻♂️
Can you order the Scout with no skylight so as to maximize the amount of roof space for solar panels? You didn't talk about the optional electric jacks - are they necessary? Also, you didn't talk about the Dometic stove and 75L fridge/freezer - are these any good? How do you store extra diesel for the heater please? A/C is the 800lb gorilla as it takes a lot of power to run. Perhaps Scout will come up with a small Mini-Split a/c unit that is much more efficient, quiet and uses a lot less power?
No; the skylight is standard. There are no electrical jacks available from scout. I like the stove and freezer, but am not in love. The freezer doesn’t do a great job of freezing, and it can be quite loud at times. I’m looking at other options.
I just have an extra 2 gallon rotopax for the diesel heater on the back of the camper.
Hi great video I understand the good and the bad like what you said about the seat corshin use some Styrofoam or pool noodles ya I am in the market for a truck camper ya the thing is I have a 2022 Chevy Colorado with the v6 rear wheel drive its the work truck ya it's small does scout make one to fit my truck take care happy camping
Thanks so for the comment!
Im a solo full timer and need an honest assessment. If it had an ac and bigger battery do you think you could live in it full time. I have a Capri camper right now that I am very happy with but this one has got my attention.
Full time? No, I don't think I could live in it AS-IS. The biggest thing for me, would be the comfort for the dinette. I could get over the AC and battery issues, but I would be spending a lot of time sitting in the dinette, and it's just not comfortable enough. I think If I needed to live in it, I could re-work it, and make it more comfortable, but straight off the lot, it would need to be worked on.
Goal zero is ok... a Victron charger with a large lithuim battery charged thru the second alternator is a much better solution in my opinion.
I have thought about it a lot, and it really came down to space. Going away from the Goal Zero form, it would consume a significant ammount of space to retrofit a new battery arangement. The cubby that currently holds the goal zero, would only be able to hold the charge controller and inverter. I would need to consume more space, somewhere else for the battery, and I just dont want to do that.
Drop Trou. LOL! I'm in agreement .. nothing like trying to keep from getting frostbite on a buttcheeck!
Right? Its a very unpleasant experience haha
I see your outer trash backpack, it's not a Kelty? Would you please share the brand? Also, how exactly is it attached to that heater unit please. :)
It is a Kelty! I just added some anchor points to the box, to attach the kelty bag to. It works pretty well, and the only problem is that it’s a little bit of a hassle to open the case to check the diesel level of the heater. Overall I’m happy!
Thank you! I zoomed and couldn't see a name :) We're intending to order a Kenai today, and prepping ideas now for stuff and things. I have two Subarus with swing gates and never did get the bag for the spare tires, thinking this rig will have one though! I appreciate your videos! @@FoxandFir
of course! I hope you LOVE it! The new awning looks really nice! @@amberjones919
@@amberjones919 Check out the Scout owners facebook page, its a great resource on modifications!
What truck do you use this camper with?
Ford F350, with some suspension upgrades
How do you find the entry door!?
Idk what you mean
do you have the cassette toilet?
yes
They make goal zero extenders batteries 🔋 on amazing. You can figure it out
They do, but they need to be charged via a wall outlet, and can’t be charged from the yeti itself
What is the weight?
Good video
Thanks, I haven't weighed it since I made some upgrades, but it should be about 1700 pounds.
What is the price on this unit
You would have to look at their website, I think their pricing has changed since I ordered mine
To scout campers/adventurer- hey- why are your customers experiencing so many problems. ?
🤷♂️
Holy shit these have raised in price lol they want over a hundred grand for that camper that hooks on your bead lol 😆 😂 🤣
Idk what you are talking about, absolute maxed out Kenai is under $45K, which I'm not saying is cheap, but a very far away from "over a hundred grand". And I would love to see any other truck bed camper that doesn't hook into the "bead" of a truck 🤷♂️. The ones that have the frame tie downs are far sketchier than the tie downs in the bed.
We want to see the inside not you speaking 😢
If you would have looked, I have a full tour video 🤷♂️
Hello, I was interested in selling and had received a message with a link to inquire and seemed to have lost it,
Bro, I think your lost.
Can't watch
No one is forcing you