Hiring a motorhome in the USA and Canada

All of the prices and terms for motorhome rentals can be found on this web site. You can get a Cruise America or Cruise Canada QUOTATION on line but be aware that their prices are flexible and change weekly; the price of your rental may change if you don't book before 5.30 on Friday of the same week as you got your quotation. This is very likely to change if you are booking late or close to your departure date. You can also BOOK on line if you wish. All that being said, our experience is that our customers like to 'talk things through' so call us on 01304 898 159 or 0844 910 3271 so we can discuss your trip and share our knowledge and expertise with you personally.

Cruise America do not require a BOOKING deposit at the time of reservation, but they do require that you leave your credit card details as a guarantee. This will be charged, unless you have opted to pay by wire transfer, without further notice, the full amount due per invoice eight weeks prior to pick up date.
A REFUNDABLE security deposit of $500 is required by Cruise America at the time of departure. This is payable by credit card which will be charged on pick up day. Upon vehicle return any extra charges (such as extra per mile charges or generator charges) will be balanced against the deposit, and the remainder will be refunded.

Yes. If there is a generator fitted the charge for use is $3.50 per hour; there is a meter fitted. Remember, a generator is not necessary for normal vehicle operation. You can save on this expense by staying in locations that have electrical hookups and not leaving the generator running when you are not in the vehicle. If you wish you could pay $8 per day for unlimited generator use but unless you are staying 90% of the time in National Parks with no electrical hook-up, our experience shows it is better to pay by the hour.

Please remember that the cost of fuel in North America is a lot less than the cost in the UK. Mileage you will get per gallon depends on the size of the motorhome, your speed and the driving conditions, i.e. whether the road is flat or hilly. Generally, you might expect to get around 12-15 miles per gallon on the mid-size vehicle however NO GUARANTEES WHATSOEVER are made about fuel conumption.

All you need is to be 21 years of age or older and possess a valid driver's license. No special endorsement is needed.

Cruise America rental offices are normally open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. The normal pick up time is between 1 pm and 4 pm and the normal return time is between 9 am and 11am. You must make your own way to and from the rental station. If you have booked an 'Early Bird Departure Special', and have pre-paid the appropriate supplement, you may pick up your vehicle before noon and return it by 3pm on the last day. In this unique case the rental company will include your transfer to and from the rental station. Rental Centers are closed on Sundays and Publlic Holidays.

Our web site lists all of the types and sizes of vehicles we rent. Please go to our What's Available page. You can click between the four categories to see the sizes and specifications of each vehicle.

Cruise America used to rent the 'Funmover' with the garage but no longer. Cruise America do not have slide-out vehicles though other suppliers we work with do provide them.

Motorhomes handle much like a car, especially the "C19" class which is narrower than the norm

Can you plug in an electric iron or a hair dryer? plug in your motorhome in just the same way! Can you fix a garden hose to the tap? Then you'll have no problem connecting your motorhome to mains water. But to be on the safe side, at departure you will be given a 30-60 minute familiarization tour of the vehicle and learn how to hook it up to mains water, electricity and, on occasion, waste disposal and how to operate appliances; you will also be shown an instruction video at most rental centres and you will always find a Renters Assitance Guide (RAG) in your vehicle.

Cruise America rents two types of packages for bedding and cookware:
The Personal Provisioning Kit costs $62 per person with tax, for the duration of the trip. It includes bedding, bath towel and wash cloth.
The Vehicle Kitchen Kit costs $111 per vehicle with tax, also for the duration of the trip. It includes things like a can opener, bottle opener, broom with dust pan, pail, spatula, cups, plates and cutlery for the party, serving spoon, serving fork, utility knife, platter, tea kettle, colander, mixing bowl, and a six piece cookware set. We can either include the cost of kits in your pre-payment or you can pay for them locally. See Essential Notes for full details of kit contents

WE INCLUDE TAX on everything you pre-pay but you will pay tax on any locally made charges. For instance, if you use it, the generator fee is $3.50 per hour plus tax and will be collected upon return of the vehicle. Extra mileage at 34 cents plus tax per mile or per kilomter is also payable at the end of the rental. You may also be asked to pay fuel and cleaning deposits at the time of pick-up which will be returned at the end provided the vehicle is returned in good order.

There is an AM/FM radio in the dash. There is no TV or stereo or cable hook-up. Toasters and Coffee makers are not available and no, Cruise America do not rent Sat Navs. We feel that as these things are available at very low cost from stores like Walmart, it is best for you to buy what you need new rather than rent used goods.

No. We suggest you buy a sun shade umbrella at somewhere like Walmart if you need shade; or check with the RV park if you are staying in one.

The Compact C19 motorhome can hold a family up to 3, the Standard C25 motorhome can hold a family up to 5 and the Large C30 can hold a family up to 7 maximum for travelling. Cruise America wants you to have an enjoyable and safe vacation experience - part of that experience is getting the right vehicle to meet your needs. They realise that customers use the vehicles for many purposes - The possible uses are as numerous as your needs. Some examples: As a comfortable means of travel but not sleeping in them or as a spare bedroom and not drive them. For on-site hospitality at special events like automobile races. As mobile Offices or Showrooms. Because of the various different Federal, State and Provincial laws we recommend customers ALWAYS adhere to the following: Never exceed the maximum number of allowed passengers for fear of nullifying your insurance All passengers should use the provided seatbelts. The total number of seatbelts will vary according the number of passengers allowed in the vehicle and according to the floor plan of the actual vehicle you are using. Please bring your own child safety seats and use where applicable. The installation and use of these seats should follow the recommendation of the child seat manufacturer Areas designed only for sleeping should not be occupied while the vehicle is in motion. The vehicle should be properly secured prior to travel. This includes locking the doors and dead-bolting them where applicable. Stow any entry step and secure the outside compartments We ask that you use good judgment and prudence in your decisions. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH APPLICABLE LAW

Flex rate rentals for International Travellers (i.e. non USA/Canadian passport holders) are available from many locations: In Canada: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax and Whitehorse In the United States: Anchorage, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Billings, Denver, Albuquerque, Houston, Atlanta, Minneapolis St.Paul, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Boston North, Boston South, New York, Newark, Chicago, Miami South, Miami North, Orlando, Tampa.

We will always send you a location map with your rental voucher an this will normally show you where the nearest gas station and Walmart is. The staff at the rental centre will be glad to direct you to the closest shopping center, fueling facilities and waste treatment centre.

Often this is not a problem, but space is sometimes restricted and it may not be an option. Anything left at the rental centre is at your own risk. We always recommend you take soft side luggage/barrel bag style/ruck-sack so they can stay with you and be easily stored in the motorhome.

US registered RV's may enter Canada and return to the US and Canadian registered RV's may enter the US and return to Canada without problem. One way rentals between the two countries are not allowed. Be sure you have the correct visa or ESTA to enter the USA. Check www.visitusa.org.uk to find out how to get your ESTA.

No.

One Way reservations are available between most rental centres by advance reservation only and are subject to availability and some restrictions. Our very sincere recommendation if you want a one-way rental is to book it as far in advance as possible - the previous July/August would not be too soon. There is NOTHING TO PAY but at least you stand a better chance of getting your one-way rental!
NB: ONEWAYS BETWEEN THE USA AND CANADA ARE NOT ALLOWED

Cruise America requests that all pre-payments before you travel be done with a major credit card (we will take the number at the time of booking and Cruise America Inc will charge the card eight weeks prior to your pick up date)or by wire transfer in which case it is your responsibility to transfer that money so it arrive in Arizona eighg weeks prior to pick up date. If thi is your chosen method of payment we will give you Cruise America' bank details. This payment policy is very strict and there are no exceptions.

No.

No.

There is a section about campgrounds in our Essential Notes. Campground rates vary based on time of year, their location in relation to cities or major attractions, whether they are National/State Park or private campgrounds and what facilities they offer. They also vary according to the number of passengers in your motorhome. Generally you can expect to pay a base rate (two passengers) between $10 and $15 per night at a State or National Park facility and around $30-$35 per night for a regular private campground. Be aware that campgrounds close to major cities, near major attractions or in more isolated areas (ie Florida Keys) you may be looking at considerably more per night. Extra person rates are, on average, around $2 per night. Most Walmart's will allow you to cmp overnight in their car parks for free; great in an emergency but there are no water or electric hook ups.

A partial list of commonly found facilities would include: electric, water, waste disposal hook-ups, washer, dryer, swimming pool, playground, BBQ pits, on-site convenience store.

Yes - quite uniquely we do. Most companies will prepare and itinerary for groups of motorhomes travelling together but we believe we are unique in providing this service of individuals - and 99.9 or our customers take advantage of this pre-planning. Once your motorhome has been booked and confirmed back to you, we will create a mapped itinerary based either on your own rough outline of your aspiration; or our own suggestion after your briefing about your personal likes and dislikes. We will also provide a list of suggested campgrounds along your route which we ask you to check for yourself on line to make sure they suit you.

Yes, however, in locations with harsh winter weather, motorhomes are "winterised" from approximately November to March. This means water and holding tanks with anti-freeze. This will prevent the tanks and pipes from freezing and bursting. If you have any more questions on the rental policies during winter, please contact the rental centre where your trip would originate. They can provide you with specific information.

Vehicles are restricted from operation in Death Valley and other desert areas during July and August. Damage waivers are voided should this rule be violated. Customer will also be held liable for all damages to vehicle, tires, towing charges, and all other related expenses as a result of a breakdown associated with operating in these areas during the months of May, June and September. During certain periods, these areas are not habitable and could pose a danger to the customer and passengers. Consult your rental office for restricted areas and times. Vehicles are not allowed on "logging" and other non-public roads, and selected highways such as the Apache Trail in Arizona.
Due to restrictions on vehicle heights, propane gas and parking, vehicles with propane are not permitted in Manhattan and are not permitted to travel through any underground or underwater tunnels. Violations of these restrictions void damage waivers and customer may also be held liable for all damages and all other related expenses.
Alaska, Yukon and Northwest Territories - You may drive to Alaska, Yukon, and Northwest Territories however, travel in Newfoundland on Dalton or Dempster Highways and other selected highways is prohibited under all conditions for all vehicles
Mexico - Vehicles are noty permitted to enter Mexico or Baja California under any circumstances
ALWAYS PLAN TO BE GUIDED BY THE RENTAL STATION STAFF AS WEATHER CONDITIONS SOMETIMES CONTROL TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS.

No refunds will be made for early returns, late pick-ups or unused miles.

The vehicle is overdue after 11:00 AM on the date of return; 3pm if you booked an Early Bird Departure special. A fee of $25 per hour, or the locally posted daily rate, will be charged. Please notify the rental centre if you will be late in returning. If you are late back you could be jeopardising another traveller's holiday.

No, Cruise America and Cruise Canada do not supply these. Please plan to bring your own car seats and cribs/cots - your babes will be more comfortable in a familiar seat/bed.

This is not recommended. It is difficult to know if the water is potable when you fill the tank at a variety of locations. We recommend you use bottled water for drinking and cooking. The water from the tank is fine for washing and bathing.

Please see the back page of our Essential Notes

You must notify Cruise America within 24 hours of an accident and make a full report in writing as well as file a police report - even if no injury was sustained.

Cruise America provides 24-hour toll free travellers assistance line. All repairs in excess of $75 must have prior approval from our customer service department. The toll free number is 800-334-4110.

We do not have ladders on the RV for safety reasons and to prevent damage to the motorhome. You are not permitted to climb on to the vehicles roof area.

Not automatically fitted to the vehicle. Some locations have them subject to availability at your time of arrival for rent and we will request them if you ask us to or sometime the location staff can suggest a place to rent them.

No. These should not be necessary.

Your first night before fental but always be spent in an hotel and unless you have booked the Cruise America Early Bird Departure special you must arrange your own transportation to and from the airport area hotel. We will normally be alble to give you some idea of taxi fares o that you can just whether it might be sensible to book the Early Bird departure.

You may cancel your reservation up to 46 business days prior to the pick-up date and you will be refunded your full payment. Cancellation 17-45 days prior to departure forfeits $600, cancellation 7-16 days prior to departure forfeits $1000, cancellation 7 days prior to departure and no-show forfeits the full rental cost.