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We caught up with TOURIG owner, Suzy Yoder, to see what life is like owning a TOURIG. Learn about some of her and her husband Jeff’s favorite spots, why they chose TOURIG for their custom Sprinter van build, and more.
When did you get your TOURIG?
March 5, 2020. After at least a year of serious planning, we picked up our van in Golden, right as the reality of COVID was setting in.
What made you choose TOURIG for your van buildout?
We decided to have our custom Sprinter build done by TOURIG after we made a trip to Overland Expo in Flagstaff, AZ in 2018. Jeff had been doing lots of online research and wanted to see vans from different builders up close. Overland Expo gave us the perfect opportunity to check out many different builders and builds. We kept coming back to the TOURIG vans and the TOURIG team and just knew it was the right fit for us.
We loved the clean design: minimalist appearance but maximum performance. The buildouts fit our aesthetic with clean cabinets and quality framing and upholstery. All of the systems are organized with subtle, functional details that make a big difference.
After Overland, we put down a deposit to reserve a TOURIG build date and began the search for a Sprinter van. Mercedes rolled out an updated Sprinter platform for 2019, and we wanted a 4WD diesel. It took a long time to acquire our van, but it was worth waiting for the 2019 upgrades in the Sprinter platform.
Cooking up dinner outside our van
What adventures do you use your TOURIG for?
What don’t we use it for?? Since COVID, it has been our social isolation escape module. We have camped on private property owned by friends, spent weekends camping locally with family, got away for a birthday trip to the beach, and resumed camping in national parks and surrounding BLM lands when they reopened.
Over the next few months, we have campground reservations up and down the California coast, and we are looking forward to some fun surf days ahead! We intend to take even longer trips when Jeff retires in January!
What is the best place you have ever parked and why?
We have four favorites (so far)!
- Defying Death in Death Valley:
Our first real van trip included camping reservations in Death Valley. The campgrounds closed due to COVID, but I was determined to see the famous “racetrack”. Google Maps routed us through a 4×4 road, leading to a dramatic ascent. After a precarious climb and realizing our van wasn’t suited for the road, Jeff (who drives fire engines for a living) calmly backed the rig down to a flat turnout.
We camped there for the night, overlooking the stunning Saline Valley, while Jeff biked the crazy road up to the top to take pictures of the racetrack. It was a beautiful, unforgettable spot!
Camping in Death Valley, CA
- Hiding Out Near Lassen National Park:
We had access to a slice of paradise near Lassen National Park. We spent four nights camped next to a beautiful creek, experiencing everything from snow to sunshine. It was peaceful, blissful, and absolutely beautiful.
Camping next to the river near Lassen, CA
More beautiful views near Lassen
- Close to Home on West Camino Cielo:
One of our favorite discoveries was a camping spot above Santa Barbara on Camino Cielo. We camped with our daughter and her boyfriend, enjoying stunning views of the Channel Islands. It was a perfect boondocking spot, and we plan to return soon. - Hot Springs in Mammoth:
We stumbled upon a hot spring parking spot in Mammoth, and it was truly unforgettable!
Hot springs in Mammoth, CA
What is the best feature of your TOURIG?
Jeff says it’s the TOURIG Airliner Cabinets. They have a simple aesthetic, are very functional, roomy, and lightweight, ensuring the van isn’t bogged down by the build.
Jeff’s other favorite is the garage space under our bed in our 170 wheelbase van. We can easily store bikes, surfboards, camping gear, and still have room to spare.
My personal favorite is the bed (super comfy) and the refrigerator (amazing capacity)!
Images left to right: 1) Sprinter 170″ garage, 2) TOURIG Airliner Cabinets, 3) Custom mattress in their Sprinter van.
Where can people follow your adventure?
Instagram: @youngatheartproject
Any advice for people considering getting a TOURIG?
Don’t think of your van as a tiny home. Instead, focus on essential functions and don’t cram every possible thing into the space.
We prioritized space inside the van for cooking, changing clothes, and moving around comfortably. Our open layout allows us to extend our living space outdoors seamlessly. We opted for a cassette toilet and a shower off the back, which works perfectly for our needs.
Look at lots of vans, test layouts, and envision functioning in the space before finalizing your design.