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Storyteller Overland is a Class B RV van manufacturer based in Birmingham, Alabama. Currently, they build full van conversions on the 4×4 Mercedes Sprinter chassis. These off-road and off-grid adventure vans are RVIA certified. Keep reading to learn more about these fully converted camper vans and why they are one of the best Class B RVs on the market.
Table of Contents
- About Storyteller Overland
- Sprinter Mode 4×4 Van Tours and Specs
- Transit Mode 4×4 Van Tour and Spec
- Mode 4×4 Van Life Video Series
- Additional Resources
- Rent a Storyteller Overland Mode 4×4 van
About Storyteller Overland
“Live Free. Explore Endlessly. Tell Better Stories.” – That’s the ethos behind each Mode 4×4 adventure van rolling out of the factory in Birmingham, Alabama.
Learn more about Storyteller Overland and their core values.
Storyteller Overland headquarters is located at 109 W Park Dr, Birmingham, AL 35211. You can stop by during business hours to tour the facility and meet the team. Kait and I have visited the HQ several times and highly encourage anyone shopping for a camper or visiting Alabama to stop in for a visit.
These RVIA certified Class B camper vans are sold through a dealer network across the United States with a price lock guarantee. This helps ensure Mode 4×4 buyers pay the same price no matter where they are located in the nation.
Mode 4×4 Van Tours and Specs
Currently there are three Mode 4×4 vans available for purchase.
- Classic Mode 4×4
- Stealth Mode 4×4
- Beast Mode 4×4
All three adventure vans are built on the Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 chassis with the 144″ wheelbase.
Classic Mode 4×4 Van Tour
The production model of the Classic Mode 4×4 was first released in fall 2019. Some of the features highlighted in the video above have changed such as the awning, vent, and sink.
Beast Mode 4×4 Van Tour
The Beast was released out into the wild summer 2020. This is the fully kitted out version of the Classic Mode 4×4 with suspension upgrades, exterior lighting package, front brush guard, defender bug screens and many more features.
Mode 4×4 Van Specs
These are highlights of some of the features in the production model of the Storyteller Overland Mode 4×4 vans.
- Living area: seating for four: two on swivel front seats and two on bench seat with three point harness.
- 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). Can be lifted and stowed out of the way to maximize garage area.
- Bathroom: fold out shower and portable cassette toilet system
- 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 Volta Power 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: 12,000 watt hours 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
Transit Mode 4×4 Prototype
When we first learned about Storyteller Overland at an industry RV Show they had two prototype vans on display. One of the prototypes was built on the Ford Transit chassis with the 148″ wheelbase.
This video highlights our camper shopping experience at the show and the first time we stepped inside the Ford Transit Mode 4×4 prototype.
Mode 4×4 Transit Prototype Van Tour
One of the reasons we filmed a tour of the Transit Mode 4×4 prototype is because we were interested in RVs built on the Ford Transit platform. This camper van also stood because of the aftermarket Quigley 4×4 conversion. We considered several chassis options for a camper van and prefer the Ford platform.
Two Months in the Transit Mode 4×4
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.
We jumped at the opportunity to test out the Transit Mode 4×4 prototype. In total, we spent two months in the van and drove over 7,000 miles exploring the United States.
For the entire time, we carried a 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.
While Storyteller Overland is not building any camper vans on the Transit platform right now, we hope that will change in the future.
Mode 4×4 Van Life Video Series
In total, we have spent about four months testing the different Mode 4×4 vans. During that time, we created several videos about what it’s like to drive and live out of these vans. The videos are embedded below or you can check out the Storyteller Overland Playlist on YouTube.
Going Off-Road to Toquerville Falls
South Dakota Road Trip
Yellowstone National Park Road Trip
Typical Van Life Day – Shower Included
Finding Community and Van Life in Bend Oregon
Moving in to a Mode 4×4
Beach Camping in a Mode 4×4
Volta Power System in Every Mode 4×4
Additional Resources
Join the Insiders & MODElifers Facebook Group
See a Mode 4×4 in person at an Overland Event or RV Show
Complete list of Class B RV Manufacturer
Frequently Asked Questions About Van Life
Rent a Mode 4×4
There is a Mode 4×4 available for rent in Washington State. As more vans make it out in to the wild, hopefully there will be more available for rent.
In the mean time, you can find other Class B RVs for rent using this link and receive up to $50 off your rental.
Disclosure: the Storyteller Overland Mode 4×4 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%.
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?