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Storyteller Overland is an adventure van manufacturer based in Birmingham, Alabama. They currently build 4×4 Class B RVs on the Mercedes Sprinter chassis with a power system that can keep you off-grid for days. Each conversion camper vans is also certified by RVIA.
We tested Storyteller Overland’s MODE4x4 adventure van on the Sprinter 4×4 platform as well as the prototype on the Transit chassis. This is a round up of our experiences.
Note: the MODE4x4 prototype and production vans referenced in this post were on loan to us to test and provide feedback on. No one told us what to write or say. All of the opinions are our own, 100%.
To get started, watch our video tour of the Sprinter MODE4x4 below to learn more about this awesome off-grid adventure van.
About Storyteller Overland
“Live Free. Explore Endlessly. Tell Better Stories.” – That’s the ethos behind each MODE4x4 rolling out of the factory in Birmingham, Alabama.
Learn more about Storyteller Overland and their core values.
MODE4x4 on the Mercedes Sprinter chassis is the first production 4×4 Class B RV by Storyteller Overland. These RVIA certified camper vans are sold through a dealer network across the United States with a price lock guarantee.
BeastMODE is the fully kitted out version of the MODE4x4 which was recently released out into the wild.
How We Ended Up in a MODE4x4
We learned about Storyteller Overland at an industry RV Show where we were shopping for our next camper. Watch that video below.
All good things happen over a great meal right? A chance meeting a few weeks later lead to us breaking bread with Jeffrey Hunter, founder of Storyteller Overland and their head of business development, Andrew Cooley.
Since we are interested in an off-grid adventure camping van built on the Ford Transit chassis, we jumped at the opportunity to test out the MODE4x4 prototype on the Transit chassis with the Quigley4x4 conversion.
The Transit MODE4x4 was on loan to us for two months where we were able to put it through its paces. In that time, we drove over 7,000 miles exploring the United States.
We carried a motorcycle on the hitch the entire time. Charley the yellow Labrador Retriever also joined us for the first month so we could get a feel of what it’s like to travel with a dog in a MODE4x4.
When the production MODE4x4 on the Mercedes Sprinter chassis was released, we also got to test that out for a few weeks.
Check out the MODElife section to see what it’s like living out of a MODE4x4.
MODE4x4 Van Tours and Specs
Watch the full van tours below. Keep in mind the Ford Transit MODE4x4 is a prototype and some features are different from the Mercedes Sprinter MODE4x4.
MODE4x4 Sprinter Van Tour
Mode4x4 Transit Van Tour (Prototype)
MODE4x4 Adventure Van Specs
Below are highlights of features in the production model of the Storyteller Overland MOD4x4.
- Living area: seating for four: two on bench seat, two on swivel front seats
- Kitchen: stainless steel sink, 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). Be can be lifted and stowed out of the way.
- Bathroom: fold out shower and portable cassette toilet system
- Tank sizes: 21 gallon fresh water tank, 21 gallon gray water tank\
- Hot Water & Heat: diesel or gas water heater and furnace
- A/C: Roof mounted A/C unit that can be powered without shore power
- 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: 12,000 watt hours/1,000 ah lithium batteries, part of the Volta Power System
- Inverter: 3,600 watt
- Secondary Alternator: 8,000 watt charging system
- Storage: overhead cabinets throughout the van, garage area underneath the platform bed
MODElife in a Storyteller Overland
See what it’s like to live out of a MODE4x4 camper van.
Taking a MODE4x4 Off-Road
MODE4x4 Road Trips
Yellowstone National Park Travel Guide
A typical day living out of the MODE4x4
Bend, Oregon Travel Guide At the beginning of this video I share some thoughts on finding community on the road.
Sprinter MODE4x4
Moving in to the production model MODE4x4
Adventure Van gathering in Lake Tahoe
Beach Camping MODE4x4
A relaxing day in San Diego, California
Additional Resources
Check Out a MODE4x4 at an Overland Event or RV Show.
Join the Insiders & MODElifers Facebook Group.
Find small camp trailers under 3500 lbs
Class B RV Manufacturers – complete list of Class B RV manufacturers
Class C RV Manufacturers – complete list of Small Class C RV Manuacturers
Frequently Asked Questions About Van Life – answers to popular questions about van life
Try It Before You Buy It – All types of Class B RVs are available for rent in the U.S. and Canada. You can even rent a camper in Hawaii.
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?