With #vanlife and overlanding occupying adjacent lanes of the zeitgeist these days, it’s no surprise that some enterprising companies are creating vehicles that can straddle the centerline between them. The latest rig from Storyteller Overland, however, elevates the idea of an off-road camper van to a whole new level.
Meet the Beast Mode camper van.
Now, Storyteller Overland’s basic Mode 4×4 camper van is nothing to scoff at. The Alabama-based company starts with a all-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, then adds on off-road-ready wheels and tires, a lithium-ion battery-based power system, a sofa that converts into a bed, a kitchen with electric cook top, fridge and microwave, and a wet bath and hidden shower system. The aft cargo hold converts into the primary sleeping area, thanks to a memory foam mattress that folds down from the sides; all told, it can sleep up to four people.
The Beast Mode builds upon that foundation by adding an Agile Offroad performance suspension that includes Fox shocks and heavy-duty leaf springs, an Owl swing-away tire carrier on the rear, LED off-road lights and a front bumper light bar, and roof, rear door and side-mount cargo racks — the latter made specifically for a surfboard. Dive inside Beast Mode, and you’ll find organizational gear from Overland Gear Guys to help keep things neat and tidy.
Beast Mode is just a concept van (at least, for now), but its aftermarket-heavy changes mean it likely wouldn’t be too difficult to recreate it yourself if you wanted to. Of course, you’d better be ready to spend big to match it; with an entry-level Mode 4×4 starting around $150,000, going full Beast Mode would likely cost you around the price of a fully-loaded Porsche 911 Turbo S. Tough choice.
The best way to catch up on the day’s most important product releases and stories. Read the Story
Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.
