Awesome! That sounds like quite a trip. Have fun! 😃

Please do! 😀 Thanks!

Exciting! Have a safe trip!

Nice! Glad to help. 😊

Awesome! That sounds like a lot of fun. Hope you have a great time! 😃

Awesome! Glad to help. We hope to buy one someday, as well. 😊

Awesome! RV'ing is a great way to bring your dogs along. Have fun!

Hi! Thanks for checking out my Cruise America walk through videos. This is an interesting point. Usually when you pick up your RV the sales staff will go through a "pre-trip" with you, which includes things like turning on the fridge and setting it to "Auto". It will automatically switch between which ever is available to keep your food cold. They do this at departure since it can take several hours to cool off initially. Is there a reason why you'd have the gas turned off? I assume to do that, you'd need to manually turn the disconnect knob beneath the vehicle. Only places I'm aware this is a requirement are when traveling through some highway tunnels, and also some gas stations ask you to turn off propane before filling up. In any case, thanks for passing along the tip! I'd probably test this myself sometime (just to see if it wasn't a defective unit you received), but can't really imagine too many scenarios where I'd need to turn the gas off? Safe travels!

Awesome! Glad the video is helpful. 😀👍👍

Hi Kevin! Thanks for checking out my Cruise America walk through video. My wife and I have rented six times from them and always had a great time. Fyi there is a newer video here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p8hyoqRh3Zuqn6s.html Showing some of the upgraded features of the 2021/2022 model year vehicles. Safe travels!

Fantastic! Glad to help. 😊👍👍

Sounds great! Yes, check the shower door if you're getting the 30' model. It was a little frustrating to open/close in the one we rented. There is a table in the underneath storage area but we've always just used the picnic tables at campsites when we rent. Good luck, have a safe trip!

Sweet! We really enjoy them. Have a safe trip! 😀

Thanks! Really glad this video was helpful. I've got a newer one, here, that shows some of the updated features in the 2021/2022 model year vehicles: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p8hyoqRh3Zuqn6s.html 1000 miles in three days - wow! Sounds like quite a trip. Have fun! 😊

Thanks Tobias! Glad to help. I've also got a newer video that might be helpful to you: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p8hyoqRh3Zuqn6s.html Safe travels!

You're welcome! Have a great trip! 😊

That's great! We hope to do something similar someday. Thank you for the list of parts. Very helpful! 👍👍

@@CompTechMike I can send you also photo / wiring diagram of the lithium battery conversion for 28A floor plan. We purchased ours from cruise america on Orange blossom trail, Orlando, fl. they sell their RV when they reach about 110,000 miles and up. Also check the engine to get the year they made the cutoff chassis ours was 2010, but rv was built in 2011. do not get a 28A unless it has a E-450 V-10 engine and is rated super duty. The chev eng & E-350 Ford are too small. Best thing is all the chassis parts usually can be got from Ford or Advance Auto in 1 or 2 days. The driveshaft is custom because of the longer wheel base, which handles much better.

Thanks again! I do recommend checking out my more recent video, showing some of the changes for the 2021/2022 model year vehicles: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p8hyoqRh3Zuqn6s.html Slideouts are great for expanding the interior living space of the vehicle but add immensely to the cost and complexity. Cruise America tries as much as possible to keep their RV's simple and "bulletproof" for first-time renters. Slides add a lot to the complexity, and you wouldn't want, for example, a first-timer to drive down the highway with a slide out. Or put one out into a tree. If you're looking for a vehicle with slides (or other more advanced features like levelers, or TV's/electronics, fireplace, etc.) you may want to check out a site like RVshare or Outdoorsy. They rent more upscale RV's from private sellers. Safe travels!

Wow! We usually wind up with rigs that have over 100k. I wonder if it's our area? Like Manassas gets all the old ones? 🤣 Have a great trip!

You're welcome! 😊

Awesome! They're selling pretty fast right now due to Covid. Wonder how hard it is to add an additional outlet? There's gotta be somewhere to tap into, but will probably require drilling a few holes. 😥

Hi! Thanks for checking out my Cruise America walk-through videos and for sharing your experience. From what we've seen, much of the experience related to the cleanliness of the unit comes down to the staff at the individual rental offices. We've always had good experiences with that - the one time we found a fridge dirty the rental office staff came out and spent an extra hour cleaning the unit before we left. We return ours "broom clean" and have never had an issue. The last few trips (to beach areas), what I'll do is open all the doors and walk through with my electric leaf blower to blow out all the sand prior to dropping the vehicle off. They've never told us the vehicles were not returned clean enough. I definitely agree with testing everything before departure. One tip I can offer is to bring along a pair of pliers to tighten those leaky hoses. We always keep ones like this in with our camping supplies, and I believe I show them in some of our more recent videos: www.amazon.com/VISE-GRIP-GrooveLock-Pliers-8-Inch-2078108/dp/B000A0OW1I/ I believe for small items like hoses - you can also buy your own and they will reimburse you. Hope your negative experience doesn't deter you from renting again. Enjoy your trip, safe travels!

Awesome! We hope to purchase one someday, as well. Safe travels!

I had a 2008 28a and just bought a 2017 28a. They are fantastic and I am sure you love it! I know we do!

Ha! That is great. Kudos, Cruise America. 😀 For some reason your comment reminds me of this clip: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/e69ho61ynKnLh6c.html

@@CompTechMike BAHahaha Yesss

Hi! Thanks for the comment. Glad the video was helpful. Yes, many people run the generator while the vehicle is in motion (for example: to run the rooftop AC to cool off people riding in the back). So yes, if you're running the generator the household-style electrical outlets will be functional for a TV or game system or whatever else you want to plug in. Obv. you'd need to make sure everything is secure somehow - wouldn't want the TV toppling over or sliding around. Personally I'd recommend a tablet or something that can be hand-held might be a better option. Or a book, lol. 🤷🤣🤣

So am I. 😁

I thought these were rentals?

@@iair-conditiontheoutsideai3076 Cruise America also sells these RVs

Hi Carm! I'm really sorry to hear about your experience! We've rented from them many times and always had good success, but obviously everyone's experience will be different. Thank you for sharing, I hope you were able to get some compensation or a refund for your trouble. 😢 Could I ask what location you rented from so other viewers will be aware?

Rented from Beaufort, SC at the local U Haul rental center. Reservations were made thru the 800 number. The location is 2.5 hours from my home.

Hi! Thanks for the comment. When you check-out, the sales person should put your fridge on "auto" (this is a button on the top of the fridge). That means it runs on propane when driving, and electric (when plugged into shore power or the generator is running). It can take 7-8 hours for the fridge to fully cool down, but should stay pretty cold as long as you don't stand there with the door open. 😉 Just check your propane level before you head out. Have a safe trip, sounds like it'll be great!

Hi! Thanks for the comment. If you lift up the master bed it's just a flat sheet of plywood below it. So to answer your question, no, there is not. But that is because of the storage accessible from outside the vehicle, which is technically "under the master bed", if that makes sense? Hope this helps!

@@CompTechMike No, your water tank is under the bed.

We hope to be able to buy one someday. 😃

You're welcome! I agree - the extra 5' of space really makes a big difference. Glad I could help! :-)

You're welcome! Glad to help. 😀

Hi! Thank you so much for the comment. I wish I was a pilot! Actually I've worked in IT Support for the past 20 years. Am pretty used to explaining technical things, although I still have a lot to learn about explaining the "ins and outs" of RV's. 😉 Have a great trip, stay safe out there!

Hi! Thanks for the comment. I'm 6'3", my wife is 5'4". For my money, I'd definitely recommend the 30' model for you. The biggest issues you might have with the 25' model are the corner bed (not as long on one side because of the "notch", and having to climb over the other person to get out), and the corner bathroom (the skylight is not directly centered over the shower, so you'll probably have to stoop when taking a shower). My wife and I have rented both models several times, and even though it's just the two of us and our Chihuahua, we'll always do the 30' model in the future. Not as good on gas, but much more comfortable inside. For reference, Cruise America lists the mattress in the 25' model as 54"x80" and the mattress in the 30' model as 60"x74". Just my opinion but the 30' model feels much bigger. Here's a link to their page with all of the sizes: www.cruiseamerica.com/rv-adventures/rv-lifestyle/rv-mattress-sizes They're comfortable enough by my standards, but hardly "luxury". If you have a camping pad or comforter to throw down underneath that makes them a bit better. Hope this helps, have a safe trip!

I can tell you the gas mileage for a 28a (2017 model) is between 7-9 MPG depending on your speed and if you are running the generator. I do both! :)

@@imnitguy hi! Yes, speeding and running the generator while driving will both impact your fuel efficiency. I'm surprised you even still manage to get 7-9, LOL. 🤷😆

Hi! Thanks for the comment. I also have a video review of the 25' RV, if you'd like to check it out? kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ip6ZjNSn3riycaM.html Personally I didn't find them to be too different to drive. The bigger one is supposed to be more stable in high winds, also has a more powerful engine (V10 vs V8). Fuel economy is a bit better in the smaller one (by a couple mpg), but a big factor is how heavy your foot is and whether you're going up and down mountains or driving across flat terrain. Just take your time and go slow. You're on vacation not the Indy 500, right? 🤣 Have a safe trip!

Hi! Thanks for the comment. If I recall correctly the dinette has four seatbelts, and the bench seat has 1 (on the 25') and two or three on the 30'. It's not something I pay that much attention to since it's just me and my wife traveling, but I do know we're able to buckle our dog in in the dinette (he has a special harness-to-seatbelt adapter), LOL. You may want to double-check with your local rental office or zoom in on the seats in the video, however. Have a safe trip!

You're welcome! Glad to help. You may also want to check out my more recent video, here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p8hyoqRh3Zuqn6s.html

Thanks! 😊

Hi! Thanks for the comment. With the standard size 25' RV (with the V8), I'd estimate around 10-14 mpg. With the 30' RV (with the V10), maybe closer to 9-10 mpg. Of course this can vary a lot based on how heavy your foot is, and whether you're driving across flat terrain or up & down mountains. Have a safe trip!

Sounds like a great trip! We've definitely seen other Cruise America RV's when we were in Vegas. Would love to go back someday. Have fun!

You're welcome! 😊

Hi! Thanks for the comment. We always just bring our bedding with us from home, but obviously this is a lot easier for us since we depart from home. Since you're flying in you may want to purchase the optional bedding kit. If you buy bedding from Walmart --- what would you do with it after you were done? Throw it away or donate it? Take it home with you? On the flip-side, buying bedding when you arrive would ensure that it was clean. This is a really tough choice, I'm not sure what to do. How long are you staying in the RV? Would it be cost-effective to buy bedding when you arrive? Re: booking sites, I definitely recommend booking in advance. Right now with Covid many campsites are booked up way in advance. Next year it may be different, but right now (Sept. 2020) I definitely recommend booking in advance if you can. You may have to wait until January since some sites only allow bookings for "that calendar year". Good luck, have a safe trip!

Thanks for letting me know! My source file is a regular .mp4 recorded on my phone, same as a million other videos. Not sure how it got messed up on KZfaq. I'm re-uploading it today (adding "re-upload" to the video title), hope the new file plays correctly on mobile devices!

Awesome! Have a great trip!

Hi! Thanks for watching & commenting on my video. I actually just had a message from someone else traveling here from Europe a few days ago. Wrote them a pretty long answer. Since I'm at work now I'll just copy & paste, but most of this should be applicable to you, as well. Have a great trip! ---------------------------------------------------------- Hi! Thanks for watching & commenting on my videos. I am not an employee of Cruise America however my wife and I have rented both the 25' ("C25") and 30' ("C30") RV many times. In our experience, we typically got between 8-10 miles per gallon with the larger 30' vehicle (with the V10), and 12-14 with the 25' vehicle (with the V8). Slightly better with the newer (2021+) models owing to more efficient engines. Obviously this can vary depending on if you're driving across flat terrain or up & down mountains, highway or city stop-and-go traffic, and of course how heavy your foot is. 😉 The newer ones also have a handy "estimated range" indicator on the dash. We've never rented the compact as it is not available from our local rental office. One thing that we've noticed is that most rental offices seem to have a lot more of the 30' model - so there may be some economy of scale at work here - it's cheaper because they have a lot more of them. Going back to the gas mileage, both the 25' and 30' models have a 55 gal./208 L fuel tank, so filling up can get a bit pricey. You may want to use an RV trip planner app (many available on Google Play and Apple App Store) and a gas app like GasBuddy to help locate the best places to buy fuel along your route. When pulling up to a gas pump we usually head straight for the farthest one out, and "plan your escape" - that means be looking for how you will exit the gas station once you are finished. The rear of the vehicle tends to "swing wide", so pull a good distance from the pump before starting to turn. That said, we do typically recommend the 30' vehicle. It has a better laid out shower arrangement, and the bed is centered (instead of in the corner) so you're not having to climb over the other person to get out. If you are concerned about driving a large vehicle, it may help to practice with a van or box truck in a parking lot prior to driving an RV. I've driven large cars and trucks most of my adult life and didn't have much trouble adapting. Just take your time and watch your mirrors. There's no rearview mirror or backup camera, so you'll have to get used to the side mirrors. It may help to have your passenger act as a "spotter" if you get into any tight situations, such as campsites or gas stations. Here is a link to the GasBuddy app: Google: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gbis.gbandroid&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1 Apple: apps.apple.com/us/app/gasbuddy-find-pay-for-gas/id406719683 A link to reviews of different RV trip planning apps: www.thervgeeks.com/rv-trip-planner/ A link to my video about how to dump the waste tanks (gray & black) when at a campsite: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bKtymLV7p9qncac.html Last, here is a link to the RV Lifestyle website. Mike & Jennifer Wendland publish books and host a large online community of RV'ers on Facebook, as well as weekly Podcasts and a Sunday night "ask us anything" live show (streamed on KZfaq, LinkedIn, and other streaming platforms) for discussion about RV topics (7:00pm, EST time). If you are interested in learning more about RV'ing prior to your trip, I would recommend checking out their Facebook group and KZfaq channel. Have a safe trip! rvlifestyle.com/

Many thanks Mike. This will help alot. It's all new to me so trying to gather all the info an research as much as I can. Looking forward to the trip so much and your input is much appreciated. Hopefully i can drive the big rv once there an not find it to daunting. many thanks Mike. Have fun on your future trips.

@@theanvil6886 you're welcome! Glad to help. My wife and I love RV'ing and are glad to share our passion with others. Take your time, you got this. 🙂 Not sure if you saw, I've got a newer video where I talk about a few of the updates in the 2021/2022 model year vehicles. It's not big changes, but the things we like are the improved shower door and the "estimated range" countdown on the dash. I've got a walk through video of one of those, as well. Feel free to check it out: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p8hyoqRh3Zuqn6s.html

Already checked it out 🙂 some nice new upgrades an changes. I really hope we get one of the new ones. Also been watching the water tank video you did. I'm alot more at ease with the routine an getting to know the vehicle bit more. Just gotta learn to drive the beast. But looking forward to our trip.

Hi! Thanks for the comment. I always enjoy hearing other people's experiences. When you say "bed frame falling apart" - which bed do you mean? I assume the couch or dinette? Curious what was wrong with it? We also had trouble with the shower door in the previous model 30' vehicles. The sliding door with a "track" seems to jam and come apart pretty frequently. They've updated this to a regular door in the newer 2021/2022 models. It's a lot nicer, just watch the step coming out - it's a pretty far drop if you're not expecting it. You're right, it can be challenging pulling in to gas stations. We usually plan our route in advance and check the look of gas stations (google maps & street view can be helpful) prior to pulling in. And when we do, we head immediately for the furthest away pump. No sense trying to squeeze into the middle rows. 😆 Having driven both, we prefer the 30' over the 25'. The bed is easier to get into and out of (the 25' model has a "corner bed"), and the bathroom is a bit more roomy. The 25' is easier to navigate on tight roads, but felt like it got "blown around a bit" when we took one up into the mountains. So I guess it depends on where you're driving, LOL. Thanks again for commenting, hope you have a great trip your next time around. Here's a link to my more recent walk-through video on the updated 2021/2022 30' models. Hope it helps! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p8hyoqRh3Zuqn6s.html

@@CompTechMike no worries on the comment. The queen size bed in the back is on a wooden board frame. The two pieces of wood at the corner would come apart at times so I would have to jimmy it back in place. Learned my lesson what to look for and not accept less than ideal condition when I rent again 🤪 Back then, instead of renting a car, it was cheaper to get an RV. And I wouldn't have to worry about hotel costs seeing family that didn't have a bed for us

You bet! Glad you enjoyed it. 😁

Awesome! Hope you enjoy it! 😃

@@CompTechMike it was a great vehicle all around. Although I was a bit surprised at how noisy it was to drive at speed. Wind noise above 50 mph was quite high. But I guess one should expect that from a giant tin box. It didn’t drive as smooth as I was expecting either. My speed was limited to 67 mph, since anything over that caused it to vibrate more than one could tolerate for more than a few minutes. Overall, however, it has everything one needs to live on the road for a week, or more. I plan to rent one again in the summer to explore. I found that there is a top notch rental facility within 20 mins of my house

@@repetitivemotion Hi! Thanks for the feedback. You're right, they can be a bit noisy to drive. The forums are full of tips to reduce noise. A couple things we do, since it's just my wife and I, we only bring two plates, two bowls, and two cups. Also we use high density plastic (I forget the exact name) for knives, spoons, and forks. Again, only two of each. The less stuff you have, the less stuff there is to rattle. 😄 Also make sure all cabinet doors and bathroom doors are securely latched, and take out tray and shelves from microwave & stove and store them in a cabinet with a towel wrapped around them. If you have a lot of dishes there are special insulator sheets that can go between them to reduce vibration. I can't imagine what it must've sounded like at 67 mph. All the roads near me have a speed limit of 55. I try not to go any faster than that, LOL. Also I seem to remember one time we had one that felt like it needed an alignment and tire balance. Guess that's just the luck of the draw, but overall we've been pretty lucky to not have any major issues with our rentals. Hope your next trip is a bit more quiet! 😃

@@CompTechMike I forgot to mention that we had an inner rear tire explode on the interstate at midnight in the middle of Arkansas. I called Cruise America and they had somebody there within an hour to change it out and we were back on our way.

@@repetitivemotion Wow! At least they were able to get someone out there quickly. That must've been pretty scary! How did the vehicle handle when it blew?

Hi! Thanks for the comment. Personally if I was going for five weeks I'd want the bigger one. The worst downside to that is probably the poor gas mileage. But not having to climb over one another every time you get out of bed is a godsend. (the 25' model has a bed in the corner). Here is my video of the 25' one. You can see the bed around the 11:45 minute mark. Hope it helps. Have a safe trip! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ip6ZjNSn3riycaM.html

You're welcome! Glad the video was helpful. If you've never driven a large vehicle before you'll definitely want to take your time. Remember this doesn't have a backup camera or rear-view mirror so you'll need to use your side mirrors (and leave plenty of space) when changing lanes. You may want to practice in a parking lot a bit, if you can. Watch for low overheads (including gas station awnings, bridges, drive-throughs, etc.) and leave yourself plenty of room when making turns since the back of the vehicle swings out. I've actually had that same fear of taking out a gas pump and intentionally pull to the furthest one out so I have more room, LOL! Good luck, take your time, practice, be safe. Have a great trip!

@@CompTechMike Thank you so much Mike for all the suggestions! We are definitely planning to always pull into the furthest gas pump as well! Since you have driven both the 25ft and 30ft would you say it is a big difference for a beginner? And a big difference on gas? (we will be driving 1500 miles) Also as you mentioned to be careful for low overheads, I couldn't find any info on how tall the RV actually is. Did you ran into any problems yourself that you were not able to fit?

@@ellielee354 Hi again! I do feel like the 30' RV is "heavier" - in other words, less likely to get pushed around by wind. There is a pretty big difference in gas mileage. In my experience the 25' RV (with the V8) get around 12-14 mpg. The 30' RV (with the V10) gets closer to 8-10 mpg. Of course there is a lot of variables depending on if you are driving city or highway, whether you're driving across flat terrain or up and down mountains, and of course how heavy your foot is. 😄 Height-wise the RV is about 12-13' tall, but you've got stuff sticking up off the roof like vents and AC as well. I've smacked a few tree branches pulling into campsites before but nothing too serious. The one time we had trouble was when we accidentally went through a fast food drive-through and couldn't pull close enough to activate the speaker. I'm sure they could see us on the camera but didn't answer our requests to order and other people were cutting around us. We managed to get around and park and walk in. It was pretty annoying but not the worst thing that could happen in the grand scheme of things, LOL. 🤣 Have a safe trip!

@@CompTechMike Hi! That's funny about the fast food place. Well...it's funny now, I am sure it wasn't so much then. But yes, that and smacking few tree branches is not bad at all! I for sure hope after we are done with our trip, that there is only gonna be maybe some small branches missing from trees (instead gas pumps, bridges etc...) Did you guys use any app for RVs map that maybe shows where the RV could run into problems like smaller bridge?

@@ellielee354 Hi! I actually have an old Garmin that we use for RV trips. Some of them let you plug in specifics like vehicle height & weight to avoid taking you down roads that are too small. I like a Garmin because sometimes we drive places without good cell coverage (up into the mountains, for example). I've heard good things about the CoPilot app though. Check out these links, they have pretty good info about the current devices & apps that are out there: rvshare.com/blog/best-rv-gps/ rvshare.com/blog/rv-apps/ I also recommend the Cruise America app (has guides and how-to's, and can locate campgrounds and dump stations), GasBuddy (locate gas stations), AllTrails (for finding good hiking spots), and SkyView (if you get campsite with a good view of the night sky). If you're on Facebook the RV Lifestyle Group is a good one for hints and tips, they also do a weekly KZfaq video stream with lots of info about RV'ing: facebook.com/groups/roadtreking/about kzfaq.infofeatured Hope this helps!

Hi Gianluca! Thanks for checking out my Cruise America walk through videos. We've honestly only needed the heater for one trip (out of all the times we've rented). In our experience we found it worked very well, and heated the inside nicely. I would recommend being plugged into shoreline power (if possible) since otherwise I think the heater will only run for 2 hours max (uses propane to make heat and electricity to run fan). Also familiarize yourself with the carbon monoxide detector (near bedroom floor) just in case. I've got a newer version of this video that may help, as well: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p8hyoqRh3Zuqn6s.html Safe travels!

Hi! Thanks for the comment. In my experience the fresh water has always been full, and propane 1/3rd to 2/3rds full. I think this depends a bit on the condition in which the previous renters returned it, and also how busy the rental office staff has been. Not all rental locations have the capability to refill propane, for example. If you do need propane I've had good luck getting it at places like home and garden stores. Some large truck stops also supply it. Have a safe trip!

Yes. They check the odometer (and also the generator usage, propane levels, and whether the tanks have been emptied) before and after each trip. We always receive a pretty significant refund after each trip, although most of that is the security deposit. Good luck, have a safe trip!

Hi! Thanks for commenting on my video. My wife and I rent every year and have never had a problem with the items you mentioned. Each of those should be inspected by the rental office when the RV is returned by the previous renters, and also as part of your pre-departure walk-through. That said, demand for RV rentals has been very high this past year due to COVID. Items are wearing out more quickly and inspections may be cut short. I definitely encourage you to bring a list of questions with you to the rental office and go over each item with staff before you leave. Have a safe trip!

Also, if you do need to buy something like a replacement hose, save your receipt and Cruise America will reimburse you. 😊

Hi! Thanks for the comment. I think a lot of that depends on the staff at your particular rental office. We've never had any issues at ours, aside from them seeming very rushed last year due to Covid. We're renting again in a couple weeks, I can come back and update this comment at that time if anything seems different.

That's great to hear @@CompTechMike and it'd be great if you had time to talk about your upcoming rental experience. Thanks!

Hi! Thanks for the comment. We've had no problems with it staying cool but you may want to keep the interior curtains open (the ones that separate the RV for sleeping). A small electric fan wouldn't hurt (to help move air around), either. Also if possible park in the shade, this will help keep the interior cooler. The propane water heater gets hot! You'll probably find you only need to turn the hot water knob a part of a turn, and then turn up the cold water to suit your desired temp. My wife and I had no issue taking hot showers as long as we allowed the water heater to warm up for 15-20 minutes before starting. We do typically turn the water off while using soap or shampoo, and then turn it on again to rinse off.

Hello! Thanks for your comment. That's a good question! Yes, there is a carbon monoxide detector. I don't really focus on it in this video but it's down near the foot of the bed, along the wall. You can see the top of it right at the 21:00 minute mark. They are loud when they go off. Definitely enough to wake you in an emergency. Although more likely to be triggered by a false alarm (just our experience).

Hi! Thanks for the comment. If you are referring to the interior lighting (ceiling lights), yes, most of those are LED. Also there is an onboard tank for propane. You can see it down and to the left of the door at the 6:06 mark. Mileage varies, the V8 models typically get around 10-12 mpg and the larger V10 models around 8-10 mpg, but this varies *a lot!* based on how heavy your foot is and whether you are driving over flat terrain or up and down mountains. The RV in this video I believe was a 2016 (if memory serves), but they're all very similar in terms of color and style. Good luck, we hope to buy one someday as well!

Hi Jayme! The onboard gasoline generator uses roughly 1 gallon of gasoline per hour of use. You cannot turn it on if the fuel tank is below 25% full, and you will need to check the oil level periodically. When the generator is running it takes care of all onboard electrical needs including operating the 110v household-style electrical outlets, charging the house/aux battery, operating the rooftop air conditioner, and the microwave. This is identical to when you are plugged into shoreline power. When you are not plugged into shoreline power (or the generator is not running) you can use the lights in the back (operating off the aux battery) but can't use the household-style electrical outlets, operate the rooftop AC, or the microwave. I also recommend checking out my more recent walk through video, here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p8hyoqRh3Zuqn6s.html Hope this helps. Safe travels!

Hi Sam! Thanks for checking out my videos. In our experience camping at sites without full hookups, the biggest challenge was the gray water tank (sinks & shower) filling up. That tank is the smallest out of all the tanks on these vehicles, and since my wife & I like to shower each day, wash dishes, etc., we found we could only go about three days without finding a place to dump it. Everything else lasted a good while for us; fresh water, propane, etc., we've never had any trouble with. And we typically only use the generator for a few hours a day, so no issues there. I could see if you were staying somewhere very hot (and needed to run the generator for AC) you might have more challenges with that... Otherwise, just take your time. Drive safe. Plan your exit route whenever pulling into a gas station. If you feel nervous driving, practice in a parking lot before hitting the highway. Many RV'ers go by the "330 rule". That means don't drive more than 330 miles in a day and don't arrive at your campsite after 3:30pm (to have time to set up before the sun sets). Read through the comments on KZfaq videos, many good suggestions have already been mentioned. Last, check out rvlifestyle.com/ RV Lifestyle social media groups and KZfaq channel. They have a ton of information on their page. Safe travels!

Five2go has a good video about the RV rental from Cruise America where they install the car seats for their kids. I believe the thumbnail has a caption that says "making it safe" or something like that. I found it helpful.

Hi! Thanks for the comment. I don't have kids and have never installed a car seat. Recommend asking this question at the rental office since they will have specific knowledge about this model of RV (since every RV model is different). Also this other person's video sounds helpful. Good luck, stay safe out there!

Hi! Thanks for the comment. I guess anything's possible, but I believe the over-cab bunk is rated for up to 200 lbs. It's designed primarily for kids, so shouldn't exceed the weight limit (haha). 😉 This style of bunk is very common in "class C" RV's here in the US. Since my wife & I don't have kids, we mostly use the area for supplies storage once we've set up camp (take everything down before moving the vehicle, obv.). I definitely encourage you to check out all the KZfaq videos made on these campers. Some are even better than the official Cruise America videos. Have a safe trip!

Hi! Thanks for the comment. I've never needed a donut for the sewer hose. Just stick my hose down the drain pipe, dump, and move along. I guess if you're intending to park for an extended period at a campsite and are concerned about odors, picking up a donut off Amazon or your local camping supply store wouldn't be a bad idea! Same thing with chemicals - Cruise America usually gives you a "blue pill" that you drop in the tank. Dawn dish detergent can also help, some online forums also suggest dropping a bit of ice down the tank. I guess it depends, are you more concerned about odors or the dreaded "poop pyramid"? LOL. 😆 One other tip -- keep your tank release levers closed until you're ready to leave. Then dump your black tank first, and then your gray. The gray will help wash out the system and make sure there are no solids left behind. Good luck, hope this helps!

Hi! Thanks for the comment. What you see in my video is exactly how the unit is provided. There may be a rail available, but you'd need to ask for that from your rental office. There does appear to be some way to buckle or secure the overhead bunk (by pulling a fabric cover across it), but since it's just me and my wife, I've honestly never even used the bunk - except for storage. 🤣 Call your local rental office, they should be able to advise you better. Or maybe someone else with more experience can reply to your comment. Good luck! www.cruiseamerica.com/rv-rental-locations

Hi! There is not a specific hookup for this. You may be able to cobble something together with the right adapters, but this could be a violation of the rental agreement. Suggest checking with your specific rental office. Personally my wife and I just bring some of the little green tanks from Walmart. Good luck!

Hi! Thanks for your comment. There is no accessible storage under the mattress. There is storage "under the bed" that is accessed from the compartments on the outside of the vehicle. The capacity of the fresh water tank on the 30' RV is 40 gal. The capacity of the LP gas tank on the 30' RV is 12.2 gal. Hope this helps! www.cruiseamerica.com/rv-rentals/our-vehicles/large-rv

Hi Glorria! Thanks for the comment. I'm glad this video was helpful. That does sound like an exciting trip! For the cats, a cat tree so they can get up to the loft when you're stopped might be helpful. I've never put our cats in the RV (they stay home), but I think they would enjoy looking out from up there. You probably want to keep them in carriers (for safety) when the vehicle is in motion, however. For the dog, in our experience the floor is slippery. We have Chihuahuas and they really struggle jumping into (and out of) the bed, since it's pretty high. What we do is put a couple of carpet runners along the floor for them. We also got a cheap push-style carpet sweeper to clean up after them. Hope this info is helpful. I've also got a newer video showing the 2021 RV updates. I'll send you a link. Have a safe trip!

Here's a link to that newer video: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p8hyoqRh3Zuqn6s.html

Four adults? Make sure your water tank is full before heading out. Have a safe trip!

We had a family of 5 large adults plus 3 big dogs for a week at Disney campground. No problem at all! :) A little cramped, yes, but it was fun, overall.

@@cindygarcia9196 Wow! That's pretty impressive. I'm guessing you all spent a lot of time outside of the vehicle. 😁

@@CompTechMike I wish this let me upload photos, I'd show you, lol. Yes, most of the time was spent at Magic Kingdom, plus the 3 girls showered in the campground facilities, while hubby and I used the shower in the camper. But it was totally do-able!

@@cindygarcia9196 Awesome! 😃 I agree - hopefully someday KZfaq will let people leave photo comments in videos. I do a lot of car repair videos as well, being able to leave photo comments would be super-helpful for people trying to troubleshoot problems. Maybe someday. Glad you had a nice trip!

Hi! That's great! We've always had good experiences with the Manassas staff. The last time we were there everything was hectic because of COVID, but that's not the staff's fault. We definitely hope to purchase one someday, and when we do it will most likely be from this location. A 2017 with 90k miles sounds like a great deal! I would suggest having it inspected by a qualified mechanic, especially the fluids and tires (if you plan on driving it back to MA right after your purchase). You may also want to have them install the awning - I believe Cruise America has a deal on these if you add it at time of purchase. Congrats on your purchase and best luck in your travels.

@@CompTechMike Any suggestions for inspections in that area?

@@denissullivan4683 I would call Gainesville Garage and ask if they can do it, or recommend someone who can. They're right up the street and that's who I take my truck to, when there's work I can't do myself. gainesvillegarage.net/

Hi! Thanks for the comment. No, there is not any accessable storage under the bed or couch. Underneath the bed is mechanical equipment. The biggest storage space on the 30' RV is accessible from outside the vehicle, under the back area. If you need to carry a lot of stuff (i.e., for a move) you might want to inquire at the rental office about towing a trailer behind the vehicle. Have a safe trip!

Hi! Thanks for the comment. To my knowledge none of the Cruise America rentals have a backup camera. That may change in the future as they cycle out their fleet with newer models. You may also be able to rent a more "premium" RV on sites like "Outdoorsy" if that is a feature that you require. Good luck! 😃

Hi! Thanks for the comment. The hot water heater runs on propane, so as long as you have propane that should work. The microwave requires you to either be running connected to shoreline power (plugged in) or with the onboard generator running to work. Hope this helps!

Hi! Thanks for the comment. I guess that is a pretty subjective question, no? Personally I think it feels like it has enough power. But I don't "lead foot it" and rarely exceed 55mph (the speed limit on all of the roads in my area). I had no trouble going up hills with it, either - but then again we are talking east coast hills - not the Rocky Mountains, LOL. 🤣 Gas mileage with the V10 is not great (around 8-10 mpg), so better to drive slow, enjoy the journey, and arrive safe. Hope this helps!

Hi! Thanks for the comment. Yes, the generator can run while driving. You might do this if you have people riding in the back and want to run the rooftop AC or household-style electrical outlets in the back. Remember to check the oil periodically, and that the generator uses gas from the main fuel tank (and will shut off if gas gets below 1/4 tank) and you should be fine. Have a safe trip!

@@CompTechMike thank you for your quick response! God bless!

Hi! RV refrigerators are dometic. They pull hot air out, rather than cool down the air inside. If they're blocked (for example, by too much stuff) they won't be able to pull the hot air out as effectively. Suggest checking out this article, here: www.nadaguides.com/RVs/shopping-guides/dometic-rv-refrigerator-troubleshooting Quote: "Fridges keep things cold, so you can pack it full-right? Not so. If you put too many items in your fridge, air can’t circulate. The result is unevenly cooled food and potential spoilage. Make sure you don’t put too much food inside-and keep colder items farther toward the back." Hope this helps! 😀

Hi! Thanks for the comment. The rental RV's do not have a dedicated spot to install a TV. You could bring one, and set it in a table or counter or something, but would have to figure out your own way of securing it while moving. My 02 cents, a laptop or tablet is more than sufficient for entertainment while traveling. Have a safe trip! 😊

Hi! Thanks for commenting on my video. There is no "storage under the bed". The storage space underneath the bed is accessible from the outside of the vehicle, if that makes sense?

Hi! For the 30' RV, One bed in the back. The master. One over the cab. The couch folds down into a bed. And also the dinette table converts into a bed. Technically they say it can sleep up to seven, but that would be really crowded IMHO. 🤷🤣

Hi! Thanks for commenting on my video. Under the dinette benches there is the fuse panel, circuit breakers, and a storage compartment for the center pole that holds up the table (you can put the pole in here if you convert the table into the bed).

Ha! I don't think it's that bad, personally, but my wife hates all of them. 🤣 At least in the 30' model you've got more space and are not jammed into a corner like on the 25' model. Also you're a bit further away from the bed on the 30' model, in case that matters to you. 😁

You're welcome! More recent video here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p8hyoqRh3Zuqn6s.html

Just made a reservation for our trip coming up ,after watching you’re video 👌🏽

@@ronbaarde4544 that's fantastic! My wife and I have rented these six times for various destinations and always enjoy ourselves. Have a safe trip. 😊

To my knowledge they do not. These are pretty "bare bones" RV's made for durability, not a lot of features like that.

Hi! Thanks for the comment. There are a pair of 12V cigarette lighter style outlets on the dashboard that are constantly powered. Personally we have an assortment of adapters in our camping tote. My recommendations would be to get one that is a combination 12V adapter and splitter that also has USB outlets. You can usually pick up one of these on sites like Amazon for under $30. Have a safe trip!

Something like one of these: www.amazon.com/dp/B07VZFSY4S/

Thank you so much! We are renting a 30 foot for our move from Haymarket to Seattle.

@@melissav3199 that sounds like an exciting trip! Tbh, I'm pretty jealous. Only went to Seattle once but loved it. Hopefully make it back out there again someday. Hope you're able to take your time and enjoy the sights of the journey. 😊

Hi! Thanks for the comment. I recommend checking with the rental company, your insurance, and the owner's manual for your car. The RV does have a trailer hitch but I'm not sure what it's rated for (weight-wise). You may need a dolly or other type of towing harness if your car can be flat-towed (check the owner's manual). You may also want to check with your insurance provider if towing is covered. So in theory, yes. But there's a lot of variables involved. If you've never driven an RV before and never towed a car I probably wouldn't recommend it. Good luck though if you decide to try! 😊

Hi! Thanks for the comment. Yes, there are curtains throughout the vehicle that can be closed for darkness or privacy, including near the front cab-over bunk and the back bed area. I would recommend bringing your own sheets and bedding from home. They also offer a rental package of bedding material (if you don't want to carry your own). Have a safe trip!

What if we are flying to a city and renting an RV …it’s a lot extra to pack linens. I’m thinking we would just pack our sleeping bags (we have down sleeping bags that compress down very small). What are your thoughts on that?

Hi! Thanks for checking out my video. Sleeping bags are a great idea. Very portable. I've taken two in the past and zipped them together to make a big one, also. Another option is to check with your rental office. They have a variety of linen kits and cooking kits, and even things like camp chairs you can rent. Wouldn't hurt to ask. Last option: buy something cheap at a box store like Walmart, and return it or donate it or give it away when done. 😆 Safe travels!

@@CompTechMike great thanks for the tips!

@@Norseman2 you're welcome! Glad to help. I also have a newer walk through video (for 2021/2022 vehicles) here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p8hyoqRh3Zuqn6s.html Might be worth checking out. 😊

Hi Beanwl! Thanks for checking out my video. This is one of the most common questions. In our experience, we typically got between 8-10 miles per gallon with the larger 30' vehicle (with the V10), and 12-14 with the 25' vehicle (with the V8). Newer vehicles (2021+) are slightly better owing to more efficient engines. The newer vehicles also have a handy "estimated range" indicator on the dash, which we found helpful. Obviously there's a lot of variables, such as if you're driving across flat terrain or up & down mountains, highway or city stop-and-go traffic, and of course how heavy your foot is. 😉 In terms of real-world experience, we've been able to get from Northern Virginia to upstate Pennsylvania and halfway back down again on a tank of gas. We've also been able to get to most of our destinations without stopping, aside from stretching our legs or walking the dog. The vehicles have tremendously large fuel tanks - 50 gallons - just be prepared for that costly fill up! Here's a walk-through on a newer vehicle: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p8hyoqRh3Zuqn6s.html Hope this helps!

@@CompTechMike Thank you so much for the information. This will be very helpful for our trip this summer.

@@beanwl you're welcome! Have a great trip! 😊

I'm sorry, I don't know that. Probably your best option would be to call your local rental office and ask them. They may be different from vehicle-to-vehicle. Here's a link to locate your nearest office: www.cruiseamerica.com/rv-rental-locations Good luck, if you find out let us know. Thanks!

what about the clearance height ? or does that range from rig to rig ?

@@jamiebonovich3076 hi! Thanks for the comment. I think ground clearance is going to vary by model of RV and size of tires. My 02 cents, they are pretty low to the ground. And have plumbing/drainage valves hanging even lower. I've heard of people taking them to places like Burning Man but think the terrain there is mostly flat. If you're planning some kind of off-road excursion I'd recommend contacting your local rental office, or paying them a visit. You could probably take a tape measure to one out in the parking lot and get answers to your questions. 😊 Good luck!

thank you ! we have actually rented a 30 ft for yosemite but aren’t sure of how tall the rigs are for the tunnel clearance !

@@jamiebonovich3076 Oh! I'm sorry. I completely misunderstood your question. Cruise America website lists the height at 14'. You can check out this article, which has some other good tips (including using an RV-friendly GPS or GPS app): "RV Height Clearance: Tips for (Accident-Free) Travel - Cruise America" www.cruiseamerica.com/rv-adventures/rv-lifestyle/rv-height-clearance

Hi! No, in the US you do not need any special license.

Hi! Thanks for the comment. The internal electrical outlets are equipped with circuit breakers and fuses. There's a panel underneath the dinette seat for these. However most frequent RV-ers get an inline surge protector that plugs into the power pole at campsites, such as one of these: www.amazon.com/Protector-POWSAF-Defender-Protection-Designed/dp/B08RJ72Z1S/ (no, they are not included)

@@CompTechMike My wife and I are renting that RV from Cruise America in a couple of weeks. I've heard horror stores of camp group surges and was wondering if we needed to get a protector. Good to know they are set up already.

@@Biffwellington4518 You're welcome! Yes, the internally-connected equipment (the stuff you bring from home) should be protected by the vehicle's built-in circuit breakers and fuses. If you're concerned about protecting the vehicle itself, you can also purchase one of the in-line protectors like I linked to above. Personally I wouldn't invest in one for a one-time trip, but if you're thinking of buying your own RV in the future (or renting frequently) they're definitely worth the investment to protect the vehicle's power circuitry. Have a safe trip!

Wow! That's interesting. Did they give any explanation why? Maybe you need to go to a Ford Truck Center (rather than just a general dealership). I used to work at a large regional dealership chain; I saw many Ford-chassis RV's being serviced at the truck center here in Virginia. Good luck!

Hi! I have a couple other walk through videos. Here's one on the 25' RV (this video is a few years old): kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ip6ZjNSn3riycaM.html And here's the most recent: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p8hyoqRh3Zuqn6s.html I recommend the second video as it shows some of the updates for 2021/2022 model year vehicles. Safe travels!

Hi! Thanks for the comment. I had to google what a "G2 license" is. It sounds like it's a Canadian thing? I'm not an employee of Cruise America or Cruise Canada, but a G2 license sounds like the equivalent of a Learner's Permit, here in the US. Based on this link it does not appear you would be allowed to drive one. I suggest you check with a representative of Cruise Canada to verify. news.ontario.ca/en/release/18637/making-it-easier-for-rv-drivers-to-enjoy-summer

@@CompTechMike Yes it’s a Canadian license. I realized the video is for US just after I posted my comment. I feel dumb. Anyways thanks for researching about it and leaving a comment. Really appreciate it!