Cruise America RV Rental Guide

What Cruise America Offers

Cruise America operates one of the largest RV rental fleets in North America, focused primarily on Class C motorhomes and truck campers. These units deliver familiar driving dynamics, a recognizable cab over sleeping area, and straightforward systems that first time renters can learn quickly. Models typically range from compact two to three person layouts to larger floor plans that can sleep families, with a bathroom, galley, and climate control. Many units include a generator for air conditioning and outlet power when shore power is not available. The company places depots near major cities and airports to reduce the time from arrival to pickup.

Fleet and floorplans

Common choices include compact Class C motorhomes suited for couples, standard Class C units that handle small families, and larger Class C rigs with added living space. A truck camper variant may be available in some markets for travelers who prefer a smaller footprint and easy access to trailheads or tight parking spots. Sleeping areas often combine the cab over bed with a convertible dinette and, on some models, a rear bed. Storage runs under benches and in exterior compartments, so packing cubes and soft bags work well. Expect a functional galley with a refrigerator, cooktop, sink, and a microwave in many units.

Onboard utilities and hookups

Cruise America motorhomes are built for campground stays and short stints off grid. Fresh water, grey, and black tanks handle daily use, with a simple monitor panel to check levels. A propane system feeds the cooktop and often the water heater and furnace. The onboard generator powers air conditioning and outlets when a campsite does not offer hookups, although generator hours may carry a fee. Shore power through a campground pedestal keeps batteries topped up and allows steady use of appliances. Waste dumping becomes a routine task, and most public or private campgrounds provide stations for this purpose.

Pickup locations and trip types

The network spans many states and select Canadian provinces, so it is possible to plan loop trips or one way routes when availability permits. Popular itineraries follow national park corridors, coastal highways, or mountain passes, matching the rental period to seasonal conditions. One way rentals may include a relocation fee and carry limited windows of availability. With busy calendars at parks, it pays to secure campsite reservations well in advance. For urban segments, confirm local parking rules since longer rigs can exceed standard limits.

Costs, fees, and insurance explained

Pricing structures are straightforward once you separate the core rate from variable expenses. Most reservations include a nightly rental rate that fluctuates with season and location, plus a mileage component that either charges per mile or uses prepaid mileage blocks. Expect taxes, a prep fee, optional convenience kits for bedding and kitchen gear, and an environmental or waste fee in some jurisdictions. Generator use may be metered by the hour, and returning the vehicle without dumping tanks or refilling fuel can add charges. Insurance is usually handled through a basic liability package with options for supplemental coverage; renters should review deductibles and any exclusions for off pavement travel or towing.

Budget planning benefits from a simple worksheet. Add the nightly rate and expected mileage cost first. Then estimate campground fees, fuel based on expected miles per day and an average of eight to twelve miles per gallon for a Class C, and any generator time if the trip includes hot climates without hookups. Keep a buffer for tires, tolls, last minute campsite changes, and food, which often costs less when you cook in the RV. If traveling with pets, check for a pet fee and the specific rules for cleaning and upholstery protection.

Planning a smooth rental trip

Start with the route and the season. Summer can bring high demand and warm interiors that rely on air conditioning at least during afternoons, which makes hookups or generator time important. Shoulder seasons create quieter campgrounds and cooler sleeping, but watch for early snow at elevation and reduced services. Build a daily driving plan that stays well under the maximum hours you would drive in a car, since a motorhome asks more of the driver. Identify fuel stops that can accommodate larger vehicles and practice wide turns before entering tight areas.

Campsite selection matters. Not all sites are deep enough for longer Class C units, and some parks limit generator hours to maintain quiet. Families may value full hookup sites with water, sewer, and electricity to simplify tank management and climate control. Solo travelers might choose national forest campgrounds with fewer amenities and more space. Regardless of the setting, confirm the rules for fires, generator use, and check in times.

Packing works best when you keep weight and noise in mind. Soft sided luggage tucks into cabinets and avoids rattles, felt liners inside drawers reduce clatter, and bungee cords can tame loose items. Bring leveling blocks to correct a sloped campsite, a water pressure regulator, a safe potable water hose, and disposable gloves for dump station duties. A headlamp and a pair of nitrile gloves save time during late arrivals or early morning departures.

Road conduct sets the tone for the whole trip. Keep speeds moderate, tap the brakes before long descents, and let traffic pass when possible. Watch overhead clearances and avoid routes with low bridges. In cities, plan parking ahead or use a park and ride to visit dense areas without the RV. When boondocking is legal and safe, monitor battery levels and conserve power by using LED lights, limiting inverter use, and opening windows when temperatures allow. Most rental agreements prohibit rough off road travel, so stick to established roads.

If this is a first RV vacation, consider a shakedown day near the pickup location. A single night at a local campground allows you to test every system, ask questions while still close to the depot, and adjust packing lists before heading into remote areas. Keep a simple log of tank levels and generator time so you can predict service needs as the days progress. A short daily walk around the vehicle will catch loose latches, storage doors, and items near the exhaust.

For many travelers, a Cruise America rental serves as a tryout for mobile living. It reveals which features matter most, from sleeping layout and bike storage to work surfaces and solar needs. Some discover they love campground amenities. Others find they prefer a nimble platform that fits trailhead parking and city garages.

If you finish a rental and your notes point toward a smaller footprint tailored to your gear and travel style, consider where a purpose built adventure van can take you next. Instead of adapting to a generic floor plan, a bespoke van can prioritize daily routines like brewing coffee at sunrise, carrying bikes or boards inside, and staying comfortable off grid without the generator hum. That path gives you control over systems, storage, and finishes, while keeping the driving experience closer to a family vehicle.

Ready to explore that direction. Visit Recreational vans to see how a refined adventure platform can replace a short term rental with a long term fit. If you already outlined your must haves, our Custom build van process starts with how you travel, then designs around it. If you want a financeable platform to begin your journey, explore Mainstream vans to match your preferred chassis and features.

At OZK Customs in Fayetteville Arkansas, we design and build complete custom vans and targeted upfits that make road time easier and nights quieter. No rentals, no guesswork, just a rig that is calm to drive and simple to live in. Tell us about your routes, your bikes, your coffee ritual, and your ideal campsite. We will turn that blueprint into a van that feels like home the day you pick it up.