By Cheri Sicard
Have you wondered whether or not buying a rental RV is a good idea? Deb, a certified RV inspector and registered technician at Deb’s RV Services, has seen it all when it comes to Cruise America RVs as she’s inspected tons of these rentals over the years.
In the video below, she’s ready to share the good, the bad, and the potentially leaky!
First, it’s important to know that Cruise America RVs are made by Thor. For some RV enthusiasts, that alone might be a deal-breaker. Also, these RVs share certain characteristics that set them apart as rentals.
Typically, they have simple, basic appliances. Think standard tank water heaters that run on propane and refrigerators that work on either propane or electric. This setup is great whether someone wants to camp off-grid (boondocking) or hook up at a campground. Their layouts are usually straightforward, with a bed, couch, dining table, and an area above the cab. While sizes vary, they’re generally a basic box shape.
One significant feature in all Cruise America rental RVs? No slide-outs! This is a deliberate choice that impacts both pros and cons, as we’ll see below.
The pros: Three reasons to consider a Cruise America RV
#1: Affordable adventures
Price is a major draw. Cruise America RVs usually come with a lower price point than other RVs because they have been used a lot. This can be a good option for first-timers or people with a limited budget. Deb had a client who already owned an RV but wanted a second one for cross-country trips without spending a ton of money. A Cruise America rental fit the bill perfectly.
#2: Simple and easy
These RVs are super simple, which is a big plus. They don’t have slide-outs, which can be a source of leaks and other problems. The appliances are also traditional and reliable.
#3: Maintenance history
Cruise America RVs receive regular maintenance. Every time one comes back from a rental, it gets checked and repaired. Therefore, rental RVs get regular oil changes, fluid checks, and tire inspections. Plus, the sealant is regularly maintained. While Deb focuses on what’s underneath during her inspections, she notes that these RVs are always freshly painted and sealed. The oil and generator oil are clean. Best of all, the maintenance records are available, so you can see the RV’s history.
One more possible bonus: Rental RVs are usually smaller, which means they can go to national parks.
The cons: Three potential issues to watch out for
#1: High mileage
Let’s face it: These RVs have been around the block. While they’re freshly painted and look nice, they’ve been used a lot. They often have more than 100,000 miles on them. When buying an RV, many people prefer one-owner vehicles. With a Cruise America RV, hundreds of people have rented it. That means a lot of potential wear and tear.
#2: Limited features
That simplicity that was a pro can also be a con. If you want slide-outs or bells and whistles, you won’t find them when buying rental RVs.
#3: Hidden problems
This is the big one. There are often potential hidden issues in used rental RVs. When Deb inspects them, she always digs deep, as the fresh paint and sealant can hide a lot.
Deb starts by checking the roof. Then, she looks underneath and inside. On one rental, the roof looked fine, but inside the over-cab area, she found signs of a prior water leak and wood rot. Since this was in dry Arizona, the wood had dried out. In a humid climate, it might have stayed wet and spread.
Deb also found an active leak in another used rental RV. During a leak test, she noticed water pouring down behind the sink. It’s important to check everywhere.
These issues can be used to negotiate a better price.
Deb’s verdict: Would she buy a used rental RV?
So, would Deb buy a Cruise America RV? The answer is no. She finds the dark wood and basic design unappealing. Plus, she’s not a fan of Thor RVs in general. However, this is just her personal preference.
Cruise America RVs can be a great option for some people, especially those on a budget. Just be aware of the potential downsides, and get (or do) a thorough inspection before you buy.
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##RVT1203
Maintenance by local Cruise America rental locations can be spotty. We rented a 28′ Class C for a one-way snowbird trip to AZ. After taking it about 100 miles, we noticed that one dual rear tire seemed very low. When I checked the tire pressure, it had 14 psi, not the door sticker pressure. Later that 20-degree evening, we plugged in at a campground and found that the furnace didn’t work as the 12v fuse was blown. There was no open hardware store in the small town, so I had to go to a truck stop and buy an entire fuse kit. I replaced the fuse, but the furnace still wouldn’t work. I had to reconnect a loose thermostat wire before we got heat. No more rental units for us!
I bought a rental RV and have not had significant problems. NOT Cruise America. NOT Thor. NOT 100k. Mine had 28,000 mi at 1-year-old, a Coachmen.
Thank you for sharing and summarizing the video, Cheri! I agree that this could be a good way for a first-time buyer to try-out RVing. However, an even better avenue is merely renting one. Aside from that, I think it a bad idea unless the budget is so binding that this represents the solitary way someone gets into RVing. Have a great day and safe travels!