Live free. Explore endlessly. Tell better stories. This is Storyteller Overland’s mantra. The 2022 Storyteller Overland Mode Vans comprise four different Class B RV adventure vans that are capable off-road. No doubt, they are the best overlanding vans available in the US.
The Mode Vans from Storyteller Overland can cost anywhere from $153,748 to $198,746, depending on your chosen model. The models include the Classic, Stealth, Beast, and Mode LT.
Let’s see how much each of the Mode Vans from Storyteller Overland costs and what you’ll get from this investment.
How Much Does a Storyteller Overland Van Cost?
It is difficult to find, and expensive to buy, a van that has a factory 4×4 option or to convert a 2WD van to a 4WD. For full-time overlanders who want to invest in a rugged overland vehicle for their future expeditions, buying a 4×4 camper van is a much more practical choice.
Class B motorhomes, like Storyteller Overland’s Mode Vans, are capable off-road since they are built on either a Ford Transit or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis. Inside the van has a comfortable and spacious camping area where you can cook in its galley kitchen, sleep peacefully in the bed, and even take a hot shower in the bathroom area.
Now you probably have this idea that Storyteller Overland Mode Vans will come at high prices given all their capabilities and features. Yes, they cost twice your typical SUV or truck for overlanding, but they are worth the investment.
You can’t find an overlanding van that is already 4×4 and has everything you need to comfortably live in remote places other than Storyteller Overland.
There are four Storyteller Overland Mode Vans that are for sale in 2022.
The Mode LT costs $153,748 and is the least expensive van in this line-up. The Classic Mode 4×4 costs $157,747. The Stealth Mode 4×4 costs $169,454. Last to the line-up and the most expensive Mode Van from Storyteller Overland is the Beast Mode 4×4, which costs $198,746.
Storyteller Overland Mode Vans are sold through a dealer network with a price-lock guarantee so that wherever you are across the US, you pay the same price.
Key Features of Storyteller Overland Mode Vans
Storyteller Overland offers four adventure vans. The newest model, Mode LT, is built on a Ford Transit AWD platform with a 148″ wheelbase, while the Classic Mode 4×4, Stealth Mode 4×4, and Beast Mode 4×4 are all built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4×4 chassis with a 144″ wheelbase.
The Classic Mode is the base model if you want a 4×4 Mode Van with basic features. You can upgrade to Stealth Mode up to Beast Mode if you want added capabilities. So, what will you get from driving these vans on your next overland trip?
1. Classic Mode 4×4
The Classic Mode 4×4 is the first Mode Van manufactured by Storyteller Overland. This model was made available to the public in 2019, one year after the company was officially established in Birmingham, Alabama.
Since this van is built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4×4 chassis, it can conquer rough terrain and can even do rock crawling. Take note that Classic Mode 4×4 is a base model, which means that its features are standard among Mode Vans.
On the outside are the roof rack, LED headlamps, side-mount ladder, exterior awning, solar panel, and water tanks. Inside the van is a bench seat that can be converted into a bed. The rear bed can be converted into a work or storage space.
The kitchen galley has an electric cooktop, flip-up sink, and refrigerator.
A Touchscreen Control System is also standard among Mode Vans.
There is also a shower and a toilet inside that can be packed up when not in use. The standard off-road capability of Mode Vans is a 4×4 drivetrain, 9.5″ ground clearance, and all-terrain tires.
2. Stealth Mode 4×4
One year after the release of Classic Mode 4×4, Storyteller Overland releases another Mode Van. Stealth Mode 4×4 has all of the capabilities of Classic Mode 4×4, but with added features and a new look. The Mercedes-Benz Premium Selenite Grey Metallic Exterior of the Stealth Mode is just one way to tell it apart from the other Mode Vans.
Added Features:
- Custom emblems
- Hood spoiler
- Hydro dipped grill
- Matte black Storyteller wheels
- Stealth Graphics Package
- NVADER Rear Doors Storage Solution
3. Beast Mode 4×4
If there is a monster camper off-road rig, then it has to be the Storyteller Overland Beast Mode 4×4. This Mode Van has everything you need to camp comfortably in remote places and enjoy adventures in any kind of rough terrain you want to explore.
Beast Mode 4×4 was introduced to the public alongside Stealth Mode. This van has double the features of the Classic Mode and added off-road capabilities.
Added Features:
- Agile ride improvement package
- Fox shocks
- 4-inch increase in ground clearance
- ARB Onboard Air with Front and Rear Chucks
- Beast Mode Custom Graphics Package
- Black Rhino Havasu Rims with 275/70/17 tires
- Boost MODE M-Power Extender System
- 8 KC Highlight Extreme LED lights
4. Mode LT
The Storyteller Overland Mode LT is an adventure van built on a Ford Transit AWD chassis. This van is a new addition to the Mode Vans lineup and was just released in 2021. We all know that when it comes to van chassis, the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter are the best ones.
But by the time Storyteller Overland was making 4×4 camper vans, the only factory option for Ford Transit was 2WD. When Ford Transit released an AWD van, Storyteller Overland immediately designed a camper van using this platform.
With an AWD drivetrain, Mode LT is perfect for light off-roading. If your kind of adventure can be found on gravel roads, then this Mode Van is for you. It may not have the capabilities to get you through boulders, steep hills, and deep mud, inside this van, is everything you need in order to live comfortably in remote places.
The Mode LT has all the standard features of a Storyteller Overland Mode Van. The interior looks the same as the other three, but the exterior looks different because this van is built on the gasoline-burning Transit 350 EcoBoost 148 AWD chassis from Ford.
This gives extra headroom, length, and width inside the camper van.
What Makes the Storyteller Overland Mode Vans So Desirable?
Van dwellers can give you thousands of reasons why the Mode Vans from Storyteller Overland are so desirable. You can’t find a van that is so rugged and yet so comfortable as Mode Vans. Also, factory 4×4 vans and van conversions require a lot of money, time, and effort.
With Mode Vans, you can immediately go overlanding anytime you want. Storyteller Overland Mode Vans are so desirable not only because of the well-designed interior but also because they are safe, simple, fun, flexible, rugged, and ready to go.
Inside the van are the smoke detector, fire extinguisher, and ground fault circuit interrupter. No more complicated installation and hassle of plugging and unplugging with Mode Vans, because they come with multiple control systems that only require pressing a button to activate and control the water system, temperature inside the van, or interior and exterior LED lights.
Mode Vans are rugged and capable off-road because they have an off-road suspension system, off-road tires, high ground clearance, and a 4WD drivetrain. Lastly, you can immediately go on expeditions the moment you crave adventure.
Whether your trip is to the beach or to the jungle, Mode Vans always come prepared.
Can You Get a Used Overland Van? Is There An Aftermarket For These Vans?
The main issue with Storyteller Overland is that they come at a high price, which is not desirable for many overlanders. Since overlanding is all about experience, survival, and being resourceful in the wild, Storyteller Overland Vans come as a luxury and just a dream.
But there is one way to make this dream happen. Why buy a brand new Mode Van when you can buy a second-hand one and still get the same quality?
If what you got needs a little modification, repair, or upgrades, you can easily do so because Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz are two popular van chassis, which means that finding aftermarket accessories and parts is very easy.
Yes, you can buy a used Storyteller Overland Van in the United States. Just search for used Storyteller Overland Vans for sale in the USA on Google and you’ll have tons of websites offering listings of used Mode Vans for sale in different locations across the United States.
There is an aftermarket for Storyteller Overland Mode Vans since the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter are two commonly-used van chassis for camper vans. If what you get needs a little fixing, you can go to Storyteller Overland because they also offer interior accessories and exterior accessories for Mode Vans.
You can even find Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van accessories at Amazon. Check out the variety of accessories on Amazon here.
Why Are Storyteller Overland Vans So Popular? Is There A Following or Community?
Storyteller Overland Mode Vans are popular because they are capable off-road, allow comfortable off-grid camping, can accommodate even a whole family, and most of all, are easy to acquire since they are made in the USA. They’re just the perfect camper vans for van dwelling and overlanding.
As of March 2022, which is four years after the Storyteller Overland was founded, they already have 2000 subscribers on YouTube, 7000 followers on Facebook, and 31,000 followers on Instagram.
Storyteller Overland has a community where you can find adventurers who are also fans of Mode Vans. You can find most members of the community on YouTube flexing their own Mode Life and Mode Vans.
To name a few, Chad and Paul, Canyon Adventure Vans, and We’re The Russos are members of the community. Facebook groups for Mode Lifers (Mode Van dwellers) are also available to share different experiences driving Mode Vans in remote places.
Storyteller Overland also holds events for the community, such as expos and tours.
Final Thoughts
If you want a van that best resonates with overlanders’ desire to seek adventures away from the beaten path, try overlanding with a Storyteller Overland van.
There is no van that can give you both off-road capabilities and a comfortable camping experience. In most cases, you have to sacrifice some camping comfort for off-road capabilities since camping gears are added weight that the vehicle has to carry.
Let me just end this article with the Storyteller Overland tagline saying, “It’s more than a van. It’s a way of life!”