Overland Vehicle for 5 + Dog

[Todtan]

Understood. My family has a suburban and it may be my favorite vehicle thus far. It is a great road trip machine. I can't attest to its offroad ability (atleast, more than rough ranch roads) but it is a wonderful vehicle for a family and gear.

We are a family of 4 with a large dog and have been looking at adding a van like yours to the fleet. I'd be curious to see how yours is setup on the inside. Exterior looks great.

So we did a bunch of research on Sprinter options before we got one. In fact we initially purchased a 2019 2wd Sprinter and did a simple weekender build adding sound deadening, insulation, slider windows, interior lights/DC/AC outlets powered by a solar generator w/solar on the roof, a modular platform bead and some storage. This was a super functional build out but we quickly realized we wanted something more so we could go for extended trips off-grid. After researching custom builds and such we came across Storyteller Overland and their built Sprinter. The floor plan flexibility with the features we wanted (robust power, A/C and shower) plus their build quality was attractive to us. The kicker is even their base mode (Mode Classic) was way out of our price range. Due to a total happenstance meeting we found ourselves with an opportunity to purchase a slightly used Storyteller from a guy who was super accommodating. It's an awesome setup for us and we've put it to good use.

2023 Classic MODE

The Classic MODE from Storyteller Overland is purely the ultimate getaway vehicle.

storytelleroverland.com

We are not certain we'll change up our vehicle but I'm doing some investigation. With the mods we've added to our Storyteller it's pretty dang capable but at the same time I certainly am more cautious due to our investment.?

 

[Todd780]

So we did a bunch of research on Sprinter options before we got one. In fact we initially purchased a 2019 2wd Sprinter and did a simple weekender build adding sound deadening, insulation, slider windows, interior lights/DC/AC outlets powered by a solar generator w/solar on the roof, a modular platform bead and some storage. This was a super functional build out but we quickly realized we wanted something more so we could go for extended trips off-grid. After researching custom builds and such we came across Storyteller Overland and their built Sprinter. The floor plan flexibility with the features we wanted (robust power, A/C and shower) plus their build quality was attractive to us. The kicker is even their base mode (Mode Classic) was way out of our price range. Due to a total happenstance meeting we found ourselves with an opportunity to purchase a slightly used Storyteller from a guy who was super accommodating. It's an awesome setup for us and we've put it to good use.

2023 Classic MODE

The Classic MODE from Storyteller Overland is purely the ultimate getaway vehicle.

storytelleroverland.com

We are not certain we'll change up our vehicle but I'm doing some investigation. With the mods we've added to our Storyteller it's pretty dang capable but at the same time I certainly am more cautious due to our investment.?

Looks like a nice van.

Is there anything you can do to it to make it tow better? Chip, Tune, Transmission oil coolers etc... suspension mods like rear anti sway bar, air bags?

What is is rated to tow and do you know the payload remaining after the all the modifications that have been done to it?

Is the only issue with it for you that it doesn't tow well currently?

 

[rcintx]

Wow. Great layout. Awesome that you lucked into a van that nice. Storyteller's are way out of my price range as well but definitely drooled over on my IG feed.

 

[Ozarker]

If all this is just about towing, might change what you're towing instead of that nice van set up.

 

[PirateMcGee]

Bump up the budget and get a fullsize crew cab truck. I like the Titan XD but there are many great options.

 

[irish44j]

Suburban of course is a solid choice, but (and yes, I'm biased), I'll vote 2nd gen Sequoia. A little bit less length than a Suburban (but not much less), but fits five easily with plenty of gear and way more refined than the big GMs for long hauls, in my experience. Tows great (I generally tow 5000 lbs or so of trailer/racecar+1000 lbs of stuff inside the Sequoia), but get rear airbags. Mine has 180k miles on it with only regular maintenance.

 

[Explorerinil]

Suburban of course is a solid choice, but (and yes, I'm biased), I'll vote 2nd gen Sequoia. A little bit less length than a Suburban (but not much less), but fits five easily with plenty of gear and way more refined than the big GMs for long hauls, in my experience. Tows great (I generally tow 5000 lbs or so of trailer/racecar+1000 lbs of stuff inside the Sequoia), but get rear airbags. Mine has 180k miles on it with only regular maintenance.

That’s a very solid reliable suv. Very good recommendation!