Top Five Accessories For The New Scout

[J Alynn]

I’m saying get some IH emblems on some accessories from CASEIH

Cool idea but wonder how much legal that may take

 

[Trailguide79]

Top 5 accessories that aren’t even necessarily for me (other than dog accessories) that I believe have a need:

1) Dog kennel area that allows ample cooling (dogs get hot fast) with the accessory floor actively cooling, yet waterproof, and enough traction so a K-9 isn’t slipping around.
Many people don’t have kids in the potential market for a Scout…..but they do have fur kids. Capture this market, and other areas will follow such as Police K-9, veterinary, animal control in well funded areas, agriculture, etc. However, even though separate from front passengers, give capabilities for total separation, so dog can be properly harnessed in. Offer 2 sizes, one still allowing rear seats, and the other using cargo area only. Cameras are now CHEAP, so instead of a clunky school bus mirror, a cam that will pair into the infotainment. I will STRESS the cooling floor aspect as many HVACS don’t do well in the back without expensive HVAC engineering. Perhaps, electrically similar to ventilated seats, that easily plug in.

2) Lockable areas under front seats, and center console that can be controlled with vehicle lock. Regardless of one’s view on 2nd Amendment, we all can agree that those who choose firearms, should keep them safe. Yet not exclusively marketed for firearms, as some get shut down just seeing a firearm. Perhaps show stowed passports, cash, and camera accessories.

3) Plows….these vehicles will finally be heavy enough to effectively plow deep snow. Those in deep snow areas understand that weight is what is needed, the newer scout can effectively be a better plow than the first one, as it will weigh more.

4) motorized side steps, that are also durable enough for rock guards. They should not feel flimsy at all, and should have led illumination on the step when motorized down, and off when stowed. This will add class, yet keep a rugged stance, as no off road enthusiast I am aware of likes a low looking vehicle, even though the step would motorize down to easily accommodate disabled and elderly assistance to entrance /egress.

5) Jerry can power pack/air compressor that either stows underneath where most pick up truck tires stow, yet is theft resistant, or where Jeeps currently keep their spare tire (I am absolutely not saying to delete the spare tire for clarity). Ideally this could possibly give an extra 30ish miles range, and help with range anxiety that is absolutely real.

 

[J Alynn]

Top 5 accessories that aren’t even necessarily for me (other than dog accessories) that I believe have a need:

1) Dog kennel area that allows ample cooling (dogs get hot fast) with the accessory floor actively cooling, yet waterproof, and enough traction so a K-9 isn’t slipping around.
Many people don’t have kids in the potential market for a Scout…..but they do have fur kids. Capture this market, and other areas will follow such as Police K-9, veterinary, animal control in well funded areas, agriculture, etc. However, even though separate from front passengers, give capabilities for total separation, so dog can be properly harnessed in. Offer 2 sizes, one still allowing rear seats, and the other using cargo area only. Cameras are now CHEAP, so instead of a clunky school bus mirror, a cam that will pair into the infotainment. I will STRESS the cooling floor aspect as many HVACS don’t do well in the back without expensive HVAC engineering. Perhaps, electrically similar to ventilated seats, that easily plug in.

2) Lockable areas under front seats, and center console that can be controlled with vehicle lock. Regardless of one’s view on 2nd Amendment, we all can agree that those who choose firearms, should keep them safe. Yet not exclusively marketed for firearms, as some get shut down just seeing a firearm. Perhaps show stowed passports, cash, and camera accessories.

3) Plows….these vehicles will finally be heavy enough to effectively plow deep snow. Those in deep snow areas understand that weight is what is needed, the newer scout can effectively be a better plow than the first one, as it will weigh more.

4) motorized side steps, that are also durable enough for rock guards. They should not feel flimsy at all, and should have led illumination on the step when motorized down, and off when stowed. This will add class, yet keep a rugged stance, as no off road enthusiast I am aware of likes a low looking vehicle, even though the step would motorize down to easily accommodate disabled and elderly assistance to entrance /egress.

5) Jerry can power pack/air compressor that either stows underneath where most pick up truck tires stow, yet is theft resistant, or where Jeeps currently keep their spare tire (I am absolutely not saying to delete the spare tire for clarity). Ideally this could possibly give an extra 30ish miles range, and help with range anxiety that is absolutely real.

Your word combo made me think of the following: we heard educated feedback that a Jerry can won’t provide enough recharge capability but what if accessory Jerry cans were built for other purposes, like the saddle pack on the Range Rover defender. Could carry/be a compressor unit, could be additional storage, etc….most people like the “cool” feature a Jerry can adds so why not make it an accessory. Perhaps its a cooler unit, perhaps it hinges open to store wet gear/shoes, etc…. Design it like the lockable fuel release door so that it doesn’t just walk off
The saddle on the defender is kinda cool because it’s different but losing the visibility isn’t great and the Jerry can could mount rear.
I’d buy one of those just for the look.

 

[Bill McKibbin]

1) winch bumper with winch
2) swing away spare carrier on back bumper
3) locking storage for life with no top

 

[Trailguide79]

Your word combo made me think of the following: we heard educated feedback that a Jerry can won’t provide enough recharge capability but what if accessory Jerry cans were built for other purposes, like the saddle pack on the Range Rover defender. Could carry/be a compressor unit, could be additional storage, etc….most people like the “cool” feature a Jerry can adds so why not make it an accessory. Perhaps its a cooler unit, perhaps it hinges open to store wet gear/shoes, etc…. Design it like the lockable fuel release door so that it doesn’t just walk off
The saddle on the defender is kinda cool because it’s different but losing the visibility isn’t great and the Jerry can could mount rear.
I’d buy one of those just for the look.

Perhaps a hot swap able range extender where the swing away spare tire carrier normally is, or under the truck rear like most pick ups use to place spares, or a larger hitch battery.

Till infrastructure is closer to ideal, this would stop my range anxiety, and likely most others to essentially just activate it when needed, with a battery the size of a large tire, or hitch it’s reasonable to have possibility for 30 miles for the tire size, and 50 miles or more for a larger tow hitch option.

 

[J Alynn]

Perhaps a hot swap able range extender where the swing away spare tire carrier normally is, or under the truck rear like most pick ups use to place spares, or a larger hitch battery.

Till infrastructure is closer to ideal, this would stop my range anxiety, and likely most others to essentially just activate it when needed, with a battery the size of a large tire, or hitch it’s reasonable to have possibility for 30 miles for the tire size, and 50 miles or more for a larger tow hitch option.

I’m not jumping on you for this (but you’re the most recent post-) but I’ve heard it numerous times so gotta ask/comment. I’m 51 years old. NEVER in my life have I run out of gas. I’ve ridden down to a 1-2 mile range once or twice but knew I was 5 minutes from home so it was worth the thrill/risk. I just don’t understand why people have range anxiety unless you simply don’t have a fuel service station with a charging unit less than 10 miles away. Assuming you own a home it is more than feasible that you can install a home charger and charge over night while sleeping.
My daughter’s Bronco gets 18-20mpg and I recall that’s roughly a 19-20 gallon tank so theoretically she can drive say 350-360 miles per full tank. If the Scout has a range of 325-350 where is the concern?
Do people not plan ahead for fuel? Am I the small percentage that does? @R1TVT has provided a lot of real world feedback from driving his Rivian and I don’t recall him ever running out of juice (at least he hasn’t admitted it on this forum ). Now assuming you stop periodically your EV stops-nothing running, no fuel consumption so you are actually gaining over an ICE. I also realize freezing weather is detrimental as is towing your airstream over the Rockies but it’s part of the planning process. If you are road tripping for 3-5 solid days you must have chargers somewhere? Sure it adds 20-25 twice a day but that’s the perfect time to have a caffeine and a slim Jim and take a mental break.
I just wonder (and I’m admittedly guilty too). Is it the love of Scout and fear of the unknown that has everyone thinking range anxiety is truly an issue? I was flat out pissed when I learned the Scout resurrection was missing its soul but the idea of a legacy vehicle-EV or ICE is amazing. The balls of Scott K to jump from VW (to a foam pit-sorta) and folks like Jamie and others to take the chance to leave comfort and “go further” is so very applaudable. They understand the industry-more than any of us so maybe we should trust their plan for now. If nothing else we are all part of something that’s never been done before. Instead of people coming on here saying DON’T. Let’s all pause and ask -WHY NOT? And offer ideas to that end. Tell SM where you want chargers-VW is partnered with Electrify America (right company-correct?) so maybe someone with range anxiety needs to start a thread titled-I WANT EV CHARGERS HERE.
All that said I want to thank @R1TVT (again) for all the info he provides based on solid experience in his Rivian. He’s a big reason I’ve opened up to an EV and continue learning all the time. I drive a hybrid now (which I once said I would never do) so I will agree a hybrid still has merit to me even if he doesn’t so much but having opportunities to create the next horseless, engineless vehicle is just flat out COOL AS F%#?!

 

[Trailguide79]

I don’t feel you are jumping down my throat my man. I’m 44, and never ran out of gas.

I have faith in Scout, yet while we plan, charging infrastructure is my concern. Even not all that far from where Scout will be built.
Not even looking for chargers, I have came across ones out of service, that can make the planning margins tighter.

So I’m posing perspectives, on what can potentially be SOLUTIONS. I believe if an additional swappable battery, either on the hitch, or where a Scout could store tires (on the back or underneath), that may be a solution that isn’t yet here, but could be engineered and available….certainly by 2026.

I have 3 vehicles, but potentially many customers, a Scout may be their only one, and I am keeping that in mind as some may have less available options near them for rapid charging.

My thought is that the additional battery would not act as a charger, but could ultimately plug in an additional 30 miles range, and kill any concerns when margins get tight due to infrastructure missing, off line, detours, etc.

I want to have a Scout or Rivian in 2026, but there are areas where gas stations are sparse, so a hot swappable extender (not charger for clarity) are what I hope venders and aftermarket are working on so in 2026, Scout can be a viable one car option to a person or couple,.

 

[spread4135]

Built-in 360º dash cam.
Door-to-door screen (dashboard), below which are physical buttons/knobs for A/C, radio, et c (like Mercedes-Benz EQB).

 

[JohnnyScout]

So we got a little sidetracked to range anxiety which has its own thread but to be clear, when we travel to see one set of kids it is 600 Mike's and about 9 hours driving. Through WV mountains at sustained 80-95 mph to keep from being run over. We only have to stop once for fuel n either of our ICE vehicles, including our Bronco.

Any EV whose range (on flat ground and what avg speed?) Is a stated 300 miles certainly will be less in the above driving and only a fool would drive an EV down to zero let alone 50 miles til flat. I start looking for fuel to top off before I hit 100 miles til empty and if in my driving conditions I would do the same with an EV I could well be stopping for juice every 100 Mike's ( range reduction to 200 and recharge when it gets to 100) that means 5 stops of even 15 minutes at best whereas I can gas and go in 5. Adding almost an hour and a half to our already full days drive is not a welcomed thought.

And shudder to think if we decided to drive west to the kids in CO. Stopping every 100 miles over a 2100 mile trip adds another day. Parts of Iowa and Nebraska have fuel stops over 50 miles apart.

Yes EVs have their place but it certainly is not, without some form of range extender, for cross country driving

 

[GTorbit]

I'm liking a lot of the ideas so far. I have a few accessories, or perhaps "features," I would like to see.

1. External Range Extender. I'm not even sure if external on-the-go EV power is a thing.., but making an external range extender package is marvelous! Even if it were a massive $100k+ Range Extender Trailer Package that could be rented through U-haul or any rental agency for that matter would be a godsend for people on long trips! B2B sales alone would make this "accessory" option a no-brainer to put into production. And, as a trailer, it could also be used for packing excessive luggage and camping gear. Worry free Coast-to-coast in an EV!!!

2. Fold Down Tailgate. I would like a fold down tailgate that can be down while driving, to extend the bed area when carrying long items like 2x4s or whatever else. My current SUV has a drop gate, but the top liftgate design does not lend itself well to having it open while driving... and I can't down the liftgate while the tailgate is down either... so, having a liftgate setting that allows it to lock open in a streamline fashion or close even while the tailgate is open would be great!

3. Movable Passenger Screen. I saw earlier threads regarding passenger screens, which I think is a great feature to have, but what if its location or angle were also adjustable, like an adjustable steering wheel. I'm sure safety is a great concern for designing an adjustable dashboard for the passenger/co-pilot area, but increased functionality of not having to lean forward, especially for kids, or changing the tilt to improve line of sight is a bonus'.

I'll stop at 3 for now.

If anyone at Scout picks up on the External Range Extender idea, I'd love to spearhead an aux production line! Or just an early job offer at the new facility in SC would be great!
Look me up'

 

[J. Sweat]

A Scout should not be about features that make the 405 freeway more comfortable.

I think the CEO said in an article that what inspired him to resurrect the name Scout was knobby tires on a two door he saw at the beach during Covid.

And all of the Scout advertising thus far has been focused on an American brand of blue collar people.

The more I think about it, if the new Scout can’t do what a Jeep Rubicon or Bronco Sasquatch can do, they should just shut it down now, because it’ll be a disappointment.

 

[Wicked_Jawn]

I picked up an R1S about a month back. I originally had an issue with some range anxiety, but once you realize there are chargers everywhere, it reduces a little. Sure, some of those are slow chargers, but you can eke out enough mileage to get to a fast charger in a worst case scenario. ABRP app and the physical nav system make planning easy. Point a to b with charging locations and times built in. The fact that scout will use NACS means you have the option of Tesla, EVgo, Electrify America, ChargePoint, etc. fast charge from 5% to about 80% can be in the 20 minute range.

The screenshot is of the Eastern US for ChargePoint fast chargers alone.

 

[Pongomoto]

- Bring back the heads up display on the windshield

 

[Kmart]

Option for no carpet, I loved the old vinyl/hard rubber floors, just open the doors and hose it out!

 

[Trailguide79]

I picked up an R1S about a month back. I originally had an issue with some range anxiety, but once you realize there are chargers everywhere, it reduces a little. Sure, some of those are slow chargers, but you can eke out enough mileage to get to a fast charger in a worst case scenario. ABRP app and the physical nav system make planning easy. Point a to b with charging locations and times built in. The fact that scout will use NACS means you have the option of Tesla, EVgo, Electrify America, ChargePoint, etc. fast charge from 5% to about 80% can be in the 20 minute range.

The screenshot is of the Eastern US for ChargePoint fast chargers alone. View attachment 2574

Great point, living in Columbia, SC about 3 miles away from Scout HQ I have came across 2 “out of service” charging stations without even looking for inoperative ones.

So the data of stations can seem artificially robust, as it’s happened to a lot of folks that an area is offline or one charger that remains working and has a line of people.

Its probable that a Scout community will be similar to Wrangler communities, where people get together for trails, wave at each other.

God forbid if one is broke down, another Wrangler owner will at least stop and potentially help fix the dead Jeep.

I mention that to mention this: by 2026 Scout should have a LARGE spare tire sized, boost pack.

Even if it only gives 30 miles, OR simply can be used next to a campsite for power access. Lastly, it will likely cost $5k, but really that is about the cost of a nice winch, or other off-road stuff.

If Scout can engineer a LARGE TIRE shaped boost pack, it will quell concerns of range, and would be an awesome feature to help a buddy or make longer term camping nice to have a silent power source instead of a generator

 

[J Alynn]

Great point, living in Columbia, SC about 3 miles away from Scout HQ I have came across 2 “out of service” charging stations without even looking for inoperative ones.

So the data of stations can seem artificially robust, as it’s happened to a lot of folks that an area is offline or one charger that remains working and has a line of people.

Its probable that a Scout community will be similar to Wrangler communities, where people get together for trails, wave at each other.

God forbid if one is broke down, another Wrangler owner will at least stop and potentially help fix the dead Jeep.

I mention that to mention this: by 2026 Scout should have a LARGE spare tire sized, boost pack.

Even if it only gives 30 miles, OR simply can be used next to a campsite for power access. Lastly, it will likely cost $5k, but really that is about the cost of a nice winch, or other off-road stuff.

If Scout can engineer a LARGE TIRE shaped boost pack, it will quell concerns of range, and would be an awesome feature to help a buddy or make longer term camping nice to have a silent power source instead of a generator

I will agree as an added “safety” source and a willingness for serious off grid buyers a $5K booster is a great idea, however, I’ll challenge the minimal take rate by general buyers will mean that booster will cost $8K until it’s all said and done. One would think a small Honda generator (as they are quiet and Honda seems to have mastered them) would be a $300-400 option along with a container of gas which most ICE drivers would also do would be a whole lot simpler of a solution, be cheaper and save a lot of R&D time.
Again, as I feel like I’m ranting but someone who has range concerns needs to start a new thread on here to tell SM/VWAG where there needs to be more chargers.
I am acquainted with a lot of archers who own EV’s. Most tournaments require anywhere from 2 to3 hours up to 9-12 hours of driving (beyond that people start flying). They do this 10-12 times a year. In all of our discussions nobody has ever told me they wish that had a booster. They map their routes and plan accordingly.
I’m also a proponent that state parks and camp grounds should work with the charger companies and start expanding into areas that are more rural. Same thing with hotels. The first hotel chain smart enough to start installing at all locations would create a following due to access and reward points for staying-it would be a no-brainer.

 

[Trailguide79]

Those are great points.

I believe if Scout “sensibly” goes against the grain and has not just a generator, but a boost pack that can be moved to a campsite when detached from the vehicle for power, or swapped to a fellow Scout owner could be just that.

If engineering can get lift off on a product like this, it could give a serious competitive advantage, as Tesla Cybertruck is the only boost pack I know of, and it’s something like $10k, for an additional 100 miles.

So that’s kind of overkill, keep it at 30-50, and have it the size of a Scout tire, it will have a 3 pronged purpose:

1) If another Scout owner is “saved” by someone swapping them their pack if their vehicle is drained, this would be a “harmonizing” component for a budding new Scout community. I know I wouldn’t forget the “good deed” if someone helped me, and I don’t think I am naive to believe others would be grateful as well.

2) I would speculate that it would help resale, and be able to be financed into a Scout purchase. With EV’s not holding resale well, we all have to ask, what can help shift that dynamic?
As one of the big reasons people buy Wranglers and Broncos is that they have robust resale.

3) Camp or worksite power supply that would be separate from the vehicle.

 

[Waken2]

A drop down tailgate! No SUV's have a drop down tailgate anymore. Some have swinging gates and others lift gates but no one really has the original drop down tailgate.

 

[Wicked_Jawn]

I will agree as an added “safety” source and a willingness for serious off grid buyers a $5K booster is a great idea, however, I’ll challenge the minimal take rate by general buyers will mean that booster will cost $8K until it’s all said and done. One would think a small Honda generator (as they are quiet and Honda seems to have mastered them) would be a $300-400 option along with a container of gas which most ICE drivers would also do would be a whole lot simpler of a solution, be cheaper and save a lot of R&D time.
Again, as I feel like I’m ranting but someone who has range concerns needs to start a new thread on here to tell SM/VWAG where there needs to be more chargers.
I am acquainted with a lot of archers who own EV’s. Most tournaments require anywhere from 2 to3 hours up to 9-12 hours of driving (beyond that people start flying). They do this 10-12 times a year. In all of our discussions nobody has ever told me they wish that had a booster. They map their routes and plan accordingly.
I’m also a proponent that state parks and camp grounds should work with the charger companies and start expanding into areas that are more rural. Same thing with hotels. The first hotel chain smart enough to start installing at all locations would create a following due to access and reward points for staying-it would be a no-brainer.

Apparently Rivian has the Adventure network in specific more “scenic” areas- you can read off-road or rural from this. It is by no means wide spread. It would be beneficial if Scout would address some specific off-roading locations or trailheads as you’ve mentioned.

That said, charging using a 110v charger is possible, but not feasible. 2-7mph charge rate. A gas generator would take you days to charge up fully and is effectively useless. I filled up for the first time at a Tesla supercharger. 100KwH fill up to took 30 minutes at an average of 300mph charge rate. Basically 200 mile range added. 3 hours at slower 6kwH ChargePoint location gave me about 30 miles. Just food for thought based on my most recent experience. Still working my way through various networks.

Another potential ask would be for a well thought out charging port location, or an extension charging cable. Chargers differ in orientation and can cause some challenges with parking to charge.

 

[Albal]

A Scout with 240V out (the higher amps the better) could charge up any other EV, including other Scouts. Good for rescues. It could also be used as backup power to your house/cabin, charge your boat's batteries, run some camping appliances, etc. I think it's a critical feature to get the most out of an EV design. If it were a standard feature, it would help build a "highly capable" pedigree for the brand.