5 things we LOVE & HATE about our Storyteller Overland Mode Van.

5 things we like and dislike about our GREAT 2021 Storyteller Overland Mode Classic plus some modifications, accessories and more! If you ever wanted the insight from full time Vanlifers on the STO, a must watch! 😁
We are not sponsored or receive no incentive by listing these products. At least tell them you saw there product from the GlobalTravelCouple KZbin channel! ;-)
Mods and:
Tinted windows. www.rideandjoy... parker, colorado.
Sumo rebel springs from Supersprings.
Terrawagen hood deflector and rear orange MB emblem. www.terrawagen...
VAN MADE GEAR: vent cover www.vanmadegea...
vanwife shelf and black out curtain. www.vanwifecom...
steel D-rings: www.amazon.com...
Accessories and honorable mentions:
Zooki solar sensor lights www.amazon.com...
gotreads levelers and traction devices gotreads.com/p...
Lucci inflatable solar light search amazon.
Storyteller Overland magnetic blinds. contact company.

[@mmerer0118]

Thanks for the helpful content! We are picking up our 2023 STO Mode….TOMORROW 🙌 So excited, so we’re trying to soak up as much knowledge as possible before we get out on the road.

[@Liimpy]

So are you happy?

[@PeteKrebill]

Saw a walkthrough of the 2022 and it sounds like there’s a new switch for the garage on the kitchenette area. Love to hear that STO is listening to their customers.

[@kalansadlier9631]

Aloha, I have a great idea to resolve the bruise knee issue. At Home Depot grab pipe insulation it’s like $1.50 for 6 feet cut them to fit over the levers. You can find them that are already slice down the middle to fit over the pipes quick simple easy solution let me know if it works. Just a thought. Happy travels stay safe.

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Thanks! That will at least cushion the blow!😆. Will give it a try.

[@amandatkids854]

Oh that’s funny and a great idea

[@livefreevinnie]

Ordered my MODE LT. I can’t wait to full time

[@globaltravelcouple828]

We think you made the right choice. If we do STO again it would be that chassis!! 👍🏻👍🏻 Fulltime was a breeze in that van and one big Instagram moment!!! Have fun and may your wait be QUICK!! 😊

[@debbieschwartz1038]

@@globaltravelcouple828 First, thank you for your great video. Doing a lot of research about what van to get in the future, and so far STO is leading. If you don't mind getting into it, why would you get the Transit over the Sprinter? Trying to make up my mind as I don't really need true 4WD, AWD would be just fine for me.

[@milesfong3901]

Great review, can't wait for your 3, 6, 12, month review and to see if you find any other things you like or dislike.

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Thanks Miles. This would technically be our 6 month review since we have been full time since last August! 👍🏻

[@arcangler3661]

Great video! Very informative. Love the mods and accessories. Both of you are awesome! Looking forward to more videos.

[@tommy1a1a]

Very informative video...and a pleasure to watch. Thank you!

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Thank you for watching and the feedback!!! 👍🏻

[@ChadandPaul]

Awesome vid! Hope to see ya’ll on the road!

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Thanks much guys! We will keep an 👁 out for ya!

[@theresahealy3427]

You two are great! Thanks for sharing.

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Thanks Theresa for watching!!! 😊

[@Joseph-gi8uf]

Great video! We’re thinking about getting the storyteller and it’s good to know the pros and cons. Wondering how y’all like the shower and keeping it dry/non mildew smell?

[@globaltravelcouple828]

We liked the shower. No issue with the shower curtain. It dried pretty quick. We would wipe the interior of the curtain when done to help it dry more quickly.

[@rodanilupena6994]

Awesome video, thank you for sharing what you knew about your Storyteller Overland. I really liked the “tip” on the back springs or shocks, that when fully loaded it had little play. Thank you , Global Travel Couple.

[@davekent20]

Thank you for the great video I appreciate it and for the back garage part what I would do is get those remote control Puck lights and put them underneath and then you can velcro the remote anywhere you want. Thanks again be safe out there.

[@globaltravelcouple828]

That’s a great idea 💡. We will look into that ASAP!

[@skipowder8s]

Great Vid! Ditto on disliking the no garage light switch in the "house". We have the same set up and wish there was a 2nd switch. Have fun!

[@amandatkids854]

You as well! 👏👏

[@stephenstringer3689]

Enjoyed your comments and mods...hadn't thought about those outside and under engine lights but sounds like a great idea! I was wondering about crawly critters out there! Hope you keep posting...haven't found many other mode channels except Chad and Paul..

[@globaltravelcouple828]

We also use the talked about peppermint oil spray too!

[@robertm4919]

Awesome video. Planning my own van, but like gathering all the info I can for an adventure van lite version! Thank you!

[@IreneIronTravels]

Good vid guys!👍 Cool to see all about the Mode!

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Thanks! Glad you two liked it! 👍🏻👍🏻🌵

[@gwho]

5:10 the negative points are real. so you know this is a real review, not a paid shill video.

[@briankrantz9663]

Great content! Thanks for sharing... just starting my search for an Overland van. Suggestion, if y'all are going to keep vlogging (and hope you do) consider investing in better A/V gear. Separate audio recorder and a better vlogging camera would step up your game a lot! Wind noise and differences in audio volume clip to clip is distracting from the great info you are sharing. Happy travels

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Thanks for the recommendations, I agree that a better set up is needed. Good luck on your van searching 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@fmtien]

Enjoyed the video! Thanks for sharing!

[@gj0628]

Awesome build and video. Tint your windshield with ceramic tint 💯 upgrade the best

[@dontworrybehappy5139]

Thanks for the review and great ideas and upgrades.

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Your welcome!! Thanks for watching!

[@KevinsHeaven]

Love the video. The extra touches you have put into the van are great. You look like you’re having fun out there… Great travel couple!

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Thanks so much! It was a blast! We are glad you liked our touches! Maybe we should change our name! I like the “Great”

[@KevinsHeaven]

@@globaltravelcouple828 LOL “Global” ain’t too shabby!

[@jahnettewilson2221]

Where did you guys get your chairs?

[@amydelpiere9315]

Like you guys! Thanks for the information. Keep on keeping on :)

[@loveitloveit122]

finally mellow not in your face look at me couple who's living the life. Hope that made sense, love how you guys are,

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Thank you so much!! Made sense to us!

[@globaltravelcouple828]

We really really appreciate it!!! ☺️

[@loveitloveit122]

it's refreshing to see , yall are adorable together and are actually not half naked for click bate lol, have fun out there, im living it up in the Sierra Nevadas at the moment, safe travels🤗🤗🤗🥰

[@globaltravelcouple828]

We used to live in Truckee. Beautiful country up there!

[@loveitloveit122]

@@globaltravelcouple828 oh WOW that's my hometown 🤗🤗 grew up in Soda Springs then moved to Truckee (15 min away) it's changed so much and gotten even more fun🤗🤗🤗 use to be no one really knew about Truckee, I'd have to say near Lake Tahoe when saying where I was from lol. Visiting my step sister now, then I'm not sure where I'll be , that's the beauty of vanlife 🤗🤗 working on getting a new van built , kind of want the promaster but then I do love the cockpit better of the sprinter. But love the boxyness (is that even a word 🤔) of the promaster , so many decisions ha ha

[@tradmanmike3360]

ENJOYABLE, INFORMATIVE VIDEO! NEW SUB. FROM 641...

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Thanks for being a new SUB! We are glad you enjoyed our vid too!!!

[@stephenalishtasen1540]

Got my attention, a thorough presentation! 🤠

[@johnwilliamson9453]

Thanks...very helpful!

[@baltoman6709]

Great presentation ! Thanks

[@diamondhead203]

You two are cute and funny. Great video. You earned a new subscriber!

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Thanks much!!! Glad to have you come along with our adventures!!! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@taylordavis8358]

Great job!

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Thank you and thanks for watching!!

[@stephenstringer3689]

Curious what the best bedding option is for the STO bed? Double sleeping bag or regular bedding?

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Regular bedding. We use two flat sheets for the bottom, a queen that drapes over the rear garage to hide stuff and a full on top of it. Tucked in real tight on the edges. For a cover we use our full size duvet from when we were brick and mortar 😁👍🏻

[@garykentner7557]

Great honesty great video We want one just have to sell one of our places decisions decisions

[@Joexpat341]

Very informative Nice Video ! i just subscribed .

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Thanks !!!

[@expertgaming1002]

Do you still have the XC40? How is the car?

[@joeyng1282]

One thing I don’t like is that the headlights. They are halogen which sucks.

[@globaltravelcouple828]

LEDs are a must in this day and age!! 👍🏻

[@Rogue_1987]

where did you get the magnetic black out curtain ? Can you put up links 8n all of the accessories you showed? Thanks!

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Vanwife. www.vanwifecomponents.com/store/p/2019-headliner-shelf-with-curtain-rod I will get a list together and put it in the description.

[@sccphilly]

Why did you sell your storyteller? How fast does it charge just driving 20-30 minutes around town speeds 35-45 miles per hour? I’m thinking about buying one. I will be stealth camping in the city suburbs.

[@FlynPig911]

Great video just Liked and Subscribed!

[@cathrynmaczko836]

Pretty sweet digs :)

[@TheTennisCompany]

How do the solar lights underneath the engine get charged? Are they on all the time when you drive?

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Hi Will. I didn’t clarify in the vlog. J out magnets on the back of them and remove them all when driving. Just for use in some places. They don’t need to be charged often as that only come on for about 15 seconds and then shut off. if something triggers them. 👍🏻

[@TheTennisCompany]

@@globaltravelcouple828 How did you mount the solar lights on the side and back of the van, 3M adhesive?

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Flexible magnet stickers.

[@odorono5216]

Good video, keep on your journey. New subscriber here👍

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Thank you! And a big thanks for subscribing!!!!!

[@taurusview9]

Thank You! Would you consider a Winnebago Ekko instead of Story Teller if you could do over?

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Hey, sorry for the delay. Missed your comment. I have briefly read up on the Ekko. My honest opinion!!! I am afraid of Winnebago from a quality standpoint. I have spent over a year on a FB revel group and it has turned me off to WB. But the garage caught my eye in a big big way! I am a really big fan of the STOs Volta system. I did like what I saw in Ekko, but it would not win over the STO for us. BUT that is us. 👍🏻😊

[@taurusview9]

@@globaltravelcouple828 Thank You!

[@ethanwayne6495]

Enjoyed the video thx! How do the exterior solar lights attach?

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Stick on magnets from Amazon. Stick on to the lights.

[@DefunctDisney]

That was awesome. Thank you

[@gwho]

how much did it cost?

[@petraniquet4303]

Where did the shelf and curtain combo come from?

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Vanwife.

[@billandeileenvelicky3535]

Great video. I noticed that you don't use a fitted sheet but the bedding looks very neat. Is that a RV superbag that you use? Do you like it?

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Hi. Thanks! We use a flat sheet tucked in and the twin duvet cover that we used to use in our home. So far so good!!

[@jacbox3889]

I didn't get the name of the over the cabin shelf and black out curtain company that you used.

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Vanwife. www.vanwifecomponents.com/store/p/2019-headliner-shelf-with-curtain-rod

[@jacbox3889]

@@globaltravelcouple828 Thank you!

[@Nafalet]

How long did you have to wait until you got the van after the deposit? What dealership you got it from? What was the down payment after the deposit and what is the apr on your financing?

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Last year is when we bought it. We waited two months. Dealership was terrible so I won’t send him down that path. We didn’t finance. 👍🏻

[@ZebaKnight]

@@globaltravelcouple828 I don't know if there are legal issues about posting a negative review, but I'm sure people would appreciate a warning about a bad dealership. Maybe the dealership's web reviews cover that. This probably is a more complete van than I'll end up with, but I got a lot out of your video. I never thought about ... vermin! Thanks.

[@GX470adventure]

Great informative video. What kind of fuel mileage are you seeing?

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Probably about 14mpg.

[@andyquitter9620]

Thank you was surprised weight and suspension was an issue and trouble 2 showers on a 20 gallon no light in garage inside NEED TO tint windows HOW did you AFFORD to spend so much money. Looking back how could you do this conversion reasonably. I cannot afford this would ...have to sell my house that Just payed off the mortgage I will steal ideas of layout DONT LIKE THE OUTDOOR TABLE WHY NOT USE A LEG. 67 years old lived in an airstream Air Force brat I have a vintage canned ham to and Subaru Outback to sell to defray cost.

[@drivestorage1779]

We are cyclists as well and have been searching for a campervan that fits our bike along with a lot of other living-criteria for when we are on the road. Subscribed. Hoping you'll do more trips in this van (eager to learn). My questions are ... do you need to take your stem risers out of your bikes to get the bikes to fit? How do you manage condensation?

[@2Globaltravelers]

In this STO van we had to do nothing but remove the front wheels which was perfect. I wanted NO messing with the saddles or anything more. Also condensation was a problem, regardless of cracking windows and rooftop fans opened and sometimes on low. Just the nature of vanlife I suppose.

[@drivestorage1779]

@@2Globaltravelers I hear ya. Condensation is always one of my top concerns in a van like this. I'd be compelled to get a dehumidifier. Interestingly we don't get as bad of condensation when in tents, likely because there are a lot more air-vent pockets.

[@IthacaDon]

How did you secure your bikes?

[@globaltravelcouple828]

We used a bracket from RB components that attached to the L track in the floor and rocky mounts for a thru axle for the front forks. Then used L track tie downs for the rear wheels. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Banshee88TK]

Thanks for the helpful video. How do you prevent the zookki solar lights from going on/off when driving at night?

[@amandatkids854]

They’re actually magnetic so we just take them off before driving. And we manually shut them off before putting them back in the box when not in use. With that being said, in the 8 months we used the solar lights, we never had mice crawling into the engine. Glad you found the video helpful! Thanks

[@RodricWeiland]

@@amandatkids854 Hey you guys have some awesome information in your videos. Thanks for sharing! I love the little mods that you have added to your van Hope you don't mind me asking, but does the solar part on top of the zookkie light charge it enough most days for it to be useful? ie do they ever run out of charge? And how do you use magnets to attach them to the van. ie do you glue a magnet onto the base of the lights etc Could you please clarify for that works. Thank you

[@amandatkids854]

@@RodricWeiland thanks so much! And yes, that’s exactly what we did. We bought stickie magnets to attach to the base :back side of the lights and they never ran out since only came on when needed- when they detected movement around the van.

[@rightright6582]

He is my take, my budget is 100k with lithium(i refuse and protest to pay more than this , what is the ccc? ,

[@aberdeendeltaforce]

How are the solar lights going to get power under the van?

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Check out our Vlog 5 if you want were we go into more detail about the solar light questions. Hint: they are used when stationary, not permanently mounted. Thx.

[@aberdeendeltaforce]

@@globaltravelcouple828 ah, I see, makes sense now. Love your van by the way and your KZbin style, you make a great trio 👍

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Thanks a lot David!! It means much as we are just starting our vlogging!!!! 🙏👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@aberdeendeltaforce]

@@globaltravelcouple828 you got to start somewhere, I’m way to introverted to do KZbin but I built my VW crafter from scratch here in Europe, the crafter is the sprinters direct competition and actually used to be made by Daimler who own Mercedes up until 2017 when VW built there own van factory, I have a 2014 crafter where the only difference between the merc sprinter of the same age is the engine and face, wish I could post pics, anyway that storyteller is something else. I know my van inside out as I built it from scratch and have lived in it full time for 4 years so let me tell you that story teller you have got it right, it is as close to perfect as you can get. The suspension upgrade is the same as mine, I used sumo springs too, I also changed the stock shocks to Koni active and installed triple springs, my van is 2WD so does not apply to your 4wd. Anyway I’m rambling on here, have a good one and happy travels ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤️

[@deborahschaub2925]

I’m in the Orlando Florida area (altamonte springs to be exact). Would LOVE to see the van as I’m going to be purchasing one next year. Please lets get in touch the next time you’re in the area. Blessings, Deb

[@globaltravelcouple828]

Sounds great! not sure when we will be there. but will do. are you part of the FB group?

[@pher71]

Get a glss from canyonadventurevans.com might help your clutter 😎

[@terrorbulyfe]

Very informative. One criticism on your video, might want to invest in better mics and audio equipment.

[@mwrenchkrw]

How do you deal with the potable toilet?

[@amandatkids854]

We basically used bio degradable bags, double wrapped then dug cat holes or dumped them in proper trash 🗑 no matter how you decide to do it, it may seem unappealing at first though will Become second mature after awhile 😃

[@randyholloway920]

Great video, but you need better audio system, you’re barely audible ost of the time

[@globaltravelcouple828]

I agree we need better audio. Our IPhone isn’t going to cut it!!!

[@probypatterson3787]

The young lady doesn’t talk Loud enough, or the microphone was too far from her, everytime

[@krisbrewer1599]

You two are adorable and inspirational! Just loved the video. Hope to see ya out on the trail!

[@amandatkids854]

Thanks! That’s so nice of you to say! Enjoy your trails

[@staceypaws]

Would have been a great video if they had the volume turned up.

[@gwho]

3:10 should have had a much better, more complete shots of the roof, instead of staring at one space that we don't know is where in relation to the van

[@TheGoodTheBadTheRowdy]

You click baited me! You buttheads! Hahaha, loved the video! following!!!

[@globaltravelcouple828]

😆😆😆🤣 thanks for the follow and hello 👋!!!

[@mwrenchkrw]

that should have been portable toilet.

[@mickyuan1952]

Awesome video and thanks for sharing. What about the bathroom situation? Are you guys using a portable toilet? Any problem with that?

[@globaltravelcouple828]

I think this question requires a Vlog! Keep an eye out for how we manage!

[@donnadehardt5728]

Can't hear her at all. He comes in fine.

[@jeffgoldsmith1679]

Probably great info but 80% of your upload was inaudible.

[@tsmith3139]

Can't hear her!