At Juniper Overland, we’ve seen a common question arise from Scout Camper owners regarding the failure of Goal Zero power systems. As dealers and outfitters with extensive electrical and 12v experience, we’ve spent a lot of time troubleshooting these issues and are here to provide some clarity. This post aims to address why some people experience problems with their Goal Zero systems while others do not, and offer effective solutions to prevent these issues from happening in the future.

The Cause: Static Electricity

The core issue behind Goal Zero power system failures is static electricity. The Goal Zero units do not have a native grounding method to properly dissipate static buildup. Scout has done a great job of adding a grounding wire to the system, but even this doesn’t fully solve the problem due to the way it’s currently grounded to the camper jack, which is attached to plastic.

In older Scout Camper models with smaller Goal Zero systems, there was less power running through the system, so any static buildup didn’t cause as much of an issue. But with the introduction of the larger Goal Zero 1500 and 3000 models, the increased power running through the system has made it more susceptible to issues caused by static electricity. Everyday activities such as moving inside the camper, wearing synthetic materials, and environmental factors like dry climates can all contribute to static buildup, which can lead to power failures.

Why Some Owners Experience Issues and Others Don’t

Not everyone will encounter problems with their Goal Zero system, and that largely comes down to variations in environment and usage. Owners in more humid climates may generate less static electricity naturally, while those in dryer areas might notice issues almost immediately. Similarly, the way you interact with your camper—whether you’re using certain types of clothing, sleeping bags, or even how you handle the mattress—can make a big difference.

Some users may also have unintentionally grounded their system more effectively, reducing the chance of failures. For example, those who’ve grounded their power system to the truck chassis, rather than relying solely on the factory grounding to the camper, tend to experience fewer problems.

Solutions to Prevent Goal Zero Power System Failures

Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent these power system failures, ranging from quick fixes to more permanent solutions.

1. Properly Ground the System to the Truck

One of the best ways to eliminate static electricity buildup is by creating a proper ground to the truck itself. You can use the original ground wire that Scout has added but change the grounding location to bare metal on the truck bed or connect it directly to the negative terminal of the truck’s battery. This method ensures that any static charge has a direct path to dissipate, significantly reducing the risk of arcing or power failures.

2. Eliminate or Reduce Static Electricity Buildup

A simple but effective method is to eliminate or reduce the causes of static electricity inside the camper. For example, when setting up your mattress, pull it out of the camper and remove the plastic wrap outside of the camper to avoid creating a static charge inside the small space. Additionally, try to avoid dragging your feet or wearing socks and synthetic clothing that can create static electricity as you move around the camper.

3. Ground Yourself Before Entering the Camper

If you’re concerned about static buildup while using the camper, grounding yourself before entering can help. Something as simple as touching a metal part of your truck with a bare hand before stepping inside the camper can discharge any static charge you’re carrying. This is a quick and easy way to prevent issues from arising while using your Goal Zero system.

4. Replace the Goal Zero System with a Lithium Iron Phosphate Setup

For those looking for the most robust and long-term solution, we recommend removing the Goal Zero system altogether and replacing it with a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) power system. LiFePO4 batteries are far better suited for camper setups, and when grounded properly to the truck chassis or directly to the battery, they are much less susceptible to issues caused by static electricity. This setup provides a more reliable and resilient power solution for your Scout Camper.

Conclusion

Scout has done a fantastic job providing a versatile power system in their campers, and while the Goal Zero system works well in many cases, static electricity can cause problems for some owners. By understanding the root cause and following these preventative measures, you can ensure that your power system runs smoothly and reliably. Whether it's grounding the system properly, reducing static buildup, or upgrading to a more robust battery system, there’s a solution that will work for your needs.

If you have any questions or need further assistance with your Scout Camper power system, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Juniper Overland. We’re here to help!