Storyteller Overland BEAST MODE reviews

I purchased a ~$200,000 Storyteller Overland van from La Mesa RV (Fremont), built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, and this has been one of the most frustrating ownership experiences I’ve ever had. Even the purchase process should have been a warning sign. While finalizing paperwork, the finance manager at La Mesa RV openly acknowledged that issues often “fall through the cracks” between Mercedes and Storyteller, and then aggressively pushed an extended warranty—going so far as to say it was “stupid” not to buy it after spending this much on a van. At the time, it felt inappropriate. In hindsight, it feels like a clear warning of what was to come. From the very first drive home, I started getting battery warning lights. Within a month, the van broke down completely on a trip to Los Angeles and had to be towed after going into limp mode. I was told the battery was replaced and everything was fixed. It wasn’t. Since then, the van has repeatedly failed to start, including being completely dead after sitting unused. I’ve now had to call Mercedes roadside assistance multiple times, most recently being told to let the engine run to recharge the battery—only for it to die again immediately after turning it off. At one point, even roadside support noted flickering interior lights suggesting deeper electrical issues. What’s most frustrating is that none of this was disclosed upfront: • La Mesa RV never mentioned these known battery drain issues • Storyteller Overland never explained that the vehicle cannot sit unused for more than 1–2 weeks without requiring a battery tender or disconnect system • Mercedes-Benz has not taken ownership of diagnosing or resolving what now appears to be a systemic electrical problem Only AFTER I started digging did I hear from a Storyteller representative that these issues are widely known and tied to vans sitting for extended periods before sale. So let me summarize: • I paid ~$200K for a vehicle I cannot rely on • I’ve spent 20+ hours troubleshooting and coordinating service • I’ve had to tow it and call roadside assistance multiple times • I still do not have a functioning, dependable vehicle • And no one—not La Mesa RV, not Storyteller, not Mercedes—has taken responsibility or offered a real solution Instead, I’ve been bounced between companies, each implying it’s someone else’s problem. This feels like a system where the dealer sells it, the manufacturer builds it, Mercedes supplies the chassis—and when something goes wrong, nobody owns the outcome. At this point, I genuinely believe I was sold a defective vehicle without proper disclosure. If you’re considering buying from La Mesa RV, a Storyteller Overland van, or anything built on a Mercedes Sprinter platform, do your homework on these battery and electrical issues first. I wanted this van for adventures with my family. Instead, it’s been a time-consuming, expensive, and deeply disappointing experience. Show less

My 2021 StoryTeller Overland Beast Mode has been such a joy to own. I looked at other Class B Sprinter based campers, and nothing compared to STO, in the non-custom build market. The coach is a solid build with so many thought out features. The biggest selling point, besides build quality, is the battery capacity. The Volta lithium bank seems endless and combined with Boost mode and the 2nd alternator, I never ran out of power. The team at STO is awesome as well. It's rare you find a company that cares about their product and customers. They have been there with any question and a couple of minor repairs with no issue. Short of going full custom, you won't find a better RV company out there. Truly an A+ organization! Show less

Bought this rugged 4x 4 Mode from Adventureland Campers in July 2020. Brand new Mercedes Sprinter van. Liveability and design, perfect. But when Mercedes Sprinter Van lost both wheel sensors on snowy road, we limped into Chicago and have been without our vehicle for 2 months now, because no one at Mercedes Headquarters in Sandy Springs, GA want to warranty their design flaw on a new vehicle with less that 10K miles! And since we have to go through Mercedes North America HQ, because you buy directly from RV dealers, the consumer is basically on their own for support and support has been pitiful. Buy directly from a dealer who stands behind their products. This has been a huge regret on our part. Show less