Automotive

Swiss Army-like 4x4 camper vans invite you to author your own tales of adventure and intrigue

Swiss Army-like 4x4 camper vans invite you to author your own tales of adventure and intrigue
Storyteller Sprinter Mode 4x4 camper van
Storyteller Sprinter Mode 4x4 camper van
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Storyteller debuts its Ford Transit-based Mode 4x4 at RVX 2019
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Storyteller debuts its Ford Transit-based Mode 4x4 at RVX 2019
Since Ford doesn't yet offer an all-wheel drive Transit (it will be adding one soon), Storyteller relies on a Transit with Quigley 4x4
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Since Ford doesn't yet offer an all-wheel drive Transit (it will be adding one soon), Storyteller relies on a Transit with Quigley 4x4
The Mode 4x4 includes a ladder for easy roof access
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The Mode 4x4 includes a ladder for easy roof access
Storyteller isn't working with the new 3rd-gen Sprinter just yet, but it makes the 2nd-gen van into a convincing adventure camper
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Storyteller isn't working with the new 3rd-gen Sprinter just yet, but it makes the 2nd-gen van into a convincing adventure camper
The kitchen includes a drop-down face panel that works as an outdoor table
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The kitchen includes a drop-down face panel that works as an outdoor table
The Mode 4x4's "FlexMode" rear bed folds in half to clear out garage space, then drops down into a two-sleeper
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The Mode 4x4's "FlexMode" rear bed folds in half to clear out garage space, then drops down into a two-sleeper
Storyteller's vans looked much more in their element at Overland Expo West this month
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Storyteller's vans looked much more in their element at Overland Expo West this month
Storyteller Sprinter Mode 4x4 camper van
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Storyteller Sprinter Mode 4x4 camper van
Storyteller's Mode bed platform can drop down and work as an extra table
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Storyteller's Mode bed platform can drop down and work as an extra table
The Storyteller shower curtain and sprayer store neatly away in an overhead cabinet, and the drain basin doubles as a storage bench/cooler
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The Storyteller shower curtain and sprayer store neatly away in an overhead cabinet, and the drain basin doubles as a storage bench/cooler
The shower basin/bathroom floor packs down neatly into a storage bench/cooler when not needed for bathroom duties
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The shower basin/bathroom floor packs down neatly into a storage bench/cooler when not needed for bathroom duties
Storyteller also brought the Transit Mode 4x4 to OX West
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Storyteller also brought the Transit Mode 4x4 to OX West
Storyteller offers both Sprinter and Transit van conversions
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Storyteller offers both Sprinter and Transit van conversions
Storyteller uses versatile, multipurpose solutions so its vans can find use for everyday driving and extended adventuring
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Storyteller uses versatile, multipurpose solutions so its vans can find use for everyday driving and extended adventuring 
Furrion Bluetooth speaker mounted up to the load door
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Furrion Bluetooth speaker mounted up to the load door
The swivel cab seats work with the bench to create a four-person dining area
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The swivel cab seats work with the bench to create a four-person dining area
The kitchen area includes an electric cooktop and sink with top
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The kitchen area includes an electric cooktop and sink with top
The dinette converted to sleeper form
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The dinette converted to sleeper form
Raceline wheels with BFGoodrich KO2 tires
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Raceline wheels with BFGoodrich KO2 tires
Storyteller Sprinter Mode 4x4
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Storyteller Sprinter Mode 4x4
This photos shows the FlexSpace wet bath in packed-away bench form
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This photos shows the FlexSpace wet bath in packed-away bench form
Inside the Storyteller Mode 4x4 camper van
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Inside the Storyteller Mode 4x4 camper van
The Storyteller Transit Mode 4x4 gets dirty
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The Storyteller Transit Mode 4x4 gets dirty
Mode 4x4 rear bed set up
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Mode 4x4 rear bed set up
Storyteller Mode 4x4 interior
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Storyteller Mode 4x4 interior
Storyteller rear bed platform in use as a kitchen table
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Rear platform in use as a kitchen table
Heading into the sand and brush ...
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Heading into the sand and brush ...
Unlike so many van brands rooted in the American West, Storyteller is headquartered in the East, in Birmingham, Alabama
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Unlike so many van brands rooted in the American West, Storyteller is headquartered in the East, in Birmingham, Alabama
Storyteller Sprinter Mode 4x4 camper van
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Storyteller Sprinter Mode 4x4 camper van
Storyteller plans to sell its Mercedes and Ford vans for the same price, around $150K
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Storyteller plans to sell its Mercedes and Ford vans for the same price, around $150K
The Mode 4x4 includes a fridge just inside the doorway
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The Mode 4x4 includes a fridge just inside the doorway
Mode 4x4 kitchen
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Mode 4x4 kitchen
Heading off the pavement with the Storyteller Sprinter Mode 4x4
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Heading off the pavement with the Storyteller Sprinter Mode 4x4
Storyteller van life, served two ways
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Storyteller van life, served two ways
View gallery - 34 images

Extending a helping hand to the rootless and wanderlust-filled masses, Alabama startup Storyteller Overland has launched a rugged, ultra-versatile 4x4 camper van in Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit flavors. With flexible multi-use furniture, the Mode 4x4 van reconfigures on the fly to adjust to the changing needs of driver and campers, working something like a rolling, habitable multitool. With solar-backed lithium power and a suite of equipment for all seasons, the Mode 4x4 travels the world in complete comfort, on pavement and off.

Storyteller held its official debut in March at RVX, where its booth stood out like a sore thumb, the compact, fully ruggedized Mode 4x4 camper vans contrasting sharply with the sea of oversized motorhome and fifth-wheel boxes. The company returned to a more natural habitat this month at Overland Expo West, where its Transit and Sprinter campers were but two of many 4x4 adventure camper vans on show. Still, the Storyteller vans managed to stand out from the pack with innovative interiors designed to shift quickly from weekday errand runs, to weekend camping, to full-time road tripping.

Storyteller plans to sell its Mercedes and Ford vans for the same price, around $150K
Storyteller plans to sell its Mercedes and Ford vans for the same price, around $150K

Storyteller lets each buyer choose a base van, either a 144-in (366-cm)-wheelbase diesel Mercedes Sprinter with factory all-wheel drive or a 148-in (376-cm)-wheelbase gas Ford Transit with Quigley 4x4. It showed both variants at Overland Expo, and each van featured some of the usual exterior accoutrements: off-road wheels (18 in) shod in BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 tires, large, rugged roof racks, side ladders and awnings. Storyteller stamped its signature on with stripes and badging.

Storyteller's floor plan looks entirely conventional and European at first glance – a kitchen block just inside the sliding door; a convertible dining area with dual-seat bench, swivel cab seats and adjustable table; and a flip-away rear bed and gear garage in back. The van sleeps a family of four.

Inside the Storyteller Mode 4x4 camper van
Inside the Storyteller Mode 4x4 camper van

Where the floor plan really separates itself from average is in its multifunctional furniture, starting with the FlexSpace wet bath positioned right behind the dinette. Rather than a full-time bathroom compartment, this space-saving solution rides inconspicuously as a storage bench. When it's time to wash clean after a long day outside, the bench pops open to reveal a shower basin with drain, and the privacy curtain and shower head drop down from the storage cabinet overhead, quickly transforming the space into a slim, functional shower room.

The bench also stores a portable toilet that can be used behind the privacy curtain and removed when it's time to shower. And if you prefer, you can pop the toilet out and use the bench storage compartment as a cooler.

Storyteller's Mode bed platform can drop down and work as an extra table
Storyteller's Mode bed platform can drop down and work as an extra table

Another versatile element of the Mode 4x4 build, the rear bed splits into two halves that fold against the side walls, freeing up a garage area for bikes, boards and other gear or tools. Tie-downs on the load floor make it easy to secure gear down. Rather than a slatted frame, the mattress is supported by a solid platform that doubles as a worktop, functioning as anything from a garage workbench for adjusting and repairing sports gear, to an overflow meal prep space, to a standing desk.

Up toward the front of the van, the convertible dinette offers a little multifunctional performance of its own. Storyteller calls it the GrooveLounge, and in addition to laying completely flat as a bed or standing up straight as a dining/drive bench, the seating unit can adjust into lounge position for reading and relaxing at camp. So buyers enjoy a dining area, bed and recliner in one.

The Mode 4x4 is designed as an all-season, all-terrain adventure van and includes a powerful electrical system with 9-kWh Volta lithium battery bank, 3.6-kW inverter, heavy duty alternator and roof-mounted solar panels. The diesel/gas cabin and water heating system keeps things warm in colder weather, and an air conditioner cools the cabin down on hot summer days. Storyteller says the battery is robust enough to keep the air conditioner firing through the night without plugging in to shore power or idling the engine. The kitchen block comes with an electric cooktop, a refrigerator, and a sink plumbed to 79-L fresh and gray water tanks.

Storyteller van life, served two ways
Storyteller van life, served two ways

Storyteller is preparing to begin production and will announce a list of dealerships in July, ahead of deliveries. It will offer uniform, no-haggle pricing across its dealer network, and both the Ford and Sprinter Mode 4x4 models will base in around US$150,000. Storyteller also intends to focus on after-sales support and customer service, relying on a widespread dealer network and on-demand customer service app to ensure that customers are able to resolve issues quickly and get back out on their adventures.

Source: Storyteller Overland

Extending a helping hand to the rootless and wanderlust-filled masses, Alabama startup Storyteller Overland has launched a rugged, ultra-versatile 4x4 camper van in Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit flavors. With flexible multi-use furniture, the Mode 4x4 van reconfigures on the fly to adjust to the changing needs of driver and campers, working something like a rolling, habitable multitool. With solar-backed lithium power and a suite of equipment for all seasons, the Mode 4x4 travels the world in complete comfort, on pavement and off.

Storyteller held its official debut in March at RVX, where its booth stood out like a sore thumb, the compact, fully ruggedized Mode 4x4 camper vans contrasting sharply with the sea of oversized motorhome and fifth-wheel boxes. The company returned to a more natural habitat this month at Overland Expo West, where its Transit and Sprinter campers were but two of many 4x4 adventure camper vans on show. Still, the Storyteller vans managed to stand out from the pack with innovative interiors designed to shift quickly from weekday errand runs, to weekend camping, to full-time road tripping.

Storyteller plans to sell its Mercedes and Ford vans for the same price, around $150K
Storyteller plans to sell its Mercedes and Ford vans for the same price, around $150K

Storyteller lets each buyer choose a base van, either a 144-in (366-cm)-wheelbase diesel Mercedes Sprinter with factory all-wheel drive or a 148-in (376-cm)-wheelbase gas Ford Transit with Quigley 4x4. It showed both variants at Overland Expo, and each van featured some of the usual exterior accoutrements: off-road wheels (18 in) shod in BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 tires, large, rugged roof racks, side ladders and awnings. Storyteller stamped its signature on with stripes and badging.

Storyteller's floor plan looks entirely conventional and European at first glance – a kitchen block just inside the sliding door; a convertible dining area with dual-seat bench, swivel cab seats and adjustable table; and a flip-away rear bed and gear garage in back. The van sleeps a family of four.

Inside the Storyteller Mode 4x4 camper van
Inside the Storyteller Mode 4x4 camper van

Where the floor plan really separates itself from average is in its multifunctional furniture, starting with the FlexSpace wet bath positioned right behind the dinette. Rather than a full-time bathroom compartment, this space-saving solution rides inconspicuously as a storage bench. When it's time to wash clean after a long day outside, the bench pops open to reveal a shower basin with drain, and the privacy curtain and shower head drop down from the storage cabinet overhead, quickly transforming the space into a slim, functional shower room.

The bench also stores a portable toilet that can be used behind the privacy curtain and removed when it's time to shower. And if you prefer, you can pop the toilet out and use the bench storage compartment as a cooler.

Storyteller's Mode bed platform can drop down and work as an extra table
Storyteller's Mode bed platform can drop down and work as an extra table

Another versatile element of the Mode 4x4 build, the rear bed splits into two halves that fold against the side walls, freeing up a garage area for bikes, boards and other gear or tools. Tie-downs on the load floor make it easy to secure gear down. Rather than a slatted frame, the mattress is supported by a solid platform that doubles as a worktop, functioning as anything from a garage workbench for adjusting and repairing sports gear, to an overflow meal prep space, to a standing desk.

Up toward the front of the van, the convertible dinette offers a little multifunctional performance of its own. Storyteller calls it the GrooveLounge, and in addition to laying completely flat as a bed or standing up straight as a dining/drive bench, the seating unit can adjust into lounge position for reading and relaxing at camp. So buyers enjoy a dining area, bed and recliner in one.

The Mode 4x4 is designed as an all-season, all-terrain adventure van and includes a powerful electrical system with 9-kWh Volta lithium battery bank, 3.6-kW inverter, heavy duty alternator and roof-mounted solar panels. The diesel/gas cabin and water heating system keeps things warm in colder weather, and an air conditioner cools the cabin down on hot summer days. Storyteller says the battery is robust enough to keep the air conditioner firing through the night without plugging in to shore power or idling the engine. The kitchen block comes with an electric cooktop, a refrigerator, and a sink plumbed to 79-L fresh and gray water tanks.

Storyteller van life, served two ways
Storyteller van life, served two ways

Storyteller is preparing to begin production and will announce a list of dealerships in July, ahead of deliveries. It will offer uniform, no-haggle pricing across its dealer network, and both the Ford and Sprinter Mode 4x4 models will base in around US$150,000. Storyteller also intends to focus on after-sales support and customer service, relying on a widespread dealer network and on-demand customer service app to ensure that customers are able to resolve issues quickly and get back out on their adventures.

Source: Storyteller Overland

View gallery - 34 images
4 comments
4 comments
ChairmanLMAO
i like this versatility. having a long tall sprinter i recommend 4x4, for sure, especially in canada. also like the ford option as well. is this gonna come in the various lengths because i like longer like 144. i like the compact/versatile shower but definitely needs to pull away from the body like 4 ft minimum i think/ 3 at the feet. would definitely buy into this one. show me the dealer in canada.
usugo
Every time, I read about these US built campervans, I am struck by the ridiculously high price tag they come with. Only people unlikely to be interested in adventure camping can afford it.
guzmanchinky
usugo has a great point. I've got a 2020 4x4 Sprinter on order and the final product will cost around $130,000. I wonder about that shower, though. I'm planning on doing it Revel style with a fixed, enclosed bath but maybe this style is better?
FabianLamaestra
This is very similar to the units from vandoit. The interior might be more pretty in this van, however the price tag is nearly double. To anyone considering these kinds of Vans, I would consider going to vandoit first.