Adventure vans have experienced a surge in popularity, driven by social media and a growing desire for freedom following the pandemic. From millennials to retirees, more people are trading hotels for open horizons on the highway. With numerous options now available on the market, selecting the right van can be overwhelming. In this comparison, we break down three leading adventure-van builders: Outside Van, Storyteller Overland, and Winnebago. 

To help those seeking an adventure-ready, off-road-capable van, it’s important to establish clear comparison criteria. In this review, we will evaluate key aspects, including performance, design, lifestyle fit, off-road/off-grid readiness, serviceability, features, and comfort, using three specific brands: Outside Van, Storyteller Overland, and Winnebago.

Outside Van delivers luxurious, factory-built vans that are purpose-built and ready for gear and family travel. Winnebago offers mainstream, capable adventure vans, trusted in the RV world. Storyteller Overland focuses on fully equipped vans designed for excursions in the outback. 

While all three brands share the same goal, to be the best on the market, each has its own key strengths and weaknesses. Depending on your use case, one detail or feature might matter more to you or not at all. We’ll take a look at each brand’s flagship vans next. 

Before we dive in, take a moment to reflect on what matters most about your adventures. Is a homey feel your priority, or do you crave simplicity and flexibility? Will you travel with loved ones, friends, or solo? How far off the grid do you see yourself venturing? Depending on your answers, you'll see one brand may align with your needs more than another. 

Regardless of brand, adventure vans often come with a hefty price tag. Depending on trim level and features, you may be looking at anywhere from $89,000 to $300,000+. Whether you want a ready-to-roll turnkey van or a fully personalized off-grid home, each brand offers different paths and configurations for all entry points. 

Today, we'll examine premium vans that are comparable in features and capacity, including the Outside Van Syncline & Overnight, Storyteller Overland Mode series, and Winnebago Revel. 

While all three adventure van builders—Outside Van, Storyteller Overland, and Winnebago—start with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform, each takes a distinctly different path in how they design, engineer, and deliver their vans. The result is three very different ownership experiences; each tuned to a specific kind of adventure. 
 
Here's how they stack up: 

Outside Van stands at the top of the custom market, offering built-to-order vans tailored to how an owner actually lives and travels. OSV utilizes a galvanized steel interior infrastructure, along with strong insulation and sound dampening, enhancing the longevity and overall comfort of owning the van. 
 
With over 18 years of building pioneering custom vans, Outside Van has this expertise to its mass-produced Class-B Adventure Vans. If you're looking for a boutique-like experience with craftsmanship bordering on aerospace precision and reliability in the backcountry, then consider Outside Van for your next adventure rig. 

Offering a variety of trims with varying capability levels (Classic, XO, CL, Beast, and others), Storyteller Overland occupies the middle ground between custom craftsmanship and factory production.  They’ve been marketed as not only a second home, but also a “second car,” highlighting the MODE series as both versatile and capable. In recent years, the model has undergone several updates, including weight reduction and enhancements to the interior design.   

In 2025, the MODE lineup features an upgraded M-Power lithium battery system (16.8 kWh dual battery in higher trims) and a new alternator with faster charging capabilities. The MODE is available in two wheelbase options: 144” standard and 170” in the XL and Crew models. However, even the entry model Classic MODE OG starts at $187k+, which may be a high entry point considering the less premium starting features compared to the others on this list.  

While buyers can’t customize floor plans or finishes, they get a van that’s reliable and ready to hit the road. 

Winnebago, long a household name in RV travel, brings mass-production scale and nationwide support to the adventure van segment. Its Revel and Revel Sport models take a more accessible approach with simpler layouts, modest power systems, and straightforward functionality that prioritize practicality over luxury. The Revel line isn’t meant to compete with high-end boutique builds; instead, it appeals to buyers seeking a solid, serviceable platform that can go just about anywhere without overcomplicating the experience.  

The Revel’s off-road ability is moderate, with some reviewers noting it’s best for easier trails. This limitation may not be a concern if you plan to stick to milder conditions. Some users also comment that the feature-packed interior leaves little space for storage or movement, which can affect everyday comfort. 

Where Outside Van excels compared to the others on this list is in its interior layout, options, insulation, durability, and comfort. Where brands like Storyteller and Winnebago offer more practical, predictable designs, OSV aims to stand out with a modern, minimalist approach that feels more like home and less like an RV.

OSV adventure vans, such as the Syncline and Overnight, feature marine-grade panels, sound-deadening materials, lightweight cabinetry, along with premium lighting, seating, optimized space, and storage solutions. By contrast, Storyteller and Winnebago adhere to proven floor plans that prioritize practicality over design flair and expedited production. 

For instance, the Overnight model is a luxury all-wheel drive vehicle that can comfortably accommodate a small family. The FoldAway Murphy Bed with Gear wall allows for easy storage access and expanded space when not in use. For those looking to see the sights at night, there’s even a pop-up sleeping area on the roof of the van.    

When it comes to true off-grid capability, not all adventure vans are created equal. Storyteller Overland takes a unique route, focusing on production consistency and real-world everyday application.  The MODE lineup, like the Beast MODE OG, comes equipped with a powerful 16.8 kWh M-Power system, a 3,000-watt inverter, and an integrated alternator and solar charging system. Whether you’re powering an induction cooktop or Starlink internet, you’ll be fully supported off–grid. 
 
Innovative interior design offered by Storyteller allows you to transition quickly between driving, working, and sleeping. The main tradeoff is a modest tank capacity and limited customization, which may work great for an occasional weekend warrior. 
 
Winnebago’s Revel and Revel Sport are engineered for accessibility and a balanced approach to van builds. Their 8.4kWh Power MAX system, dual alternators, and solar input deliver solid off-grid performance for short to medium trips. Outpacing many in its class, the Revel now features a 35-gallon freshwater tank, providing greater comfort and convenience for longer off-grid stays.

Overall, Winnebago's Revel and Revel Sport are a balanced option for road and trail use, along with a wide range of dealer support.    

When it comes to off-grid and adventure readiness, Outside Van is top tier for serious off-grid living and all-season off-road performance. The flexibility to literally build your van your way means you can specify features, such as larger water tanks, more insulation, upgraded suspension, and more. The lithium-ion power systems utilize dual 210 Amp/Hour batteries, a 3000W inverter/charger, an 80A Alternator charging, and a built-in chassis charger.    

The caveat with OSV's higher-tier models is that they often come with a higher cost and potentially more features than you need for light or weekend use. However, if your plan is to take long excursions or live in a van full-time, OSV should be on your list. 

The primary difference among these three heavy hitters in the adventure van space lies in access to dealers and service, as well as customizability. Outside Van prides itself on the integrity and care it takes in each van build, utilizing all available resources and premium materials to ensure your investment lasts.  Outside Van is also part of the Fox Factory family of vehicle brands, With FOX's heritage driving the charge, OSV stands behind its off-road performance and build quality.   

Storyteller and Winnebago offer a quick turnaround and nationwide service, ideal for buyers who prioritize convenience over customization.

Adventure vans in general span a wide price range, with many starting around $150,000, and fully outfitted builds can cost over $300,000. It boils down to how each brand approaches design, construction, and purpose.

While Outside Van sits more on the premium end of that spectrum, every build is a one-off creation that combines high-end craftsmanship with performance engineering. OSV builds are an investment that offers peace of mind through reinforced structure, custom layout design, premium materials, and advanced power and water systems. Outside Van creates adventure vans for those who are in it for the long haul, viewing the van as a long-term, remote home, not just a weekend escape. 
 
Winnebago remains the most accessible entry point, with Storyteller Overland as the middle ground between the two. Ultimately, what you pay for in this market comes down to how far you want to go in terms of customization and capability. The best value isn’t always the lowest (or highest) price; it’s the van that best aligns with your lifestyle and how you use it. 

Whether you're a serious off-grid adventurer or looking for a simple weekend rig, there's an adventure van out there that caters to your needs. You can't go wrong with any of the vans on this list, but depending on how far you want to go in price, customizability, layout, and capability, there are some pros and cons. We hope that we helped you get closer to choosing your next adventure van, and we look forward to seeing you on the road.