Storyteller Overland is breaking into the Mercedes Sprinter 170 market with its latest creation, the CREW MODE. It already offers a full line of Sprinter 144 production camper van models, but this new bigger van offering should expand the brand’s appeal among a wider swath of buyers.
Based on the AWD 170″ 3500 dually Sprinter chassis, the Storyteller CREW MODE camper van offers up tons more cargo and people space, as well as even more creature comforts. However, it will undoubtedly have less off-road capability due to its poor breakover angle and dual rear wheel setup.
The dual rear wheels will add stability on road, however, especially in windy conditions. They also enable more gear hauling and more confident towing.
“With the addition of the 170 CREW MODE to our stellar vehicle range, we are once again signaling to our growing community that we hear them and are tracking along with the ever-changing needs of their families and active interest pursuits,” said Jeffrey Hunter, Storyteller Founder and Chairman.
“We’re excited to see so many people saying yes to a more adventurous way of life, and the CREW MODE simply lets our owners invite even more of their crew along for the journey with them … hence the name. :)”
170 CREW MODE: Layout & Seating
The unique part about this new camper van model from Storyteller Overland is that it has seatbelts for five passengers and can also sleep all of them. There are only two beds, however, so four adults and/or a combination of small kids is likely a more comfortable sleeping setup.
Behind the front two seats is a driver’s-side forward-facing bench seat for two. The fifth seat is a removable captain’s chair that locks into the floor right next to the bench. This setup provides safe transport of five adults, or two adults and up to three car seats.
A massive dual bench seat area in the rear of the Storyteller CREW MODE converts into a queen-sized bed. Storyteller calls this setup the ‘TroupeLounge.’
The second bed is the trick part of this van, as it’s found atop the van in a powered, hard-sided rooftop tent. This second bed is accessed via a ladder inside the van.
Key Camper Van Features
With over 10 feet of continuous countertop, the CREW MODE is perfect for those who like to cook on the road. The kitchen includes a portable induction cooktop, stainless steel sink, 3.3 cubic-foot fridge/freezer, and a combination microwave/air fryer.
A bathroom is essential in a camper van of this size. The CREW MODE gets a ventilated full bath with a flushable toilet, which they call the BoomBox. It doubles as a closet for wet and dry storage as well, when not actively being used as a bathroom. This is perfect for cleaning and drying your smelly mountain bike gear, salty wet suit, and/or soaked kayaking gear.
Speaking of gear hauling, out back, there is a slide-out tray that is rated up to 300 pounds.
Being comfortable in all weather makes life on the road so much nicer. An air conditioner and a hydronic diesel heater — for hot air and water — are both standard on the CREW MODE.
A 16.8kWh battery system is charged up by a 345W solar panel array on the roof. That is a lot of power, which should enable extended off-grid adventures in a wide range of conditions.
2025 Storyteller 170 CREW MODE: Pricing & Availability
Pricing for the 2025 Storyteller 170 CREW MODE starts at $249,378. That’s a lot of money, but this is also a lot of camper van.
The van makes its public debut at the Florida RV SuperShow, Jan. 15-19, in Tampa, Fla. Production has started, and the first deliveries will start in the next few months.
Storyteller Overland has dealers across North America, so check out its dealer finder to find your nearest one and check it out for yourself.