Outdoorsy vs Cruise America Two Completely Different Rental Models
Outdoorsy is a peer-to-peer marketplace — private owners list their RVs and you rent directly from them. Cruise America is a fleet company — they own all the vehicles and run it like a rental car agency. These are fundamentally different experiences with different trade-offs.
Quick Answer
Outdoorsy gives you more choice — vehicle types, price points, unique rigs, locations. Cruise America gives you more predictability — standardized vehicles, standardized pricing, walk in and drive away. First-timers who want simplicity should lean Cruise America. Travelers who want a specific vehicle or a better deal should search Outdoorsy first.
Comparison Table
| Category | Outdoorsy | Cruise America |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Peer-to-peer marketplace | Company-owned fleet |
| Vehicles | Thousands of unique listings | 3 standardized models |
| Pricing | $75-$500/night (varies by owner) | $110-$250/night + fees |
| Booking | Book online, coordinate with owner | Book online, show up at depot |
| Vehicle Quality | Varies (check reviews and photos) | Consistent (functional, older) |
| One-Way | Some owners allow it | 130+ locations, easy one-way |
| Insurance | Up to $1M liability | Supplemental ($15-$25/day) |
| Bathroom | Depends on vehicle | All models include bathroom |
The Core Trade-Off: Choice vs Simplicity
Outdoorsy gives you control. You pick the exact vehicle, see photos of that specific unit, read reviews from people who rented that exact RV and communicate directly with the owner. You might find a 2024 Sprinter van for $120/night or a luxury diesel pusher for $400/night. The range is enormous.
The downside: quality varies. Some owners run their listings like a professional business. Others rent out a vehicle that hasn't been detailed in months. Photos can be misleading. The pickup experience depends on the owner's schedule and communication style. It's more work to vet your options.
Cruise America gives you consistency. Every "Large" model is basically the same 30-foot Class C with the same layout, same amenities, same walk-through process. You know what you're getting. The depot is staffed. The process is systematic. For first-timers who don't want to think about which specific vehicle to choose, this simplicity has real value.
The downside: the vehicles are older (3-6 years) and show wear. The base rate looks low but add-ons (mileage, generator, kitchen kits, insurance) push the final price up significantly. And you only get three vehicle options — if you want a van, a teardrop, a truck camper or anything unusual, Cruise America can't help.
Pricing: Real Numbers
A 7-night summer Class C rental comparison:
| Cost Item | Outdoorsy (typical) | Cruise America |
|---|---|---|
| Base rate (7 nights) | $1,050 ($150/night) | $1,190 ($170/night) |
| Service/booking fees | $150-$210 | $0 |
| Insurance | $105-$315 ($15-$45/day) | $105-$175 ($15-$25/day) |
| Mileage | Usually unlimited | $0-$200 (depends on package) |
| Generator | Usually included | $50-$100 ($3.50/hr) |
| Kitchen/bedding | Usually included | $85-$150 |
| Estimated Total | $1,400-$1,700 | $1,430-$1,815 |
Estimates based on typical summer rates. Your actual costs will vary by location, dates and specific vehicle/package selections.
When to Choose Each
Choose Outdoorsy if...
- → You want a specific vehicle type (van, teardrop, etc.)
- → Unlimited mileage matters
- → You want a newer or unique vehicle
- → You're comfortable researching and vetting listings
- → Higher insurance coverage ($1M) is important
Choose Cruise America if...
- → You want zero research — just book and go
- → One-way rental between cities is the plan
- → You need a guaranteed bathroom (all models)
- → Predictability matters more than perfection
- → You're in a smaller city without P2P options