Problems with the Storyteller Overland... | Issues & Fixes

[@dillon.h]

Hey Talon! One of the STO designers here. Great video and thanks for the honest feedback! We are constantly seeking ways to better improve the owner experience and serviceability so information like this is always listened to. The upper cabinet redesign was my baby and it feels great to hear that they are appreciated. I fought hard to make that happen and had tons of help from amazing people to make it real. We also insulate those ceiling lines with wool to "help" with freezing. It's not wide open to the sheet metal to say the least. Looking forward to watching your other videos!

[@TalonSei]

Glad you are here watching Dillon, you and your team have done a great job 🤘🏼

[@alnewby]

Talon, thank you. The video feels honest and constructive for the Storyteller Overland Company and future buyers. It was like a breath of fresh air. Your video stands out from the pack as it is nearly impossible to learn anything negative about the product from the cult like following. I hope to take delivery of a Beast in 2023. You may have helped to make my van even better.--Al

[@headinghome1644]

@22:45 excellent point for guys interested in these rigs. A lot of people with large disposable income purchase these to park in their driveways. Maybe an annual trip to the Grand Canyon village hotel. Only to realize at some point they really never fully utilize them for what they are capable of. That is how I came about my rig. A doctor bought a 2022 new. It sat unused, literally for almost two years. I bought it from the doctor last month for $45k less than he had paid for it, and it only had 575 miles on it. That's the best way to buy these if you don't have doctor money.

[@stydeman]

Talon Sei, I have a Storyteller Overland (STO) RV on order. After years of research, I thought this and your prior videos of this KZbin Series, was very fair and balanced! Thank you! Like you mentioned, STO Corp provides Customer support and minor corrections to their RV's, that extremely out match other Class B RV manufacturers, that have yet to achieve. To each their own on their personal decision. For me, I sticking with my deep research and decision. Plus the Facebook Community is crazy supportive, along with other Online outlets to the STO Community. Thank you Sir for the great video for the Internet in a fair way.

[@rickmcaleer5715]

Just recently found you doing my due diligence on a possible van purchase in the near future. Your vids are exactly what I am looking for, honest and critical thinking. Now one of your dedicated followers. Thank you.

[@TalonSei]

Welcome aboard!

[@ET_Videos]

Love to have one of these but not willing to pay that much for one currently. I'd have to buy an empty one and just throw a sleeping bag, power station, port-a-potty, cooler, and go. Thanks for the honest reviews though. Priceless!

[@MiltIV84]

Vids are always so dang good. Been watching for years and no matter what you're posting it's always quality. 💯

[@robp3431]

Excellent insight ! Good to know that the head-bonkers are removable.

[@feleciab7062]

This was a great review for me to hear about the possible pluming problems. To know that Storyteller listen to you and will, I hope make the changes you suggested. Giving me some comfort in knowing I have that same vehicle on order for 2023 and, I surely would have gone CRAZY knowing I spent that much money to be ran out of my Van because of water issues. Thank you, so much for this review and telling us of things to look out for. i will be a single female senior traveler looking to Enjoy my time on the road with out these issue.

[@nateisright]

You’re the second person I have heard of having problems with the Volta locking up. I’m with you on the idea that physical buttons are better than touchscreens. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy the van in good health.

[@Wklambert]

That last issue. That is quite the caveat. Especially where you're using it. Tech is good, till it isn't. All in all tho, seems like a cool ride. Just have to be super aware of the caveats, and pay super close attention to details. (Thank god for your van trouble-shooting skills! GREAT feedback for Storyteller.) I was a plumber in a past life. I absolutely hate that stuff they're using now. Compression fittings, rigid plastic pipe, etc. Being mobile like that, it would seem like the van companies would be doing their customers a real solid in actually researching and putting into practice, much more robust plumbing solutions. Broken water in a van (as you well know) can be hella dangerous, and cause massive damage. There is a reason you can't put that kind of stuff in mobile homes anymore. HUGE settlement... Sorry for ranting, but that kind of stuff, at the price point they sit at, shouldn't be an afterthought. I am sure they have good reasons why they use what they do, weight savings being a huge one, but that stuff just isn't made for what it's being used for. JMHO.

[@kihoaludick5701]

Good points, but Storyteller has already started using brass pipe fittings and Volta determined that the problem with the display was a software bug and is currently sending out updated displays then reflashing the returned displays for the next replacement.

[@813todd]

All great feedback even with the short term visit you had with it. I’m sure if you had it a lil while longer and set up things like preset seating and used some of the other different features you’d welcome them a lil more. I feel the same way you do after upgrading several things to the way I like my Beast and the value of fixing and upgrading as time well spent that you can’t just buy. I have my pros and cons still with mine but I too like it that Storyteller has big ears 👂 even if it doesn’t improve my unit maybe it will make a difference for the future overlander’s. Keep up the great footie homie!

[@seanwieland9763]

I feel exactly the same way as you do about powered seats. Manual is so much faster and easier.

[@yankeecowboy]

man what a journey you have come so far from were you started, congrats

[@johnwilliamson9453]

Thanks, great comments! You didn’t say anything about the toilet. I think the Revel cassette is a great option, but it does take up the space permanently.

[@tclay2663]

Thank you for sharing your insights. Always enjoy your adventures!

[@monkisethojane2218]

thanx great video. I have never been camping. and I'm considering van life.. I have a electrical engineering background but I don't want to be touching any maintenance looking for a hassle free build... loving ur videos as I get to have an idea of what to look for...

[@siroconde2529]

Que lindo tu video, siempre espero para ver tus videos nuevos, y varias veces los veo nuevamente. Muy lindo ver el MINI WORK HORSE en tu bolsillo.

[@jasonlucas2328]

I plan to buy a van to live full time, work remotely, and go snowboarding. However, this van is not for me. I never use a portable potty and don't plan for it. I can't have that stress before a zoom call meeting that I need to find a place to use the bathroom. Very informative video!!! 👍👍👍!!!

[@TradesmanOutdoorAdventures]

I appreciate the unvarnished assessment of such a pricey item. Also, color me un-cool, but the term “groove lounge” is…ridiculous. 😂

[@Mink_24]

Already stoked on Friday’s video … wanted a Revel since before you grabbed yours but the STO Beast is pretty intriguing … love the honest reviews & always reminding people it is personal preference …

[@ericbutler8183]

Great information. Thanks for the updates Talon.

[@StephenShreds]

This is why I built my own. Can't blame anyone but myself and Ram.

[@robertlibby9716]

The light issue is interesting. Neurologists say if you wake up at night don't turn lights on or it will wake your brain up and make it much harder to go back to sleep. So lights off is actually best.

[@orlandoarocho4973]

Excellent video thank you

[@jamestreanor182]

The Mercedes seats suck in my 2020 Sprinter, the seats in my Honda Pilot are vastly more supportive 😂. People think Mercedes is better, it’s not

[@chrisclark5135]

Bro quickly becoming the authority on adventure vans! To be clear, I never said anything about getting rid of the SAT Van, instead, I was thinking Ashley might need a van!! lol Also, I'm probably going to watch this video again because that beat in the background was sooooo siiiiccckkk. Thanks for sharing, as always!

[@phlfly10]

Space 2 people, 3 people and 4 people. Installing option like Ikapmer on top or pop roof with sleeping. That is alway cool idea if nice night. Also, off road really worth to do on the stype vans ? Compare to Sportmobile, is it it better option? well cost is crazy.

[@PavedToPines]

Great review, Talon. Love the in-the-van deep dive and honest breakdown! Cheers!

[@TalonSei]

Thanks for watching! 👊🏻

[@PavedToPines]

@@TalonSei absolutely! If you ever find yourself lost in Saskatchewan, Canada... Give us a shout!

[@morthomer5804]

Quick access panels will also reduce damage in regular service

[@landerwyoming9720]

Excellent review and much appreciated, keep up the great work and thanks for sharing!

[@unitymind]

This is really the true complaints that are ones I would complain about myself. More bluetooth :) I want 100% freeze proof system (when I'm using it) at -40 or better.

[@billbeyatte]

All good. Thanks.

[@happiknife7716]

Great insight into the storyteller. That green light glow would drive me nuts too. ✌ great content 👌

[@ZebaKnight]

I don't know if you're still answering questions... I looked at the Storyteller line with interest. The rep who demonstrated them on KZbin glowed about the "groove lounge". Aside from having an instinctual recoil from the name, the thing itself didn't look very inviting in any of the positions it offered. What did you think? Was it comfortable? Useful? Groovy?! The info about electronic doors and the seat swivel adjust mechanism was very valuable. I generally prefer analog devices/systems too. Thanks!

[@TalonSei]

I thought it was pretty comfortable it’s almost all of the configs. Best part is that they are legit pull tested seats.

[@ZebaKnight]

@@TalonSei Thanks! I'm glad to know it's comfortable. I just watched Sam Moser say in a video that he'd really like to have additional belted-in passenger seating in his Ford Transit 148" high-roof build, but it's too small. So, clearly that can be a desirable option.

[@mdw5157]

No one talks about bathroom activities, and although not the most awesome subject to cover, its one of the most important. I believe these vans come with cassette toilets, can you please provide any feedback/info/use/cleaning/etc. on this subject, or did you just dig holes all the time?

[@joshyoon]

Wow! What a terrible experience! If I'm going to pay $200K for a van, I expect there to be ZERO issues!

[@anthoneyurtz5689]

Better not buy any RV. Because million dollar RV's even have issues :)

[@kihoaludick5701]

@@anthoneyurtz5689 In 2005 I bought a $300,000 house. Since then, I've had to replace the hot water heater and garbage disposal, paint it twice, repair a broken pipe and a ton of other maintenance. And I never even take it off-road!

[@DayZeroFWD]

What are your thoughts of the “livability” of the Groove Lounge/Halo shower vs. a fixed interior?

[@TalonSei]

I’ll be answering that in detail in the next video. Short answer tho, When it comes to livability I prefer the Revel.

[@elee325]

Can you share more info on the "bed riser" that you mentioned in the video?

[@evanrussell3768]

I never really cared for the portable toilet, don't that I would rely upon it but I'd prefer a dedicated room like in the revel

[@KL00100]

It’s all about the details.

[@CampingRuss]

Great feedback on that van I just could not see spending that much money 😆 I’ll live with my truck for a while with rooftop tent 😂 ok 👌🏼🔥🤠🔥Camping Russ out

[@Phill3991]

hey man, do you think that the Boost Mode on the beast would be worth the price hike or should someone just get a classic and putting in the midcity engineering high idle?

[@Phill3991]

great video btw! can't wait for the next one... im still on the fence about mine, i put a deposit down but im still shopping to see if there is anything better coming out haha

[@TalonSei]

My next video will definitely answer that first question for you. It comes down to personal preference in the end tho 💁🏼‍♂️

[@Phill3991]

@@TalonSei Agreed! the only thing that's still keeping me on the lookout is the toilet situation. if i don't find anything better than a STO im just gonna make a custom enclosure for a Separett Tiny right next to the shower pan and call it a day haha... we'll see what happens. are you going to address the toilet situation on the next one as well?

[@scalparm]

Here's something I don't get: why do I never see partitions on the big vans? Or most vans for that matter? Maybe I've spent too much time living in cities but even at trailheads I hear about break-ins all the time. As a full time van lifer, I could not imagine not having the house portion of my rig totally secure. I don't know how this isn't a huge problem for people. Would love to hear someone else's take on this.

[@patrickio8084]

Vansion in Phoenix, if I recall correctly, has a wood barrier separating the cab from the living quarters.

[@hermitvantures3376]

Did you miss the dedicated shower/bathroom? I have a Revel and love the STO layout but wondering if I’d miss that.

[@TalonSei]

Didn’t miss it. It’s not a true physical problem so I saved that for the next video

[@hermitvantures3376]

@@TalonSei thanks I think I’d feel he same

[@MarathonMindy]

Excellent

[@joesciandro8478]

Talon thank for for all the great information about the Storyteller van even thought it’s nice an all i don’t think it cant beat the great job you did on your van build. 👍💙Best of luck on what comes next. Do we get to see an Ashley build? 😂🔥🔥

[@TalonSei]

Thanks Joe, got a video of her 4 runner coming on Monday!

[@fredf9562]

Cool! How about a Van-life special on the Discovery Channel, 🤔. Your videos on vans provide me an “eyes wide open” view into something I know nothing about. But if you were to buy a van for the first time today with all that you now know would it be a 2022 Revel or a Storyteller?

[@TalonSei]

Answering that in Fridays video 👍🏻

[@andybribi7318]

Will next video have your answers as to which one you would choose if you didn’t already own a revel ..?

[@lrobie123]

my toilet solution is a modified bedside folding commode

[@andybribi7318]

Also curious where you got those prices from because I haven’t seen those prices. Unfortunately am seeing much higher prices

[@jmh211]

Those are the prices for the 2022 models. Storyteller does see-through pricing, so authorized dealers can't do any markups. There's a 1+ year waitlist so the prices you WILL be getting is likely 2023 models which would cost 10-15% more from 2022 models (no pricing on 2023 models yet). Also, if you're trying to buy used from a private seller/dealer then the prices are likely in the $200k.

[@MattandSmuggsMcGuireK9]

I live in Salt Lake where is that dealer close to the city. What do you think is the best way to buy a storyteller. thanks

[@TalonSei]

Yes just search Werner vans. That’s a good place to start.

[@ClimbAClassic]

Straight up 👍

[@jimmyaugustine4181]

Great content as always. I see a common theme from multiple KZbinrs with these fully built out rigs with high price tag. A lot of small issues with leaks and electronics. That kind of money I feel these rigs should be built proof. Do you think this will always be the case or will builders get these issues dialed?

[@TalonSei]

Issues like these can definitely be prevented to an extent but at the end of the day it is a rolling house that will do 80mph. Can’t expect things like plumbing to last forever.

[@rcadd1ct]

They need to use dzus fasteners. 1/4 turn then they pop off.

[@evanrussell3768]

Hey talon how you feel about the bathroom situation compared to yours?

[@stevewilliams9753]

If you did not currently own a Rebel and had to buy a new van in the next couple of months. Would you still go with a Rebel or would you get a Storyteller?

[@TalonSei]

Answering that in Fridays video 👍🏻

[@danswanson7399]

Great video

[@saroti815]

Hi Talon, Another feasible option if you have the time and could save some money is to just buy sprinter with nothing in it and pay someone to custom build it out. Most of the KZbin van lifers are doing it this way. Much nicer looking builds, and you have more say on what you want. :)

[@TalonSei]

Custom builders generally cost way more to get the same functionality as a STO or a Revel.

[@ShaunJaySays]

🔥

[@lyfandeth]

Or use Dzus fasteners. Looks like a screw head but you only give it a 1/4 turn and it pops up. Spring loaded and trapped.

[@todd6888]

Another feasible option if you have the time and could save some money is to just buy sprinter with nothing in it and pay someone to custom build it out. Most of the KZbin van lifers are doing it this way. Much nicer looking builds, and you have more say on what you want.

[@TB-em6dy]

Todd, I purchased a Storyteller in 2020. I considered a full custom and even had a deposit on a 2021 Revel prior to buying the STO. You’d be surprised that a full custom build outfitted similar to a Storyteller would run 200K+. The power system is a huge portion of the Storyteller cost. While you may think some of the custom builds are “nicer looking”, often shiplap or similar interior is more form over function. Regular wood looks good until it is subjected to a couple seasons of condensation and thermal shifts that vans are exposed to. Storyteller materials have been holding up very well over the past 2 years and 60K+ miles. The groove lounge seatbelts have been pull tested and required the crash testing that sacrificed an otherwise perfect MB chassis. All these things have a cost. While full customs can fulfill unique needs, choosing a production Class B RV has its advantages; having hundreds of fellow owners who share knowledge of maintenance and upkeep of the same build. Also, a Class B RV has a real Blue book value when it comes to re-sale; not to mention eligible for RV financing. Any full custom van is worth the chassis value to the bank and insurance company unless specific measures are taken to finance or secure adequate insurance coverage. Just food for thought.

[@johnwilliamson9453]

@@TB-em6dy Excellent comments!

[@craig9160]

9:25 why not change the LED to Red? experiment with that, storyteller :)

[@SaintNomad]

Please... Guys!!! Before buying a camper van, invest your money in buying a plane ticket and go to Caravan Salon Düsseldorf, Germany. After that, you will realize how the American camper van manufacturers build their vans so poorly.

[@deAndaJake]

Epic beard

[@robertfutcher1588]

Does the storyteller have a bathroom and if so where and what type

[@bananaclip8989]

Dude how is your beard so straight and not bushy? Is it naturally like that or do you use any product or straightenening device?

[@TalonSei]

Its naturally straight

[@bassmonk2920]

The 2025 Revel has quick access panels

[@patrickdougan4066]

Off subject. Your beard game is on fire.

[@danman1287]

It's not severely n stupidly overpaying lol? The ending was the best. Either u r full timing it or u have stupid money to spend

[@Jayda08]

We live in a world where holding a button has become an inconvenience. 🙄

[@TalonSei]

It’s not an inconvenience. It’s just not as efficient as doing it manually. All personal preference.

[@lesliehunter1823]

Very hard to focus on what you are saying cause music very annoying. Managed to last 9 min before I gave up.

[@CallsignVega]

Sorry Storyteller is way over-rated and expensive. That shower system is silly; it's space that's used either way. If you put storage in that shower pan, now you have to move everything that's stored everytime you shower. And that bed system is cringe. I have to lower support legs on top of all my stored gear? For a much better van, look at Rossmonster.

[@snawsomes]

All sprinters have a crazy amount of issues. Stay away.