Van Life Winter Camping in Freezing Weather (4 Season Van?)
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- Опубліковано 23 лип 2024
- In today's travel vlog, we do some Van Life winter camping in freezing weather to see if this Storyteller Overland Mode is truly a 4 season van.
I'm out near Bryce Canyon in freezing weather. It's going to get down in the teens tonight, well below freezing. I am curious how this Storyteller Overland Beast Mode holds up to van life winter camping in freezing weather. Unlike a lot of people, I enjoy cold weather and I have kind of sought out van life winter camping the last year.
My Travato was ok in freezing weather but it had some issues and wasn't truly a 4 season van. I had to worry about propane and had to power heating pads on the tanks. The way this Storyteller Overland Mode deals with van life winter camping in freezing weather is a diesel fueled heater that uses fuel from my gas line to keep the van warm in freezing conditions. The diesel lines run along the grey and fresh water tanks to keep them warm while van life winter camping in freezing temperatures.
Additionally, the Volta system is inside the Storyteller Overland Beast Mode, so if you keep the van warm the Volta system will stay warm during van life winter camping in freezing weather. Is this a true 4 season van? I think so. Your only limitation is the size of the diesel fuel tank.
My name is Kevin! I quit my job to travel full time in 2019. I started out traveling the world, hopping from country to country every 30 days. When international travel became impossible, I bought a Winnebago Travato 59KL and set out to experience van life and full time RV living, camping all over the United States. I've been living in a van full time since May 2020 and love living in a tiny house on wheels. On this channel I share my travel adventures. Subscribe to join the fun!
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#travel #nomad #vanlife
You might be the first person I've seen who actually filmed themselves waking up in the morning, whereas most UA-camrs videos seem a little staged, which is actually refreshing! Rise and shine Kevin! 🌞 Haha.
Morning!
My technical mind was thinking...I bet Kevin was editing this video on a beach in Hawaii, sipping a tropical, but keto friendly beverage. So cool the contrast that this vagabond existence gives one the ability to experience! From snow to sand in what appears to be a blink of an eye! Keep living the Dream Kevin...as always, thanks for sharing with us!!
haha...not yet! But the next vid will be edited in that way!
Mp} m
Love the music you choose, makes me dance!! Sounds like the same cords from “I’m Your Puppet”! Old school!
Yeah, it does! :)
Love how you explain things and great dedication getting test readings at 4:30 am! Really enjoyed the new video
haha...im an early riser...so it wasnt too bad! :)
Love that location!! The rig seems pretty perfect for you. I’m impressed with the efficiency of the heater!
Me too!
Thank you Kevin. It’s good to know what I can expect from mine in the near future! Safe travels!
You bet! Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
Absolutely beautiful view! I can’t wait til I find another van... I am so ready to be out there! Thanks for your videos!💙
It's gorgeous! Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
OMG, GREAT beginning! Maybe not so much your being a fraction of an inch from certain death over the cliff!!! (thanks for the shout-out! LMAO!!) LOVE the reflectix. So many uses. You could wrap yourself in it in an emergency, or lay on it if you have to check underneath the vehicle, both suggestions from Jonnie's Journey! Bye bye, Storyteller Overland Mode. We are all duly impressed. Those of us who can't afford you are furiously taking notes so that we can approximate the cool features we want and have to DIY. Waiting for Volta to put their system on sale at 90% off. Well, Kevin, that's that. Can't wait to see what you're up to between now and Hawaii. And then Hawaii. See ya soon!
Doh! I forgot:
I still have one more Storyteller vid! :)
@@30AndAWakeUp Cool! Air pump time!
Thank you for telling us about campgrounds near you as opposed to keeping it completely "secret" 🙏🙏
You bet!
Love the videos, the editing is fun to watch 😌 great content
Glad you enjoy it!
Kevin, nice to see the original, interesting 10 minute edited videos again; instead of marathon Q&A videos. These videos are more enjoyable and informative, plus I can make time to watch. We envy your van life. Keep it up. Semper Fi, Grant.
I always do that on Thursdays. Livestreams are on other days. But I get your point for sure.
Very impressive results sir! That’s a very awesome heating system in that lil rig 👍🏼👏🏼
Thanks 👍
That's pretty awesome how well it seems to do in cold weather, and those MB sprinters really are catching my attention.
You and me both! Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
I just loved Utah😍 My Adventure in 2022 will be Sedona!! I’m going to have to go check out the Vortex:) Safe Travels Kevin! Oh and nice music choice. Got me up and going😄
I love Sedona!!!
Love that music Kevin! Brings back good memories from my child hood ;-)
Thank you! :)
Hi Kevin, what a great review❗️That was a good test
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
Beautiful campsite covered with snow ❄️
Amaizing the diesel tank level was full after an entire night with the heater on
Have fun at Hawaii 🏝️🩳🕶️
Thank you 👍
Looking forward to your next stage of travel adventures
Thanks, David!
That fuel is amazing! And so is the Heat!! I can tell by the way you climbed out of bed, that the heat(with insulation) that you got your dose of heat!!!🔥🔥🔥
Yes, nice and warm!
Awesome video. It looks like an introvert's paradise!
It is! Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
Hello Hello... Hope You had a supper kickass weekend! I am Heading back 2 Cedar City, its rainy and poopie skies rite now . Thank U 4 all U do-)
Nice! Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
I camped in the exact same spot last year! Tried again this year but it was taken. It’s hard to keep gems like that a secret. I’m enjoying your experiences with the SBM... keep up the educational content.
Yeah, it really is an awesome spot!
Good morning Kevin !!! Thank you for this video on how much fuel it consumed etc and how warm the STO kept you in quite cold temperatures. Definitely helps me with my decision to STAY with the STO MODE BEAST 4X4. Enjoy Hawaii as I’m sure you will.
It's a nice rig! :) Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
You are a great "Story teller"...and a natural Ambassador for the Overland... Have fun in Hawaii..Aloha..
Thanks, Albert. Appreciate that feedback!
Great video! Saw the Beast Mode at a dealership in PA last week, it is way HIGH off the ground! Kind of a negative for me at 5' 3", but it was fun to see it in person. Thanks for posting the videos of your experiences!
Oh cool. yeah, it's higher in person than it looks for sure.
Your rig is extremely versatile- you can pretty much go any where, and do as you please without the having to worry about anything! Good choice. Blessings, Bob
Yeah, it's definitely a flexible rig for sure. Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
Great Video Kevin... Im really liking that Storyteller Overland more and more!
Yeah, it's a nice rig.
Kevin, the placement of your camera(s) and editing is really done very well.
I really appreciate that. I put a lot of effort into that kind of stuff. Thanks for noticing!
Love that diesel heater....and I think I love the Havlock wool. Solid video!
Yeah, both seem to make a real difference.
Hello' Kevin thank you so much for this video it is good to know about how efficient the van can be' i am amazed how warm and low fuel usage for over night heating wow' awesome !!! and it is stealthy' 4/4 it seams to be a top notch vehicle' and not bad looking as well'' heu' ive been real busy and have missed some of your video's but glad i could catch this one' hugs have fun .
Glad it was helpful!
I have a diesel heater and LOVE it♥️. I’m going to miss you not being in the Story Teller, but look forward to seeing what adventures await for you. 🚐👍🏼♥️
Im going to miss it as well. Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
👍Terrific video. That low fuel usage heater set up is impressive. 👍💝
Glad you enjoyed it!
Good Morning Kevin ☀️
Hey Brother, it was nice to wake up with ya 😆😁🤣
Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
What an amazing view you had there. Glad you were toastie warm. Jonathan 🇬🇧
Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
Beautiful!
It is for sure!!! Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
From the snowy mountains to warm beaches, nomad life is pretty sweet. Very informative video! 🏔🏝
It has its days! :)
@@30AndAWakeUp here is a question for a future live stream - how do you deal with the stress of driving somewhere new all the time? I had an appt in an unfamiliar part of town and got lost. As a nomad you’re always somewhere unfamiliar!
@@tarac5137 I like it - but it's an easy answer for me -- google maps! :)
@@30AndAWakeUp I get that being lost can be part of the adventure. Sometimes Google Maps leads you astray!
Great informative video!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
Details on those sheets! I love those!
Me too! :) Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
Looks like it kept you nice and toasty in there overnight, Kevin. Nice that it didn't use hardly any fuel at all. Good job. Looking forward to seeing videos of where you are going next, Kevin! Aloha!
Im excited to share future spots! :) Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
Okay, now I want a Storyteller Overland Beast Mode. Great video!
It really is an awesome rig! Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
$190K!
Wow! That Storyteller Beast is amazing! Great design and function. You were so warm your face was red! Thanks for the cold weather video. The winter temps in that area must reach way below zero. Ouch! This is the perfect van for your travels.
My face is always red in the morning :)
@@30AndAWakeUp good circulation no doubt.
Beautiful scenery!
It really is!
Very interesting experiment. The rig looks roomy in the video, I hope you are finding it comfortable. I'm looking forward to more out-of-the-rig adventures while you are in that beautiful setting.
I found it very comfortable!
Great video, I want to see lots of content on that fantastic rig.
More to come! Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
What a great setup!
Im really digging it. Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
You are definitely all wrapped up! Lol! Sounds like everything worked really well and it was pretty toasty in the van over night. :)
Yes it was! Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
I can't believe there is snow there! SO beautiful! Gotta live on the edge or life gets boring!
Yes, ma'am. I hope you are recovering well.
It's a slow process and it's 99 degrees and I'm not allowed in the water til Sunday 😭😭😭
Watching from Delaware - This was a great video about the cold camping capabilities of the STO. Now I’m REALLY wishing I could get one!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
Oh you are soo darn cute when you wake up '' makes a person just want to give you a squeeze good morning .hugs.
awww...thank you :)
Nice thank you
No problem
The storage on top of the bed , I will bang my head everyday when I wake up 😂😂.
Haha...I did at first but eventually I learned my lesson!
You are a great narrator.
Thanks, Buzz.
Thank you for the propane comparison.
No problem. Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
you're good!.. great content!..
I appreciate that! Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
I definitely found pointing the Rixen fan forward and down towards the refrigerator edge circulated the heat best and kept the thermostat correct. I also try to look at the MB miles left to gauge the amount of fuel used. Another great video sir! Not sure what we will all do while you are in Hawaii… other than be jelly!
Ahhh ok. That's good info. I would have loved to know how much having the heat on all night would have moved the "miles left" gauge.
Great site and nice video. I get mine in January, retrace your steps, kinda! Also would have liked to know / see Temperature outside & inside using same thermometer 🌡!
So Volta started on 80 & morning 80%!
@@janismink4282 I left the inverter off - so nothing sucking power but he fridge which doesn't suck much.
that is one impressive test of the 4-season capability of that van!
It's a pretty sweet rig. Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
Sweet set-up!
New subscriber!
Welcome!
Very cool. We set our heat at 67. Otherwise we’re cooking.
We have a similar heating system called Aqua hot. It uses about 1-3 gallons a night for a big 43 ft diesel RV with 380 sq ft. Interior
Very cool. Yeah, I definitely need to turn it down! Way too warm.
I am about to watch this video but would like to thank you already :)
Hope you enjoyed it!
@@30AndAWakeUp You did not disappoint. Great production! Have tried Winnebago Revel,. Love the concept of Story Teller, but I think Winnebago EKKO is where I will land in a year or two.
It's May; I'm still secretly hoping for another Storyteller Overland Beast Mode video.
One more! :)
Really creative opening
Thanks Mary!
Nice it's really 4 season for camping.
Yeah it is. Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
I cannot wait to see some Hawaii videos! Not sure if your there yet.
Soon! :)
I just got here video I loved it Nice rig I like it have get nice and toasty my car rig I like the storyteller let's cool So I have fun stay safe and be careful out there take your living the dream So thank you for sharing
Thank you so much for watching and commenting, Hilde.
@@30AndAWakeUp get your living the dream something I want to do some day but I gotta put my dream on the back burner have been dreaming to take traveling like that there was since that weekend but I hope able to do it So I'll just watch you guys I've been the dreams so thanks for sharing
Very nice video 😁🇨🇦
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
That little furnace in the van, we have been using them for years in our big trucks, semis... I have one in my truck, along with onboard generator, 110 watt solar panels x 2, 5 batteries, AC, 3200 watt inverter, got my Ninja Foodie Grill, Huge ICECO chest 12 volt compressor refrigerator, custom counters, 3 Caframo 12 volt Yatch Fans, 5 amp stereo system, just goes on and on... All I lack is a onboard shower, I saw the one in that rig, I think I can possibly fabricate something similar up. Cool videos, and enjoy Hawaii... ;-)
I love those Ninja Foodie Grills. Thanks for watching and commenting. 🤙
Love to be warm so its seams like they have that covered pretty good.
Yeah, it has a great heater and insulation.
Hi Kevin, I love your videos. But by the way I believe the silver portion of the window coverings point outward and the blue portion of the window coverings points inward.
Blue out in cold to absorb the heat....reflective out in the heat to reflect heat :)
Impressive! Looks like you are on the space station😜
haha...it kinda does! :)
Kevin, TY SOOOO MUCH! I need to find out about a RETRO- fit for the class C. I can attest to how DREADFULLY LOW our PROPANE got in short order by using it at night.
Yeah, definitely recommend heaters that tap into your gas tank.
Nice camper van 🚐 I see many of these types very convenient, just subbed to your channel 🤝
Thanks for the sub! I think I've seen you in some of the Thailand livestreamer channels.
@@30AndAWakeUp yes I have a channel small one and I modd for many other channels
Watched his on my TV. Came here on my iPad to comment.
Thanks!
Liked how you started the video.
Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
it was fun to put together
Morning Kevin you really like parking almost to the edge bravo!! I would be very nervous but, it's fun watching you be that close. By the way, what did you have for breakfast when you got up?? Great video!!
Haha...coffee and a bowl of cereal!
Impressive rig
I love it! Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
Keep your chin up .Even if it's a tin roof on wheels you're not homeless
nope
-20 is cold -40 freezing . The heater uses around A gallon in 24 hours . The big thing on the heater is condensation propane puts out moisture so you get a lot of condensation .
Thanks for the info.
Definitely need to make sure those heater vents are not pointed down towards the van floor. It can cause the vinyl floor coverings to warp. The location of the vent and thermostats in just about every van can be problematic and dialing in the temperature can be tough. We have a Webasto, not familiar with what a STO uses, but the Webasto has a +/- temperature offset setting you can use to try to better manage the temperature, but haven't had a chance to use it enough yet to dial that in.
ahhh very cool...I'll check to see if this one has that.
Very true, I left a pair of nice leather work boots near that heater vent of my Airtronic unit, needless to say, the boots were destroyed, as the leather shrunk around four sizes... Never make that mistake again...
Love the song, bring on the music. Thanks
Me too! :) Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
So that's definitely nice camper van definitely better way to heat
Most definitely!
After all that foil on the windows, you must feel like a jacket potato! Glad it kept you warm in the oven too! 😆
Interesting that there is only one heating vent, but the van is kind of small so I guess that makes sense. I wonder why they didn't have a vent in the back near the batteries... that way the heat could warm them up and you wouldn't need an extra heating pad.
Be seeing you!
yeah that's a good point...would be smart to run a fun back to the batter compartment
Hi from Brisbane Australia . Would you consider putting a curtain up across behind the front seats to insulate 😊 Take care in the cold . Regards Damian
Yeah, that's a pretty smart idea. I love Brisbane by they way. Spent lots of time there in my Navy days. Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
I’d prefer a “not to have to kick the covers off” temperature so around 65 would be great but you proved that beast can hold a good temp! And 4:30am? Why tho haha! Nice video.
haha...I always get up early! ha!
Oh right Navy I forgot 🤣
I have a 59G now, 74000 miles and counting. I was thinking I would do my own stealth build when I'm ready for a new B but I'm loving this Storyteller! How is the road noise when you are driving?
There isn't much road noise even with the KO2 tires this rig comes with. Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
Kevin, thanks for going through the insulation and heating system of the Storyteller in a real cold environment test. (16 degrees) Any negative issues with the Storyteller during your test run?
No, none at all. I've really loved living in this van. Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
Hey Kevin,
102° in the Phoenix metropolitan area today, but we’re gonna have a cool down by Sunday, it will only be 92° I’m looking forward to that! 😎 🤣
I spent most if the day outside with my dog. The heat doesn’t bother me one bit. I love the 🌞
Haha...but it's a dry heat right? ha! :)
@@30AndAWakeUp
Yes, I love the dry heat. When I spend time with my family in NJ,
I get a conditional on known as SAD. I find myself looking for breaks in the clouds so I can get an eye full of sunshine to get rid of the sadness before it sets in. When one is used to having a lot of sun, daily, it doesn’t take but a few cloudy days for a gloomy feeling to set in. It wasn’t always that way, when I was younger and stationed in Tucson. After getting a headache from partying all night, I would find myself asking the sun if it really had to shine so bright that day.
Do you know that when it’s too hot here, like 118°+ or 120°+ at Sky Harbor, the airport won’t let flights land.
@@30AndAWakeUp
If you’ve never been to Pearl Harbor, check it out. It’s absolutely the most beautiful base I have visited.
@@nluz7729 I was stationed there for 9 years! :)
@@30AndAWakeUp
They had you on dry dock for a while. You are practically a desert rat like me. It’s hard to believe but we do have the Navy out here. My brother-in-law did 20 years in the Active Navy Reserve, he preferred not to do ship tours.
He spent most of his time at Andrews with my sister and their kids, which was nice for me, I was 4 hours away at Langley for while. I actually got permission to swap my assignment with someone at Luke. I really wanted to get back to the desert.
Speaking of dry heat, we had several areas of the state, including Phx, at zero percent humidity a couple of weeks ago.
Snowed in for the winter with a 5 foot dump of snow...
Oh wow!
I love the build quality and Volta and have never seen a mode in person but they seem so spartan to live in like living in a truck. Do they feel different in reality? Still would prefer the Revel floorplan..wish they would add a "Revelish" mode to their line up. I've always said a cross between the Revel and STO would be perfect and I think there would be a big market for it.
Yeah, it is pretty Spartan but it feels more open than the Revel which is what I like. I feel like Im in a cave when I am in a Sprinter with a walled off bathroom if that makes sense.
Nice. I have been in Bryce in my former pop top Ford Traverse with snow. No insulation in a pop top, How loud is your heater for those near you?
Can't really hear it outside the rig.
I always wanted to know how much fuel these onboard heaters used. I want to stay away from propane as much as possible due to limited fuel capacity in the van.
I have had both and this is soooooo much better! Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍
I don't remember where I saw it but I think fuel draw is .08gallon per hour on low setting.
Thanks for that bit of info.
Check out the Pleasure Way Recon 4x4 camper van, even more Intrepid than the Beast Mode
My issue is propane, not a great electrical system and the walls in the middle of the rig for the bathroom. But PW builds great rigs - so Im sure it's amazing inside.
How comfortable are the seats in a sprinter for long trips, do you need to switch them out for something better.
they are awesome....super comfortable
Have you seen the new Pleasure Way Adventure Van? I hope they have you try it out.
Yeah, not too crazy about he propane and closet bathroom though. But I'd love to try it!
Do those shades/insulation have their own storage areas or do we have to allocate storage space to bring them when going to cold places?
no but i just shove them behind the seat!
"Hit the rack" Haven't heard that since I left the Corps.
Haha....yep. I forget that's not a common phrase.
@@30AndAWakeUp when my 12 year old daughter told me that it was time to “rack out” I knew she’d been secretly listening all these years! No mention of the “Z monster” yet, but I’m sure it’s coming. 😂
I just saw someone posted a picture of a 2.5# canister of chocolate covered sea salt caramels they’d left in front of their Truma outlet. They ended up with chocolate covered sea salt caramel fondue! Yikes! That performance is pretty impressive and the fuel consumption…wow! Now, if they’d only do a cassette toilet. I wonder if I could mount a Nature’s Head on a track in the garage in lieu of a larger Porta-Potty? It’s a shame (in a good way for STO) that STO is so back ordered!
Cassette toilet would be cool. hidden somewhere.
@@30AndAWakeUp Upon rethinking Nature’s Head…. It won’t work without a vent. @We’re the Russos used their larger Thetford Potti on their trip with Mom. It’s the same one they use in their FWC.
Do think that the window coverings with the silver inside, looks cheap. They should line the inside of the covers to make them look more aesthetic.
doesnt bother me...it's only at night..and in the summer the reflective side goes out
Van looks good. I wish it didn't have those red, orange & yellow stripes all over.
Yeah, you either like that retro look or you dont. The Stealth doesnt have the stripes.
I know its only Him, but that is a small space. Very claustro.
Definitely not for everyone but I love it. Thanks for watching and commenting. 🚍