I still remember the first time I walked past a Cruiser RV at a campground. I was lugging my gear after a long boondocking stretch, half-exhausted but curious.
The guy parked two spots over had an MPG trailer, and it looked sleek yet practical—like it was made for people who love the road but don’t want to tow a tank behind them.
Naturally, I asked the big question: who owns Cruiser RV? That simple question led me down a rabbit hole of ownership history, product lines, and some pretty fun surprises. Now I’m sharing everything with you, gadget-junkie style.
Who Owns Cruiser RV Today?
Image source- thorindustries.com
Cruiser RV is owned by Thor Industries, one of the giants in the RV world. Thor bought the company in January 2015, folding it into their massive portfolio of travel trailer and motorhome brands.
If you’ve shopped for RVs before, you’ve probably noticed names like Heartland, Jayco company, and Airstream—yep, those are also part of Thor’s empire.
Fast-forward to March 2025: Thor gave Cruiser RV a new family home. Alongside Heartland, Cruiser is now part of the JCO group, a restructured division that helps streamline production and resources.
Don’t worry—Cruiser hasn’t lost its identity. It’s still building affordable, lightweight rigs in Howe, Indiana, just with a bigger support system backing it up.
What Makes Cruiser RV Different?
Image source- cruiserrv.com
Cruiser RV has always leaned into lightweight construction. Many of their rigs are half-ton towable, which means you don’t need a heavy-duty truck to hit the road.
For weekenders and full-timers who want mobility without constant gas-guzzling, that’s a big win.
Another highlight is their quality control process. Every rig goes through multi-phase inspections, including a rain bay test that sprays water across the entire trailer to spot leaks.
Then, before delivery, there’s a final pre-delivery inspection. It feels more like aircraft testing than RV prep, and I love that level of nerdy detail.
And let’s not ignore the customer perks. Their Cruiser Care program comes with instant live chat, quick warranty handling, and a mobile app.
With the app, you can track maintenance, check warranty info, and even browse how-to videos. That’s the kind of tech-friendly support I geek out over.
What RV Models Does Cruiser Make?
If you’re shopping around, Cruiser RV has a little something for everyone. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Model Line | Type | Price Range (2025 New Models) | Highlights |
| Avenir | Travel Trailer | $17,739–$36,000 | Entry-level luxury with modern interiors and outdoor fridge |
| Embrace | Travel Trailer | $20,160+ | Vaulted ceilings, roomy storage, family-friendly layouts |
| Shadow Cruiser | Travel Trailer | $30,000–$37,000 | Ultralight design with versatile floor plans |
| MPG | Travel Trailer | $40,000–$60,000 | High-value series, larger units for families |
| Stryker | Toy Hauler | $55,407+ | Built for hauling ATVs, bikes, and off-road toys |
| Essence | Fifth Wheel | Varies | Spacious luxury rigs with premium features |
The cool part is that Cruiser balances style and function. Even entry-level trailers have modern interiors, while the Stryker toy hauler feels rugged and adventure-ready.
How Much Does a Cruiser RV Cost?
Pricing depends on whether you’re looking at new or used models. For new 2025 models, smaller travel trailers like the Avenir can start as low as $17,739 MSRP, while big toy haulers like the Stryker shoot past $55,000.
Used models are much more budget-friendly. For example, I spotted a 2021 Shadow Cruiser for under $19,000 and a 2020 MPG at around $19,500 on RV Trader. Dealers often list below MSRP, so it pays to shop around both online and in person.
If you want the most accurate pricing, check:
- Local dealers for discounts and floor model sales.
- Marketplaces like RVTrader.com or RVUSA.com.
- The official Cruiser RV website for MSRP baselines.
Why Do RVers Choose Cruiser?
Here’s the thing: not everyone wants to tow a massive fifth wheel with three slide-outs and a six-figure price tag. Cruiser RV speaks to the adventurer who values lightweight design, affordability, and smart use of space.
I’ve met couples who chose the MPG for easy towing on cross-country trips, and families who swear by the Shadow Cruiser for camping with kids.
The Stryker toy hauler, on the other hand, is a beast for anyone hauling dirt bikes or ATVs into the desert. It’s all about versatility without overcomplicating things.
How Do You Get the Best Value on a Cruiser RV?
Here’s my practical, gear-nerd advice:
- Know your tow vehicle. Don’t overbuy. If your truck can only tow 7,000 lbs, stick to half-ton towables like the Shadow Cruiser.
- Time your purchase. Dealers often cut prices at the end of the model year to make room for new inventory.
- Check warranties. Cruiser Care can save you headaches with faster claim processing.
- Explore the app. That Cruiser app is like a mini RV tech assistant in your pocket.
With those tricks, you’ll stretch your dollar while still landing a rig that fits your lifestyle.
FAQs About Cruiser RV
1. Who owns Cruiser RV right now?
Thor Industries owns Cruiser RV. They bought the company in 2015 and recently shifted it into their JCO family of RVs. This keeps Cruiser’s unique style intact while adding more resources for production and support.
2. Are Cruiser RVs good quality?
Yes, especially for the price point. They use laminated construction, lightweight frames, and a strict inspection process. While they’re not luxury rigs like Airstream, they deliver strong value for families and first-time buyers.
3. What is the average price of a Cruiser RV?
Most new Cruiser RVs run between $20,000 and $60,000, depending on size and features. Used models often land in the $15,000–$30,000 range, making them budget-friendly for buyers who don’t mind a few miles on the odometer.
4. Where can I buy a Cruiser RV?
The easiest places are local RV dealers and online marketplaces like RVTrader.com. Always compare dealer pricing to MSRP, and don’t be afraid to negotiate add-ons like awnings or upgraded mattresses.
Wrapping It Up With a Nerdy Bow
So now you know who owns Cruiser RV and why this brand continues to stand out. Thor Industries may own it, but Cruiser’s DNA hasn’t changed—it’s still about lightweight builds, everyday affordability, and gear-friendly design.
Personally, I love that you can get a feature-packed trailer without needing a heavy-duty hauler or a bottomless wallet.
If you’re shopping for your next adventure rig, don’t skip Cruiser RV. It’s the kind of brand that lets you spend less time stressing over tow limits and more time enjoying the open road. And as a fellow RV tech nerd, that’s a win I can fully get behind.
