Vansmith Sprinter Bivy Deluxe
vs.
Storyteller Overland Beast Mode OG
They're comparable on paper. They feel very different in real life.
The difference comes down to value, livability, and flexibility.
Side by side
Same Sprinter platform. Same off-grid capability. Different philosophy on price, materials, and how much the van should feel like yours.
Storyteller Overland
Beast Mode OG
Production-built adventure van for buyers who want a standardized, nationally available platform.
- Factory-built, standardized platform
- Strong off-grid capability
- Available nationwide through dealer network
- 3 trim levels, 4 exterior color options
Available through Storyteller Overland dealer network
The Vansmith
Sprinter Bivy Deluxe
Premium, customizable van built for extended off-grid living with natural materials and a residential feel.
- Built-to-order with full customization options
- Real cedar ceiling, bamboo countertops, upholstered walls
- Strong off-grid systems, refined and simple
- Custom door colors, finishes, and layout details
Compare the details
Core specs side by side. The numbers that are close, and the four differences that drive the decision.
Similar footprint, similar systems. Different philosophy on price, design, and how much the van feels like yours.
| Factor | Beast Mode OG | Bivy Deluxe Best Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core capabilities: comparable across both vans | |||
| Electrical | 16.8 kWh (M-Power™ by Lithionics®) | 15 kWh (EcoFlow lithium) | Both fall in the 15–20 kWh range considered standard for extended off-grid van travel. Capacity is comparable for most trip durations. |
| Solar | 90W standard | 300W standard | 300W is the practical minimum recommended for sustained off-grid use. At 90W, the Beast relies more heavily on alternator and shore power to keep up with daily energy demands. |
| Alternator | High-output auxiliary alternator | High-output auxiliary alternator | High-output alternators are standard in purpose-built adventure vans. Both charge efficiently while driving, an essential feature for multi-day trips away from shore power. |
| Fresh water | 21 gallons (in-cabin tank) | 20 gallons (wheel well storage) | Nearly identical capacity. At 1–3 gallons per person per day, either tank supports 7–14 days of water use for two people without resupply. |
| A/C | A/C unit | A/C unit | Both include air conditioning suited to the Sprinter's interior volume. Adequate for warm-weather camping in most climates across the country. |
| Suspension | EVICTUS™ Advanced Suspension | Van Compass Stage 4.3 | Both are meaningful upgrades over factory Sprinter suspension. Van Compass is a well-regarded aftermarket system; EVICTUS™ is Storyteller's proprietary design. Both improve clearance and off-road handling. |
| Galley | Sink, fridge/freezer, microwave, induction cooktop | 60" galley, bamboo countertop, 80L fridge, induction cooktop | Both include the core components for off-grid cooking. The Bivy uses natural materials and offers more counter space; the Beast leans utilitarian with stainless steel and adds a microwave. |
| Where the Bivy Deluxe stands apart | |||
| Price | $238,586 through dealer network | $191,570 direct. $47,016 less than Beast Mode No dealer network means no distribution markup. More of your budget stays in the build. | |
| Sleeping | RV queen size bed. Fixed, does not expand. | RV king size bed, slides and expands The Bivy bed platform slides to add width, converting to a full king sleeping surface. The Beast bed is fixed and cannot expand. | |
| Interior | Durable synthetic panels built for production scale | Cedar ceiling, bamboo countertops, upholstered walls This is where most people notice the difference the first time they step inside. | |
| Customization | 3 trims, 4 exterior colors. Fixed production build. | Customizable cabinetry colors Built to your specification. No two Bivy builds are identical. | |
Where the difference shows up
01
More value, fewer markups
Bivy is built and sold direct. No dealer network, no added distribution cost. More of your budget goes into the van, not the process of selling it.
02
A space that feels like home
Most vans are built for durability first. Bivy is built for how it actually feels to live inside day after day.
Real wood, soft materials, and a warmer design language create a space that feels calm, comfortable, and intentional, not industrial or mass-produced.
03
Built around you
Production vans are fixed. You take what's available. Bivy is built to your specification, so the van reflects how you actually want to live, not what worked for most people.
For most buyers, the choice comes down to how you want the van to feel day to day. Here's how the two compare.
Which should you choose?
Both are serious builds. The right choice depends on whether you want a proven, ready-made platform, or a van that was built around how you live.
Choose Beast Mode OG if...
- You want a van available immediately
- You prefer a standardized, proven build
- You want dealer support and national availability
- You regularly need sleeping space for three or more
Choose Bivy Deluxe if...
- You care how the interior feels, not just how it performs
- You want real materials and a residential design
- You want a van built to your specification
- You want more value in your investment
Both vans will get you there. Only one is designed for how you'll actually live once you arrive.
Bivy Deluxe is built differently. Not just to take you farther, but to make the time you spend inside feel better.
