Fresh off its acquisition of trailer maker TAXA, overlanding adventure van outfitter Storyteller Overland has revamped some of its offerings with some additional creature comforts, resulting in the “XO” trim.
A couple of years back, during the height of the pandemic, I packed the family into a Storyteller Overland Beast MODE 4×4 van and hit the road up and down the West Coast for a couple of weeks. Verdict: It’s comfortable, very capable off the pavement, and well thought out, but with one particular shortcoming: No real dedicated potty (it has a typical cassette toilet). Now, with the new XO version, there’s a private privy included in the interior.
Basically, Storyteller has taken the space inside the van previously set aside for its drop-down shower system and installed a loo with a shower, although they call it the “BoomBox wet/dry closet.” And that makes sense as it truly is a configurable space that can be used as a potty, shower, closet, drying rack or quickly set up with storage shelves That’s not the only change as the bed setup is also new to allow for more cargo carrying capacity (especially for bikes and other tall, unwieldy things). YouTuber Taylon Sei took a closer look recently.
We like the changes as it expands the van’s capabilities and comfort quotient without huge changes in the layout, design, or performance off the pavement. The BoomBox option pads the price a bit, with a Beast MODE XO coming in at $240,000, about $7,000 more than the plain old Beast MODE model, which is still in the lineup along with three other models. Two others, the Classic and Stealth MODE models, are also available with the XO upgrade.
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Outside of the OX upgrades, the Beast MODE XO retains its off-roading prowess with a lift kit, AT tires, special wheels, a handling package, 4WD, a see-it-from-space lighting package, and standard-size Sprinter van platform that allows it to park in a regular spot, although you’ll need to be mindful of overhead clearances. It seats four adults with seatbelts.
Interior features include a large onboard battery system to power the induction stove and A/C, along with other systems. Buyers can also choose solar panels and more when building out their rig. Contact Storyteller Overland for more information and pricing.
