Vanlife Beginnings: Facts about Storyteller Overland

[@VanDoghies]

What would you ask a #storytelleroverland co-founder if you had the chance? What else are you excited about the next generation of Mercedes Sprinters and Ford Transits?

[@borandell9915]

Well first of all, he was wise enough to get his wife on board with his venture. And she was all in. So, does she have a sister? Second, does he prefer the AWD or 4x4 in the adventure vans?

[@VanDoghies]

@@borandell9915 He was political on the preference ;P But I would say he did mention how much he is impressed by the AWD and admitted it is the future of the industry.

[@borandell9915]

@@VanDoghies Yeah, AWD is definitely the future of Class B off road given that Mercedes isn't even offering a 4x4 Sprinter now. AWD is very adequate for 99% of buyers, including me. But I went with the least expensive van I could find, which happened to be 2022 MB Sanctuary 4x4 diesel. Bought it last month for $95K with only 500 miles on it. I could not pass that up as the 1st owner had paid $140K out the door a year earlier, and literally never drove it. I must admit the 4x4 is fun, plenty of power, and good MPG, but an AWD gasser is easier and more affordable for most drivers. Thanks for your videos.

[@NoteFromSELF]

Oops. This isn't the van build video i was looking for. This is a commercial for a dealer. No thanks. I'll build my own. Why people would spend $200,000 for a CAMPER is beyond me.

[@VanDoghies]

Build or buy is a personal decision across many investments :) Good luck on your journey!

[@oldtrux]

I have an LT too and put 11k miles on it already. I put on a Rover Van spare tire and it works well. I don't believe a word about them actually using these vans (for camping) or they would have fixed about a dozen little things that make all of us crazy and could be so easily fixed and could bring so much value and drive sales. It's a shame they do more talking than listening.... Nice video on your end.

[@VanDoghies]

Thanks for watching and totally agree there are lots of sales speak here. We saw the demo model of the Transit spare tire from Owl Engineering at the Santa Rosa Expo this past weekend and it looks really good. Decent price and should be out in 60 days. We are gonna wait on that one. Have you done any other mods on your LT? Just saw today that VanCompass is testing a LCA for the Transit that looks amazing. Check their Instagram.

[@oldtrux]

@@VanDoghies Ok, you got me, what's an LCA?? For mods: I put on some modified harbor freight ammo cans above spare tire for septic related parts. I 3d printed a shorter faucet handle to avoid sink overflow. I did legless bed mod but only to the back leg. I like front leg down so I can walk into the back area from inside the van. I put rock lights under van (upfitter switches). Carhartt seat covers. Lugnuts without plastic covers. Waiting on parts to arrive to put flood lights on top with Aux switch. I changed side molding to version for vans with factory running boards to gain more foot space. I really want to either remove or modify the running boards and mounts as I think they really limit the ground clearance and appearance of an otherwise great package. I'm gathering parts to use SEIC (High idle control).

[@VanDoghies]

@@oldtrux I was told it's a Lower Control Arm :) That project sounds awesome! What 3D printing rig do you use?

[@oldtrux]

@@VanDoghies Lower Control Arm! Right On! I'm not entirely sure how that will help given the geometry limits of the CV joints but I'm certainly interested. Running a Prusa Mk3s. Have a couple BIQU units that travel with me at times too.

[@thomasucc]

Really, 1/4 million

[@VanDoghies]

Yep, thankfully many dealerships will discount the sticker price heavily now. STO is also offering a rebate of $4400 for the Sprinter chassis and around $12K for the Ford Mode LTs right now. So pricing is coming down a bit.

[@bassmonk2920]

The toilet is the weak point...and Mercedes service cost...maybe a Lavco dry flush replacement

[@VanDoghies]

We actually got a Trelino toilet and love it!

[@cwheremonster8870]

That’s awesome. Does it fit in your shower pan/box?

[@sccphilly]

Good video. I’m researching financing options for STO Classic. Can your give some advice on financing. Did you go with dealer financing and how much do you have to put down and what type of interest rate a term did you go with? Thanks.

[@VanDoghies]

Thanks and great questions. The interest rates are definitely variable these days and based on the banks you deal with. Thankfully our dealer (RecVan) deals with one of our existing finance options (BofA) so we already had a personal relationship with them. We also had a bit of a unique situation because we traded in a relatively new Thor Rize as part of our deal for the STO Mode LT (and we did it when the prices had actually risen on the Thor). With all that said, it's still a major investment and we are not finance experts by any means. We targeted a monthly rate that worked for us, but it will be different on a case by case basis. One benefit of the Ford is that it's the lowest all-in investment with cheapest service costs compared to MB. That can be a big factor considering future costs as well.

[@DGraham-i3y]

Will. My dear.

[@VanDoghies]

Thanks for watching!