For outdoor enthusiasts yearning for freedom and the call of the open road, the Mercedes Storyteller Overland MODE van emerges as a compelling, ready-made adventure companion. This expertly crafted, versatile van is engineered to venture beyond the familiar routes, unlocking immersive outdoor experiences. This in-depth review of the Storyteller Overland MODE van will illuminate why it stands out as an exceptional choice.
Having personally explored the rugged landscapes of Southern Utah in a 2023 Storyteller Overland Classic MODE AWD Van, traversing unpaved roads and discovering secluded campsites, I was thoroughly impressed by its inherent adventure readiness. Storyteller Overland’s dedication to refined design is evident in every detail – a testament to years of meticulous development. Equipped with comprehensive features, it’s genuinely prepared for immediate journeys.
My background includes extensive exploration of various camper vans, truck campers, and adventure vehicles. My spouse and I have journeyed extensively in our Volkswagen Vanagon across the Western US, navigated the Baja California peninsula multiple times, and even lived in it for over a year during a Pan-American highway adventure from San Diego to Patagonia. From fellow travelers encountered on the road to adventure rigs showcased at events, we’ve witnessed a spectrum of vehicles, ranging from budget-friendly DIY builds to opulent RVs and incredibly capable Earth Cruisers.
My initial encounter with Storyteller Overland’s MODE vans was at Open Roads Fest, Bearfoot Theory’s van life gathering. I was immediately drawn to their intelligently designed, adaptable layout, robust construction, and efficient space utilization. However, experiencing the MODE van firsthand on the road provided a deeper understanding of its exceptional qualities.
After a 10-day, nearly 1,500-mile exploration of Southern Utah’s backcountry in a Mercedes Storyteller Overland MODE Van, this review details why it might be the definitive adventure vehicle for outdoor aficionados seeking a van that’s road-trip ready.
Brought to you by Storyteller Overland
This impartial review is facilitated by the generous support of Storyteller Overland. We extend our sincere gratitude for their trust in providing a brand-new 2023 MODE van for thorough testing. Be assured that all opinions expressed herein are our own, reflecting our commitment to delivering honest and valuable insights.
Table Of Contents
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The Foundation: 2023 AWD Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Our test vehicle was a pristine 2023 Storyteller Overland Classic MODE AWD van, built upon the reliable 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis. Consistent with all Storyteller Sprinter vans, it features a 144” wheelbase and a high-roof configuration.
Experiencing the 2023 Mercedes Storyteller Overland Classic MODE AWD van across 1,500 miles and 10 days.
The standout initial impression was the effortless driving experience, particularly in comparison to other camper vans and larger vehicles we’ve operated. It possessed the agility of an SUV, navigating urban streets and fitting into standard parking spaces with ease, despite being a 9,000 lb camper van.
360-degree cameras significantly simplified all driving maneuvers, from tight turns to parallel parking and reversing. The prominent touchscreen dashboard display seamlessly integrates the camera views when needed, alongside intuitive controls for lane assist and other advanced driving aids.
This Mercedes Sprinter van incorporates all expected modern conveniences, including LED high-performance headlamps, heated and swiveling driver and passenger seats, satellite radio, a navigation system, driving assist features, Bluetooth connectivity, and more. Comprehensive specifications for the Mercedes Storyteller Overland Classic 2023 MODE AWD Sprinter are available here.
The spacious and comfortable front cab of the Mercedes Storyteller Overland featuring a large touchscreen display and ample storage.
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Inside the Mercedes Storyteller Overland Classic MODE Van
Stepping into the Mercedes Storyteller Overland MODE van reveals a welcoming, practical living space meticulously crafted for comfort and convenience during adventures. The interior layout is exceptionally well-conceived, showcasing a range of ingenious features that maximize both space and functionality.
Seating Arrangements
A major highlight of the Mercedes Storyteller Overland MODE van is its versatile seating and sleeping configuration. The van comfortably accommodates and sleeps up to four individuals, a key reason for its inclusion in lists of the best campervans for families.
Behind the driver’s seat, you’ll find seating with seatbelts for two. Notably, this seat, known as Storyteller Overland’s patented GrooveLounge™, conveniently folds down to create a bed.
Traveling with our one-year-old, this setup proved ideal. In seat mode, we could securely install her car seat for drives. The adjacent seat was invaluable for providing company and managing snacks and entertainment during longer journeys.
Mercedes Storyteller Overland vans comfortably seat and sleep up to four people.
The seating area also incorporates a versatile table, adjustable, rotatable, and removable as needed. It serves perfectly as a mobile workstation by day and a dining table in the evening. We opted to stow it during our trip, utilizing the GrooveLounge for sleeping and prioritizing open space for our toddler. However, its availability adds valuable flexibility.
Finally, the front seats offer luxurious comfort and both driver and front passenger seats swivel, enhancing the lounging and communal space when parked.
Swiveling front seats in the Mercedes Storyteller Overland enhance interior space when camped. | Photo: Storyteller Overland
Read next: Best Campervan Layouts for Families
Sleeping Comfort
The primary bed situated at the rear of the van provides ample space for two adults to sleep comfortably. The Flares utilized by Storyteller Overland allow for a sideways bed orientation, optimizing interior space while maintaining a bed length suitable for most adults. My husband, at 6 feet tall, fit comfortably lengthwise. Taller individuals can utilize a slight diagonal orientation if preferred, with sufficient room available.
As visible in the image below, one side of the Flares incorporates a window, promoting ventilation and offering scenic views from the bed. The window includes a screen to prevent insects and operates smoothly for opening and closing. We were highly satisfied with the sleeping arrangement. While accessing the bed required me to climb over my husband, sleeping on the far side, this was a minor inconvenience I’m accustomed to and didn’t find problematic. However, it’s a consideration for couples sharing the bed.
Flares on each side of the bed in the Mercedes Storyteller Overland maximize interior space allowing for a sideways bed orientation.
Another notable feature is the two-part construction of the bed, allowing one side to be folded up, creating additional standing space and utilizing the remaining side as a platform for cooking or working. Alternatively, both sides can be folded up for maximum standing room in the rear. We maintained the bed setup throughout our trip, but this convertible feature adds significant versatility.
We appreciated the ready-to-sleep nature of the bed, requiring no nightly setup. The mattress comfort was sufficient without additional padding, providing restful sleep. We used a comfortable REI double sleeping bag and pillows from home, which proved ideal.
In addition to the rear main bed, the rear passenger seats convert into an extra bed (Storyteller’s patented GrooveLounge). Folding down in under a minute, it comfortably sleeps one adult or two younger children.
When camped, we deployed the GrooveLounge and placed our toddler’s Pack’n’Play directly on top. It felt secure, further reinforced with paracord for added stability, eliminating any tipping risk. Even with the Pack’n’Play in place, we could navigate the van freely, accessing the kitchen, main bed, and garage areas. The interior space even accommodated our toddler’s high chair for comfortable indoor dinners on colder evenings.
A Pack’n’Play for toddlers fits perfectly on the Groove Lounge in the Mercedes Storyteller Overland.
Read next: Van Life Essentials – Everything You Need for Life on the Road
Kitchen and Galley Design
The kitchen in the Storyteller van, consistent with its overall design, is exceptionally well-thought-out (and recognized as one of the best camper van kitchens). It leverages the sliding door space for optimal efficiency, offering outdoor views while cooking and cleaning. Counter space proved ample, and the stainless steel sink includes a fold-down faucet and flush-fitting lid, maximizing workspace when not in use.
The refrigerator/freezer was spacious, accommodating enough food for our family of three for the entire 10-day trip. A built-in stainless steel microwave oven was a convenient addition for reheating leftovers and quickly preparing meals for our toddler.
The galley’s top drawer houses the included single-burner portable induction cooktop. This stove was user-friendly and highly practical. We brought a double-burner camp stove anticipating more elaborate meal preparations but didn’t use it once – the single induction burner sufficed for all our needs.
Three lower drawers provided substantial storage for cookware, dishes, utensils, and food containers, facilitating both cooking and cleanup.
The galley also includes a convenient exterior fold-down table accessible with the slider door open. An adjacent outlet (demonstrating exceptional attention to detail) allows for outdoor induction cooking. This table proved sufficient for outdoor cooking and dining, eliminating the need for a separate camp table.
The exterior fold-down table on the Mercedes Storyteller Overland is ideal for outdoor cooking.
Read next: Camp Cooking Kitchen Essentials for Camping & Van Life
Shower and Bath Facilities
The Storyteller van features both indoor and outdoor shower options. The indoor shower is a unique Storyteller innovation, ingeniously stowing away when not in use. Like the Groove Lounge, this patented design is a testament to their ingenuity. A demonstration is included in our overview of best camper van bathrooms.
Unlike conventional stationary indoor showers that consume valuable van space, Storyteller’s Halo Interior Shower™ System is integrated into an overhead cabinet. Simply open the cabinet, extend the shower curtain, and unfold the FlexSpace™ Concealed Shower Pan from the floor (which doubles as a bed step and storage when not in shower mode), and you’re ready to shower after a day of adventure.
The Halo hidden shower system in the Mercedes Storyteller Overland stows away in a cabinet. | Photo: Storyteller Overland
The showerhead includes a practical on/off button for water conservation during soaping, maximizing water supply duration.
The shower floor pan in the Mercedes Storyteller Overland functions as storage and a bed step when not in use. | Photo: Storyteller Overland
The outdoor shower, located in the garage on the water control panel, is ideal for quick rinses of people, gear, and pets, without requiring a full indoor shower.
Hot water is essential for showering, and Mercedes Storyteller Overland vans include a diesel-fired water heating system. Warm water is available for dishwashing (especially beneficial in cold weather) and hot showers at any time. The water heater operates almost instantly when the cabin heater is running, and takes only minutes to heat water independently.
The Mercedes Storyteller Overland van also includes a portable toilet, fitting discreetly within the shower pan. While not included in our demo van, a portable toilet or similar onboard restroom system is essential for off-grid travel.
Read next: Best Campervan Toilet Options for Van Life
Water Storage Capacity
The Storyteller van features a 21-gallon fresh water tank and a 24-gallon grey water tank, providing ample water storage for week-long adventures without frequent refills. Initially, with all the onboard conveniences, we used water liberally and depleted a significant portion in the first 3 days. Adjusting to more conservative water usage, we extended the duration considerably. With mindful consumption and avoiding in-van showers, 21 gallons can easily last a week.
Refilling the fresh water tank is straightforward, using the included hose at a spigot. A siphon feature offers an innovative alternative, enabling water intake even without a spigot, by drawing water from a bucket or jug.
For instance, in Sedona, instead of searching for a potable water spigot to refill the van’s water tanks, we efficiently refilled a 5-gallon jug at a grocery store refill station and siphoned it into the van. Four refills filled the fresh water tank quickly and easily, a valuable option when spigots are scarce, particularly during winter.
Utilizing the siphon feature to fill the fresh water tank in the Mercedes Storyteller Overland in Sedona.
Climate Control System
The van incorporates a dedicated Storyteller touchscreen control panel, centralizing monitoring and control of systems like lighting, heating, and water. Ventilation fan operation, heating and air conditioning adjustments, and fresh and grey water level monitoring are all easily managed. This user-friendly system proved invaluable, especially for activating the heater after returning from cold, snowy hikes.
Storyteller Control Panel and power control center visible at the top of the photo inside the Mercedes Storyteller Overland.
Storyteller Control Panel (left) and power control center (right) in the Mercedes Storyteller Overland. | Photo: Storyteller Overland
Mercedes Storyteller Overland vans are insulated with all-natural sheep’s wool, naturally enhancing interior temperature regulation. During an 80-degree day in Phoenix, we comfortably prepared lunch in the van in full sun with only the vent and slider door slightly open – demonstrating impressive heat management.
Additionally, the slider door window and the opposing window (behind the driver’s seat) both open for ventilation, alongside the rear bed window and roof vent/fan, providing versatile airflow options.
The high-powered ceiling intake/exhaust fan effectively vented cooking fumes and circulated air during daytime naps for our toddler. A rain sensor automatically closes the vent in case of unexpected rain – a practical feature when leaving the vent open unattended.
Between window vents, the ceiling vent, and fan, comfortable van temperatures are achievable even on hot days. While we didn’t use the cabin air conditioning, it’s available for extreme heat conditions.
Crucially for our trip in late March, the van features a diesel-fired heating system. Experiencing unusually wet and snowy conditions, the heater was indispensable. Camping in below-freezing temperatures at the Grand Canyon and consistently encountering nights in the 30s, the heater provided essential comfort. Evenings were spent comfortably cooking and dining in a set 68-degree interior.
Warm and cozy cooking dinner inside the Mercedes Storyteller Overland on a chilly 17-degree night at the Grand Canyon.
The diesel heating system functions as both cabin and water heater. Cabin heating offers temperature and fan speed adjustments, allowing for rapid heating or consistent temperature maintenance overnight. The auto setting maintains a set temperature automatically. This was particularly reassuring for ensuring our one-year-old remained warm and comfortable throughout the night.
Comfortable snow camping in the Mercedes Storyteller Overland at the Grand Canyon.
Read next: Tips for Van Life in Winter
Lighting Design
Lighting significantly impacts ambiance, and the Mercedes Storyteller van’s lighting is thoughtfully designed, functional, and convenient.
Lights are zoned, allowing single-touch control of cabin lights (central van lights), reading lights (side lights beneath cabinets, individually switchable), and garage lights. All lights are dimmable LEDs, offering adjustable ambiance, particularly useful for winding down in the evenings for our toddler’s bedtime.
Thoughtfully designed and convenient lighting in the Mercedes Storyteller Overland van interior.
Storage Solutions
Ample, well-designed storage is present throughout the van. The front cabin includes overhead storage for driver and passenger (ideal for quick-access items like hats and sunglasses), three dashboard storage compartments (one with USB and Bluetooth ports), and dual cupholders. These standard Mercedes Sprinter features are highly practical.
Cabin overhead cabinets line both sides, providing substantial storage. Click-in button locks are exceptionally convenient, securing cabinets rattle-free during driving and easily unlocking when parked.
We designated a cabinet near the galley for pantry items like coffee, tea, and snacks. Cabinets above the bed efficiently stored clothing in packing cubes for organized access (cubes for tops, bottoms, etc.). Designated storage simplifies organization, maximizing time spent exploring rather than searching for essentials.
Overhead storage cabinets in the Mercedes Storyteller Overland facilitate organized and accessible clothing and toiletries.
Garage Space
The spacious garage easily accommodates bulky gear. This large, open cargo area features a heavy-duty floor and L-track system for securing bikes, paddleboards, and hiking/backpacking equipment. While our trip focused on hiking, the garage’s capacity and accessibility were appreciated.
Note that Flares installation slightly reduces garage space in favor of expanded living area, still leaving 60″ from the bed front to the van rear. Compared to my previous Volkswagen Vanagon travel experiences, even with Flares, the Mercedes Storyteller garage felt luxuriously spacious.
Beyond storage, the garage houses the outdoor shower and the water control panel, simplifying water filling, emptying, and winterization. All systems are user-friendly.
The garage in the Mercedes Storyteller Overland houses the water control panel, outdoor shower, and abundant gear storage.
Additional Interior Features
The Mercedes Storyteller van includes full bug screens pre-installed on both side and rear doors, allowing for fresh air enjoyment with open doors. Essential for warmer, insect-prone months, they easily roll down for use and up for storage. Magnetic strips facilitate easy entry and exit while maintaining a bug-proof seal. We utilized the screens initially before colder, bug-free temperatures prevailed, finding them highly convenient.
Another essential feature, insulated privacy window covers, are included for every window. Each cover is labeled for its specific location and attaches magnetically. Beyond privacy, they enhance thermal insulation in both hot and cold conditions.
A portable Bluetooth speaker is a thoughtful addition, housed and charged above the galley, ready for indoor or outdoor use. This small but appreciated detail enhanced our experience, creating a pleasant ambiance during meal preparation and relaxation without relying on the car stereo.
Read next: The Best Van Life Gear at REI
Mercedes Storyteller Overland Classic MODE Van Exterior
Off-Road Performance
A key advantage of the Mercedes Storyteller Overland Classic Mode AWD Sprinter camper van is its off-road capability. Engineered for challenging terrain and remote destinations inaccessible to conventional RVs, it features all-terrain tires for superior traction and stability, a robust AWD system, and 9.5 inches of ground clearance.
We tested this van on numerous dirt roads, many muddy and rutted from recent heavy rains. Driving the notorious Cottonwood Canyon road in Southern Utah, it performed exceptionally well, navigating impressively deep mud sections.
Mercedes Storyteller Overland MODE van navigating Cottonwood Canyon road with muddy sections (milder section pictured).
Power System Efficiency
The power system is designed for extended off-grid stays.
Featuring a 90W roof-mounted solar panel and a substantial lithium house battery, which also charges while driving via a high-output auxiliary alternator, power management is seamless. Daily driving ensured ample power, maintaining battery levels above 70% even with consistent use of lights, music, microwave, and electronic device charging.
A 90W solar panel on the Mercedes Storyteller Overland efficiently maintains the Lithium battery system while stationary.
A 30A power cord is included for campground or RV park hookups.
The Volta touchscreen display, adjacent to the Storyteller control panel, simplifies inverter operation and power usage monitoring.
Numerous 110V and USB power outlets are strategically located throughout the van, alongside several 12V outlets.
Exterior Accessories
The van includes a low-profile roof rack (with wind deflector), creating a large platform for rooftop relaxation and sunset views. It also facilitates gear or rooftop tent attachment. The roof is easily accessible via a side ladder with a non-slip grip.
Low profile roof racks on the Mercedes Storyteller Overland provide viewing platform and gear/rooftop tent mounting options.
Side ladder on Mercedes Storyteller Overland provides easy roof access // Photo from Camping at Lone Rock on Lake Powell.
The Mercedes Storyteller MODE includes a rear hitch for bike racks and a powered awning with dimmable LED lights, extendable and retractable at the touch of a button for illuminated outdoor relaxation.
Certain Storyteller models feature the Flarespace nVader Rack on the rear doors. Available as an aftermarket accessory for 2019-current Mercedes Sprinter vans, it utilizes Flarespace mounts to carry spare tires, fuel canisters, storage boxes, skis, traction boards, shovels, or bikes, maximizing interior space.
The Flarespace nVader Rack mounted to the rear doors of a Mercedes Storyteller Overland Van.
Overall, the Mercedes Storyteller Mode Sprinter van exceeded expectations in durability, build quality, and adventure readiness. Returning it was genuinely disappointing. We now aspire to own one, envisioning continued adventures with its comfort and convenience, particularly with our young child.
Driving otherworldly backroads in Southern Utah in the Mercedes Storyteller Overland.
Acquiring a Mercedes Storyteller Overland Van
Mercedes Storyteller Overland MODE vans are available through dealerships across the US. Locate a dealer near you for in-person viewing.
A key advantage of Mercedes Storyteller Overland vans is their immediate readiness – eliminating custom design decisions, build wait times, and decision uncertainties. They offer a refined, proven design perfected over years.
For a trial experience, GoCamp offers fully equipped camper van rentals, including Mercedes Storyteller Overland vans.
This Mercedes Storyteller Overland review aims to be helpful in your search for the ideal off-grid camper van.
Exploring Sedona in Mercedes Storyteller Overland’s 2023 Classic MODE AWD van.
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