Winnebago Revel vs. Storyteller Overland - Which one is the Better Adventure Van

There are plenty of factors that are important when considering what the right van is for you. Whether you spend your time camping, surfing, or making cross-country road trips, you want your adventure van to hold all your gear and get you safely to your destination.

We will compare two of the most popular adventure van models you can buy straight off the lot if you don't want to custom design a van yourself: the Winnebago Revel and the Storyteller Overland. Although there is some overlap between the two, since they are both Class B RVs based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 144" 4x4 chassis, each has defining features that might make one more appealing to you.

Keep reading to get all the information you need to decide between two of the best Class B adventure vans out there!

Winnebago Revel

History

Winnebago  Industries is a classic RV company that has made motorhomes since the 1960s. However, the Winnebago Revel has revamped the classic RV look. Winnebago wanted to take the features that have made their RVs so popular for so long and make them even more durable, outdoorsy, and reliable. 

Winnebago calls the Revel the first mass-produced, manufactured 4x4 RV in the United States. It first rolled out to market in 2017, and they’ve made many improvements and tweaks to the Revel camper van since then. 

Features

The Winnebago Revel has plenty of innovative features that make this RV a competitive choice for your ready-to-go adventure van. First, the Revel has a 320-amp hour LiFePO4 battery, which you can monitor via Bluetooth. This will allow you to stay off the grid longer and travel farther distances before hooking up again. 

The seating within the van boasts ergonomic design for comfort, compartments for storage, two seat belts for safety, and a removable table for space flexibility. Additionally, the interior features are easy-to-maintain, with heavy-duty vinyl flooring, and aluminum constructed cabinets.

The back of the van features a power lift bed which transforms the living space into storage space for your gear. This also gives you easy access to the internal freshwater tank and the lithium system. 

Lastly, Winnebago redesigned the galley area, creating a removable counter extension, adding refrigerator access from inside and outside the coach, including a storable induction cooktop, and adding a rectangular sink with fixed faucet. 

Specs

The Winnebago Revel is built on the MB Sprinter 144” chassis and comes with a 3.0L 6-cylinder, 188-hp, turbo-diesel engine, 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, and a 220-amp alternator. There is also traction control 4-wheel ABS brakes. It includes a trailer hitch with a 5,000-lb. drawbar and 500-lb. maximum vertical tongue weight. Customers also have the option to upgrade to premium wheels, and the BF Goodrich KO2 tires. 

The Revel also features the Mercedes-Benz DISTRONIC PLUS® adaptive cruise control, which maintains a defined distance from vehicles in front, and blind-spot monitoring to help during lane changes, backing up and exiting the vehicle.

Navigation is a breeze with the MBUX® infotainment center, which includes a voice interface, Wi-Fi hotspot, and rear camera.

The van has an exterior length of 19’7” and height of 10’. The awning length is 9’6”. The interior height is 6’3” and the width is 5’9.5”.

Financing

Buying an adventure van is a big decision. Vans often act as a second home to those using them, so picking the right van at the right price might seem difficult. The Revel Winnebago starts at $210,292, but you can request a quote from the company if you want to make any changes or additions. 

Warranty & Service

If you want an adventure van with a team of experts to help you fix any problems, then the Winnebago Revel might be for you. Not only does your entire motorhome come with a warranty, but each component also comes with its own warranty. Although this may seem like overkill, Winnebago knows which parts of your motorhome might need more extended coverage than others. 

If you ever have a problem with any part of your Winnebago Revel, you can locate a dealer to fix what you need. Additionally, you can visit the Winnebago Factory Service Center in Iowa for anything you need. 

Aftermarket Accessories Availability

Although the Winnebago comes well equipped, most Revel owners will want to add their own personal touch with interior and exterior upgrades. Us and other aftermarket companies offer many different options for taking your Revel to the next level from an aesthetic and performance aspect. Many customers opt for upgrading to one of our Sprinter roof racks such as our Safari Style Sprinter Roof Rack, remove the factory rear ladder, and upgrade to our Sprinter Wheel Wrap Side Ladder for a more aggressive look. Rear Gear Carriers and Tire Carriers are also a popular choice for Revel owners.

Shop for Winnebago Revel Accessories here. 

Storyteller Overland

History

Storyteller Overland was started by Jeffrey Hunter in 2018. He wanted to start the company to give people easier access to adventure vans and a life surrounded by nature. In order to help people explore nature and feel prepared to go off-road, Storyteller currently has three 4x4 vans that are called MODE Vans, and a MODE LT option built on the Ford Transit platform. 

Features

Three of the MODE vans have a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 144” chassis, off-road capabilities and a 3.0L Turbo Diesel engine. They all come with swiveling driver and co-driver seats, driving light systems, and satellite radio. Additionally, the interiors have a two-seater convertible sofa bed, with a bed in the garage that can convert to additional storage space. 

Your MODE van will come with an M-Power 12kWh energy storage system (Stealth and Beast only), a 90W solar panel, a powered awning with LED lighting, and a secondary alternator for battery charging. 

Lastly, all four MODE vans come equipped with a 30A shore power cord, a 21-gallon fresh water tank, a portable toilet, a 24-gallon gray water tank, and a city water connection. 

Options

If you would like to buy a Storyteller Overland, you can choose from the MODE LT (Transit), Classic Mode (Sprinter), Stealth Mode (Sprinter), or Beast Mode (Sprinter). The MODE LT is the most basic model, and the Beast Mode is the most advanced model. 

The MODE LT, and the other three models, include transition wheels with all-terrain tires, a touch screen control system, and a removable upper cabinetry. The Beast Mode also includes door speakers, a trailhead brush guard, on-board air compressor, a KC HiLiTES® 360° Lighting Package, a no rub fender kit, fender flares, and more. 

Specs

The Storyteller Overland is also built on the MB Sprinter 144” chassis and comes with a 3.0L 6-cylinder, 188-hp, turbo-diesel engine, 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, and a 220-amp alternator - the same basic setup as the Winnebago Revel. Customers have the option to upgrade to different wheels and tires depending on what trim level they get from Storyteller.

The Storyteller MODE vans also feature the Mercedes-Benz DISTRONIC PLUS® adaptive cruise control, which maintains a defined distance from vehicles in front, and blind-spot monitoring to help during lane changes, backing up, and exiting the vehicle.

Navigation is straightforward with the MBUX® infotainment center, which includes a voice interface, Wi-Fi hotspot, and rear camera.

Although the measurements are generally comparable, the specs of each MODE van differ slightly when the exterior accessories are factored in. They also all have a 24.5 gallon Sprinter Fuel Capacity and a 31 gallon Transit Fuel Capacity. 

• Classic, Stealth, and Beast MODE (Sprinter 144” 4x4 platform)
• 20’ Exterior Length
• 7’6” Exterior Width 
• 10’ Exterior Height 

• MODE LT (Ford Transit 148” AWD platform)
• 19’4” Exterior Length 
• 8’2” Exterior Width
• 10’3” Exterior Height

Pricing & Financing

The most basic MODE van, the MODE LT starts at $153,748 and the Beast Mode Van starts at $198,746. 

Warranty & Service

Once you purchase a MODE van, you will be able to rely on the help and services of the Storyteller team. In fact, the team has developed an app called the MODElife Customer Care App, which you can turn to if you need answers to commonly asked questions. Additionally, you can schedule a call with customer support and find in-person service all on the app. 

Storyteller Overland also has a network of dealers that you can go to while traveling for in-person care. 

Aftermarket Accessories Availability

Depending on which Storyteller MODE you choose, you’ll likely have a handful of exterior upgrades you’ll want to make in order to take it to the next level.  

Winnebago Revel vs. Storyteller Overland Comparison Chart

	Winnebago Revel	Storyteller Overland MODE Series
Buying Experience	Large dealer network - convenient if you run into any issues.	Smaller dealer network, but a personalized experience throughout.
Price*	Starting around $210k for the 2022 model.	Starting around $150 and going up to around $200k for the Beast model.
Layout	More segmented, fixed so you can't move things around as much.	More open and modular to accommodate to your preference.
Fresh Water / Grey Water	21 gal fresh water / 21 gal grey water	21 gal fresh water / 24 gal grey water
Water Hook Up	Water connection is on the inside only.	Fresh water and city water connection are outside, or can use siphon on the inside.
Extra Seating / Spare Bed / Lounge	Fixed dinette seating with 2 lap seat belts and compartments for storage.	Modular  GrooveLounge™ with 2 lap/shoulder DOT rated seat belts - converts to be a bench, lounge, couch, or bed.
Main Bed	Elevator bed. Gets out of the way but reduces the available standing height when in the stowed position.	Murphy style bed can fold up and be out of the way, allows you to stand up in garage area and strap down gear.
Sink	Rectangular sink with fixed faucet	Stainless Steel Sink with Folding Faucet
Stove	Portable induction cooktop included	Portable induction cooktop included
Shower	Dedicated full wet bath shower which can also be used as a hanging storage closet	Storable Halo Shower™ System that's easy to set up, and a rear outdoor shower
Toilet	Fixed 5 gallon cassette toilet that swivels, with easy access to the holding tank from the outside of the van.	Portable 2.5 gallon cassette toilet included.
Microwave	N/A	Microwave included
Cabinets	Fixed	Removable

 

Conclusion

Both adventure vans are great choices for any of your outdoor adventures. However, there are a few features that might make you prefer one over the other.

If you want a fixed bathroom, a power lift bed, warranty security, hydronic heating, and lots of storage space, the Winnebago Revel might be the best choice for you. You will have to be prepared to deal with limited living space and the higher price. 

On the other hand, if you are looking for a great power system, a quiet running van, or versatile living and storage space the Storyteller Overland is probably the better choice. However, be prepared for the lack of a permanent bathroom and less coverage. 

 

Sources: 

All images courtesy of Winnebago Industries & Storyteller Overland