Storyteller Overland VS. Winnebago Revel: Which van is right for you?

If you are in the market for a Sprinter van, choosing the right vehicle can be incredibly overwhelming. With the number of vehicles on the market and the differences and similarities between each one, there’s enough information out there to make your head spin. Though there are plenty of options, two popular choices consistently stand out – the Storyteller Overland MODE Series and the Winnebago Revel 4×4. Come along with us as we do a deep dive into the differences and similarities between these two exceptional adventure vans, helping you make an informed decision for your next epic journey.

1. Design and Customization:

First, both vans were made to be customized, and thankfully, there are plenty of aftermarket products out there to help you make your van your own. If you want additional storage or like to be a little more organized, there are systems like the GSS (Storyteller) or the GSS-R (Revel). You can also add things to amplify your time outside the van, like an Upper Decker Seating System or the Sunset Lounge System. 

There are plenty of ways to put the garage of the van to use, and depending on your lifestyle needs, there are systems available for almost everything. Want to transform your garage into a usable outdoor kitchen? The Canyon Kitchen + was made for just that! Are you an avid biker but don’t want to leave your bikes exposed to the elements or at risk of being stolen? Check out our BTSS (STO) or the BMS (Revel). Do you have pets and want to ensure they are safe while they ride? Secure your dog’s crate using the cargo tie-down anchors.

 

2. Bathroom 

 

While both vans have a bathroom, they use two very different styles. The Storyteller uses a patented system called the HALO Shower System that is able to be tucked away into the cabinet above. The Revel on the other hand has a dedicated wet bath with walls and a door. The style of bathroom is often the deciding factor between the two vans for many people. 

 

Everyone has their own style and comfort level when it comes to bathrooms, or as they say – different strokes for different folks ;). The STO toilet is stored in the FlexSpace and is not fixed in place, so you are able to take the toilet outside to use the restroom in peace or even find a beautiful spot to do your business. The Revel toilet is fixed in place behind a solid door, so are able to have some privacy while using the restroom in the van.

 

Both are portable/cassette-type toilets that allow you to remove the tank and dump it in any (proper) receptacle like a family member’s restroom, a dump station, or a porta-potty. The portable toilet in the Storyteller has a smaller capacity (2.6-gallons) than the Revel (5-gallons) and both have their pros and cons – 2.5 gal is more manageable to carry and dump, while 5-gallons can get a bit heavy. But on the other hand, you can go longer without dumping your toilet with a larger tank capacity.

 

3. Power system 

 

The Storyteller has a huge 12-kilowatt lithium battery system. Lights, temperature, the exhaust fan, and tank levels can all be monitored and controlled using their MODE COM Panel. Storytellers come standard with a 90W solar panel on the roof that is expandable up to 600W. The Winnebago Revel comes with a 320-amp hour lithium-ion battery that can be monitored via Bluetooth.® and an app. This is 30% more battery capacity than prior years, now providing 4,133 watt-hours. It comes standard with a 215W solar panel that is expandable up to 450W. Electrical, temperature control, and water systems can all be monitored and controlled through a LED touchscreen panel.

 

 

5. Bed

 

Although the Revel and Storyteller use two very different types of bed systems, they both allow for a substantial amount of storage underneath. The Revel uses an electric Power Lift Bed that raises up to the ceiling, and the Storyteller Dream Weaver Bed is a Murphy bed that folds up out of the way, attaching against the wall. Both beds were designed to sit high enough fit plenty of storage and larger gear such as bikes, skis, or dog crates. Or, you can use this area for an office or additional seating. 

 

Both beds can fit someone up to about 6’3” sleeping end to end. If you are taller than 6’3” or just want a larger bed, check out the Murphy Bed System with Slide-Out Extensions that can fit someone up to 6’9” (made only for the Storyteller). 

 

The Storyteller offers an additional bed using their patented GrooveLounge system, which can be turned into a bench seat for two, a couch, or a twin bed. Winnebago did away with the second bed in the Revel, so without modifications, there is only one sleeping area.

 

8. Brand Support

Storyteller Overland is a relatively new company and much smaller than Winnebago. This allows them to put more of a focus on their owners and their community. While issues will come up with any manufacturer, it seems as though Storyteller is better equipped to handle issues that arise within its smaller group of owners. 

 

Winnebago is a trusted name in the RV industry and it brings its expertise and heritage to the van world. Their many years of experience building adventure vehicles, along with their reputation for quality craftsmanship and reliable performance, makes the Winnebago Revel a popular choice among the vanlife community. With their ability to manufacture so many vehicles a year, their owner community is much larger and offers an expansive amount of knowledge.  

 

Conclusion: 

 

Both the Storyteller and the Revel have been carefully designed to be rugged, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. They offer customizable layouts, an ample amount of aftermarket accessories and upgrades, and thoughtful uses of space to store gear for every type of adventure – allowing you to personalize your van to fit your specific lifestyle and needs. 

Choosing between one of the Storyteller Overland MODE vans and the Winnebago Revel ultimately comes down to personal preferences and specific needs. Both vans offer impressive features, off-road capabilities, and a commitment to enhancing your life through amazing outdoor experiences. Really, between these two vans, there is no wrong answer. The most important thing is that you are able to get out and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. Take time to thoroughly assess your preferences and requirements before making your decision to ensure that the van you choose perfectly aligns with your adventure style. Happy travels!

Below is a chart breaking down the differences between the two vans:

	Winnebago Revel	Storyteller Overland MODE Series
Bathroom	Fixed wet bath with a door	FlexSpace shower pan and HALO Shower System. Tucks away into a cabinet
	Fixed 5-gallon cassette toilet	Portable 2.6-gallon cassette toilet
	Outdoor shower	Outdoor shower
Power	320-amp-hour lithium-ion battery w/ second alternator to charge system	Volta12 kilowatt-hour lithium battery w/ second alternator to charge system
	Monitored via Bluetooth.® app and control panel	Everything can be controlled and monitored with the MODE COM panel
	215W solar panel, expandable up to 450W.	90W solar panel, expandable up to 600W
Lighting	Standard	Dimmable
Storage	Fixed cabinets	Removable cabinets (in the Classic Mode)
Kitchen	Portable induction stovetop	Portable induction stovetop
	No microwave	Microwave
Insulation	19mm automotive grade insulation	Havelock Wool
Bed	Electric bed	Murphy bed
	Fixed dinette seat – cannot be converted into a bed without modifications	GrooveLounge that can be converted into a bed, bench, coach
Fresh Water Capacity	21	21
Grey Tank Capacity	21	24
Price	Starting at $210k	Has see-through pricing of $181k-$224k depending on the model
RVIA Certified	Yes	Yes
Financing available	Yes	Yes