Would you like to save this article?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later to read!
So you’re thinking about renting one of those iconic white and green Cruise America RVs you see on the highway? You’re not alone—over 65 million U.S. leisure travelers planned RV vacations in recent years, and Cruise America is the biggest player in the rental game. But before you hand over your credit card, you need the real scoop on what it’s actually like to rent from America’s largest RV rental company.
The truth is, renting an RV isn’t as simple as booking a hotel room on wheels. With daily rates ranging from $180 to $300+ and the RV rental market booming to nearly $3 billion in 2026, there’s a lot of money on the line. You deserve to know the good, the bad, and the downright noisy before you commit to your adventure.
This article breaks down everything from the ear-splitting road noise to the mysterious smells, real costs, and whether these well-traveled RVs are actually worth it. We’re pulling back the curtain on what thousands of renters experience—but might not tell you until after you’ve already signed the contract.
1. The Road Noise Will Test Your Sanity (Seriously, Bring Earplugs)
Let’s start with the elephant in the RV—these things are LOUD. When you’re cruising down the highway in a Cruise America rental, you’ll quickly discover why experienced RVers call them “rolling echo chambers.” The combination of the Ford chassis, thin walls, and years of rental use creates a symphony of rattles, bangs, and whooshes that would make a rock concert seem peaceful.
Why is it so loud? Cruise America primarily uses Class C motorhomes built by Thor Motor Coach on Ford cutaway chassis. These vehicles prioritize durability and cost-effectiveness over luxury sound dampening. Add in the fact that rental RVs get way more use than privately-owned ones, and you’ve got a recipe for a noisy ride.
| Noise Source | Decibel Level | Comparable To |
|---|---|---|
| Highway Driving | 75-85 dB | Busy city traffic |
| Rattling Cabinets | Variable | Kitchen chaos |
| Engine Noise | 80-90 dB | Lawnmower |
You’ll want to pack some quality earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, especially if you’re planning long driving days. Your co-pilot trying to have a conversation? Good luck with that. The person in the back trying to nap? They’re in for a rude awakening.
Real Talk: You might think you’re prepared for RV noise, but your first highway merge will have you questioning whether you accidentally rented a jet engine with sleeping quarters. Pro tip: save the deep conversations for rest stops, and maybe invest in a good Bluetooth headset if you’re expecting important calls.
2. The Price Tag Has More Layers Than an Onion
You see that advertised rate of $80-$300 per night and think, “Not bad!” But hold your horses, because that’s just the beginning of your financial journey with Cruise America. The actual cost of your RV rental adventure includes more add-ons than a fast-food value menu.
Here’s the breakdown of what you’re actually paying:
Base Costs:
- Daily rental rate: $180-$250 for Class C motorhomes
- Mileage charges: If you don’t buy the unlimited package at $845 for up to 21 days
- Generator usage: Charged per hour
- Insurance/damage waiver: Usually required
- One-way fees: $350-$750 if dropping off at a different location
Hidden Extras:
- Propane refills: $30-$50
- Dumping fees: $10-$30 per dump
- Campground fees: $30-$100+ per night
- Gas (at 6-10 MPG): Budget generously
According to market analysis, the RV rental industry is projected to reach $5.8 billion by 2036 with a growth rate of 6.1%—and they’re not getting there by giving you discounts!
Real Talk: You thought you were getting a deal until checkout, and suddenly you’re wondering if you should’ve just booked a cruise to the Caribbean instead. That “affordable RV vacation” can quickly balloon to $300-$500+ per day when you add everything up. Better start a “hidden fee” category in your vacation budget spreadsheet.
3. Your RV Might Have More Miles Than a Cross-Country Trucker
Here’s something Cruise America won’t advertise on their homepage: these RVs have seen some things. While the company does maintain a fleet of vehicles, you’re not getting a showroom-fresh motorhome. These rigs are workhorses that rack up serious mileage from renters crisscrossing the country year-round.
What to expect:
- High mileage on most vehicles (50,000+ miles is common)
- Wear and tear from countless renters
- Basic maintenance (they do what’s required, not necessarily what’s optimal)
- Previous “personality touches” from renters (mystery stains, lingering smells)
According to the Better Business Bureau, Cruise America has received numerous complaints about vehicle condition, with renters reporting issues from broken windshield wipers to non-functional smoke detectors.
| Common Issues Reported | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Mechanical problems | High |
| Cleanliness concerns | Moderate-High |
| Equipment malfunctions | Moderate |
| Safety equipment issues | Low-Moderate |
Cruise America offers 24-hour roadside assistance, which is great—but it also tells you something about how often you might need it. Cruise America FAQ
Real Talk: You’re essentially renting the Honda Civic of the rental car world—it’ll get you there, but don’t expect luxury. That RV has lived more lives than a cat and has the battle scars to prove it. Just hope the previous renter wasn’t a family of five with creative definitions of “cleaning.”
4. The Smell Situation Is Real (and Sometimes Mysterious)
Let’s address the aromatic elephant in the RV: black tank smells are a thing. While Cruise America does clean their rentals between trips, you’re dealing with a complex plumbing system that’s been used by dozens (or hundreds) of strangers. Sometimes, those tanks develop personalities of their own.
The Scent Scenarios:
- Black tank odors: The bathroom waste tank can emit less-than-pleasant smells, especially in warm weather
- Musty/mildew smell: From previous renters not properly ventilating
- Mystery odors: Previous occupants’ cooking, pets, or “lifestyle choices”
- Chemical overload: Sometimes masked with so much cleaning product you’ll think you’re in a swimming pool
Fun fact: When picking up your RV, some renters have joked about the “cannabis-esque” smell from industrial cleaning products. Others aren’t so lucky and get genuine mystery odors that no amount of Febreze can conquer.
Survival Tips:
- Pack odor eliminators (not just air fresheners that mask smells)
- Open ALL windows and vents for the first hour
- Check the black tank seal and ensure proper usage
- Consider products like Liquified RV tank treatment
Real Talk: You’ll become intimately familiar with smells you never knew existed. There’s nothing quite like the moment when you’re showing your family their vacation accommodations, and someone asks, “What’s that smell?” Welcome to the glamorous world of RV rentals, where “pre-owned” takes on a whole new sensory dimension.
5. The Learning Curve Is Steeper Than You Think
You show up to pick up your Cruise America RV, expecting a comprehensive tutorial on your 25-foot home-on-wheels. What you actually get is a 15-30 minute walkthrough from an employee who’s done this 500 times today and assumes you know what “dumping the gray water” means.
What you need to figure out:
- Hooking up water, electric, and sewer connections
- Managing three separate waste tanks (fresh, gray, black)
- Operating the generator, furnace, and water heater
- Understanding propane systems and safety
- Driving and parking a vehicle 2-3 times larger than your car
- Avoiding expensive mistakes (like driving away with the awning extended)
The Class C motorhomes average 6-10 MPG, which means you’ll also need to get comfortable with frequent fuel stops in something that handles like a school bus.
| Skill | Difficulty Level | Consequence of Error |
|---|---|---|
| Waste tank management | Moderate | Sanitation disasters |
| Driving/Parking | Moderate-High | Property damage |
| Hookup connections | Moderate | No utilities |
| Generator operation | Low-Moderate | No power |
Real Talk: You’ll spend the first day feeling like you’re piloting a spaceship with a bathroom. By day three, you might almost know what you’re doing—just in time to return it. Nothing says “vacation relaxation” quite like frantically Googling “how to dump RV black tank” in a Walmart parking lot at midnight.
6. Winter Rentals Are the Industry’s Best-Kept Secret
Here’s a pro tip that’ll save you serious cash: rent during winter. While everyone else is fighting over peak summer rates, you can score a Cruise America rental for as low as $100 per day during the off-season. It’s like finding a secret cheat code for RV rentals.
Winter Rental Advantages:
- Dramatically lower daily rates (sometimes 50% off peak season)
- Better availability and vehicle selection
- Less crowded campgrounds and tourist destinations
- More personalized customer service (staff isn’t overwhelmed)
The RV rental market shows distinct seasonal patterns, with summer commanding premium prices due to high demand. But many southern and southwestern destinations are actually better in winter—think Arizona, Southern California, Texas, and Florida.
Best Winter RV Destinations:
- Desert Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico)
- Southern California coast
- Florida Keys and Gulf Coast
- Texas Hill Country
- Southern national parks
Real Talk: While everyone else is paying premium prices to sweat it out in a metal box during July, you could be cruising the Arizona desert in February for half the cost. Sure, your Instagram posts won’t scream “summer vacation,” but your wallet will be doing a happy dance. Plus, fewer people means fewer witnesses to your rookie RV mistakes.
7. The One-Way Rental Specials Are Almost Too Good to Be True
Here’s where things get interesting: Cruise America’s one-way specials can be discounted by up to 95% off normal rates. Yes, you read that right—95%. But there’s a catch (isn’t there always?).
How One-Way Specials Work:
- Cruise America needs to relocate vehicles between locations
- They offer massive discounts if you’re going their desired route
- Deals can drop to $50-$100 for multi-day rentals
- Normal one-way fees ($350-$750) are waived
- Limited availability based on their fleet needs
The Catch:
- You don’t choose the route—you go where they need the RV
- Limited flexibility on dates and pickup/drop-off locations
- May have tight timelines to complete the relocation
- Popular routes (like snowbird migrations) fill up fast
With the U.S. RV rental market valued at $942.6 million in 2026, fleet management is serious business. These relocations help Cruise America maintain their 130+ locations across North America. IBISWorld Industry Analysis & Cruise America One-Way Specials
Real Talk: You’ll feel like you won the lottery when you snag a $75 cross-country RV trip—until you realize you’re essentially doing them a favor by being their unpaid delivery driver. But hey, if the stars align and their route matches your dream trip, it’s like finding a golden ticket in your Wonka bar. Just don’t expect flexibility; you’re on their schedule now.
Final Verdict: Is Cruise America Worth It?
The Bottom Line: Cruise America is worth it if you have realistic expectations, do your homework, and plan strategically. It’s not a luxury experience, but it can be an affordable way to test the RV lifestyle or take a unique road trip adventure.
Best for:
- First-time RVers wanting to try before buying
- Budget-conscious travelers (especially off-season)
- Families seeking adventure and flexibility
- One-way travelers who find relocation deals
Skip it if:
- You want pristine, low-mileage vehicles
- You’re expecting luxury amenities
- You need guaranteed perfection without surprises
- You can’t handle mechanical issues with patience
With the recreational vehicle rental market projected to grow from $2.88 billion in 2026 to $3.82 billion by 2031, it’s clear that RV rentals are here to stay. Mordor Intelligence Market Report
The key is going in with your eyes wide open, your expectations properly calibrated, and maybe some earplugs in your pocket.
SOURCES
- Cruise America Official Website
- Cruise America – How Much to Rent an RV
- Cruise America – Budget-Friendly Travel Tips
- Cruise America – One-Way Specials
- Cruise America – Sales FAQs (Vehicle Manufacturing)
- Cruise America – RV Rental FAQs
- Cruise America – Cost to Fill Up RV (Gas Mileage)
- Better Business Bureau – Cruise America Complaints
- Mordor Intelligence – Recreational Vehicle Rental Market Report
- Fact.MR – Recreational Vehicle Rental Market Analysis
- IBISWorld – RV & Camper Van Rental Industry Analysis
- Grand View Research – RV Rental Market Size Report
- Open Roading YouTube Channel – The BRUTALLY HONEST Truth about Cruise America
