Noovo Lite vs Storyteller Overland

The Noovo Lite is designed for extended off-grid living, appealing to full-time vanlifers and remote workers. Its custom-built interior and powerful electrical system cater to those seeking a home-like experience on the road.

Storyteller Overland offers several models, including the Classic, Stealth, and Beast modes, built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis. These vans are designed for adventure-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, combining off-road capabilities with comfortable living spaces.

Both brands excel in off-grid capabilities but differ in their chassis options, interior layouts, and target audiences. This comparison will focus on the Noovo Lite and Storyteller Overland's MODE4x4 model for a balanced comparison.

The most significant differences between the Noovo Lite and Storyteller Overland MODE4x4 lie in their chassis, off-road capabilities, and interior layouts. The Noovo Lite, built on a RAM ProMaster chassis, offers a more spacious interior and powerful electrical system, making it ideal for extended off-grid living. Its custom-built interior features create a home-like atmosphere for full-time travelers.

The Storyteller Overland MODE4x4, built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 chassis, excels in off-road performance and is designed for adventure enthusiasts. Its more compact size (19'5" vs 20'11") may offer better maneuverability in challenging terrains. The MODE4x4's interior is more versatile, with a convertible living space that can sleep up to 4 people.

Both vans offer strong off-grid capabilities, but approach them differently. The Noovo Lite's larger fresh water capacity (40 gallons vs 21 gallons) allows for longer periods between refills. The Noovo Lite's more powerful electrical system (up to 1320Ah lithium batteries vs 12kWh) provides greater energy independence for extended off-grid stays. However, the Storyteller Overland's system is also robust, with a 12kWh lithium battery and 3.6kW inverter.

The Storyteller Overland MODE4x4's slightly lower starting price reflects a different market positioning, offering a balance between off-road capabilities and interior comfort. The Noovo Lite, while priced slightly higher, focuses on customization and full-time living comfort with its more spacious interior and powerful systems.

The Noovo Lite and Storyteller Overland MODE4x4 cater to different segments of the van life market, reflected in their distinct features and specifications.

The Noovo Lite, built on the RAM ProMaster 3500 chassis, offers a more spacious interior with its longer length and wider body. It uses a gasoline engine, which may be preferable for some in terms of fuel availability and maintenance. The Storyteller Overland MODE4x4, built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 chassis, provides superior off-road capabilities with its four-wheel drive system and uses a diesel engine known for longevity and torque.

In terms of livability, the Noovo Lite excels with its larger fresh water capacity (40 gallons vs 21 gallons), allowing for longer periods between fill-ups. However, the Storyteller Overland has a slightly larger grey water tank (24 gallons vs 40 gallons). The Noovo Lite boasts a more powerful electrical system with up to 1320Ah of lithium battery capacity and 400W of solar, compared to the MODE4x4's 12kWh battery and 275W solar panel. Both systems are robust and capable of supporting extended off-grid stays.

The bathroom setups differ significantly. The Noovo Lite features a wet bath with a built-in cassette toilet, while the Storyteller Overland opts for a more flexible solution with a shower pan and portable cassette toilet. This design choice in the MODE4x4 allows for more versatile use of interior space.

Kitchen amenities also vary between the two vans. The Noovo Lite includes a microwave and a larger refrigerator, catering to those who prefer more home-like cooking facilities. The Storyteller Overland's kitchen is more compact and modular, with a portable induction cooktop and a slightly smaller refrigerator, reflecting its focus on adaptability for various adventures.

The sleeping arrangements showcase different design philosophies. The Noovo Lite provides a fixed RV queen-size bed (60" x 80"), prioritizing comfort for full-time living. The Storyteller Overland offers a more versatile sleeping setup with a rear bed (70" x 72") and a convertible lounge area bed (70" x 48"), allowing it to sleep up to 4 people.

The Storyteller Overland's slightly lower price point offers a balance of off-road capabilities and interior versatility, while the Noovo Lite's higher price reflects its focus on spacious, comfortable long-term living and powerful off-grid systems.

The Noovo Lite and Storyteller Overland MODE4x4 represent different value propositions in the Class B camper van market. The Noovo Lite starts at a slightly higher base price of $162,700, offering a custom-built, off-grid capable van with a focus on long-term comfort. The Storyteller Overland MODE4x4, starting at $153,748 (2023 model), provides a more adventure-oriented package with strong off-road capabilities at a slightly lower entry point.

Financing options are available for both vans, with Noovo offering tailored plans directly and Storyteller Overland providing financing through their dealer network. Monthly payments will vary based on down payment and term length, but as a starting point, the Noovo Lite is estimated from $1,087 per month, while the MODE4x4 might start around $1,026 per month.

Both vans are likely to retain value well due to their premium positioning and off-grid capabilities. The Noovo Lite's custom features and powerful electrical system may appeal to specific buyers in the resale market. The Storyteller Overland benefits from a growing brand reputation and its versatile, adventure-ready design, which typically translates to good resale values.

When considering total cost of ownership, it's important to factor in potential additional costs. For the Noovo Lite, this might include custom features or energy system upgrades. The MODE4x4 may have costs associated with off-road upgrades or dealer fees. The Noovo Lite's larger battery and solar system might lead to lower campground fees over time due to enhanced off-grid capabilities.