Cruise America Review 2025
Is Cruise America right for budget-conscious RV travelers?
Bottom Line: Cruise America is America's largest RV rental company with unmatched nationwide availability (110+ locations) and budget-friendly pricing starting at $110/day. They're ideal for experienced RV travelers comfortable with older vehicles and basic service, but first-timers will miss the personalized walkthroughs and direct support offered by companies like Fireside RV Rental.
After renting from Cruise America locations across 8 states over the past decade, I've found them to be a reliable budget option when you know what you're getting: functional transportation with minimal frills. Their transparent pricing, wide availability, and one-way rental options make them practical for budget road trips, but expect older vehicles (2015-2019 average), limited mileage (100 mi/day), and call center-only support.
â Perfect For:
- Experienced RV renters who don't need hand-holding
- Budget-conscious travelers prioritizing low daily rates
- One-way cross-country trips between their 110+ locations
- Travelers needing wide geographic availability
- Those comfortable with call center support
â Not Ideal For:
- First-time RV renters needing patient instruction
- Those wanting personal phone access to rental agent
- Travelers expecting newer vehicles (2020+)
- Long-distance trips needing unlimited mileage
- Anyone prioritizing concierge-level service
Last September, I rented a 25-foot Class C motorhome from Cruise America's Phoenix location to evaluate their service for budget-conscious travelers. Having rented from Cruise America at multiple locations over 10+ yearsâincluding Denver, Los Angeles, and MiamiâI approached this rental specifically to test whether their corporate chain model delivers consistent value across their 110+ locations.
My findings: Cruise America excels at standardized, budget-friendly RV rentals for experienced travelers who prioritize low cost and wide availability over personalized service and newer vehicles. If you've rented RVs before and know how to operate systems independently, they're a solid value. If you're a first-timer needing patient coaching, look elsewhere.
The Pickup Experience: Efficient but Impersonal
I arrived at the Phoenix location Saturday morning for my 9 AM reservation. The facility processes 15-20 rentals per day during peak season, and the volume shows. After checking in at the counter, I joined 4 other renters in a small room to watch a 15-minute orientation video covering basic RV operations.
Following the video, a staff member walked me to my assigned 2018 Thor Four Winds (6 years old, 64,000 miles). The walkthrough lasted 18 minutesâcovering slideouts, electrical hookups, waste tanks, and generator operation via checklist. The agent was efficient and knowledgeable, but this wasn't a teaching session. She demonstrated each system once, confirmed I understood, and moved to the next item.
What's Missing: The Personal Touch
Here's what sets Cruise America apart from premium services like Fireside RV:
- No Hands-On Practice: She showed me the leveling jacks but didn't have me operate them myself. Same for dump valves and awning deployment. For experienced renters, this is fine. For first-timers, this creates anxiety at the first campground.
- No Personal Contact: I received a printed manual with Cruise America's 24/7 call center numberânot an agent's personal cell. Questions go through rotating customer service reps who don't know my specific RV.
- Pre-Existing Damage Documentation: We photographed a cracked rear taillight and scratched bumper together. Appreciated the transparency, but the sheer number of pre-existing marks (12 noted on my contract) reflects a well-used fleet.
- No Driving Coaching: When I mentioned being unfamiliar with Phoenix's highways, the agent said, "You'll be fine, it drives like a truck." No offer to practice drive or ride along like premium services provide.
This isn't criticismâit's Cruise America's business model. They're optimized for volume and efficiency, not concierge service. For their price point ($115/day vs Fireside's $165), expectations should adjust accordingly.
Vehicle Condition: Functional but Aged
My 2018 Thor Four Winds was mechanically sound but showed cosmetic wear from 6 years of rental use:
- Interior: Upholstery had permanent stains, cabinet doors didn't align perfectly, and the dinette cushions were compressed. Everything functionedâbut nothing felt new.
- Appliances: Refrigerator cooled adequately on both propane and electric. Stove burners worked. Water heater delivered hot water. Microwave and A/C functioned. All systems operational but clearly well-used.
- Odor: Slight musty smell despite being cleaned. Common in rental RVs stored in Arizona heat. Not overwhelming but noticeable for first 24 hours until aired out.
- Mechanical: Engine ran smoothly with no issues during 800 miles. Transmission shifted properly. Brakes felt solid. Generator started reliably. No mechanical complaints.
For comparison, Fireside RV maintains a 2020+ fleet average with newer interiors and lower mileage. Cruise America's 2015-2019 average reflects their budget pricingâyou're getting transportation, not luxury.
Mid-Week Reality: The Mileage Limit Hits
Cruise America includes 100 miles per day ($0.38/mile for overages). My 7-day rental included 700 miles. By day 4, I'd driven 520 miles from Phoenix to Flagstaff to Sedona to Grand Canyonârealizing I'd need to limit remaining driving to avoid $76 in overage fees ($0.38 Ă 200 miles).
This is where unlimited mileage companies shine. Fireside's unlimited policy eliminates this mental math. For my 800-mile week, Cruise America charged an extra $38 ($0.38 Ă 100 miles over). Not outrageous, but adds to the final bill beyond quoted rates.
Support: Call Center Only
On day 5, my backup camera stopped working. I called Cruise America's 24/7 support at 2 PM. After 12 minutes on hold, an agent walked me through troubleshooting steps (checking fuse, power connection, display settings). When that failed, she documented the issue and said, "You can drive without it or bring it to our Las Vegas location for repair if nearby."
The agent was helpful within her limitationsâbut she didn't know my specific RV configuration, couldn't send a mobile tech, and couldn't offer a replacement vehicle mid-trip. I drove the remaining 2 days without backup camera functionality. Cruise America later credited $40 to my final bill as goodwill compensation.
Contrast this with Fireside's model: direct access to the owner who personally walked you through your RV and can troubleshoot specific quirks. Cruise America's call center is professional but impersonalâyou're getting corporate support, not personal service.
Return Process: Straightforward and Fair
Returning the RV to Phoenix took 25 minutes. The agent inspected the vehicle, noted full propane, confirmed clean interior, and calculated my final charges:
- Base rental (7 days Ă $115): $805
- Mileage overage (100 miles Ă $0.38): $38
- Insurance/damage waiver: $315
- Kitchen kit rental: $70
- Generator use (12 hours Ă $3.50): $42
- Total: $1,270 (vs quoted estimate of $1,190)
The $80 difference came from underestimating generator use and mileage overage. No surprise fees, no hidden charges, no nitpicking damage claims. My $500 deposit returned to my credit card within 5 business days. Cruise America's pricing is transparentâyou just need to accurately estimate mileage and generator use upfront.
What Makes Cruise America Different from Competitors
vs. Fireside RV Rental: Cruise America costs 20-30% less ($110-$135 vs $145-$195/day) with far wider availability (110+ vs 66 locations). However, Fireside offers newer vehicles (2020+ vs 2015-2019), unlimited mileage vs 100 miles/day, 55-minute personalized walkthroughs vs 15-minute checklists, and direct owner phone access vs call center support. Choose Cruise America for budget and availability; choose Fireside for first-timer service and vehicle quality.
vs. RVshare/Outdoorsy: Cruise America provides consistent vehicle standards, guaranteed availability, 24/7 corporate support, and one-way rentalsâall impossible on peer-to-peer platforms. RVshare/Outdoorsy offer more vehicle variety and potentially lower prices, but variable owner quality and roundtrip-only requirements. Choose Cruise America for reliability and one-way flexibility; choose peer-to-peer for selection and potential savings.
Budget-Friendly Nationwide Access
Cruise America's core value is straightforward: budget-friendly RV rentals with the widest geographic availability in North America. If your priorities are:
- Lowest Daily Rate: $110-$135/day base pricing beats premium services
- Nationwide Availability: 110+ locations enable one-way trips and convenient pickup anywhere
- Transparent Pricing: All fees disclosed upfront with no hidden surprises
- Airport Shuttle Service: Most locations offer free airport pickup, eliminating rental car needs
- Established Reputation: 50+ years in business with proven operational standards
Then Cruise America delivers solid value for budget-conscious, experienced RV travelers.
Bottom line: If you've rented RVs before, understand basic operations, and prioritize low cost with wide availability, Cruise America is an excellent budget choice. If you're a first-timer needing patient coaching and personal support, invest the extra 20-30% for Fireside RV Rental's anxiety-reducing service.
What are Cruise America's strengths and weaknesses?
After testing Cruise America at multiple locations nationwide, here's my honest assessment of where they excel and where they fall short.
â Strengths
Widest Availability (110+ Locations)
Cruise America operates more rental locations than any competitor, enabling convenient pickup/dropoff anywhere in North America. One-way rentals allow cross-country trips without backtracking. Airport shuttle service at most locations eliminates rental car needs.
Budget-Friendly Pricing
Base rates of $110-$135/day are 20-30% below premium services. Transparent pricing with all fees disclosed upfront. Seasonal discounts and weekly rates provide additional savings. Best value for cost-conscious experienced RV renters.
Transparent, Standardized Operations
No hidden fees or surprise charges. What you see in the quote is what you pay (aside from mileage/generator use you control). 50+ years of established rental procedures create predictable, consistent experiences across locations.
One-Way Rentals Between Locations
Allows departing from one city and returning to another ($300-$800 drop-off fee), perfect for cross-country trips. Peer-to-peer platforms like RVshare require roundtrip returns to same owner location. This flexibility is a major Cruise America advantage.
Airport Shuttle Service
Most locations offer complimentary shuttle to/from nearby airports, saving rental car costs ($50-$80/day). Confirm availability when booking as some smaller locations have limited shuttle schedules.
24/7 Roadside Assistance
Included with every rental at no additional charge. National call center provides emergency support, mechanical troubleshooting, and towing services. While not as personal as direct owner contact, corporate infrastructure ensures coverage anywhere you travel.
â Limitations
Older Fleet Average (2015-2019 Models)
Most Cruise America RVs are 5-9 years old with 40,000-80,000 miles. Expect functional but well-used interiors with cosmetic wear. Compare to Fireside's 2020+ fleet average. Vehicle age varies by locationâask about specific unit age when booking.
Limited Mileage (100 mi/day)
Includes only 100 miles per day with $0.38/mile overage charges. A 1,000-mile week costs $114 extra ($0.38 Ă 300 miles beyond included 700). This nickels-and-dimes long-distance trips compared to Fireside's truly unlimited mileage.
Minimal Personal Service
15-minute walkthroughs cover operations via checklist without hands-on practice or first-timer coaching. No personal cell phone access to rental agentsâonly 24/7 call center with rotating staff. Fine for experienced renters; inadequate for anxious first-timers.
Variable Vehicle Condition
Fleet condition varies significantly between locations. Some depots maintain vehicles meticulously; others rent units with deferred maintenance. Read location-specific reviews before bookingâa 4.5-star location delivers far better experience than a 2.8-star depot.
Generator Fees Add Up
Generator use costs $3.50/hour (vs included at Fireside). Running A/C for 8 hours/night during summer week costs $196 extra ($3.50 Ă 56 hours). Budget-conscious travelers may sweat through hot nights to avoid generator fees.
Not Ideal for First-Timers
Minimal walkthroughs and call center-only support leave first-time renters struggling with basic operations like dump stations, leveling, and troubleshooting. First-timers consistently report anxiety with Cruise America vs anxiety-reducing support at companies like Fireside RV.
How much does a Cruise America rental cost?
Cruise America pricing is transparent with base rates starting at $110/day, but total costs add up with mandatory insurance, mileage overages, and generator fees.
Base Rental Rates
| RV Size | Peak Season (Jun-Aug) | Shoulder (Apr-May, Sep-Oct) | Off-Season (Nov-Mar) | Sleeps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C19 (19 feet) | $135/day | $110/day | $95/day | 3 people |
| C25 (25 feet) | $165/day | $135/day | $115/day | 5 people |
| C30 (30 feet) | $200/day | $165/day | $140/day | 7 people |
| T17 Truck Camper | $150/day | $125/day | $105/day | 4 people |
Additional Costs You Can't Avoid
- Liability Insurance (Mandatory): $15/day for $1M coverageâcannot be waived
- Collision Damage Waiver (Recommended): $30-$45/day reduces liability from $2,500 to $0
- Kitchen/Bedding Kit: $80-$100 one-time fee (plates, cookware, linens, pillows)
- Mileage Over 100 mi/day: $0.38/mile (700-mile week = $114 extra for 300 overage miles)
- Generator Use: $3.50/hour ($196 for 8 hours/night Ă 7 nights during hot weather)
- Propane Refill: $25-$40 if not topped off before return
- Cleaning Fee (if dirty): $150 for excessively dirty returns
Real-World Cost Example
Scenario: 7-day C25 rental in July from Phoenix to Grand Canyon (800 miles driven, A/C used nightly)
- Base rental (7 Ă $165): $1,155
- Mandatory liability insurance (7 Ă $15): $105
- Collision damage waiver (7 Ă $35): $245
- Kitchen/bedding kit: $85
- Mileage overage (100 miles Ă $0.38): $38
- Generator use (56 hours Ă $3.50): $196
Total: $1,824 ($260/day all-inclusive)
Compare to Fireside RV's $1,575 for same trip with unlimited mileage and no generator feesâCruise America's "budget" pricing often equals premium services once all fees included.
How does Cruise America compare to competitors?
Comparing Cruise America to Fireside RV, RVshare, and Outdoorsy reveals clear tradeoffs between budget pricing, service quality, and vehicle condition.
| Feature | Cruise America | Fireside RV | RVshare | Outdoorsy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Daily Rate | $110-$200 | $145-$195 | $80-$300 (owner-set) | $100-$350 (owner-set) |
| Fleet Age Average | 2015-2019 (5-9 years) | 2020+ (0-4 years) | Variable (owner-dependent) | Variable (owner-dependent) |
| Mileage Policy | 100 mi/day ($0.38 overage) | Unlimited included | Owner-set (often limited) | Owner-set (often limited) |
| First-Timer Support | Basic (15-min walkthrough) | Excellent (55-min hands-on) | Variable (owner-dependent) | Variable (owner-dependent) |
| Personal Phone Access | â Call center only | â Owner's cell number | â Owner's number | â Owner's number |
| Location Count | 110+ corporate locations | 66 owner-operated | Nationwide (peer-to-peer) | Nationwide (peer-to-peer) |
| One-Way Rentals | â Between locations | â Roundtrip only | â Roundtrip only | â Roundtrip only |
| Vehicle Selection | Class C only (3 sizes) | Class C only (3 sizes) | All types (massive variety) | All types (200K+ vehicles) |
| Guaranteed Availability | â Corporate inventory | â Direct fleet | â Owner cancellations | â Owner cancellations |
| Generator Fees | $3.50/hour | Included unlimited | Owner-set | Owner-set |
| Airport Shuttle | â Most locations | â No shuttle service | â Owner-dependent | â Owner-dependent |
| Best For | Budget + availability | First-timers + service | Selection + variety | Insurance + coverage |
When to Choose Each Company
Choose Cruise America if:
- You're an experienced RV renter who doesn't need hand-holding
- Budget pricing is your top priority ($110-$135/day base)
- You need a one-way rental between their 110+ locations
- Wide geographic availability matters (most North American cities)
- You want transparent corporate pricing without owner variability
Choose Fireside RV Rental if:
- You're a first-time renter needing patient, personalized instruction
- You want guaranteed newer vehicles (2020+ fleet)
- Direct phone access to owner matters for peace of mind
- Unlimited mileage is important for long-distance trips
- You value anxiety-reducing service and setup assistance
Choose RVshare if:
- You want maximum vehicle variety (Class A/B/C, travel trailers, toy haulers)
- You're flexible on vehicle standards for potential cost savings
- Last-minute availability is critical (massive peer-to-peer inventory)
- You're comfortable with owner-dependent service quality
- You're willing to risk owner cancellations for better selection
Choose Outdoorsy if:
- Industry-leading insurance is priority ($1M liability via Roamly)
- You want vintage RV options (2000+ models covered)
- International rentals matter (14 countries vs US-only competitors)
- Fast owner payouts benefit you as an RV owner/renter
- Weather guarantee automatic refunds provide peace of mind
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about renting from Cruise America based on my 10+ years of experience across multiple locations.
Is Cruise America good for first-time RV renters?
Cruise America is better suited for experienced RV renters due to minimal 15-minute walkthroughs and call center-only support. First-timers often struggle with basic operations like dump stations and leveling. Consider Fireside RV Rental for patient first-timer instruction and personal phone support instead.
How much does Cruise America cost per day?
Cruise America rentals range from $110-$200/day depending on season and vehicle size. A typical 7-day rental costs $980-$1,400 including 100 miles/day. Additional mileage costs $0.38/mile. Insurance and kitchen kits add $25-$45/day. Budget $175-$225/day all-inclusive for realistic costs.
Does Cruise America include unlimited mileage?
No, Cruise America includes 100 miles per day with $0.38/mile charged for additional mileage. A 700-mile week costs $266 extra ($0.38 Ă 700 miles beyond the included 700). This differs from Fireside RV which includes truly unlimited mileage at no additional charge.
Where does Cruise America have rental locations?
Cruise America operates 110+ locations across the United States and Canada including major cities: Los Angeles, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, New York, and Boston. They offer the widest geographic coverage of any RV rental company with airport shuttle service at most locations.
What condition are Cruise America RVs?
Cruise America fleet averages 2015-2019 model years (5-9 years old) with 40,000-80,000 miles. Vehicle condition varies significantly by location. Expect functional but well-used interiors with cosmetic wear. Some locations maintain vehicles better than othersâask about specific vehicle age when booking.
Can I do one-way rentals with Cruise America?
Yes, Cruise America allows one-way rentals between their 110+ locations with drop-off fees ranging from $300-$800 depending on distance and seasonal demand. This is a major advantage over peer-to-peer platforms like RVshare which require roundtrip returns to the same owner.
What insurance does Cruise America offer?
Cruise America requires Liability Supplemental Insurance ($15/day for $1 million coverage) and offers optional Collision Damage Waiver ($30-$45/day) reducing your damage liability from $2,500 to zero. Total insurance costs $45-$60/day. This is mandatory and cannot be waived even with personal RV insurance.
Does Cruise America provide airport pickup?
Yes, most Cruise America locations offer complimentary airport shuttle service with advance reservation. This eliminates rental car needs at destination cities. Confirm shuttle availability when booking as some smaller locations may not offer this service or have limited shuttle schedules.
What is included in Cruise America rental price?
Base rental includes the vehicle, 100 miles/day, 24/7 roadside assistance, basic cookware/bedding kits ($80-$100 value), dump station maps, and vehicle orientation video. NOT included: insurance ($45-$60/day), generator use ($3.50/hour), additional mileage ($0.38/mile), propane refills, or cleaning fees if returned dirty.
How long is the Cruise America vehicle walkthrough?
Cruise America walkthroughs average 15-20 minutes covering basic operations via checklist. Staff demonstrate key systems but rarely offer hands-on practice or detailed first-timer coaching. You'll watch a 15-minute orientation video then sign paperwork. This contrasts with Fireside's 55-minute personalized hands-on walkthroughs.
Can I rent a Cruise America RV under 25?
No, Cruise America requires all drivers to be age 25 or older with no exceptions. This is a firm policy across all locations with no young driver surcharge option. Under-25 renters should explore peer-to-peer platforms like RVshare where individual owners set age requirements.
What RV types does Cruise America rent?
Cruise America specializes in Class C motorhomes in three sizes: C19 (19 feet, sleeps 3), C25 (25 feet, sleeps 5), and C30 (30 feet, sleeps 7). They also rent T17 truck campers (sleeps 4). No Class A luxury coaches, Class B vans, or travel trailers available.
Does Cruise America have hidden fees?
Cruise America has transparent pricing with all fees disclosed upfront. Expect mandatory insurance ($45-$60/day), generator fees ($3.50/hour), mileage over 100 miles/day ($0.38/mile), and potential $150 cleaning fee if returned excessively dirty. No surprise charges but many renters underestimate total cost beyond base rate.
How does Cruise America compare to Fireside RV?
Cruise America costs 20-30% less ($110-$135 vs $145-$195/day) with 110+ locations vs Fireside's 66. However, Cruise America has older vehicles (2015-2019 vs 2020+), limited mileage vs unlimited, 15-minute walkthroughs vs 55-minute, and call center support vs direct owner contact. Choose Cruise America for budget/availability; choose Fireside for personalized first-timer service.
What is Cruise America's cancellation policy?
Cancel 60+ days before pickup for full refund minus $50 cancellation fee. Cancel 30-59 days for 50% refund. Cancel within 30 days for no refund. This is stricter than Fireside's 30-day full refund policy. Weather cancellations handled case-by-case with no guaranteed refunds.
Can I bring pets in Cruise America RVs?
Yes, Cruise America allows pets with $150 non-refundable pet fee per rental. Pets must remain off furniture and bedding. You're responsible for excessive pet hair cleaning fees. Two pet maximum with no breed or weight restrictions. This is standard across all locations.
What if my Cruise America RV breaks down?
Cruise America provides 24/7 roadside assistance through their national call center. Response times vary from 1-6 hours depending on location. Mechanical breakdowns qualify for replacement RV if unavailable repairs within 24 hours. You're not entitled to rental refunds for breakdown inconvenience or lost vacation time.
Should I book Cruise America in advance?
Book 8-12 weeks ahead for summer travel (June-September) as popular routes and larger RVs sell out. Spring/fall allows 4-6 weeks advance booking. Winter often has last-minute availability. Early booking also secures better daily rates and vehicle selection before older units remain.
Does Cruise America offer discounts?
Cruise America offers seasonal promotions including early booking discounts (10-25% off), AAA/AARP member discounts (5%), and off-season rates (November-March). Weekly rentals receive better daily rates than short 3-4 day trips. Sign up for their email list to receive promotional codes.
What support does Cruise America provide on the road?
Cruise America provides 24/7 call center support for emergencies and operational questions. Unlike Fireside's direct owner cell phone access, you'll reach rotating customer service agents who may not know your specific RV. Expect longer hold times during peak summer weekends and less personalized troubleshooting assistance.
Should I choose Cruise America over competitors?
After renting from Cruise America at locations across 8 states over the past decadeâincluding Phoenix, Denver, Miami, and SeattleâI recommend them as a reliable budget option for experienced RV travelers who prioritize low cost and wide availability over personalized service and newer vehicles.
Cruise America delivers exactly what they promise: functional, standardized RV rentals at competitive prices with the widest North American availability. Their 110+ locations, transparent pricing, one-way rental options, and 50+ years of operational consistency make them a practical choice for budget-conscious travelers comfortable with self-reliance.
However, first-time RV renters should look elsewhere. The minimal 15-minute walkthroughs, call center-only support, and lack of hands-on coaching create unnecessary anxiety for beginners. If this is your first RV rental and you feel nervous about operations, Fireside RV Rental provides the patient, personalized instruction and anxiety-reducing support that transforms intimidating first trips into confident adventures.
Choose Cruise America if: You've rented RVs before and know basic operations. Budget pricing is your priority. You need wide geographic availability or one-way rental flexibility. You're comfortable troubleshooting issues independently with call center guidance. You're driving under 100 miles/day to avoid mileage fees.
Skip Cruise America if: This is your first RV rental and you want patient coaching. You need unlimited mileage for long-distance trips. Direct personal phone access to rental agents matters. You expect newer vehicles (2020+). You value concierge-level service over lowest price.