If you’ve spent more than five minutes researching a van, you’ve probably seen the same few names come up again and again: Storyteller Overland. Outside Van. VanDOit. Winnebago. The list goes on — and so do the specs, options, and opinions.
But how do these brands actually compare? What are you paying for, what are you getting, and what might you wish you’d known sooner?
We built this guide to cut through the noise and give you a side-by-side look at some of the top Sprinter-based van builders out there in 2025 — including our own builds at Geotrek.
Whether you’re just starting your research or narrowing down your short list, this breakdown covers:
- What each brand is known for
- Price ranges and wait times
- Build quality, lifestyle fit, and value
- Where Geotrek fits in — and why we do things a little differently
What to Look For in a Sprinter Van (And Why It Matters)
Not all vans are built the same — and when you’re about to drop six figures on your rig, the details matter. Before we break down the top van brands in 2025, here are the features and factors that should be on your radar:
1. Chassis & Off-Grid Capability
Most serious vanlifers opt for the Mercedes Sprinter chassis with AWD — it’s rugged, reliable, and built to go anywhere. But capability isn’t just about the van — it’s also about the power system, insulation, and how well the layout supports real-life travel.
2. Layout & Livability
It’s one thing to look great on Instagram. It’s another to live comfortably on the road for days (or weeks) at a time. Look for layouts that maximize space without cramming in too much. Bonus points for flexible storage and open floor plans.
3. Build Quality & Materials
Some vans look premium — until you touch the cabinets. Material quality affects noise, longevity, and the whole experience. Direct-to-consumer builders (like Geotrek) often invest more in quality because they’re not cutting costs for dealer margins.
4. Wait Time & Availability
Some builders have 12–18 month lead times. Others mass-produce and ship quickly but lose the craftsmanship. Make sure the timeline fits your goals — especially if you want to hit the road soon.
5. Brand Vibe & Lifestyle Fit
This one’s personal. Do you want something rugged and minimalist? Luxurious and custom? A van isn’t just a vehicle — it’s a lifestyle. Choose a brand that reflects the way you actually want to travel.
How the Top Van Builders Stack Up
Now that you know what to look for, let’s break down some of the top players in the vanlife space — including the new 2025 builds from Geotrek. This isn’t just a spec sheet. It’s a real-world look at how these brands compare when it comes to value, vibe, and what it’s actually like to travel in one.
Some are custom legends. Others are mass-market juggernauts. A few land right in the sweet spot. We’ve laid it out simply so you can decide what fits your journey — and your budget.
Brand-by-Brand Breakdown
Choosing a van isn’t just about price or specs — it’s about how it fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re chasing weekend escapes or plotting out months on the road, each of these builders brings something different to the table. Here’s what you need to know.
Geotrek (2025 Builds)
Chassis: Mercedes Sprinter 144 AWD
Price Range: $111K–$129K
Geotrek is the new name making waves — and not because it’s flashy. These 2025-only models are built with a purpose: deliver high-quality, off-grid-capable vans without dealer markup, long lead times, or mass-production shortcuts. You won’t see a thousand of these on the road, and that’s exactly the point.
What stands out:
Premium materials, clean lines, and thoughtful layouts — all standard. The Bear Peak model offers an essentialist build for weekend warriors, while the Flatiron adds creature comforts for longer journeys. Both ride on the same AWD Sprinter chassis and come ready for adventure with Nomadic A/C, EcoFlow power, outdoor shower, swivel seats, and space-maximizing layouts. Best part? They’re already built and ready to go.
What to consider:
Geotrek is small-batch by design, with availability limited to this year’s production run — once they’re gone, that’s it. Because the brand sells direct, there’s no dealership markup, which helps keep prices lower without sacrificing quality. You won’t find them in showrooms, but you will find premium materials, intentional layouts, and a crew that actually knows your name.
Best for:
Adventurers who want premium design without the dealership markup. If you’re looking for something dialed-in, built with care, and ready to roll this year — Geotrek’s 2025 lineup delivers.
Storyteller Overland
Chassis: Mercedes Sprinter 144 AWD
Price Range: $180K-$245K
Storyteller is often the first brand people come across when they fall down the #vanlife rabbit hole—and that’s by design. It’s everywhere. Their MODE series (Classic, Stealth, Beast) is polished, consistent, and made for broad appeal, with layouts that are instantly recognizable and road-ready right off the lot.
What stands out:
You’re getting a dependable Sprinter chassis, a well-built Volta battery system, and a layout that covers the basics: convertible bed, shower/toilet combo, and garage storage. Everything’s clean, familiar, and backed by a big, well-marketed brand.
What to consider:
That polish comes with trade-offs. These vans are built for scale, not for individuality. You’ll find fewer opportunities to personalize, longer wait times, and a price that includes the cost of brand visibility. If you’re craving a van that reflects you—not just the lifestyle brand—you might find Storyteller a bit too templated.
Best for:
Drivers who want something solid and stylish without the fuss of design choices. Less ideal for anyone looking for more flexibility, a deeper off-grid capability, or a van that doesn’t look like everyone else’s at the trailhead.
Outside Van
Chassis: Mercedes Sprinter / Ford Transit
Price Range: $150K–$250K+
Outside Van is the go-to for high-performance, fully custom rigs. Based in Oregon, they build serious machines for serious adventurers—think pro athletes, overlanders, and gear junkies with big wish lists.
What stands out:
Nearly everything is on the table. You can spec your layout, finishes, tech stack, and gear storage. They’re known for powerful electrical systems, rugged suspension upgrades, and vans that double as mobile basecamps.
What to consider:
That kind of customization takes time—often over a year—and the price reflects it. It’s not an entry point; it’s a commitment. You’ll need a clear vision, patience, and a bigger budget.
Best for:
Experienced vanlifers or outdoor pros who know exactly what they want and are ready to design every inch of their dream rig—timeline and budget included.
VanDOit
Chassis: Ford Transit
Price Range: $100K–$160K
VanDOit took a different path—away from luxury, toward utility. Their modular, budget-friendly builds appeal to weekend warriors, gearheads, and anyone who wants an adaptable rig without the custom-builder price tag.
What stands out:
Their signature T-Track system makes it easy to move, remove, or reconfigure beds, cabinets, and gear mounts. It’s practical, flexible, and designed for people who need their van to multitask. Solar, bike mounts, roof racks—they’ve got the options.
What to consider:
Form follows function here. The interiors lean industrial, with fewer comfort touches and less design finesse. If aesthetics, finishes, and layout flow matter to you, you may find VanDOit a bit utilitarian.
Best for:
Vanlifers who want a functional, adaptable rig that puts gear-hauling first. Great as a first van or for those who prioritize utility over design.
Field Van
Chassis: Mercedes Sprinter / Ford Transit
Price Range: $140K–$180K+
Field Van is all about comfort on the road. With layouts designed for families, couples, and casual travelers, these builds offer an easy entry into van life—with a cozy, RV-inspired vibe that’s more about comfort than conquering the backcountry.
What stands out:
Spacious interiors, soft-touch finishes, and family-friendly layouts. Expect swivel seats, full kitchens, indoor showers, and optional bunks. It’s a solid fit for road trippers, pet parents, or anyone who wants to ease into van travel without giving up the comforts of home.
What to consider:
These builds lean more “glamping cabin” than rugged adventure van. If you’re planning serious off-road travel or want a rig that can take a beating, you might feel limited. The branding also skews more traditional RV than rebel vanlifer.
Best for:
Travelers who value comfort and space—especially couples, families, and dog lovers planning long, slow scenic routes rather than remote expeditions.
Winnebago Revel
Chassis: Mercedes Sprinter
Price Range: ~$180K
The Revel is everywhere—and that’s the point. As one of the most recognizable names in vanlife, it’s the top pick for buyers who want a turnkey campervan experience with dealer support, warranties, and instant drive-off-the-lot gratification.
What stands out:
Consistency. Every Revel comes with a familiar layout: power lift bed, gear garage, wet bath, and a decent off-grid system. It’s easy to service, easy to find, and backed by one of the biggest names in the RV world.
What to consider:
With scale comes sameness. The Revel is mass-produced, and while that keeps things simple, it leaves little room for individuality. For vanlifers looking for premium materials, unique design, or something that doesn’t feel mass-market, the Revel might fall flat.
Best for:
Travelers who want a no-fuss, name-brand van that’s ready when they are—especially if dealer access and a mainstream setup matter more than personal touches or design flexibility.
Vanlife Brands, Side-by-Side
You’ve seen the highlights, quirks, and standouts of each brand – and now it’s time to compare them side by side.
Below is a quick-reference chart comparing price, chassis, positioning, and a few need-to-know considerations. Use it to help narrow your list, gut-check your instincts, or just geek out on the details.
Whether you’re early in the process or almost ready to buy, this breakdown gives you a no-fluff look at what each builder brings to the table.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About Specs — It’s About Fit
At the end of the day, vanlife isn’t one-size-fits-all. But if you’re looking for something that blends boutique-level quality with real-world function, Geotrek is quietly raising the bar.
These aren’t showroom rigs built to sit pretty — they’re designed to move. Built on the Sprinter 144 AWD chassis, both the Bear Peak and Flatiron models give you premium off-grid capability, smart storage, and materials that hold up to the road.
With direct-to-consumer pricing, limited 2025 builds, and a team that actually lives this lifestyle, Geotrek offers something most big brands can’t: a van that feels like it was built for you — not just built for scale.
