Ultimate AWD Ford Transit Camper Van Walk-Through | Storyteller Overland MODE LT
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- Опубліковано 10 сер 2023
- Full van tour and walk-through of our Storyteller Overland MODE LT Class B RV built on the AWD Ford Transit van chassis with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. This modular camper van can be configured in various ways to make the space more functional and multipurpose.
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Want to hear more about our Storyteller, listen to our podcast to get more details all about the MODE LT: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rving-with-joe-and-kait/id1723230898?i=1000648872714
The Storyteller ... any of them ... are my "dream" van :) !! Above my budget but I think they are totally worth the cost. The layout, options, build quality and features surpass anything else that I've looked at by a LONG way. Excellent tour video: perfect pace, perfect explanation of features ... just perfect!
The bathroom (toilet/shower) system you have in the RV is absolutely perfect!
The fact that they were able to fit , shower, loon, second row seats and a decent size bed in a 148 WB Long Ford Trans is amazing.The battery is huuuge. A bit of lack on water capacity but is doable if smart and planing.
Very nice presentation. I too learned something about my Mode LT. I finished reading both your books and they leave me wanting more.
Great job on both of them, I highly recommend them.
What’d you learn?
Nicely done! Smart mods & upgrades. Flexible, modular design for more or less minimalism & varied use. Thanks for sharing!
Very nice demonstration. Not only did you show the features of the van, but also showed how you and your wife would us them, plus suggestions. Thank you, well done.
Appreciate that, thank you
I love the storyteller overland vans. They cover all your bases and is so versatile! That alone is a huge step up from all other vans I’ve seen!! Wish I could afford one! 😂
Definitely think this is one of the best van conversions I've seen you with.....again, you guys are so lucky with the choices of platform - no AWD or 4x4 option on Ford in the UK, albeit they have the hi line roof, but just 2.0L engines or all EV. Great video as always.
Hello UK there is a AWD drive on the trail think there called
I'm liking the Ford more and more. I consider both you and Kait the go to experts in camper vans. I've been watching you're video's for years and have learned much from you. I'm currently looking at the "2023 Bayside Chinook camper van from Ford" with the full size bath in the rear, so far I love everything about this van. My current camping style is campgrounds with full hookups including internet.
Thank you both for all of your professional advice.
You’re very welcome!
You guys are so talented on how you convey information and the content is always wonderful.
Thank you so much!
I learn something about my LT every time I watch one one your videos. Now I won't get hit by my rear door. Thanks.
Glad to help!
Nice overview with honest feedback but with you two ( hey camera gal!) I’d expect nothing less.
I like the stripes 😊 and how the bench seat is changeable
Great presentation. Well explained. I like the speed, slow enough to absorb what I am hearing and seeing, but moves along at a good clip in an organized fashion, without a lot of “umms” and “uhs”.
Glad it was helpful!
Very nice love it! , I like that it’s more open because of the bathroom setup. Very nice, also like the deck on the roof and how you can sleep with the doors open.
Glad you like it!
And he runs an Axial rc! Winning
I just bought a Revel even though you rated the Storyteller higher in a recent video. I looked at their site and it appears they are all MCB Sprinter based now. I really wanted a Ford Transit. I was at the point where I needed to get what I could when I could!
Love the layout, would not have an indoor shower, too much humidity; But an out door shower makes sense. Thanks for showing your Transit AWD
You are so welcome!
Thank you guys for sharing this awesome content
Our pleasure!
Thank you for sharing your van. I'd never heard of Storyteller before, as I'm just started researching. I love how it transforms. It's a very creative and efficient use of the space and offers full amenities. That's what I like about your van. I would ask you, what you wish you would have added, or would do differently after your time with the van.
Thanks again for your detailed, informative and well produced video of your van.
Just swapping out the stock seats as I mentioned in the video
Don’t think we would do the rear seats, but love the layout & features.
Great video with awesome detail. Thanks. 😊
Glad you liked it!
What a fantastic build! I could not afford anything like this and would be lucky to even afford proper insulation, but perhaps a little bit at a time I could make it comfortable for long trips.
Love the van , great video 🚐
Thanks 👍
Well thought out van. My favorite part is the 2 inch lift and taller tires. I like off beaten path in national forest. Everything you need. Could also take along potable honda or other generator for extended stays.
No need for the generator - just high idle the engine and the battery will charge in about an hour. We don't have the high idle kit on our van, I just use a rod from the driver's seat to the gas pedal.
🎉🎉🎉 love the van 🎉🎉🎉
I really like the layout. That class b could work for me. 🤔
It a well done review.
I still like the Ford Transit van! It is very versatile, durable, and easy to keep up with the maintenance! 🧼🧽✨Thanks again,, for sharing!🤗🤗🏞🚙
Glad you like it!
Just passed you on the I-17 S. Have a great day!
Thanks but that wasn’t us - probably another owner!
My wife and I don't travel with kids, so instead of that space killing seat I would rather have a 2 place dinette that could convert to a lounge seat, or twin bed, with a cassette toilet stored under one of the seats. No indoor shower is needed, outdoor shower works fine as long as it has hot water.
I like that is has a built in microwave as we don't cook that much, but heat up leftovers from household cooking.
Missed your content last week. Glad to see you back posting. Now that you have a home base, are you building some sort of enclosure or cover for your van?
I suspect it has been outside quite a bit, since y'all were full timing in it. I'd love to know how the outside has held up? How much have you had to reseal the various cutouts? I'd like you to consider a video about how well your van has held up all of this time. What has worn more than you expected and what has held up better than expected?
It’s been outside it’s whole life and zero exterior issues with the exception of a couple rock chips in the paint. Nothings needed to be resealed, etc. Same for the interior. We also take very good care of our vehicles.
Great review. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
I like the shower concept, but I don't like the toilet.
Nice rig and great review! …thanks for sharing. ….. Lisa( the Wingman’s wife)
You bet!
I love the shampoo comment, but I like to lather up and use the suds to wash everything else. Soap tends to dry my skin and is harder to rinse off.
I have not used an induction cooktop. Grew up in a home that had electric stoves (there's a story about my Dad almost electrocuting my mom) but I have gotten used to either natural gas or propane. I think I would miss it.
Nice van, better review
Thanks! 👍
The worlds second richest man reviewing a van. That is so cool
I also enjoyed your presentation but would have appreciated seeing how and where you store food, clothing, your tools, etc. There doesn't seem to be much storage as far as cabinets or drawers and I know from previous videos that you store some of your stuff in bins in the "garage" area and there wasn't any storage I could see on the exterior, unless I missed something. It's hard to believe that your first RV was an over 29 feet Class A compared to how much you have down-sized over the years!
I've been enjoying both of your books and am almost finished the second, "Tales From the Open Road", reading before sleep every night and am in the middle of chapter 24. I've enjoyed getting to know more of your "back-stories" before becoming full-timers, the honesty about your relationship, your challenges, mistakes, your triumphs, and how you've used your time of work on your blog and your UA-cam channel but also balance work with play and travel adventures that you share with all of us. I'll be sorry when I finish your second book and look forward to a third and more. Hugs and thanks to you both!
Thank you so much - I’m so happy to hear you’ve been enjoying the books!
With regards to how and where we store things, it changes based on the adventure. We’ve done a few packing videos where we discuss that and you can find them in this playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PLpqJFyT0tg-La5C09V_10GdDBTaCVIOuQ.html
I like your rc crawler stowed away!
Ha! Thank you
@@Weretherussos I was thinking where I’d out my 5th scale rcs if I did van life 😃
They’re popular in this community
I love the concept of the bench-lounge-bed. Is it custom made ? Can you give me more info about it. Thx
I have bad shoulders, too! I’ve never heard someone else say that. 4 shoulder surgeries - 3 right and one left.
5 for me. 4 left and 1 right. Something to consider when looking at campers.
Nice
You could do a how to mount that roof deck where it strong points , as I search and everyone saying don’t ever go on the roof it’s not strong enough, I hate going for the brake i life my feel as it’s don’t feel power brake or habit but it hit the top cover, dangerous as I could get my shoes hang up, they coukd have made it higher. But love it . I have to put panels, so I guess Iam stuck with end to end panels so I can reach screws.
Great review. Did you guy's buy the van w/your own $? If so I think that says a lot bout the STO van since you guys have experience w/many RV vans. Ever weight the van with it fully loaded w/your gear, full tanks of water and fuel? Saw one in the wild (Austin) the other day. Cheers.
Great walk-through and continues to remind us why we love our ModeLT :) We love the 2 inch lift, but considering a bigger suspension system. Have you guys considered lifting yours more?
No we haven’t. No need in our opinion with what we want to do with the van. You also can’t raise it more in its current form due to the AWD system
Oh interesting I didn't know that! Our convo with Owl will be short on the additional lift lol :) @@Weretherussos
I call it the Transformer. We decided the E/W sleeping arrangement was not for us. The toilet was a no-go also. An expensive experiment.
Looks like a nice short term camper. That 2nd row seat is a waste of limited space. Maybe a single folding seat and larger shower area would be better use. It should also have more solar on the roof, at least 200-300 watts. I really like the look of the exterior.
Great video as always. Do you think they will ever build a Mode on the 170 Sprinter or extended Transit? That extra space sure would be nice
That would be cool but no idea if it’s in the works.
i want one
Does the black rooftop deck get 200 degrees when it is hot and sunny out? I like it, but would prefer wood "boards".
Love your van! Does it come in an extended version? What is the height from floor to bottom of bed? Looking at space for 2 E-MTB.
No this is the only length. If you go to storytelleroverland.com/pages/2023-mode-lt
Scroll down to the bottom and you’ll see all the dimensions for the garage area
I wonder how difficult it would be to remove the groove lounge ? Would prefer a bench running along the driverside .
Your RV has some very clever layout features. Lot of compromises for 19.5 foot length. We have the 22 foot ford (Pleasure Way Ontour 2.2). Our first DYI (we called it our prototype - Ford extended cargo van) had the hidden toilet and we did not like that. Our second DYI (Green TARDIS) we fixed that with a through isle design layout with a bathroom in the back. The one feature in our present PW RV that I really consider a poor design is the unsupported awning that you also have. The awning is for shelter not just a sun shade and needs legs to be robust. The TARDIS had a bag awning with poles....very strong, very robust and good for most weather conditions....we needed it because our kitchen was outside at the side doors. You cooking at the side door is also nice but the awning is the weak point. We added legs to our PW Carefree awning. Safe travels
The awning will withstand 40+ mph winds and it’s been tested with zero issues not only on ours but all the other owners we know with this awning (which is quite a few). None have failed that I’m aware of. Now on a previous van we had a Carefree that was blown over the van by a light gust and destroyed it and bent the roof of the van. I agree certain brands need support but the Girard awnings don’t, from our experience.
I had a 2023 storyteller for year and loved it. However I’m 6’5” and need a longer bed option. Groove lounge was great but my wife doesn’t like to sleep alone. In the market for longer bed option with similar storyteller quality. Any ideas? Softer mattress a must.
If you want to stick with a van, you’d probably have to go custom. The new Hilt that Storyteller is making is awesome, the bed is super comfortable and you sleep north/south but it’s much bigger and double to price of the vans. ua-cam.com/video/mB3WPBwYEXg/v-deo.htmlsi=k1iLSeGjhbUvUHKk
Nice! Do you have a video on your power system?
Not specifically
Hey from San Antonio Tx
Hey there! 🤗
@@Weretherussos I’ve been watching y’all’s channel for a long time.
Thank you for a great tour of your van. My husband and I just purchased a STO MODE. We would love to know how you installed the LTrack for your Berkey. We also have a travel size Berkey that we want to carry with us on long trips. Any help you can give would be appreciated.
Email sent!
Just watched several of your videos and all are really informative. Currently in a custom Sprinter looking to trade for Beast Mode. Couple questions related to upgrades. We plan on several upgrades from Canyon Adventures to include GSS, and some other items. Would you recommend Starlink to mount flush on roof? Also would you recommend an upgraded stereo. Thanks and continue the great content. Hope to see you out there at some point.
I don’t know if you can upgrade the stereo as the stock head unit is the large touchscreen. I would suggest upgrading the speakers. I wouldn’t get a Starlink as we just tether off of our phones and rarely do we need more.
Great thanks. @@Weretherussos
By they way, forgot to ask most important question, are you happy with your Storyteller selection?
Very happy - we tested these since the first prototypes back in 2019 and have loved them ever since.
I wonder if bicycles could be carried inside the “garage” space??? I don’t mind removing the front wheel but you need to store it; otherwise, I love it!
Yes the garage space was specifically designed for bikes to be stowed back there
Re. The max air cover, which model fit ?
You had us until the toilet. Nope, nope, nope. We want a wet bath and some privacy. We’re not 💩ing in a bucket in the middle of the van, nope. If Storyteller ever makes a van with a wet bath and a black tank with a gravity dump, we’ll be interested! 😎👍
Makes total sense.
Did you give up on your larger toilet or was this one back just for the tour? This one would be easier to carry? Is the height when placed on the top of the pan comfortable for all functions, lol? Heard there's another mode coming in the fall...fixed shower/toilet?
It went when we sold our last camper and the location of the toilet is okay. I do miss the larger one.
The announcement this fall will be quite different than the current MODE vans.
Great van and informative video!
I’d like to know the brand of your folding rear seat please.
It’s made by Storyteller - you can’t buy them separately
Ok thanks so much! Have a good day! Awesome Van!
agreed on taking off the foot rails. Better clearance for off road too without them
For sure!
We just dented the crap out of our foot rail. Def going off soon
Thanks for the thorough walk thru. Did you say how much it cost with this configuration?
The current price is $155k
Are you jonesing for Owl to release a spare tire carrier or are you ok running without? I've made my peace running without but I think I'll grab one when they are available.
No we aren’t. We carry a very comprehensive tire repair kit and if we want to carry a spare we’ll just put it in the garage area.
The Owl Spare tire is supposedly out any day now! We are talking to them about a couple modes for the Ford right now
👍👍👍
I never knew that about the back door locking positions. Great feature to have.
It comes in very handy where there's a breeze because it doesn't slam the door(s) shut on us.
Can you transport a motorcycle inside? Does it have tie downs to strap it down? Nothing large like your FJR but more along the lines of a sportbike.
There are tie downs and the back area is wide enough for the bike. I’ve seen people put dirt bikes in which tend to be a bit longer but you’d have to check the dimensions.
I heard vota system charges when it is in idle is that true? I find that hard to believe without a high idle system!! 😎
No it only charges past 1200 rpm. It’s due to emissions regulations because if you charge at idle, then the vehicle wouldn’t pass a smog test since the engine would be working harder
Does your Transit have start/stop and if so, how does that play in with your rving? With our 20 year old class C, if the house battery is low in the morning, I just fire up the engine and let the alternator put some charge back on the house battery.
Also, do you have an AC outlet that is connected directly to shore power? That's kind of important to me. If shore power is lost, I don't mind if the electric heater stops, I don't want the portable heater sucking away at the inverter.
I saw a class B Transit with those exact same front seats at the Adventure Van Expo in Chattanooga. The slow realization that it was the Russos' Storyteller.
Best feature, the aftermarket seats. I'm trying to justify the cost, those are so nice.
The Transit doesn’t have the high idle. You can get it aftermarket but to charge the battery via alternator you need to be over about 1.3k rpm (since it has a secondary alternator). Shore power will run everything with the inverter off. That said, this has 12kwh of battery (equivalent to 1,000 amp hours) so unless you’re running the AC, you can be camped for days and not need to charge.
I hadn't thought about the V6 needing a high idle and didn't know you can bypass the inverter with shore power. Duh, and I call myself a EE. A design that switches to shore power when the inverter is off makes sense. Thank you for the explanations. @@Weretherussos
did storyteller give you this camper or did you pay retail
about how much would that van cost like yours
Hey there, thanks for a great video! I have a question about AWD vs 4WD. In a previous video, you talk about 4WD vehicles being much more capable than modified AWD vans. Can you briefly go into why you ultimately chose the Storyteller AWD over the Sportsmobile/Filed Van Transit with Quigley 4x4? Thanks!!
So there’s a slight misunderstanding there. What you’re referring to was me saying that a 4wd truck is more capable than a AWD van. We like Field Van a lot but we didn’t want to wait for a custom van to be built.
Ahh, I see. So the choice had a lot to do with timeline. Would LOVE to see a comparison video of your Storyteller AWD off-road capability vs the Ford Transit Quigley 4x4. Wanting to do the Trans-America Trail, among other similar trails, and not sure if the Quigley would be overkill? Any suggestions there? Thanks again!
I think the AWD version is as good off-road, if not better than the 4wd system. That said, you might get a bit more ground clearance with the 4wd set up over AWD. I don't know much about the Trans-America Trail but I would suggest reading more about what the trail entails - you may have issues with a high roof van with clearance from trees, etc and vans aren't all that great off-road unless it's the Field Van Classic. My preference would be a truck camper and a Four Wheel Campers pop top on the back.
Heres a video of us off-roading the 4x4 Quigley: ua-cam.com/video/9p_wdiMKxg0/v-deo.html
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions. I’ve had the E-350 Classic on my wish list for years. Hope to make it happen one day! In the mean time, you may want to look into the TAT, I think it’s right up y’all’s alley and would make for some excellent content. Wishing y’all the best!
Joe, how was the front grill replacement? I see your van has the front camera and sensor. Any special considerations for dealing with those two components?
It was very easy, you just need the plastic trim removal tool and line up the new grill with the old so you know where the tabs are. The camera is a couple hex bolts that you have to remove - so have a set of small metric hex bits. I don't believe there are sensors in the US models (but newer ones might have it). We do have a water sprayer next to the camera which you just have to reach in and remove the rubber water line to it. The only consideration is making sure the grill you order has the same cut outs for the camera and water sprayer (or whatever you have on your van).
@@Weretherussos ah I didn’t know that square thing next to the camera was a water sprayer. Glad I asked! Learned two things from you. Thank you!
You're welcome
Curious why they would put a 30A RV plug on the side of an adventure vehicle, a little solar panel, and no rain sensing/ auto closing maxxair fan.
The plug is there to charge the battery system and run off shore power when needed. It would have been silly to omit that. Small solar to trickle charge and get the solar tax credit. You can put more up there then you give up the deck
Thank you for this video! They only build on the 250HD correct?
No, the 350
@@Weretherussos really? I called them and the person on the phone told me the 250. What about the lift? Van compass or the Q-Lift?
I think the person you spoke to may have been confused as the Sprinter comes on the 2500 chassis. I did double check with one of the engineers there and yes, it's still being built on the 350 chassis with a 9,500 lb GVWR. That said, they are switching to the non-ecoboost 3.5 L engine. Saves about 70 lbs and gets better gas mileage (plus less to go wrong). I love the Ecoboost but wish we had the option to consider the non-Ecoboost when we got ours.
@@Weretherussos Thank you for the communication and checking. Not sure I'd be willing to give up the ECO Boost! I do enjoy the power. Ive had no issues as of 38k miles, 30k of those were in the first year. Have you driven the non ECO Boost and do you feel it would still have enough useable power to negotiate some of the hills in traveling under load?
Yes we've driven it but only in an unloaded van. From what I could tell the power was good and we were towing a trailer. I don't remember wishing it had more power. That said, it will rev more than the ecoboost
Hello !, great video! what size tire BF?
Here you go: flarespace.com/collections/148-accessories/products/awd-ford-transit-wheel-bronze-16
@@Weretherussos 👌
what lift inch?@@Weretherussos
STO is offering a 11k rebate on the 2023 LT with 12KWH battery for 160k...any thoughts on that.
check out this episode where we share in more detail our thoughts about the LT podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rving-with-joe-and-kait/id1723230898?i=1000648872714
No mildew problems with the plastic shower curtain folded up?
None. Just let them dry before rolling them back in
if you take out ac unit how big of solar panel watt can u get?
There is loads of room up top for solar without removing anything. That said, I no longer carry my extra solar with me. As is you can go for days on the batteries and if they get low an hour of engine run time charges them back to near full.
does the gear shifter annoy your knee? it annoyed mine so i bought a sprinter instead. im 6'2"
No not at all
Please provide a link and Make/Model to the Storyteller Control Screen?
It’s proprietary
Hello there!
I have the same van. Can I have a link for the raptor grill please?!
You'll have to search for it on Ebay to see if they still have them and make sure the one you find is for the correct year and has the correct mounts if you have the front camera, etc
I like the Ford chassis, but the interior seems too macgyvered together for my taste, especially at the price point. The groove lounge tries to be too many things and appears too big and bulky (and kind of ugly, tbh) for something I don't think I'd use too often. Seems like it's built for more versatility than I require, at the expense of comfort and design. From the video, it seems more cramped than other transit based Class B vans I've seen, even without a wet bathroom. I think it's because of that big, bulky groove lounge.
Where did you custom your car? Im planning to make a camper my van too
storytelleroverland.com/
I looked in to these to replace my current B, but found the quality of it lacking and too sparse for a $204K van.
I like it but at 12mpg and 31 gallons it's limited. You were getting 9mpg with headwinds and that's dicey. Why hasnt somebody done a spare tire replacement tank? But I do love the van.
I'm sure one is in the works.
I know I can trust your review because you admitted to being 5'11 without rounding up to 6ft
How many inches is the suspension lift kit to be able to mount those tires?
I believe it's about 2"
Thanks!, what brand?@@Weretherussos
Vancompass
Why have they discontinued this model? Will you still get support for your van?
They couldn’t get the chassis from Ford in a timely manner. Yes we still get full support
That’s surprising. What is Ford thinking? They made this chassis which is perfectly targeted to builders like STO and they can’t supply?
Here's a question.. im a woman who's tall 6'2 tall.. will I fit? And how much are the tabs? Have a 2011 ford escape.. in wa state and paid $80- for my tabs.. how expensive are they in the van?
Well the ceiling height is 6'6 so you'd fit in that regard but I would suggest finding one on an RV dealers lot and spending some time in the van to see if it fits for you and you're comfortable because I can't answer that for you. Also, I have no idea about the tags, again that would be something you'd need to research.
I just paid abut $132.00 annual license tabs in WA. The initial sales tax plus title and license was about $15,000 in Fife where I purchased it.
Couldn't help but notice that they have no Ford vans in their 2024 lineup. Do you have any idea why?
From what I understand there were issues getting the chassis from Ford.
@@Weretherussos So they will be offering them again? Good.
Custom seats. $3000 for the pair and swizels? Or...?
$6,500 for the pair and new swivels since you can reuse the factory ones as they’re welded to the factory seats.
Our new Storyteller MODE LT only gets 10.9 mpg.
If you’re not doing so, you have to calculate the fuel economy by multiplying the difference in tire size. Since this has larger tires, there’s a 6% difference and your odometer will reflect that. So if it shows 100 miles, you actually went 106. So your MPG should be about 11.5. It will get better as the engine breaks in but most of it has to do with your speed and how aggressive you are with the skinny pedal.
I want to know if your van is 130 WB?
No 148
No toilet using if you have someone in the spare bed
You just pick it up and move it elsewhere.
I've owned a few Fords and driven and ridden in plenty of them. Never found one with comfortable seats. Ford needs to get new seat designers or start outsourcing.