If your current overland vehicle has five stick figures stuck to the rear window, this is the new vehicle for you. Storyteller Overland has announced an expansion of its product range by introducing the all-new Crew Mode, a 170-inch wheelbase Mercedes-Benz Sprinter adventure van designed to accommodate additional passengers, sleeping space, and essential gear. The move signals the company’s entry into the 170-inch segment, having already achieved success with its 144-inch Sprinter Mode lineup. The Storyteller Overland team created the Crew Mode by applying the same core philosophy behind the 144-inch models—delivering rugged, capable, and comfortable overland exploration vehicles—and adapting it to an extended wheelbase.
The Crew Mode is based on the capable AWD 170-inch 3500 dually Sprinter Chassis from Mercedes-Benz. It brings together the off-grid exploration capabilities of the smaller 144-inch vans while including a larger footprint to accommodate more occupants and gear. Storyteller Overland has specifically focused on seatbelt capacity, sleeping arrangements, and the variety of interior configurations this new platform can provide. The result is an adventure van that addresses the practical needs of overland travelers who prioritize both safety and comfort over extended journeys.
Every seating solution on board is reported to meet or exceed the applicable Department of Transportation (DOT) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards for seat pull tests, ensuring occupants can travel with peace of mind. The driver’s side rear bench seat is designed for forward-facing travel but also swivels, allowing passengers to lounge and take in the scenery when the van is stationary. This bench seat sits adjacent to a removable captain’s chair, which can be installed or removed depending on whether the owner values more seating or prefers greater interior space for other uses.
Up to four adults and five little people can be accommodated across two large RV beds. The rear of the van features Storyteller Overland’s TroupeLounge, which converts from a spacious queen-sized bed to a workstation or a casual lounge area for socializing. Accessed by a ladder inside the cabin is a powered, hard-sided rooftop tent that houses a second bed, roughly full size, complete with its own ventilation system. This setup creates a unique multi-level sleeping arrangement so you can send the kids off to sleep in the rooftop fort while you enjoy some quiet time.
Storyteller Overland further refines day-to-day living amenities through a thoughtfully designed kitchen and full bathroom solution. The kitchen includes a 3.3-cubic-foot refrigerator/freezer, a stainless-steel sink, a combination microwave and air fryer, a portable induction stove, and over 120 inches of continuous countertop space. This arrangement provides ample space for meal preparation and for storing kitchen essentials. The Crew Mode’s full bathroom, known as the BoomBox, contains a flushable toilet and a ventilated shower area. When not in use, it doubles as a wet/dry closet for storing items that may be needed during the trip or placed out of the way, a perfect solution for drying five various-sized wetsuits.
The van also has a cabin air conditioner, an efficient hydronic diesel heater for cabin heat and hot water, and a 16.8-kilo-watt-hour M-Power system (powered by Lithionics) for onboard electricity. In addition, 345-watt-rated solar panels supply further energy autonomy, while a heavy-duty rear gear slide-out tray—rated to 300 pounds—provides easy access to bulky or heavier items stored in the back.
The AWD 170-inch 3500 Sprinter Chassis features dual rear wheels that distribute weight more evenly, allowing owners to carry more gear and additional passengers without sacrificing ride quality. These dual rear wheels also improve lateral stability during towing or driving in windy conditions.
CEO of Storyteller Overland, Lee Conn, said,
“We have always envisioned offering a 170-inch Sprinter-based adventure van that solves for more family—or more crew—than our 144-inch Modes, so we are thrilled to officially launch the 2025 Crew Mode at the 40th Annual Florida RV Super Show. The Crew Mode simply offers more of everything Storyteller Mode’s are known for in terms of attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship. Our team of visionary designers and engineers has created the most adaptive and infinitely configurable Mode yet, tailored to meet the unique needs of adventurers everywhere.”
The Crew Mode is expected to begin shipping to consumers in the first quarter of 2025, with a retail price of $250,000.
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