Wow, good for you! The lifestyle sounds great. I don’t think I could totally give up the sticks and bricks. Looking for a get away rig for long weekends and maybe longer stays up to a couple weeks.
You answered my question: the main bed isn't big enough for my husband and me to sleep comfortably! Still waiting for a overland van that has a king bed.
Oh those bronze rims are nice... its picks up nicely with the lower striping.... The new touch screen is a definite + upgrade! That cover over the power button is a nice well thought design touch... As a designer my self (30+ yrs), I appreciate the flush mount lower drawers, allows them to blend seamlessly and since the space is confined it keeps one less thing to get your leg caught on than if it was a standard drawer.... Two things I would personally change.... add a good locking cap for the exterior water port to prevent tampering....... and upholster the back doors.... plus a myriad of security upgrades... Paul - Gun alert! U should wear that t shirt more often!😁😂😇 Chad - STOP HOGGING THE BLANKETS!!! 👺 you kids keep having fun and be safe xoxo Randolph
Hey guys! Haven't commented in a while. I absolutely love this rig. The Mode LT is definitely going to be my next rig, just have to get rid of my class A. Keep up the great work and keep safe..😉
I would agree based on those. Also I think the Ford fuel capacity is 31 vs 24 on the Sprinter and I think the fuel economies are both around 15 mpg (?). I also read the towing capacity is higher on the Ford like 6400 vs 5000. The Ford interior is wider and taller too. Ground clearance/off road capability is probably better on the Sprinter. Most of this info is based on either the base vehicles or what other people said so it may not be 100% accurate. I'd hate to drop $160k on one and wish I got the other!
I was a Mercedes guy but the Transit is an interesting platform with the options of software updates bringing the horsepower way up. Banks was saying they can get 450BHP from this with just a $400 software upgrade. Would be nice to know if all Ford dealers can service these as if they have Transit only dealers you may find yourself searching as the Mercedes owners do. Paul is good on camera, no umm, umm, when he speaks... Another great video.. It would be good to see all these models on some off road trips to see how these compare with the Beast, maybe Baja?? One final thing, it would be cool to see Storyteller offer a secondary water tank like the one Agile offers or maybe a recirculating shower to make the water last longer..
I like the Mode LT option. I was told all 2022 Modes were sold. Are they still marketing these 2022 at Storyteller? I would buy 2022 Mode LT if available... thanks for the video, really insightful stuff.
Thanks Chu! I’m not sure about that- I’d reach out to a storyteller dealer to inquire. The storyteller overland website has a find your dealer search tool.
If I were to become a teller of stories… I’d have to be a Beast of a Storyteller (insert echo here…). I’m just trying to grasp living in such a tiny space. You guys are awesome…
Hi! I met Chad in the Eldora parking lot last year. He showed me your rig and we talked about van life as well as xc ski technique. 😊 I just happened upon this video because I am finally ready to purchase my dream van, and this is the one! At the end, you said the solar panel was mainly for show, but if you were off-grid camping for a few days and not driving, wouldn’t you need that solar power? I mean, how long can the battery keep things going, do you think? Anyway, because $100K is my spending limit, I am going to have to find myself a used LT. Any advice about the best place to look? Thank you so much, and great work you guys! 🤗
For me, I really would need to see a Storyteller in person to check it out before I'd commit to a purchase, but the only authorized dealer in the Tucson area has yet to have one in stock. I'm guessing I'm not alone in that and think Storyteller should consider providing demo rigs at dealers even though I know they have long waiting lists for a purchase. I also think the website should include a "build" feature so a person could see all the options and get an accurate price. I also miss seeing you on RU-vid as often.
My take fellows: -one solar panel is a must. Impossible to expound upon here; in particular when not using the rig for a while, 6 months... -u do not need to drive for an hour to charge those batteries, it would be a fatal flaw design off-roading in the Smokies. Instead, Engine goes on idle , high or low depends on Voltage and OEM 12v,24v,48v, 144v, 350v... -what is the story, Storyteller, with ground clearence? and do not try to fool me here that there is a 2 inch lift-kit; that has nothing to do with ground clearence, nothing but for bigger tires and a fancy looking rig. -the toilet is a fantastic option, much better than diging a 9" hole in the middle of the night in the Smokies, bears around. -is that AC on top of the bed noisy? Need total silence...otherwise is not a go for me.... -Nice garage for our Mining gear and excavator. I noticed that u fellows are afraid to ask the tough questions here,
Great video! I’d definitely buy the Ford van. The chassis seems far more substantial and servicing it would be easier and cheaper. Now if they’ll just work with GM to build these on the new BrightDrop EV platform…
What N awesome review! I’ve been reading that cost of ownership with the Ford version is much lower. However I think the main reason I may go with this (even though I love MB and have a sedan) is that I’m hearing If you breakdown it’s much easier to get a Ford fixed just about anywhere. Have you guys run into repair issues with your Sprinter?? Thanks again for the great video!
@@r.becerra3182 $153,748 and now the put msrp of over $200,000 when they never did that. The price was the price. They probably did that so you feel like you are getting a deal.
Team LT. But you know that already. Smooth delivery. Do you rehearse beforehand? Nice flow, the way you stowed the shower while continuing the narration.
Enjoyed the review. Keep doing these rig reviews. Please do more manufacturers when you can. This looks too small for me and my better half. Married for many years and the size of this van might end out many years together😂 Thought no way with that shower but your review made me think, maybe. One thing is I have decided on is the Ford Transit plate form ( half the battle) Happy trials to you both !
Now I’m really curious why you guys went with the Sprinter for 2022 instead of the Transit? I’m hearing you say that the Transit is more spacious, better noise-insulated, drives better, is more off-road capable, has a more accessible repair network, and it even has proper cup holders. Seems like the Ford Transit is superior to the Mercedes Sprinter in every way. So why did you choose the Sprinter instead?
Hey there! I don’t recall us saying the transit is more off road capable and better noise insulated. All storytellers are insanely well insulated with havelock wool. The transit is about 1” more spacious on either side. It’s really apples and oranges and what your personal preferences are. The transit is zippier off the line and the repair network is easier to manage, yes. Personally we prefer the way the sprinter handles off road, the luxury feel of it, the upfit options (though that’s changing these days with more upfitters doing sprinter mods), and we just prefer a Diesel engine in the long term. The truth is- you really can’t go wrong with either, and the good news is storyteller gives you the option now depending on which is your preferred chassis.
If I want a sit-and-lounge area inside to watch movies, hang out, read, or do office work without having to use the bed as a standing desk ---- what are my options in a Storyteller? Thank you!
I understand the Ford has been having micro chip supply issues lately. Any idea if STO is getting their fleet allotment from Ford. I sent them a message last week but haven’t got a reply yet…Heard the Sprinter orders are now taking 2 years, wonder how long the Ford Transits are taking….I want one yesterday….
I'm not sure about the Mode LT at this point- I'd reach out to your dealer or storyteller- someone in the facebook group recently posted an updated so I'd check that!
@@ChadandPaul You guys should be getting new van soon its probably a secret my guess is the Stealth thats what I want, but probably be a 2023 before I have the funds 😎
On the Mode LT, does the alternator charge the batteries while the engine is idling or do you have to actually drive the rig around in order to charge?
How would you get water from a 5 gallon jug into the fresh water tank? I seem to recall Chad talking about being able to siphon it directly from the just but that feature seems to be gone in the '22 updates?
Thank you for the video, I was hoping you would give us measurements compared to Sprinter. Ford transit is wider I believe, where did that inch or so of extra width go? is the walk way wider, etc? I called Storyteller, rep did not know either :) ...as final thought, if there was mesurement of edge of kitchen counter top to edge of bench seat, and did it again on the sprinter, might have given an idea. Thanks!
Hey there! I didn't take measurements- once the MODE LTs hit the road, I'm sure you'll be able to get more accurate measurements in the facebook group. The LT just feels a little bit more spacious due to that extra inch all around. You especially notice it in the ceiling height compared to the Sprinter. Hope this helps!
Storyteller uses see through pricing, so if you go onto their website the price you see is how much it costs. Check out Storyteller Overland's website.
Everyone talks about the 2inch lift on mode LT, but what’s the actual ground clearance of the mode LT at its lowest point. A 2 inch lift will not change the ground clearance. Only larger tires will buy I find it suspicious that storyteller posts ground clearance on their other vans but not mode LT? Is it because the ground clearance is much lower than the others? I bet it’s no higher than 8.5 inches which makes it hard to go off roading. I feel like ground clearance needs to at least be 9 inches or higher at the very least. What are the largest tires you can fit on this transit with the lift?
Yes I do- but I think it depends ultimately on how you’re going to use it. Personally if I knew I wanted to do some rock climbing and really push the van (and clearance) to the limits- I’d probably be more comfortable in a sprinter (with some skid plates). I think for most people and usage scenarios the clearance on the LT will be just fine.
@@ChadandPaul Thank you! I’m somewhat confused about gasoline vs diesel as well. What are your thoughts on the pros and cons? I’ve heard the diesel can have slow power accelerating from a stop and some challenges finding diesel stations? Also, do you know if it is possible to install a 360 camera for parking and lane assist on the Ford Transit? You two seem to know so much about additions and possibilities for vans. I’m between the Storyteller Classic mode and the LT Mode. Thanks in advance for your wisdom! Jana
You do need solar, you are saying that is kind of deceiving. Most people are not driving around constantly and having to run the vehicle all the time just to charge your batteries is not feasible. What if you want to be stationary for several days, that means you have to constantly run the van to keep the batteries charged?
I know the beast mode will automatically run the engine when the Volta drops to a certain percentage to charge your lithium. Not sure if the LT does that.
Missed too much about the features because the camera was not aimed on them or was too tightly focused on Paul rather than on what he was describing. Usually these guys have awesome videos. This was disappointing because I’ve been looking forward to seeing the Ford version.
I own & occasionally camp in my 148wb HR Transit. I can't imagine going full time in a conversion like this. Don't drink the kool-aid! You have to go minimalist big time to avoid going ape shit. Less is more.
Good review but go back and count how many times you said “here” in the entire review…. Wow! All I hear is here, here, here, here… just be aware of that.
