On this episode, Andrew shares his personal background and the path that led him to the overland adventure vehicle world. We also explore Storyteller’s approach to innovation, design, and long-term product vision—including how they create vehicles that push the boundaries of functionality, capability, and user experience.

(0:00) Introduction and welcome with Andrew Cooley

(1:53) RV shows, van sightings, and Storyteller Overland's founding

(6:26) Backgrounds of Storyteller Overland co-founders

(10:56) Inspiration and early days of Storyteller Overland

(12:56) Vandemonium, Elkhart insights, and van life vs. RV lifestyle

(18:57) Features and audience questions about Storyteller Overland vans

(24:44) Van life spirituality and considering a Ford Transit platform

(29:14) Storyteller's Mercedes Benz partnership and COVID challenges

(32:17) Transition to Class B vans and impact of see-through pricing

(40:12) Expansion into larger expedition vehicles and industry collaborations

(43:00) Expedition vehicles' capabilities and StoryTeller's market vision

(47:35) Vehicle design, customer service, and audience feedback

(50:40) Accessibility and customization of expedition vehicles

(57:32) Handling of StoryTeller's larger vehicles and product teasers

(59:21) Adventure trailers, motorized units, and Storyteller's R&D

(1:06:14) Storyteller's show schedule, dealer network, and commitment to excellence

(1:08:05) Future insights and Vanasaur sticker giveaway

(1:09:13) Ocala RV show attendance and podcast schedule

(1:10:14) Teasing new releases from Storyteller

Hank Strange and Justin Anderson from Outside Van dig into the intricacies of van life culture and the evolution of custom builds. The discussion covers chassis comparisons, emissions regulations, and engine performance, particularly in Sprinter vans. The episode concludes with insights on fostering community and passion within the van life culture.

(0:00) Introduction to Van Life Culture

(0:43) Guest introduction and background: Justin Anderson of Outside Van

(1:46) Merchandise and Ocala RV show

(2:04) Justin's journey with Outside Van

(3:18) Transitioning to Mercedes Sprinter and custom builds

(6:12) Van life industry changes during COVID

(7:18) Development and scaling of the Tails model

(9:45) Addressing size concerns for van lifers

(12:01) Comparing Ford Transit and ProMaster chassis

(14:25) Emissions regulations and engine types

(20:56) Engine performance in Sprinter vans

(23:16) Suspension and weight distribution in heavy builds

(26:05) Fox Factory's vehicle division and construction techniques

(37:47) Project Vanlife certification and dealership models

(42:30) Upcoming RV shows and event schedule

(49:23) Future trends in van life and land access

(55:58) Innovations: Electric and hybrid vans

(1:01:00) Features and future concepts for Outside Van models

(1:04:39) Contacting Outside Van and fostering van life passion

(1:06:14) Community, camaraderie, and closing remarks

In this episode, Hank Strange is joined by Nick Schmidt to discuss the recent merger between Alliance RV and Midwest Automotive Design. They also touch on the demand for pop tops, dealership expansions and RV tax deductions. The episode features a discussion on affordable used RVs, inspection, warranties and a trip to Buc-ee's.

(0:00) Introduction and welcome to Nick Schmidt and Ron Preston

(4:21) REV and Terex merger, Alliance RV's acquisition of Midwest Automotive Design

(12:10) Ocala RV Show and Coachmen class B roundup

(20:33) Listener questions on battery upgrades and Coachmen class B vans comparison

(24:01) Van suspension upgrades and off-roading in smaller vans

(27:57) Solar awnings and RV market trends

(31:26) Opening a new dealership and chassis improvements

(36:00) Pop tops demand and dealership service department expansion

(48:18) Sponsor: Vanasaur tie-dye shirt promotion

(49:01) RV tax deductions and customer feedback on new models

(51:08) Panoramic RV introduction and community chat

(53:25) Special topics: Valentine's Day and cool used vans

(59:16) Used RVs affordability, inspection, and warranty

(1:03:18) Buc-ee's trip and episode closing remarks

In this episode, Hank Strange and PJ Tessa explore the evolution of electric camper vans with a focus on ModVans. They discuss consumer needs, the development of skateboard platforms and hybrid vehicles. They tackle design considerations, modular features and market interest.

(0:00) Introduction and Welcome

(2:44) Overview of ModVans and Electric Camper Vans Evolution

(10:31) Understanding Garage Compatibility and Consumer Needs

(17:31) Skateboard Platform and Hybrid Vehicle Development

(21:46) Sponsor: Coachmen

(23:08) Custom Skateboard with Tesla Drive Units and EV Benefits

(25:02) Range Extender Challenges and Ford Transit Hybrid Potential

(29:50) Design Considerations and Modular Features in EV Development

(36:22) Market Interest and Autonomous Driving Potential

(42:29) Development Timelines and Funding for ModVans

(46:23) Industry Challenges and Future RV Market Trends

(53:51) Emphasizing Modular Design in RVs and EV Trailers

(1:00:52) Customer Feedback and Affordability in Innovation

(1:05:21) ModVans' Production, Latest Model, and Customization Process

(1:07:44) Community Engagement and Learning More about ModVans

(1:11:06) Personal Updates and Invitations to Visit ModVans Factory

(1:12:40) Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

In this episode, Hank Strange is joined by Sami from Project VanLife to explore the intricacies of full-time van living. Sami shares his journey into van life and the launch of planning services. They tackle unusual van features, power requirements, and affordable van life options. The episode concludes with a look at future trends in van life, the introduction of the Vanalyzer tool, and the upcoming Van Life Summit.

(0:00) Introduction to the Van•Nois•Seur Podcast and guest Sammy from Project Van Life

(1:50) Sammy's journey into full-time van life and the launch of planning services

(4:31) New van builders' challenges during the COVID-19 boom and growth trends

(7:37) RV Super Show insights and the complexity of DIY van builds

(11:07) Choosing van builds and assessing personal van life needs and preferences

(15:51) Unusual van features and the importance of planning for van use

(20:10) Audience participation and prototype scenario discussion

(23:54) Power requirements, chassis choice, and audience questions

(30:55) RVIA certification, affordable van life options, and Pixel Pop Top review

(38:17) Off-roading considerations and key decisions in van layout

(43:00) The importance of test driving and listener feedback on van purchases

(46:52) The future of van life, remote work, and generational perspectives

(57:29) Future trends, the "bones" model concept, and modular builds

(1:00:22) Introduction to the Vanalyzer tool and upcoming Van Life Summit

(1:06:30) Closing remarks and acknowledgments

In this episode, Hank Strange welcomes Grant Wilson from Freedom VanGo to explore various van builds, customizations, and notable projects. The conversation covers propane versus diesel systems and the challenges faced with Sprinter vans. Grant shares insights on Freedom VanGo's services and cost-conscious RV upgrades.

(0:00) Introduction and welcoming Grant Wilson from Freedom Van Go

(1:07) Freedom Van Go updates and Overland Expo experience

(7:15) Van builds, customizations, and interesting projects

(10:49) Tampa Echo Rally, Forgotten Angels, and Winnebago Echos

(16:13) Propane vs. diesel systems and van life technology trends

(20:09) Sprinter van challenges and solar awning benefits

(27:10) Solar power awning viability and battery technology comparisons

(34:11) Voltage and AC systems in vans: Efficiency considerations

(40:47) Appliance setups and future trends in the van and RV industry

(45:36) Class B vs B+ vehicles, towing capacity, and HOA regulations

(50:35) Van size, layout choices, and innovative modifications

(53:26) The electric van life: Costs, infrastructure, and hybrid potential

(1:03:28) Freedom Van Go services, recommendations, and contact info

(1:08:27) RV upgrade standardization and the importance of cost-conscious builds

(1:11:27) Closing remarks and appreciation for Grant Wilson

Hank Strange and Nick Schmidt explore the 2025 market landscape for class B vans, touching on the impact of the ProMaster recall and audience preferences in van features. They discuss the Noovo Next and Noovo Plus models and the appeal of the double lithium battery option for Pixel 1.8 along with excitement for the Tampa show and future RV plans.

(0:00) Introduction and opening topics

(3:08) 2025 market overview for class b vans and ProMaster recall impact

(7:14) Preferences in van features and options and audience questions

(10:23) Hank's personal van experience and the popularity of Ford class b's

(13:43) Nuvo Next and Nuvo Plus models discussion and future features

(17:20) Audience loyalty and the popularity of Sprinter vans

(21:18) Double lithium battery option for Pixel 1.8 and quick break

(22:37) Comfort and relaxation in the van and audience questions

(31:12) Securing specific make/model/color and Mercedes Benz units discussion

(37:40) New offerings in Sunshine State Elite Club and sponsorship news

(42:09) Audience question on Pixel 1.8 LI vs Nova LI and van lengths

(46:07) Industry standards and customer service importance

(50:15) Dealing with RV issues and excitement about the Tampa show

(53:45) Preferences for van features and future van plans

(59:12) Upcoming RV shows and meeting listeners

In this episode, Hank Strange is joined by Zach Eppers from Coachmen to discuss the evolving world of RVs. They compare Class A and Class B RVs and delve into the Coachmen RVEX project, highlighting building challenges and the future of electric RVs. The conversation covers Coachmen's plans post-Brightrop E-RV, chassis collaborations, and the industry's shift towards efficiency and hybrid technology. They explore manufacturing costs, new Coachmen models, and the impact of the Euro model.

(0:00) Introduction, upcoming guests, and Zach Eppers from Coachmen

(4:03) Class A vs. Class B RVs and the Coachmen RVX project

(18:30) Building challenges and the future of electric RVs

(26:42) Coachmen's post Brightrop ERV plans and chassis collaborations

(35:35) Trends towards efficiency and hybrid technology in RVs

(45:52) RV manufacturing costs and new Coachmen models

(48:05) Coachmen owners meetup and Euro model impact

(52:01) Evolving buyer demographics and tech in Class A motorhomes

(58:20) Connectivity and energy shifts in RVing

(1:03:21) Air conditioning, audience questions, and future tech in RVs

(1:09:02) Conclusion with Zach Eppers and final thoughts

(1:10:18) Closing remarks, new merchandise, and holiday wishes

In this episode, Hank Strange is joined by Nick Recchio from Coachmen to discuss the Class B market and van life culture. They explore Coachmen's production growth, market trends, and the company's recent DSI award. The conversation touches on Coachmen's owner support, extreme weather testing, and insulation practices. A van buyer's guide is offered, highlighting the importance of online reviews and due diligence. Nick shares insights into Coachmen's water tank capacities, off-road model plans, and announces new models like the Galleria, Pixel, and Helix.

(0:00) Introduction with guest Nick Recchio and sponsor acknowledgment

(2:10) Nick Recchio's role at Coachmen and Class B market insights

(6:53) Van life culture and Coachmen's production growth

(11:10) Market trends and Class B performance, including DSI award

(17:57) Coachmen's owner support and extreme weather testing

(24:12) Coachmen's insulation practices and pop top benefits

(30:09) Van buyer's guide: Online reviews and due diligence

(32:24) Coachmen's water tank capacities and off-road model plans

(38:42) New Coachmen Galleria and Pixel model announcements

(41:47) Power systems: Solar, AC, and lithium battery options

(51:07) New Coachmen adventure van, the Salient, and plant expansion

(57:32) Technological advances in lightweight RV construction

(1:04:41) Upcoming events and Coachmen customer engagement

(1:09:20) Podcast schedule, contact info, and future collaborations

(1:12:18) Closing remarks and holiday greetings

In this episode, Hank Strange and Ron Preston deep dive into the features and options of the athletic series vans. They provide an overview of financing options and RVIA requirements for camper vans, while touring the Patriot and Passage models. The episode introduces the Cruiser model, addressing the needs of taller customers. Audience questions cover van tech, performance, battery specs, fuel mileage, and towing capacity are also explored for vanlife.

(0:00) Intro with Ron Preston and Midwest Automotive Design

(7:56) Exploring the athletic series van features and options

(11:10) Financing options and RVIA requirements overview

(13:50) Touring different van models: Patriot and Passage

(18:23) Introducing the Cruiser model with rear restroom

(23:12) Addressing tall customer needs and special features

(26:26) Ford Transit series demand, supply, and unique features

(30:47) Audience questions: Van tech and comforts

(39:47) Audience questions: Van performance and customization

(45:36) Winterizing vans and customer experiences

(48:09) Van specifications: Battery, fuel mileage, and towing capacity

(57:48) Comparing physical switches to Firefly system

(1:01:08) Customer customization requests and storage solutions

(1:09:47) Upcoming events and contact information

(1:12:45) Closing remarks and end of episode