Total purchase price
Enter the RV price.
Recommended: 10-20% of price
Enter down payment (0 if none).
Annual rate (APR)
Enter interest rate.
Typically 10-20 years
Enter loan term.
Sales tax, registration (optional)
Monthly Payment
—
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⚠️ Disclaimer: Estimates only. Actual rates and terms vary by lender and credit profile. Consult a licensed RV lender for exact loan offers.
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Sources & Methodology
RV loan calculations use standard amortization per RVIA guidelines and CFPB consumer loan standards.
Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA)
Industry standards for RV financing and consumer guidance. rvia.org
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Federal guidelines on secured personal loans and recreational vehicle financing. consumerfinance.gov
Good Sam Finance Center — RV Loan Rate Data 2026
Current RV loan rate data by credit score and RV type. goodsamfinancecenter.com
Loan Amount = RV Price - Down Payment + Fees
Monthly Payment = P x [r(1+r)^n] / [(1+r)^n - 1]
where P = loan amount, r = monthly rate (APR/12), n = months
Total Interest = (Monthly Payment x n) - Loan Amount
Monthly Payment = P x [r(1+r)^n] / [(1+r)^n - 1]
where P = loan amount, r = monthly rate (APR/12), n = months
Total Interest = (Monthly Payment x n) - Loan Amount
Monthly Payment = P x [r(1+r)^n] / [(1+r)^n - 1]
Example: $68,000 loan (85K - 17K down), 8% rate, 15 years (180 months).
r = 8/100/12 = 0.00667. Monthly Payment = $649/month. Total interest = $48,800.
r = 8/100/12 = 0.00667. Monthly Payment = $649/month. Total interest = $48,800.
Last reviewed: April 2026
How Is an RV Loan Calculated?
An RV loan uses the same standard amortization formula as any installment loan. Your loan amount = RV price minus down payment (plus any taxes and fees you finance). The monthly payment depends on the loan amount, interest rate (APR), and loan term in months. Each payment covers both interest and principal, with early payments weighted toward interest.
Unlike home mortgages, RV loans are secured personal loans where the RV serves as collateral. This means rates are higher than mortgage rates but lower than unsecured personal loans. RVs that qualify as second homes (sleeping, cooking, toilet) may allow mortgage interest deduction.
RV Loan Rates by Credit Score (2026)
| Credit Score | New RV Rate | Used RV Rate | Monthly on $70K / 15yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 760+ | 6.5 - 7.5% | 7.5 - 8.5% | ~$611 - $649 |
| 720-759 | 7.5 - 8.5% | 8.5 - 9.5% | ~$649 - $730 |
| 680-719 | 8.5 - 10% | 10 - 11% | ~$689 - $752 |
| 620-679 | 10 - 12% | 11 - 14% | ~$752 - $840 |
True Annual Cost of RV Ownership
The loan payment is only part of RV ownership. Budget for these annual costs:
- RV insurance: $1,000-$3,000/year (full-time RVers pay more)
- Storage: $1,200-$4,800/year (indoor storage costs more)
- Maintenance & repairs: $1,000-$5,000/year (budget 1-2% of RV value)
- Campground fees: $20-$80/night or $400-$800/month for full hookups
- Fuel: Class A motorhomes get 7-10 mpg, Class C 12-18 mpg
- Registration: $50-$500/year depending on state and RV value
💡 New vs Used RV: A 2-3 year old RV can cost 25-35% less than new while still being in excellent condition. RVs depreciate 15-20% in year one and 5-10% annually after. Buying used avoids the steepest depreciation and often results in lower total cost even with a slightly higher interest rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
In 2026, RV loan rates range from 6.5% to 11%+. Good credit (720+) on a new RV: 6.5-8%. Used RV or lower credit: 9-12%. Credit unions typically offer the lowest rates.
5 to 20 years depending on loan size. Travel trailers max at 10-12 years. Class A motorhomes over $100K can get 15-20 year terms. Longer terms lower monthly payments but significantly increase total interest.
Most lenders require 10-20% down. Some offer 0% down for qualified buyers. A 20% down payment helps avoid being underwater as RVs depreciate 15-20% in year one.
Yes, if the RV has sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities, it may qualify as a second home, making the interest deductible on Schedule A. Most Class A, B, C motorhomes qualify. Consult a tax advisor.
Beyond the loan, budget $4,000-$15,000+/year for insurance, storage, maintenance, fuel, and campsite fees. A common rule is 10-15% of RV value annually in operating costs.
At 8% over 12 years: ~$537/month. At 8% over 15 years: ~$478/month. At 8% over 10 years: ~$607/month. Down payment reduces these figures proportionally.
RVs are not financial investments — they depreciate significantly. They are lifestyle purchases. The financial comparison should weigh your total RV costs against equivalent hotel/flight costs for the same trips.
Most lenders require 620-660 minimum. For the best rates, 720+. Below 620 may need larger down payment or a cosigner. Credit unions often have more flexible requirements than banks.
Used RVs (2-4 years old) offer better value due to steep first-year depreciation. A used RV may cost 25-35% less while still being in excellent condition. Used loan rates are slightly higher but total cost is usually lower.
Credit unions typically offer the lowest rates. Good Sam Finance Center, Essex Credit, and Bank of the West specialize in RV loans. Large banks and online lenders also compete. Always compare at least 3 lenders.
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