Owner’s Info & FAQ

Length is measured from where the unit connects to the truck with the coupler or kingpin to the rear most point on the unit.

Models are built according to the floor plans and options listed on our website with no customization.

RVs are sold through local RV dealerships and the purchase process is similar to the way in which you would buy a car. Cruiser RV operates an established network of authorized dealers to help you select the right RV for your needs, secure financing, and maintain your RV for optimum enjoyment in the years ahead.

Your dealer will register your new Cruiser RV for you. Registering will ensure that the Cruiser RV servicing dealer network will be better prepared to meet all your needs.

All parts requests are handled through our dealer network. Please place all requests through your preferred dealer. Need to find a dealer? Use the Dealer Locator page or call us at (260) 562-3500.

Yes you can, is designed to be strong enough to walk on for necessary maintenance. However, it is not recommended that you use chairs on the roof.

No, Cruiser RV trailers are not built to accommodate this.

See our Winterizing video page.

Used RVs are covered in the NADA Guide along with cars. As with used cars, the condition of the unit, age, and your locality will affect the final price. With so many factors to consider, Cruiser RV cannot make judgments about your particular trailer, even if it is a Cruiser model.

Many Cruiser RV dealers accept trades on used models and can guide you through this process.  Need a dealer? Use the Dealer Locator page or call us at (260) 562-3500.

Although more expensive, you should always use a deep cycle battery. Automotive batteries are made to be constantly recharged by the car’s alternator and will not provide long service in a trailer because of limited charge cycles. Deep cycle batteries are built to be drained and recharged multiple times.

While Cruiser RV extensively engineers each model, personnel and process changes may frequently be revised within the manufacturing facility which affects the accuracy of these schematics from model year to model year.  Please contact your selling dealer to inquire on any assistance you may need, and Cruiser RV will try to assist if possible.

There are three tanks commonly talked about: Fresh water, Grey and Black.

The fresh water tanks hold potable water added to the RV through the city water connection or fresh tank fill.

The grey water tank holds the dirty water that comes from your shower and kitchen sink. While most RVs do have this, some of the older/vintage models might not.

The black water tank holds all the wastewater from your toilets. If your RV does not have a grey tank, then all the used and dirty water goes here.

The Cruiser Three (3) Year Limited Structural Warranty covers substantial defects in material and/or workmanship supplied and attributable to Heartland in the construction and assembly of the “structural” (as defined below) portions of the recreational vehicle, arising under normal use and service to the structural components. The warranty coverage starts, and begins to run, from the date of the original retail purchase and covers only those defects in structural components that are discovered and reported during the three (3) years from date of purchase.

1. “Structural” portions of the recreational vehicle consist of: (a) exterior sidewalls, laminated or non-laminated, including fiberglass and wall studs; (b) floors, laminated or non-laminated, including decking and floor joists; (c) roofs, laminated or non-laminated, including decking and roof rafters; and, (d) slide out box exterior sidewalls; end walls; roofs; floors; skeletal framing; decking; and, roof material installation.
2. This Warranty does not cover: front and rear fiberglass caps and any other cosmetic fiberglass attachments; aluminum siding (unless the root cause is the wall structure); exterior roof material (EPDM rubber, TPO, etc.); floor covering (carpet, linoleum, hardwood, tile, etc.); all sidewall, end wall, front and rear wall, roof and floor attachments; cosmetic issues; damage from water leaks not attributable to a defect; and, delamination caused by water intrusion from lack of required exterior seal maintenance as outlined in the Maintenance Schedule included in the Owner’s Manual.

• Remove the cap from the drain outlet on the side of the trailer.
• Connect a sewer hose, and place the other end into an approved dump station.
• Open the black water valve first until slow, then open the gray water valve.
• When drained, close both termination valves.
• Flush the sewer tank with water, then open both termination valves one at a time until empty.
•  Close both termination valves.
• Disconnect the sewer hose and store.
• Install both caps.
• Add an approved chemical deodorant according to package instructions.

You can use the dealer locator or contact Heartland RV Customer Service at 877-262-8032.

GVWR – Gross Vehicle Weight rating.  Which means this is the total amount of weight that the trailer is rated for.  This number is derived from the combination of each axle rating plus the hitch weight.

(Ex.  (2) 3500 pound rated axles + 410 pound hitch weight = a GVWR of 7,410 pounds)

DRY WEIGHT of the trailer is the actual unequipped weight of the unit itself.   That number is calculated at the factory with calibrated scales, and is made of 2 components:  AXLE WEIGHT and HITCH WEIGHT.

(Ex.  The scales under the tires of the four tires read as follows: 1,085, 986, 1010, 1100, so the combined axle weight is 4,181 pounds.  The scale under the hitch reads 410 pounds.  The DRY WEIGHT would equal 4,591 pounds)

To calculate the CCC – Cargo Carrying Capacity, we simply subtract the DRY WEIGHT from the GVWR

(Ex. 7,410 pounds – 4,591 pounds = 2,819  pounds of cargo can be put in this trailer (minus water weight in fresh tank and water heater)

Trailer Life has handy guides, just look up the year of your tow vehicle: Trailer Life towing guides.

You serial number, also referred to as your VIN number, is located in multiple places on your trailer.  You can find it stamped on the a-frame, as well as on the Federal weight sticker on the off-door-side of the trailer and on the yellow Cargo Capacity sticker inside the entry door.

This is dependent on the model and brand of Cruiser RV trailer.  Some models offer a ladder as optional equipment.  It is not recommended that you ever try to install a ladder yourself; we recommend you consult your selling dealer.

Do not wipe your trailer with a dry cloth. Road dust can stick to surfaces, causing scratching from grit.

Use non-abrasive car care products to first clean your trailer, followed by an automotive grade wax or polish. Avoid ammonia or caustic cleaners. Rubbing compound, cleansers, or other abrasives can scratch or weaken of the finish. Avoid spinning brushes and high pressure washing, especially over decals.

From best to worst, we recommend:

• Indoors (garage or shed)
• Under a roof (davenport or similar)
• Under a tarp*

Covering your trailer protects against sun damage and fading, while also reducing dust contamination, leaf stains, and damage from bird droppings.

*Tarps are recommended for protection of your trailer, but do have the potential to chafe from winds moving the tarp. This can lead to finish scratches and abrasion of trailer decals. Tarps are recommended because they protect from UV sunlight damage, leaf stains, and other factors.

12 volt is battery power, known as direct current (DC). The furnace, propane water heater, most lighting, range hood, monitor panel, roof vent fans, and other items run off of this. How long your battery will last depends on usage, outside temperature, and condition of your battery.

120 volt is standard home wall outlet power, known as alternating current (AC). You must be connected to a shore line or use a generator to have this power. Your microwave, air conditioner, and television are notable appliances that run only on shore power.

When your unit is plugged into standard shore power, your battery will charge and all 12 volt appliances will function via a direct conversion, even without the battery.

Maintain fluid level in your battery and keep all contacts clean. Use a wire brush to remove any corrosion. Many systems in your trailer depend on battery power, so keep this in your pre-trip checklist for happy camping.

You most likely overloaded the circuit. Running more than one high drain appliance on the circuit is generally at fault. Look especially for appliances that generate heat as the culprit, such as coffee makers, microwaves, toasters, hair dryers, and curling irons.

Limit your use of high drain appliances to one at a time or move it to another circuit.

Windows sweat when the inside air is warmer than the outside and moisture is present. People’s breath adds moisture, along with washing, showering, cooking and drying of wet items.

Trapped moisture can lead to the growth mold and musty odors. This is unpleasant and notoriously difficult to remove. Open windows and use vent fans to compensate. While showering or cooking, use vents to keep moisture levels from growing.

Prevention is the best cure! Get in the habit of running vent fans proactively when doing these activities. Crack windows and vents at night while sleeping. Aim to reduce humidity before condensation forms in cracks and crevices. These areas dry more slowly and are prime mildew locations.

Consider drying towels or other wet items outside to reduce interior condensation.

A dehumidifier can also be purchased for use in extreme cases and used while on shore power.

The tow vehicle carries the hitch weight. Once you subtract it from the cargo weight, the tires are within specification and not overloaded.

Some outlets are protected with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) for your safety. These outlets have two buttons, T for Test and R for Reset. Press in the R button to reset the outlet.

GFCI outlets protect against lethal shock danger. Wet appliances or faulty wiring can cause this. Try a different dry appliance on the circuit first. If the problem persists with multiple appliances, it may be the wiring in the trailer. Have a certified Cruiser RV dealer repair center diagnose and perform electrical repairs.