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Storyteller Overland, a leading manufacturer of Class B adventure vans based in Birmingham, Alabama, has crafted some of the most innovative camper vans since 2019. We personally own the limited edition MODE LT, built on the Ford Transit AWD platform, which is no longer in production. The latest lineup of MODE adventure vans features several models built on the Mercedes Sprinter AWD platform. All Storyteller Overland camper vans are RVIA certified, ensuring quality and reliability for every adventure. Keep reading to learn more about these adventure vans and why we believe they’re among the best Class B RVs on the market today.
About Storyteller Overland
“Live Free. Explore Endlessly. Tell Better Stories.” – That’s the ethos behind each MODE adventure van rolling out of the Storyteller Overland factory in Birmingham, Alabama.
Storyteller Overland headquarters is located at 428 Industrial Lane, Birmingham, AL 35211. Visitors are welcome during business hours to tour the facility and meet the incredible team behind these adventure vans. Kait and I have had the chance to visit the HQ several times, and we highly encourage anyone considering a camper van—or anyone simply passing through Alabama—to stop by for a visit. If you’re planning a trip, check out our Birmingham video for some great ideas on things to do while you’re in town.
Table of Contents
Storyteller Overland MODE Vans For Sale
For the 2024 model year, there are seven Mode van models to choose from.
- Original layout with hidden shower:
- Classic MODE
- Mystic MODE
- Stealth MODE
- Beast MODE
- XO layout with fully enclosed bathroom:
- Classic MODE
- Stealth MODE
- Beast MODE
The 2025 model year MODEs are set to be released sometime in Q4. One of the most exciting releases we’re eagerly anticipating is the Crew MODE, built on the Sprinter 170″ AWD 3500 chassis. We had the opportunity to get a sneak peek and share a first look of the Crew MODE prototype in this video.
These RVIA certified Class B campers vans are sold through a dealer network across the United States with a price lock guarantee. This helps ensure Mode buyers pay the same price no matter where they are located in the United States.
Storyteller Overland Van Tours
We’ve had the opportunity to tour and field test some of the MODE vans and below are some of the van tours we’ve shared on our YouTube channel.
Classic MODE Van Tour
The production model of the Storyteller Overland Classic MODE 4×4 was first released in fall 2019 and featured in the above video. Please note that some of the features highlighted in the video below have changed with the release of each new model year.
Beast MODE Van Tour
The Beast MODE 4×4 was released out into the wild summer 2020. This is the fully kitted out version of the Classic MODE with suspension upgrades, exterior lighting package, front brush guard, defender bug screens and many more features.
MODE LT Van Tour
The Storyteller Overland Transit MODE LT was announced in July 2021 and has been described as ‘more than three years in the making.’ The MODE LT is built on the Ford Transit AWD platform with a 148” wheelbase, a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, and includes the trailer tow package for a 6,300 lb tow rating. Unfortunately, the MODE LT is no longer in production, but used units can still be found on various RV listing and dealer websites.
XO MODE Van Tour
Storyteller introduced the XO MODE layout in April 2024. The primary difference between the XO and OG layouts is that the XO features a fully enclosed shower and a cassette toilet, whereas the OG includes a portable toilet and a hidden shower.
The addition of the enclosed shower also impacted the functionality of the two seats. In the OG layout, these seats could convert into an additional bed or lounging area. In the XO layout, the two seats can instead be reclined and adjusted—either moved forward or apart—to provide more elbow room.
Storyteller MODE Van Specs
Below are highlights of some of the features in the 2024 MODE vans by Storyteller Overland.
- Living area: seating for four: two on swivel front seats and two on bench seat with three point harness.
- Kitchen: stainless steel sink, portable induction stove top, microwave, AC/DC fridge.
- Bedroom: non-standard size bed, flares on driver and passenger side of the van to increase bed length to 77″ (east/west). Can be lifted and stowed out of the way to maximize garage area.
- Bathroom: fold out halo shower and portable camping toilet in the original MODE vans, fully enclosed shower and cassette toilet system in the XO MODE vans.
- Tank sizes: 21 gallon fresh water tank, 24 gallon gray water tank
- Hot Water & Heat: diesel water heater and furnace
- A/C: Roof mounted A/C unit that can be powered by the Lithionics system
- Safety: smoke detector, CO2 detector and fire extinguisher
- Insulation: natural high-performance wool insulation
- Solar: 90 watts of solar, wired for max of 600 watts
- Battery: 8.4kWh M-Power System (Powered by Lithionics) on the Classic and 16.8kWh on the Stealth/Dark and Beast
- Storage: removable overhead cabinets, garage area underneath the platform bed
MODE Life Video Series
We have owned our MODE LT since 2022 and have close to 40,000 miles on the van. To see our MODE LT van life adventures, check out this playlist on our channel.
Before the LT, we spent over six months testing different MODE vans and in that time, we created several videos about what it’s like to drive and live out of these off-grid adventure vans. To watch all our MODE life videos check out our Storyteller Overland playlist on YouTube.
Two Months in a Storyteller MODE
We had the opportunity to test the Transit MODE 4×4 prototype in 2019 and share that experience with our readers and viewers. It ended up being a two month adventure exploring the U.S. in the camper van and over 7,000 miles. During that time, we carried a DRZ 400 dual sport motorcycle on the hitch. Charley, my mom’s yellow Labrador Retriever joined us for the first month so we could get a feel of what it’s like to travel with a dog in a MODE 4×4 Transit van.
Summer with Mom
A few summers ago, we took my mom and her dog on an unforgettable cross-country road trip in a 2021 Beast MODE 4×4. Over the course of nearly 11,000 miles, we gave her a firsthand experience of what life is like in an adventure van. You can watch all ten episodes of our ‘Summer with Mom’ series on our YouTube channel for the full journey.
Plus, I recently sat down with my mom to reflect on the adventure for our podcast, RVing with Joe & Kait—tune in to hear her thoughts and stories from the trip!
Rent a Storyteller Overland MODE 4×4
If you’re interested in experiencing a Storyteller Overland van without committing to a purchase, there are several available for rent through the GoCamp platform. GoCamp offers a curated rental service specifically designed for adventure vans, making it easy for travelers to try out the MODE lifestyle.
For MODE owners, GoCamp also provides an excellent opportunity to rent out your van when it’s not in use. Their List Your Van page offers all the details you need to get started, providing a hassle-free way to share your van with others while earning some extra income.
Additional Storyteller Overland Resources
Below is a list of additional resources where you can learn more about Storyteller Overland, ask questions or just learn more about van life in general.
- Join the Insiders & MODElifers Facebook Group – this group is a great resource for owners, buyers, sellers or anyone interested in being part of the Storyteller community. Be sure to check the events page to join a MODE meetup near you!
- See a MODE van in person at a Van Life Gathering, Overland Event or RV Show – attending one of these shows is a great way to see several models in one place, meet members of the Storyteller team to ask your questions and hang out with owners.
- Read our post on Frequently Asked Questions About Van Life
Beyond MODE Adventure Vans
Since launching their two prototype MODE adventure vans in March 2019, Storyteller Overland has significantly expanded its product line. In September 2023, the company introduced the GXV Hilt, built on the Ram 3500 truck chassis, and in May 2024, they unveiled the GXV Epic, an overlanding vehicle boasting up to 1,800 miles of range.
Earlier this year, we had the chance to take the GXV Hilt out for a spin, and it was an incredible experience. We’ve shared all the details in this post—be sure to check it out to learn more about what makes this adventure vehicle truly special!
I love watching your YouTube channel and seeing all the good information.
I’m curious what your motorcycle rack set-up is on your new Storyteller Transit.
Hi David – towards the end of our most recent video, I answered this question for you and the others who have been asking. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gXJbynZ2oM
Do you have a setup with the shower separate from the toilet?
Hi. Curious if anyone knows if the Storyteller is negotiable when dealing with the dealers.
They seem to be in super high demand. Has anyone had any luck paying under sticker?
Hello Russo’s! Where did you procure the Ford Transit 4×4? None of the dealers I’ve reached out to are familiar with that chassis.
Hi Nikki – that was a prototype we were testing for Storyteller Overland two years ago. They are currently only producing on the Mercedes chassis.
Hi, can you tell me more about finding appropriate diesel for the MB Sprinters in central and south america? We are close to buying a storyteller or Revel and had not heard this before! Thanks. Greg
Hi Greg – you’d have to research to see if/where you could find any. Each country will be different and with a range of about 350 miles on a Sprinter, you’d have to know where each station is and hope that they have fuel when you arrive. You may be limited as to where you can go. That said, be honest with yourself as to whether you actually plan to go to those countries. If it’s just a dream to someday do, ask yourself if taking a van down there is in the cards or is it better to just fly to the different countries you want to go to.
Hi Joe,
Thanks for all the great videos. With all your experience with these Class-B’s and being to shows, etc. What do you think is the best option for a family of 4? 2 boys both 10yrs and under. We’re really liking the Storyteller Mode but also have interest in the Solis bc of the pop-up – but the bathroom seems like it takes up way too much room and visual space. Wonder if putting a small pop-up aftermarket tent on the Storyteller might be possible to have that option. Any other opinions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Hey Joe. I have the same question as Marc. We’re looking at the Storyteller and have two boys, ages 10 and 12. Both are on the bigger side. Curious if you think the Storyteller would be good size wise? Are you familiar with the blow-up mattress that goes on top of the front seats and is it comfortable? Thanks in advance.
Darin
Hey Darin – I’m not familiar with the mattress that goes across the front seats. My suggestion would be to sleep one on the Groove Lounge (the folding bench seat that transforms into a bed) and then the other on the floor under the main bed on a camping air mattress. I would say, in terms of vans, the Storyteller probably has one of the better layouts for two adults and two larger children. That said, any van is going to be tight.
What did you think about the cineasts over the bed? Seems. like great storage, but am concerned that is a lot of knocks on the head? Also, how useful did you find the toilet/shower set up? We are currently in a Revel, and really enjoy it, but not completely sold on how much open space the fixed wet shower takes up.
Hi Will – we enjoyed the storage of the cabinets but you have to watch out. After you’ve banged you head once or twice, you’re much more careful when laying down. The nice thing is that there is padding on the undersides of the cabinets. In terms of the toilet/shower, we much prefer not having a fixed bathroom. It makes the space feel smaller while the MODE is much more open. It’s a shower when you need it but folds away and out of sight. You also have the option to remove it entirely if you ever wanted to and use that cabinet for extra storage.
Joe:
Appreciate the reply and continued safe travels.
Pros and cons of the Sprinter 4×4 Mode versus the Ford Transit 4×4 Mode? Do you know if Storyteller is going to build the Quigley 4×4 Mode or are they going with the Ford Transit all wheel drive Mode? With my research on Class B RVs by other companies, I am concerned with the Sprinter diesel performance in the cold and high altitude. I am thinking the Ford Transit gas Storyteller 4×4 Mode would be a better choice for me.
The Benz has the most comfortable cab of any van tested. We liked the gas engine on the Transit a lot. Honestly, it’s really a personal choice and deciding what fits your needs the best. I don’t know what Storyteller Overland plans to do with the Transit chassis. I know they were waiting for the 2020 AWD’s to see what they thought and how they would work with them.
I’ve been wondering which of the Storyteller Mode chassis you preferred and why.
They’re both quite different. We like the Ford because it’s gas and we want to go into central and south America where its VERY difficult to find the right kind of diesel for the modern engines. That said, the Benz has the most comfy seating. It’s really a personal preference and you’d have to drive both to see what you think.
What are you going to buy?
I want a 4×4 quigly high roof transit with eco boost engine with storyland lay out.
Pull a small trailer for sailing kayak,
The price tag of $150k is daunting, any recommendation for buying just 4×4 transit with diy shops to curb costs? Your thoughts?
Hey Van! We’re still shopping and trying to figure out what our next camper will be. The Transit 4×4 prototype by Storyteller Overland was awesome and we loved taking it off-road. As for figuring out which camper is right for you, there are so many options and you have to figure out what works best for your budget and the way you want to travel. Have you checked out all the van manufacturers and builders on this page?