Cruise America Makes RV Road Trips Easier Across the U.S. 🚐

Turn a Road Trip Into the Whole Vacation

Cruise America is a major RV rental company focused on C-Class motorhomes and travel trailers. The company says it has more than 50 years of experience renting C-Class motorhomes and operates a fleet through more than 110 locations across North America. Its rental network covers the Lower 48 states, Alaska and Canada. 

Instead of treating the RV simply as transportation, Cruise America designs its rentals around the idea of having a small living space on the road. Depending on the model, travelers can have sleeping areas, a kitchen, bathroom facilities, dining space, storage and other RV essentials while traveling between destinations.

That can make an RV especially interesting for longer road trips where the journey itself is part of the experience.

Choose the RV Size That Fits Your Trip

Cruise America currently offers several different rental configurations, so travelers do not necessarily have to choose the biggest motorhome available.

30' Large Motorhome

The C30 Large is the biggest RV Cruise America rents. It is designed as a traditional motorhome with a walk-through layout and multiple sleeping areas. The current specifications list a length of 30 feet, a width of 8.3 feet, and outside storage of about 93 cubic feet. 

The C30 can sleep up to 7 people, according to Cruise America's vehicle information, making it the option to consider when traveling with a larger group.

Its listed equipment includes air conditioning, automatic transmission, cruise control, a generator, an LP gas/12-volt furnace, a 55-gallon fuel tank, a 40-gallon fresh-water tank, a 25-gallon sewage tank and a 22-gallon grey-water tank. 

25' Standard

The C25 Standard is described by Cruise America as its most popular RV. It sleeps 5 people and is designed as an economical family motorhome with a walk-through layout.

The 25-foot model has a 55-gallon fuel tank, 40-gallon fresh-water tank, 6-gallon water heater tank, and 24.5-gallon sewage and grey-water tanks. It also provides approximately 51 cubic feet of exterior storage. 

For U.S. rentals, the C25 also includes a built-in 4KW generator, which can power the rooftop air conditioner, 120-volt outlets, microwave and refrigerator when the RV is not connected to campground electricity. 

21' Compact

Traveling with fewer people does not necessarily mean giving up the RV experience.

Cruise America's 21' Compact is a fully self-contained RV with a rear kitchen layout. The company says it is particularly suited to two adults, while the dinette can convert into an additional bed for a child. It also has 6.5-foot / 2-meter ceilings, which gives the compact layout more usable interior space. 

This smaller size can be attractive for travelers who want the convenience of an RV without choosing a full-size 25- or 30-foot motorhome.

Ultra Compact RV

Cruise America's Ultra Compact RV is designed for travelers who want an even smaller footprint. The company says it is 7 feet wide and combines the drivability of a large van with the functionality of a Class C motorhome. 

Despite the compact dimensions, the layout includes a kitchen, bathroom and living space. Cruise America specifically positions this model for couples and solo travelers who want easier maneuverability and parking. 

Adventure Travel Trailer

Cruise America also offers an Adventure Travel Trailer for travelers who prefer to use their own vehicle for getting around after setting up camp.

The trailer provides the amenities of an RV while allowing travelers to separate their camping setup from their everyday driving vehicle. One important detail is that the Adventure Travel Trailer does not include an electrical generator. To operate the air conditioner or microwave, it must be connected to a 30-amp electrical circuit.

What Makes a Cruise America RV Practical?

The exact equipment varies by model, but Cruise America's motorhomes are designed as self-contained units.

For example, the C25 Standard includes a kitchen area, sleeping spaces, bathroom facilities, fresh-water storage and waste-water tanks. The motorhome also includes air conditioning and a generator for U.S. rentals.

That means travelers can spend more time enjoying the destination rather than constantly planning around hotel check-ins and moving luggage from one room to another.

For families, the layout can also make longer drives easier because passengers have access to the RV's living areas when the vehicle is parked.

Cruise America Has Locations Across the Country

Cruise America has rental and sales centers throughout the Lower 48 states, Alaska and Canada.

The company provides location-specific information through its rental-center directory, including addresses, phone numbers, operating hours and available inventory.

For example, its San Francisco-area location is in Newark, California, while additional California locations include San Diego, Sacramento and San Clemente.

Because available vehicles can vary by location, checking the inventory for the specific pickup center is important before making a reservation.

Current Cruise America Deals 💰

Cruise America's official RV rental page currently highlights several ways to save.

One promotion is advertised as “Unlimited Free Miles. Unlimited Adventure,” giving travelers the opportunity to find eligible rental offers where mileage charges are removed. The exact availability and terms depend on the rental. 

The company also currently promotes an Early Booking Discount described as “Half the Mileage, Double the Adventure!” This is aimed at customers who plan their trips ahead of time and can reduce the mileage component of an eligible rental. 

Another current offer is a Phoenix relocation special advertised from $39 per night. Relocation deals are particularly relevant for flexible travelers who are willing to pick up an RV in one location and complete a specified one-way trip.

Cruise America's rental-location pages also feature one-way specials and other trip-specific promotions, so it is worth checking the Deals section before booking rather than assuming every rental has the same price structure. 

Understand Mileage Before You Book

Mileage is an important part of the total cost of a Cruise America rental.

According to the company's current FAQ, an estimated mileage charge is applied at 39 cents per mile. The standard estimated mileage is based on 100 miles per night for local rentals and 250 miles per night for one-way rentals. At the end of the trip, excess mileage is charged at the same rate, while excess estimated mileage charges can be refunded. Cruise America notes that it reserves the right to modify the estimated mileage calculation depending on the rental type.

This is an important detail for budget-conscious travelers. When comparing RV rental prices, it makes sense to look beyond the advertised base rental price and estimate how many miles the trip will actually cover.

That is also why Cruise America's current mileage promotions can be valuable for the right itinerary.

Pets Can Come Along 🐶

Cruise America allows pets in its motorhomes, so travelers do not necessarily have to leave their dogs or cats at home.

The company asks customers to clean up after their pets and return the vehicle in the condition in which it was received. Failure to do so can result in a cleaning fee of up to $250.

For families planning a longer road trip with a pet, this policy can make RV travel more convenient than arrangements that require leaving a pet behind.

Towing Is Available With Specific Rules

Cruise America allows towing with its motorhomes, but there are important restrictions.

The motorhomes have a receiver hitch, but renters must provide their own tow bar. Customers must declare their intention to tow before departure, and the company states that the tow weight must remain within its 2,500-pound restriction. A $25-per-night towing charge applies. 

Cruise America also states that its collision or liability coverage does not cover damage to the towed object or third-party injury caused by the towed object.

So if you plan to bring another vehicle, boat or other towable item, check the rules carefully before booking.

A Road Trip Option for Different Travel Styles

Cruise America's lineup makes it possible to approach an RV trip in different ways.

A couple may prefer the 21-foot Compact or the 7-foot-wide Ultra Compact for easier driving and parking. A family of five may find the 25-foot Standard more practical, while a larger group can look at the 30-foot Large motorhome. Travelers who already own a suitable vehicle can also consider the Adventure Travel Trailer.

The right choice therefore depends not only on the number of travelers, but also on how much space, storage and maneuverability you want.

How to Save on a Cruise America Rental

If you're booking through a cashback or deals site, there are several things worth checking before completing your reservation.

1. Look for a current Cruise America promotion first.
The official site currently lists unlimited-mile offers, early-booking mileage discounts and one-way relocation deals. 

2. Compare the mileage with your actual itinerary.
At the current stated rate of $0.39 per mile, a long road trip can add significantly to the final cost if your rental does not qualify for a free-mile promotion. 

3. Check different RV sizes.
A larger motorhome may provide more sleeping space and storage, but a compact model can make more sense for a couple or solo traveler.

4. Check the pickup location.
Inventory and availability can vary between rental centers, so comparing nearby locations may give you more options.

5. Check cashback before checkout.
If a cashback offer is available, activate it before beginning your qualifying purchase and review the current terms, since cashback rates and eligibility can change.

Is Cruise America Worth Considering?

Cruise America is a practical option for travelers who want to experience an American road trip without buying an RV. Its lineup ranges from a compact 21-foot model to a 30-foot motorhome, while its travel trailer provides another option for people who already have a suitable tow vehicle. 

The numbers also make the choices relatively easy to understand: the C25 Standard sleeps 5, the 30-foot Large is the biggest rental model, the Ultra Compact is 7 feet wide, and the standard mileage charge is currently listed at $0.39 per mile.

For deal hunters, the biggest opportunity is to compare the available promotions with your planned route. An unlimited-mile offer, an early-booking mileage discount or a relocation special can make a meaningful difference depending on where and how far you're traveling.

Before booking, check Cruise America's latest deals, select the RV that matches your group, calculate the expected mileage and then look for available cashback. That combination can help you turn a traditional vacation into a flexible road trip while keeping a closer eye on the overall cost.