We rented a Cruise America C21 Class C RV for a two-week road trip from Seattle to Los Angeles. After covering more than 2,000 kilometres, we’ve got a solid sense of what worked and what didn’t. If you’re considering whether this is the right rental for your next road trip, here’s our no-fluff, tried-and-tested review.
the pros
- Having a bathroom was a big plus. The main reason we chose the C21 over a smaller model was to have our own bathroom on the road. For those who like to park up anywhere (hello, IOverlander fans), this gives you freedom without relying on public facilities.
- It had everything we needed. With the kitchen and personal kits added, we had all the essentials: pots, pans, plates, utensils, a decent-sized fridge, and our own bedding. The fridge could run on gas or battery, which was great for wild camping. We didn’t want for anything in terms of kitchenware.
- Storage was decent for two people. There were multiple overhead cupboards, a deep wardrobe, under-bench drawers, and outside storage that could fit a snowboard bag. It might be tight for four people, but for the two of us, we managed to unpack and spread out fairly easily.
- Easy to drive, even for beginners. The vehicle was wide, but not too long. We could fit in standard car parks, and it had cruise control. With a few thousand miles on the clock, it felt new and mechanically sound.
- Freedom to camp almost anywhere. Thanks to IOverlander, we only paid for one night at a campground. The rest of the time, we parked in rest areas, truck stops, and other freedom-friendly spots.
the cons
- The interior was dark and dated. Even though the RV was new, the dark wood veneer made the interior feel gloomy—especially in winter. On one travel day, I was working in the back and it felt like twilight at noon.
- Sleeping was not super comfortable. The mattress above the cab was firm—maybe too firm for us. We doubled up on comforters for padding, which helped, but it’s not what you’d call plush. If you can bring your own bedding, do it.
- Not much bench space. The kitchen had a large sink and a three-burner stove, but very little prep space. If we owned this layout, we’d definitely reconfigure it to free up some counter room.
- Storage not quite right for snow gear. Our massive snowboard bag didn’t fit in the external storage as we’d hoped, so it lived in the bathroom. That meant moving it every time we wanted to use the toilet or shower—not ideal.
- No rear camera for reversing. For a rental aimed at people who may not be used to driving big vehicles, this felt like a real miss. You’ll want a spotter or be prepared to do some very cautious backing.
- It was thirsty! We were filling up the petrol tank (about 40 gallons or 150 litres) almost daily. The fuel costs added up quickly.
the verdict
If you want your own bathroom, don’t mind basic comfort, and are happy with a traditional motorhome layout, the Cruise America C21 is a solid option. It’s not luxurious, but it’s functional. We liked having room to spread out, being able to sleep separately from our living space, and the freedom to stop wherever we liked.
Would we rent it again? Maybe—but we’ve also learned that this kind of RV isn’t quite our style for long-term travel. We’re vanlifers at heart, and while the Cruise America RV served its purpose for a classic US road trip, we’re already dreaming of getting back on the road with It Zwibble, our self-built VW Crafter back home in New Zealand.
Thinking of renting one of these? Feel free to drop your questions in the comments on our YouTube review—we’re happy to share more tips from our time on the road.
The Peterson Odyssey 