How to Choose an RV for Your Family Road Trip

  • RV Destinations
  • Family Friendly
  • Road Trip
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If you are looking for the best way to take a family road trip, look no further than Cruise America’s lineup of modern RV rentals. With a range of models to choose from, you can find the perfect RV to suit your family's needs. This blog will guide you through the different RV rental models Cruise America offers, highlighting their features and amenities.

Additionally, it will provide you with essential questions to ask when searching for the right RV for your family road trip and offer guidance on selecting an RV that fits the size and needs of your family, including considerations for sleeping arrangements and storage capacity.

Cruise America’s RV Models

Compact

The compact RV rental is perfect for couples looking to go on a weekend getaway. With space for three people, you can even bring your child along for the adventure. Our compact unit is a fully self-contained RV designed with a unique rear kitchen layout that includes all the amenities of a larger model. Perfect for two adults of any age, it also features a dinette that folds into an extra bed for a child. With 6.5-foot (2-meter) ceilings and walk-through convenience, even tall campers can comfortably enjoy the space.

First-time renters will appreciate the narrower width, which makes driving in hilly areas safer and parking in any lot or RV parks a breeze.

Max Capacity: 3

  • Ford V-8 Chassis Engine

  • Automatic Transmission

  • 2-Wheel Drive

  • ABS Power Brakes

  • Power Steering

  • In Dash Air Conditioning

  • Cruise Control

  • Single Rear Tires

  • Generator (USA Only)

  • Stereo Sound System

  • LP Gas/12 Volt Furnace

  • 40 gal./151 L Fuel Tank

  • 20.5 gal./76 L Fresh Water Tank

  • 6 gal./22 L Water Heater Tank

  • 17 gal./64 L Sewage Water Tank

  • 16 gal./62 L Grey Water Tank

  • 11 gal./45 L LP Gas Tank

  • 6 cu ft/.17 CM Outside Storage Space

  • Length: 20 ft./6.1 

Compact +

The cab-over bed provides plenty of space, and the rear dinette converts into a bed, comfortably accommodating up to four people. The new layout maximizes space, featuring all the improvements from our other models and increased exterior storage. The kitchen and bathroom are centrally located, allowing for a larger dinette/sleeping area at the back.

First-time renters will find the narrower 7.5 feet (2.3 meters) width beneficial, making driving in hilly areas safer and parking in any lot easier in this size RV.

As with all Cruise America RVs, excess weight has been removed without compromising structural integrity. Reducing vehicle weight and using nitrogen-filled tires to maintain pressure results in better gas mileage.

Max Capacity: 4

  • Ford V-8 Chassis Engine

  • Automatic Transmission

  • 2-Wheel Drive

  • ABS Power Brakes

  • Power Steering

  • In Dash Air Conditioning

  • Cruise Control

  • Single Rear Tires

  • Generator (USA Only)

  • Stereo Sound System

  • LP Gas/12 Volt Furnace

  • 40 gal./151 L Fuel Tank

  • 20.5 gal./76 L Fresh Water Tank

  • 6 gal./22 L Water Heater Tank

  • 17 gal./64 L Sewage Water Tank

  • 16 gal./62 L Grey Water Tank

  • 11 ga

  • l./45 L LP Gas Tank

  • 10.75 cu ft/.3 cm Outside Storage Space

  • Length: 20.5 ft./6.55 m

Travel Trailer

A custom-built trailer equipped with all the amenities of a motorhome, offering the flexibility to use your own vehicle for easy travel.

The following qualifications apply to renting a Cruise America Travel Trailer:

  • The towing vehicle must be registered in the renter's name.

  • The towing vehicle's owner must provide a current unexpired vehicle registration.

  • The towing vehicle's owner must provide proof of insurance on the towing vehicle.

  • The towing vehicle must be capable of towing 3,8000 pounds and have a Class III hitch, Class III ball mount, and a two-inch hitch ball.

  • Cruise America RVs or rental vehicles from third parties are not authorized to tow a Cruise America Travel Trailer.

Sorry, the Cruise America Travel Trailer is currently only available at these rental centers, but more are on the way:

  • Bakersfield, CA

  • Boise (Caldwell), ID

  • Dallas (Carrollton), TX

  • Denver (Frederick), CO

  • Las Vegas (Henderson), N

  • Los Angeles (Carson), CA

  • Missoula (Lolo), MT

  • Orlando (Kissimmee), FL

  • Phoenix (Mesa), AZ

  • Portland (Sherwood), OR

  • Sacramento (Dixon), CA

  • Salt Lake City (Murray) UT

  • San Diego (Spring Valley), CA

  • San Francisco (Newark) CA

  • Seattle (Everett) WA

  • Tacoma (Gig Harbor), WA

  • Tucson, AZ

Max Capacity: 4

  • Gross weight 3,800 lbs.

  • Dry weight 2,910 lbs

  • Overall length 19'-7" (ball to rear bumper)

  • LP Gas/12 Volt Furnace

  • 30 gal Fresh Water Tank

  • 6 gal. Water Heater Tank

  • 35 gal Sewage Water Tank

  • 35 gal Grey Water Tank

  • 20 lb. LP Gas Tank

 

Standard

A top choice for families, this economical unit offers the walk-through convenience of a motorhome. A classic motorhome with all the self-contained features you expect for RV life, including a power generator in USA units. This budget-friendly family model remains a favorite for those who appreciate the walk-through convenience of a motorhome. Visiting national parks is easy and convenient with the extra space this RV provides. 

Max Capacity: 5

  • Ford V-8 Chassis Engine

  • Automatic Transmission

  • 2-Wheel Drive

  • Power Brakes

  • Power Steering

  • In Dash Air Conditioning

  • Cruise Control

  • Stereo Sound System

  • Generator (USA Only)

  • Dual Rear Tires

  • LP Gas/12-Volt Furnace

  • 55 gal./208 L Fuel Tank

  • 12.2 gal./46.2 L LP Gas Tank

  • 40 gal./151.4 L Fresh Water Tank

  • 6 gal./22.7 L Water Heater Tank

  • 24.5 gal./92.7 L Sewage Tank

  • 24.5 gal./92.7 L Grey Water Tank

  • 51 cu ft/1.4 CM Outside Storage Space

  • Length: 25 ft./7.6 m

Large

A classic motorhome favored by families for its convenient walk-through layout and essential features. This economical unit is a traditional favorite for those seeking the self-contained amenities and ease of a motorhome.

Max Capacity: 7

 

  • Ford V-10 Chassis Engine

  • Automatic Transmission

  • 2-Wheel Drive

  • Power Brakes

  • Power Steering

  • In Dash Air Conditioning

  • Cruise Control

  • Dual Rear Tires

  • Stereo Sound System

  • Generator

  • LP Gas/12 Volt Furnace

  • 55 gal./208 L Fuel Tank

  • 40 gal./151.4 L Fresh Water Tank

  • 6 gal./22.7 L Water Heater Tank

  • 25 gal./94.6 L Sewage Water Tank

  • 22 gal./83.3 L Grey Water Tank

  • 12.2 gal./46.2 L LP Gas Tank

  • 93 cu ft/2.3 cu m Outside Storage Space

  • Length: 30 ft./9.1 m

 

What To Ask When Selecting an RV Model

When searching for the right RV for your family road trip, it's important to ask the right questions to ensure you select the best model for your needs. Here are some key questions to consider when choosing the right RV:

  1. How many people will the RV need to accommodate, and how much space would you like?

    • Ensure the RV has enough sleeping arrangements for your entire family.

  2. What are the storage requirements?

    • Consider how much storage space you will need for luggage, food, and other essentials.

  3. What amenities are essential for your trip?

    • Make a list of must-have features such as a kitchen, bathroom, air conditioning, and entertainment systems.

  4. What is your budget?

    • Determine how much you are willing to spend on the rental and factor in additional costs like fuel and campsite fees.

  5. How comfortable are you with driving and maneuvering the RV?

    • Choose a model that you feel confident driving, especially if you are a first-time renter.

How to Choose an RV Rental for Your Family

Selecting the right RV rental for your family involves careful consideration of your needs and preferences. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:

  1. Assess Your Family’s Size and Needs:

    • Choose an RV with adequate sleeping arrangements and space to ensure everyone is comfortable. Check the floor plan when rental RV shopping to find the best fit and ensure it offers enough space. 

  2. Prioritize Essential Amenities:

    • Look for models that include the amenities you need for a pleasant trip, such as a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom facilities, and air conditioning.

  3. Consider the Duration of Your Trip:

    • For longer trips, you might want an RV with more space and storage, while a smaller model might suffice for weekend trips.

  4. Evaluate the RV’s Driving Ease:

    • If you are new to RV driving, opt for a model with features that make driving easier, like narrower widths for better maneuverability.

  5. Check Rental Locations:

    • Ensure the rental location is convenient for pickup and drop-off, and confirm that the RV model you want is available at that location.

Contact Cruise America to Reserve Your RV Rental

Hopefully, this guide has assisted you in choosing the right fit for your upcoming family vacation. Reserve an RV rental from Cruise America today to prepare for your road trip. Check out our rental locations across the United States to find the most convenient location. Need some trip inspiration?

Check out our blog posts about the best road trip destinations to help plan your route!