10 Things To Know Before Buying A 2023 Storyteller Overland Beast Mode | 10K Mile Review

[@curtcarlson7659]

Researching the Storeyteller on KZbin and this is the best presentation I’ve seen thus far - well done.

[@DavidHuffTexas]

Very nice review. Presented in a clear, common-sense manner. Also very professionally done video production and narration. You definitely should have more than 700-ish subscribers as far as I'm concerned!

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Thanks David- Appreciate the kind words. I've really enjoyed putting these videos together and will continue to bring more to the channel. Support from folks like you helps us continue to grow and share this kind of content with more people.

[@woyciech]

I enjoyed the way you put together the review. Thx!

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Appreciate it- Really glad you enjoyed the review.

[@barbaragrazerrobinson1207]

Super video. Storyteller should add this to their website. Honest felt review. Enjoyed looking forward to more videos

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Much thanks and appreciate the kind words. Absolutely enjoyed putting this together and hope it was helpful. If @StorytellerOverland ever wants to use this- No Hesitation, We're 100% Down. More videos on the way!

[@RickOgston]

Thank you! Great perspectives and info.

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Appreciate it- Hope it was helpful. Thanks for tuning in.

[@tb6031]

Great review! Thanks!

[@robp3431]

Thank you, awesome review including many details I've not seen covered in other videos. I travel with my Rhodesian Ridegeback and Vizsla to go hiking in WNC mountains, so the type of van has great appeal.

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Your absolutely welcome and glad the video was helpful. These vans are great , especially when traveling w/ dogs and wanting to make sure you got a solid basecamp set up, before and after you hit the trails/mountains. Hope yall are going to enjoy the upcoming fall adventure season (It's my dog's favorite time of year).

[@solrosenberg3817]

Good stuff…..thanks for making this video for those of us that are considering getting a van….

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Absolutely and you're most welcome- Thanks for checking out the video. Hope you find yourself in an Adventure Van soon.

[@lilyLily1824]

Thank you! This is what I want to buy, but this was a great video.

[@mikemcgeehan4321]

Excellent review. Looking at this one. Thank you.

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Thanks for checking out the video Mike. Glad it was helpful and hope you're getting out and finding some adventure.

[@jzwilkinson]

The passenger seat "bite" ALWAYS gets me. I've put some bumpers on but it's too easily knocked off. Thank you for all the info, super helpful!

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

You're most welcome, thanks for watching. Bumpers are a great recommendation- We have gotten used to walking around the levers, but still considered putting something over to protect the knees.

[@brianwhidden]

Awesome video, i have a 2022 Revel thats got tons of mods on it , i agree 100% with you on your statements about the van. Hope to meet you soon at an expo or meet up.

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Thanks Brian - Revel's are solid Vans and hope it's taking you on some epic adventures. Would be great to sync up at an expo, we had a lot of fun at the one in AZ last year. Appreciate you tuning in- Adventure On My Friend.

[@brianwhidden]

I will be at the Expo coming up in Scottsdale in the Inhabit designs booth, come say hello if you can. Also San Juan Cap in CA.@@JosephCabreraExplore

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

@@brianwhidden Thanks for the heads up Brian. If we make it out to the Expo in AZ this year, we'll be sure to stop by.

[@DayZeroFWD]

Would appreciate a video of vehicle maintenance over those 10K miles. Great video, thanks...

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Maintenance- Noted. Fortunately these STO's don't require a lot of work in the first few thousand miles, but there are some things that help keep them running smooth. We'll put this on the list for a future potential video. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@DavidHuffTexas]

@@JosephCabreraExplore Second DayZero's suggestion. Regularly scheduled maint videos for the Sprinter diesel chassis would be welcome!

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

@@DavidHuffTexas Roger that- Noted and on the list.

[@cynthiataylor2092]

Thank you, very informative Cindy 👋

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Thanks Cindy- Glad it was helpful. More on the way.

[@MissDemeanorOG]

You are awesome. Anyone you know selling the used storyteller stealth?

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Glad you enjoyed the video and appreciate the kind words. I might have a few ideas on the Storyteller- Feel free to reach out directly.

[@arkadventure2]

Absolutely brilliant video! Thank you so much for all the hours it must have taken putting it together. Any comments on the maintenance costs of a MB say vs a Ford, and if you ever had issues while in the road and difficulty finding a MB dealer able help you out? Thanks again.

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Thanks for the kind words my friend- We had a good time putting this video together and glad you found it useful. So far maintenance on the MB has been minimal. We don't own a Ford STO Rig, but I would imagine that the maintenance costs (at least in the first few years) are still fairly minimal. We did have a small (somewhat temporary) issue with the turbo on the road, but was able to take it right into an MB Dealership and get it fixed. Most major cities have MB Dealerships that can work on the chassis, drivetrain, engine, etc under the factory warranty with no problem. However, we have found that when you get out of the major towns and are adventuring in some lesser known places, you may need to find smaller shops that are familiar with the STO. STO Customer Support and Owl Vans have been great resources to find folks they recommend to work on the van if you ever need. Hope that helps.

[@whocaresjustdoit]

Nice review! Another thing I’d add is even though it’s a 4x4, don’t take this thing to a technical trail. I had to pull one out just last week on a trail in Colorado. Maybe some dirt roads and forest roads are fine, but don’t take it to a mountain pass or a jeep trail.

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Much appreciated and solid point re: technical trails. This van can go a lot of places that a regular car can't, but things like its high center of gravity can make it tough to navigate the more intense stuff. I'm sure the folks you pulled out were glad to get your help. Enjoy Colorado- One of my favorite places.

[@whocaresjustdoit]

@@JosephCabreraExplore Does it have adaptive cruise control? One thing that keeps me from getting one of these vans is that I haven't seen any of them having adaptive cruise. I'm super lazy in traffic or on the highway haha. Have you done any major maintenance on the van? I've seen quite a few videos on KZbin where the vans just break down in the middle of the trail or something happens to the diesel engine. Idk I love these things but capability is one thing that keeps holding me back. I drive a 4Runner and a Ford Raptor and those things can go anywhere at anytime. I'm a hiker like you but I also like to go far and beyond to find cool camping spots. I haven't owned one of these so I don't know how capable it is but from what I see there are just a lot of restrictions on capability. What's your opinion? I'm thinking about getting a vehicle that can allow me to work remotely 3-4 weeks a year. I was thinking about building my Ford Raptor to a dedicated adventure rig but this van looks so much more comfortable to stay for a long time.

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Solid thoughts and questions here my friend. Yes, our @StorytellerOverland Beast Mode does have adaptive cruise control and comes in quite handy for highway driving. It can temporarily shut off when the sensors get dirty, but a quick cleaning or rain usually gets it back online. We have not had any major maintenance or reliability issues. We did need to get our turbo system adjusted, but that was a quick fix and under warranty (no issues since then). We had similar concerns prior to investing in the van, but so far we've been very satisfied with the performance. 4Runner & Raptor are great vehicles for adventure. I'm a Toyota guy as well and when I am looking to get into some tough to get to places, I'm probably taking my Tacoma. We use the van for adventure, but treat it mainly like a Mobile Command Center. Good for working remote and base-camping, but might not be the best fit to crawl rocks in MOAB all the way to a killer climbing spot. Overall, the van serves a lot of what we need, but like any gear, sometimes you just need some specific tools for the job. I'd try renting one and taking it out for a week- See what you think. Adventure On!

[@clcabrera12]

Awesome video!!

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Much Thanks Brother- Glad you enjoyed it.

[@allenp4058]

I close my eyes, and i hear matthew mcconauhey. Alright alright alright!!!

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Glad we could bring some Lone Star energy to the video- He's a great fellow Texan. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@DGraham-i3y]

Ah ha ha. I love his acting.

[@aguinchico6536]

You SOB

[@sccphilly]

Dude good video, I’m looking to get a classic mode Mercedes STO to live in full time, do you think it’s livable for one person and a dog?

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Thanks my friend and stoked to hear about the potential of an STO being in your future. Classic Mode is also a solid product and absolutely livable for a person & dog. We've roamed in our STO for extended periods of time w/ 2 x People and a 70 lbs dog- No problem. 1 less adult should make this feel even more livable. I don't think you'll regret it- Adventure On.

[@paulbailey5915]

A really nice detailed real-world use video without all the glam stuff. STO only seems to build on the 144, I would like a 170 and a must for me is a dedicated shower/toilet. What's your thoughts on the 144 without this dedicated space?

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Thanks Paul- Glad you enjoyed the video and appreciate you tuning in. STO does focus their builds on the 144 chassis and works well for us, but can completely understand wanting the extra room for dedicated shower/toilet. We've personally found that we don't use the shower/toilet very often, since we're not usually that far from facilities if we need them. However, it does come in handy when you're off-grid, which makes the way Storyteller tucks away the shower/toilet nice. Dedicated space definitely adds a touch of home, but we prefer the feel of a more open cabin, inside the van. Hope that helps.

[@PandaLAG]

Do you know what your occc is?

[@patrickparksjr]

Nice quality work on your video. I also have a beast mode storyteller. Incredible vehicle. You nailed it with the review. Excited to see what the next 10k brings you guys. 🤙🚐

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Much appreciated and always great to meet another Beast Mode owner. They are truly great vehicles- Like an Adventure Command Center on wheels. Thanks for tuning in and the kind words- We'll keep em' coming. Adventure On and hope to see you on the road.

[@from1978]

Does it use volta power equipment?

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

There are a few parts that are Volta Power equipment, like the main power system, power display and I would guess the internal wiring. If you're also talking about the distributor and other related items- We'd have to dig in.

[@Sanumkipaheli]

Are you in north Texas?

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

We are not, but we do visit N. Texas from time to time. Great outdoors spots up that way.

[@gen2-x364]

The Agile Off Road RIP Kit front & rear is a very nice suspension upgrade. Also the Evictus Suspension front & rear. Either or will bring a sprinter to new enjoyable levels. I'd personally opt for a big brake kit also.....the more weight you get in these vans the more they're needed. Heavy duty differential cover and or a rear differential skid plate also worth it.

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

100%- The suspension kit on the Beast Mode has been great for those washboard roads and trails. Good tip on the brakes - I can see that being especially helpful with mountain driving.

[@oldtrux]

Bro, turn those knobs on the Groove Lounge 90 degrees so they point down.

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Thanks for the Pro Tip- We might have to give that a go. By now, we've gotten used to flowing around the knobs, but we're always up for refining our set up.

[@ChopperChad]

Take those levers off the seat and reorient them downward. One little screw holds them in place.

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Good Call- We had someone also recommend that to us. We've developed a good flow in the van and so far, no "bites".

[@deborah4579]

Nicely done. I’ve been considering moving into a Storyteller as I’m currently in a van that has Volta. The ease of Volta and the management therein is great. No issues at all with mine. Of course, now ST moved to Lithionics and I since I’d prefer the Ford I kinda at a loss.

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Thanks for checking out the video and Volta has been a great system for us as well. Simple and reliable so far. You might be able to find an older STO model (Ford or Mercedes) with the Volta. Some folks really keep their vans in good shape and might feel as good as buying it new.

[@markj10]

16-18mpg? Just drove 2000 miles from Washington-New Mexico and got 23.2 mpg at 65-70mph in my 2024 Sprinter awd. Must be the heavy weight, 2’+lift and racks that’s drives down the mpg.

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

23 MPG+ That's incredible- We'll have to learn your ways my friend. I do think you're right, we usually have the van loaded down (gear, etc), extra stuff on the top rack and being that it's a Beast Mode, we are higher off the ground w/ some thicker tires. After hearing the MPG you get, I'm making 20 mpg a personal goal to achieve. Continue to enjoy the open road- The drive from WA to the Southwest is EPIC.

[@PezRacer]

The difference is between the motors. The older model 4x4 has the 3.0L. The ‘23 and newer have AWD and the 2.0L, which has more hp, more torque, and better fuel economy.

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

@@PezRacer Absolutely- The new engine set up in the 2023 is really great. Good power/torque and makes climbing mountain roads a non-issue.

[@PezRacer]

@@JosephCabreraExplore my mistake Joe, I was thinking your vehicle was 4x4 with the V6, and that’s why you got lower mpg. But if you do have the new AWD and the 2.0L, that’s interesting data for a fully built out rig. Thanks for all your videos, appreciate it!

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

All Good@@PezRacer - I do think the extra weight plays a factor, but still happy with the performance. You're most welcome & thanks for tuning in.

[@Zoobabyyy]

Zilker 🤘🏼

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Zilker is a great spot- An Austin, Texas Staple. Thanks for tuning in.

[@cams3425]

Nice review and info shared in Storyteller Overland Beast. We recently rented a Sprinter and found it to be totally livable even though it is a small space. Organization and Simplicity seem to be key when living out of a van for any extended period of time. Couple things that drove me nuts about the Sprinter I rented (maybe fixed or changed on the new models)....Apple CarPlay utilizing a USB cable that is on top of the dash in the sunlight constantly just doesn't make sense. Not good for your phone and just a lousy design. I've heard people plug in old phones and just leave it, but it certainly should be changed to wireless or locate the USB in a better spot and out of the sun. Also thought the lane keep was rather aggressive when correcting. Very abrupt and quite nerve racking at times. Maybe over time I would get used to it, but seemed like an aggressive system. Loved the van otherwise and am totally considering one. Not sure about Storyteller or just a DIY. Again, thanks for the honest review and good info shared.

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Thanks for watching the video and glad it was helpful. 100% agree that simplicity and organization make the van living experience much better. We've experienced the phone in the dash scenario as well and found a quick solution for it- We leave the USB cord plugged in up top and route the cord between the two latches (center of the door) and closed down softly. Then we route the cord down to our phone and stick it in the slot under one of the a/c vents on either side of the screen. We're keeping an eye out for an update to the design for future sprinters, but hope this helps keep your phone cooler in meantime. Completely hear you re: Aggressive Lane Departure. We got a video coming out on that shortly. It can definitely be a surprise the first time it happens. Again, appreciate the kind words and tuning into the channel. Storyteller is a solid choice, but whichever route you go (DIY or otherwise), we hope it takes you to some EPIC Adventures.

[@DGraham-i3y]

Storyteller should pay you a salary.

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Thanks for the kind words- We really enjoy the product Storyteller builds, which makes it easy to talk about. Thanks for tuning in and hope you've got some great adventures on the horizon.

[@toes325]

Curious, who is WE?

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

Depends on the trip, but usually the family or fellow adventurers.

[@bassmonk2920]

Can you sleep on just one half of the bed...

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

I suppose you could, especially on the driver side where the leg supports are. I have not tried that, but if you don't mind your legs hanging off, I don't see why not.

[@craigmccall7450]

Horsepower 😂

[@JosephCabreraExplore]

We can always use more right?

[@craigmccall7450]

That's a topic I never see addressed. Adding all this weight, tall tires and 4 wheel drive with the power these things have is silly.

[@wilfriedgronau5052]

the engine is a joke

[@knife_gun_axe272]

Way over priced.

[@oldhammi22]

I would have enjoyed seeing less of the author, and more of the vehicle.

[@cjam3660]

junk , money pits....Huge money pits