RV Loan Calculator

Thinking about buying an RV? Smart move—but before you start browsing Class A motorhomes or browsing travel trailers on dealership lots, you need to answer one big question: "Can I actually afford this?"

That's where this RV loan calculator comes in. Plug in your RV price, down payment, and loan details, and you'll see exactly what your monthly payment will be—plus how much you'll really pay once you factor in all that interest over 10, 15, or 20 years. Whether you're eyeing a compact camper for weekend trips or a spacious motorhome for cross-country adventures, understanding your financing options is step one toward hitting the road.

When you calculate your RV loan, you'll see four key numbers. Here's what each one means for your budget:

Loan Amount is the actual amount you're borrowing from the lender. This is calculated by subtracting your down payment from the RV's purchase price. For example, if you're buying a $60,000 RV with $12,000 down, your loan amount is $48,000.

Monthly Payment is what you'll pay each month, typically for 10-20 years. Financial experts recommend keeping your total vehicle payments (including cars and RVs) under 15-20% of your gross monthly income. For instance, if your household earns $5,000/month, aim for RV payments under $750-1,000.

Total Paid shows the complete cost of your RV when you add up all payments over the loan's life. This is always higher than the RV's purchase price because of interest. For example, a $60,000 RV financed at 7.5% for 15 years costs about $66,300 total—that's $66,300 you'll actually pay, not $60,000.

Cost of Loan is the total interest you'll pay—essentially what borrowing the money costs you. Using the example above, the cost of the loan is $26,300. The good news is you can reduce this by making a larger down payment, choosing a shorter loan term, or securing a lower interest rate.

Real talk: If your calculator shows a monthly payment that makes you wince, trust that instinct. A lot of people convince themselves they can "make it work" with an RV payment that's really too high—and then they're stuck with a loan they can barely afford and an RV sitting in storage because they can't afford to actually use it. Choose a payment that leaves room in your budget for gas, maintenance, campground fees, and all the fun stuff you actually bought the RV for.

Wondering how to bring down that monthly payment? You've got options:

Increase your down payment. Every extra $1,000 you put down saves you roughly $6-8 per month on a 15-year loan at 8%. If you're looking at a $550/month payment but can only afford $500, increasing your down payment by about $6,000-7,000 gets you there.

Extend your loan term. Moving from 15 years to 20 years reduces your monthly payment by about 15-20%, though you'll pay significantly more interest over time. On a $50,000 loan at 7.5%, switching from 15 to 20 years drops your payment from $464 to $403—a $61/month savings, but at a cost of $13,200 more in total interest.

Improve your credit score before applying. If your score is currently 650, taking six months to boost it to 700+ could lower your interest rate by 1-2 percentage points, saving you $30-50/month and thousands over the loan's life. Even small improvements help.

Shop for better interest rates. Don't just accept the first offer. Compare rates from banks, credit unions, and dealer financing. Credit unions often offer rates 0.5-1.5% lower than traditional banks, which can save you $20-40/month on a typical RV loan.

Here's a pro move: Some credit unions offer "relationship discounts" on RV loans—like 0.25% off your rate if you set up direct deposit or have a checking account with them. Small discount, but it adds up over 15-20 years.

Consider a less expensive RV. Sometimes dropping from a $75,000 motorhome to a $60,000 model makes the difference between stretching your budget and comfortable payments. You can always upgrade in a few years when your financial situation improves.

An RV loan is a secured loan specifically designed for purchasing recreational vehicles. Like a car loan, the RV itself serves as collateral, meaning the lender can repossess it if you stop making payments. However, RV loans work differently from auto loans in several important ways.

RV loans typically involve larger amounts—often $25,000 to $300,000 compared to $20,000-$40,000 for most car loans. Because of the higher amounts, loan terms are much longer, ranging from 10-20 years instead of the typical 3-7 years for auto loans. Interest rates tend to be slightly higher too, usually ranging from 6-12% as of 2024-2025, depending on your credit score and the RV's age.

One advantage RV loans have over auto loans: if your RV has sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities, it may qualify as a second home for tax purposes. This means your loan interest could be tax-deductible—something not available with regular car loans. However, tax laws are complex, so consult with a tax professional to see if your situation qualifies.

Right now (2024-2025), most RV loans fall somewhere between 6% and 12%. Where you land in that range depends mainly on your credit score:

• Excellent credit (750+): 6-7%
• Good credit (700-749): 7-9%
• Fair credit (650-699): 9-11%
• Below 650: 11-14% or higher

These rates can also vary by lender type. Credit unions frequently offer the most competitive rates, often 0.5-2% lower than banks or dealer financing. Used RVs typically carry interest rates about 0.5-1% higher than new ones.

RV loan terms typically range from 10 to 20 years, depending on the loan amount:

• Under $25,000: Usually 10-12 years maximum
• $25,000-$50,000: Typically 12-15 years
• $50,000-$100,000: Often 15-20 years
• Over $100,000: Up to 20 years (sometimes 25 years for luxury motorhomes)

Shorter terms mean higher monthly payments but significant interest savings. Longer terms make payments more affordable but cost substantially more over time.

Most lenders expect a down payment of 10-20% of the RV's purchase price. For example:

• $30,000 RV: $3,000-$6,000 down
• $60,000 RV: $6,000-$12,000 down
• $100,000 RV: $10,000-$20,000 down

A larger down payment has several benefits: it reduces your monthly payment, lowers the total interest you'll pay, and can help you qualify for better rates. Some lenders may accept as little as 10% down for borrowers with excellent credit purchasing new RVs, while others might require 20% or more for used RVs or borrowers with lower credit scores.

Most lenders prefer a credit score of at least 670 for RV loans, though some will work with scores as low as 600. Your credit score significantly affects your interest rate. Here's the real-world impact:

On a $60,000 loan over 15 years:

• Score 750 (7% rate): $539/month, $37,020 total interest
• Score 680 (9% rate): $609/month, $49,620 total interest
• Score 620 (11% rate): $683/month, $62,940 total interest

That's a $144/month difference and nearly $26,000 more in interest between excellent and fair credit. If your score is below 670, it's often worth taking 6-12 months to improve it before applying.

So what actually influences your loan terms? Let's break down what lenders look at:

RV Type and Age: New RVs typically qualify for better rates than used ones. A brand-new Class A motorhome might get a 6.5% rate, while a 10-year-old travel trailer might be offered at 9%. Lenders also consider the RV class—Class A and B motorhomes often get slightly better terms than travel trailers because they hold their value better.

Loan Amount: Larger loans sometimes qualify for better rates because they're more profitable for lenders. A $100,000 loan might get a rate 0.25-0.5% lower than a $25,000 loan, all else being equal.

Your Credit Profile: Beyond your credit score, lenders look at your credit history (length of credit, payment history), income stability, and debt-to-income ratio—basically, they want to make sure you're not drowning in debt already. Lenders like to see your total monthly payments (including the new RV loan) under 40% of what you make each month.

Lender Type: Banks, credit unions, and dealer financing all have different rate structures. Credit unions often offer the best rates for average borrowers because they're member-owned and nonprofit. Banks may be more flexible with loan amounts. Dealer financing can be convenient but often has higher rates—unless they're running a promotional campaign.

Loan-to-Value Ratio: This is your loan amount divided by the RV's value. A lower LTV (meaning a larger down payment) typically gets you better rates. An LTV under 80% (20%+ down payment) is considered ideal.

Here's something a lot of first-time RV buyers don't realize: that monthly loan payment? It's just the beginning. Let me walk you through the real costs of ownership:

Insurance: RV insurance typically costs $100-$400 per month, depending on the RV's value, type, and how you use it. A $30,000 travel trailer might run $80-150/month, while a $200,000 Class A motorhome could be $300-500/month. Full-timers who live in their RV year-round often pay higher premiums.

Registration and Taxes: Sales tax varies by state but typically runs 6-8% of the purchase price. That's $4,800 on an $80,000 RV in a state with 6% sales tax. Annual registration fees range from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on your state and the RV's weight.

Storage Fees: If you can't park your RV at home, storage costs $50-$500/month depending on location and storage type. Uncovered outdoor storage in rural areas might be $50-100/month, while covered or indoor storage in urban areas can exceed $300/month.

Maintenance and Repairs: Budget $1,000-$3,000 annually for routine maintenance (oil changes, tire replacements, winterizing) plus an emergency fund for unexpected repairs. Older RVs typically need more maintenance than newer ones.

Fuel Costs: RVs are not fuel-efficient. Class A motorhomes typically get 6-10 mpg, Class Cs get 8-14 mpg, and smaller camper vans might achieve 15-20 mpg. If you plan to travel 5,000 miles annually in a Class A getting 8 mpg, that's 625 gallons—around $2,200/year at $3.50/gallon.

Ready to calculate your RV payment? Here's how to get accurate results:

1. Enter your RV price. This is the total purchase price before any down payment. If you're buying from a dealer, use the negotiated price, not the sticker price. For used RVs, research comparable models to ensure you're getting fair value.

2. Input your down payment. Enter the amount you plan to pay upfront. Remember, most lenders expect 10-20% down. A larger down payment reduces both your monthly payment and total interest paid.

3. Select your loan term. Choose how many years you want to repay the loan. Common terms are 10, 15, or 20 years. Shorter terms mean higher monthly payments but less total interest. Longer terms mean lower monthly payments but significantly more interest over time.

4. Enter your expected interest rate. If you don't know your rate yet, use the typical ranges mentioned earlier based on your credit score. You can also check current rates at local credit unions and banks before using the calculator.

5. Review your results. Look at all four outputs—loan amount, monthly payment, total paid, and cost of loan. Make sure the monthly payment fits comfortably in your budget, considering all the additional costs mentioned above.

6. Try different scenarios. Adjust the numbers to see how different down payments or loan terms affect your payment. This helps you find the best balance between affordable monthly payments and total interest costs.

Here are real-world scenarios showing how different choices affect your RV financing:

Sarah and Mike have been dreaming about weekend camping trips for years. They're first-time RV buyers on a budget, so they're looking at used travel trailers.

• RV Price: $28,000 (used travel trailer)
• Down Payment: $5,600 (20%)
• Loan Amount: $22,400
• Term: 12 years
• Interest Rate: 8.5%
• Monthly Payment: $242
• Total Paid: $34,934
• Cost of Loan (Interest): $12,534

This budget-friendly option keeps their monthly payment under $250, making it affordable on their combined income of $55,000 annually. The 20% down payment helped them secure a better interest rate despite financing a used RV.

The Rodriguez family wants a comfortable motorhome for road trips and visiting national parks with their two kids.

• RV Price: $85,000 (new Class C motorhome)
• Down Payment: $12,750 (15%)
• Loan Amount: $72,250
• Term: 15 years
• Interest Rate: 7.2%
• Monthly Payment: $653
• Total Paid: $117,540
• Cost of Loan (Interest): $45,290

With a monthly payment around $650, this works well for their household income of $75,000 annually (payment is about 10% of gross income). The 15-year term balances affordability with interest savings compared to a 20-year loan.

Tom and Linda are retired and planning extended travel across the country in a high-end motorhome.

• RV Price: $225,000 (new Class A diesel motorhome)
• Down Payment: $45,000 (20%)
• Loan Amount: $180,000
• Term: 20 years
• Interest Rate: 6.5%
• Monthly Payment: $1,343
• Total Paid: $322,320
• Cost of Loan (Interest): $142,320

Their substantial 20% down payment and excellent credit score (resulting in a 6.5% rate) make this luxury purchase manageable at about $1,350/month. The 20-year term keeps payments affordable on their fixed retirement income, though they'll pay significantly more in interest over time.

Here's how loan term affects the same RV purchase:

Setup:

• RV Price: $60,000
• Down Payment: $10,000 (17%)
• Loan Amount: $50,000
• Interest Rate: 7.5%

15-Year Option:

• Monthly Payment: $464
• Total Interest: $33,520

20-Year Option:

• Monthly Payment: $403
• Total Interest: $46,720

Comparison: The 15-year term costs $61/month more but saves $13,200 in interest over the loan's life. If you can afford the higher payment, choosing the shorter term is like getting a free RV vacation package just by paying off the loan faster.

Here's how your down payment affects both monthly costs and total interest:

Setup:

• RV Price: $45,000
• Term: 15 years
• Interest Rate: 7.8%

10% Down ($4,500):

• Loan Amount: $40,500
• Monthly Payment: $382
• Total Interest: $28,260

20% Down ($9,000):

• Loan Amount: $36,000
• Monthly Payment: $339
• Total Interest: $25,020

Savings: Increasing your down payment from $4,500 to $9,000 (an extra $4,500) saves you $43 every month and over $3,200 in total interest. If you have the cash available, it's one of the best ways to reduce your RV financing costs.

These practical tips can help you get better loan terms and avoid common pitfalls:

Get pre-approved before shopping. Knowing exactly how much you can borrow and at what rate gives you negotiating power at dealerships. You won't be pressured into dealer financing that might not be the best deal, and you'll know your true budget before falling in love with an RV you can't afford.

Compare multiple lenders. Check rates from at least three sources: your bank, a local credit union, and dealer financing. Credit unions often have the best rates, but occasionally dealers run promotional financing (like 0% APR for qualified buyers) that beats everything else.

Understand the total cost, not just monthly payment. Dealers love to focus on monthly payments because they can lower that number by extending the loan term—while you end up paying much more in interest. Always look at the total amount you'll pay over the loan's life.

Here's an insider tip: Apply for your RV loan in late fall or winter when dealer inventory is high and they're more motivated to move units. You might negotiate a better price, which matters more than a slightly lower interest rate.

Consider shorter terms if affordable. Even if you qualify for a 20-year loan, choosing 15 years (if you can afford the higher payment) saves you thousands in interest. Run the numbers both ways to see if the difference in monthly payment is worth the interest savings.

Read the fine print. Check for prepayment penalties (fees for paying off the loan early), origination fees, and other costs that inflate your total expense. Many RV loans don't have prepayment penalties, meaning you can pay extra or pay off the loan early without fees—but always verify this before signing.

Don't finance beyond the RV's useful life. A 20-year loan on an RV that'll only last 15 years puts you underwater (owing more than it's worth) for years. Match your loan term to the RV's expected lifespan—generally 15-20 years for new Class A motorhomes, 10-15 years for Class Cs and travel trailers.

Negotiate the purchase price separately from financing. Get the best price you can on the RV itself before discussing financing. Some dealers inflate the RV price when offering attractive financing rates, so you end up paying more overall even with a lower interest rate.

Check your credit report first. Get a free copy of your credit report before applying for loans. If you find errors, dispute them to potentially improve your score. Even a 20-30 point increase can qualify you for a better rate tier.

Quick answer: Anywhere from 6-12% depending on your credit, with most people landing around 7-9%.

The details: Right now (2024-2025), most RV loans fall somewhere between 6% and 12%. Borrowers with excellent credit (750+) might qualify for rates as low as 6-7%, while those with fair credit (650-700) might see rates around 9-10%. Used RVs often have slightly higher rates than new ones. Credit unions frequently offer more competitive rates than traditional banks or dealer financing—sometimes 0.5-2% lower for the same borrower profile.

Quick answer: Plan for 10-20% of the purchase price, though more is always better.

The details: Most lenders expect a down payment of 10-20% of the RV's purchase price. For example, on a $50,000 RV, you'd typically put down $5,000-$10,000. A larger down payment reduces your monthly payment, total interest paid, and can help you qualify for better rates. Some lenders may require as little as 10% down for borrowers with excellent credit purchasing new RVs, while others might ask for 20% or more for used RVs or borrowers with lower credit scores. If you can afford a larger down payment, it's one of the most effective ways to reduce your total financing costs.

Quick answer: Usually 10-20 years, with 15 years being most common.

The details: RV loan terms typically range from 10 to 20 years, depending on the loan amount and RV value. Loans under $25,000 usually have terms of 10-12 years, while loans over $50,000 can extend to 15-20 years. Shorter terms mean higher monthly payments but significantly less interest paid over time. For example, a $50,000 loan at 8% costs about $9,000 more in interest over 20 years compared to 15 years. Choose the shortest term you can comfortably afford to minimize your total cost.

Quick answer: Aim for 670 or higher, though some lenders will work with scores as low as 600.

The details: Most lenders prefer a credit score of at least 670 for RV loans, though some will work with scores as low as 600. Your credit score significantly affects your interest rate. A score of 750+ might qualify you for rates around 6-7%, while a score of 650 might result in rates of 9-11% or higher. If your credit score is below 670, consider improving it before applying—even a 50-point increase can save you thousands in interest. Pay down credit card balances, make all payments on time, and dispute any errors on your credit report to boost your score.

Quick answer: Bigger loans, longer terms, slightly higher rates, and possible tax benefits.

The details: RV loans differ from auto loans in several important ways. First, loan amounts are typically much larger—often $25,000-$300,000 compared to $20,000-$40,000 for most cars. Second, loan terms are longer, ranging from 10-20 years instead of the typical 3-7 years for auto loans. Third, interest rates are often slightly higher due to the larger amounts and specialized nature of RVs. Finally, some RVs can qualify as second homes for tax purposes if they have sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities, potentially making your loan interest tax-deductible—something not available with standard auto loans. However, tax laws are complex, so consult with a tax professional about your specific situation.

Quick answer: Maybe—if your RV qualifies as a second home and you itemize deductions.

The details: You may be able to deduct RV loan interest if your RV qualifies as a second home. To qualify, the RV must have sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities, and you must use it as collateral for the loan. The deduction is limited to interest on up to $750,000 of qualified loan debt. However, tax laws are complex and change regularly, and this deduction is only available if you itemize deductions rather than taking the standard deduction. Consult with a tax professional to understand if your specific situation qualifies and whether itemizing makes sense for your tax situation.

Quick answer: Compare both—credit unions usually win, but dealer promos can sometimes beat everyone.

The details: Compare both options—each has advantages. Dealer financing can be convenient and sometimes offers promotional rates (like 0% APR for qualified buyers on new RVs), but standard dealer rates are often higher than banks or credit unions. Banks and especially credit unions frequently provide more competitive rates for average borrowers and may offer more flexible terms. Get pre-approved by your bank or credit union before visiting dealerships so you can compare offers and have negotiating power. Don't let the dealer know you have outside financing until after you've negotiated the best price on the RV itself.

Quick answer: Bigger down payment, longer loan term, better credit score, or shop around for better rates.

The details: You have several options to lower your payment. First, increase your down payment—every additional $1,000 down reduces your monthly payment by roughly $6-8 on a 15-year loan at 8%. Second, extend your loan term, though this increases total interest paid. Third, improve your credit score to qualify for lower rates—even a 50-point increase can save you $30-50/month. Fourth, shop multiple lenders to find the best rate. Credit unions often beat bank rates by 0.5-2%. Finally, consider a less expensive RV model—sometimes a $10,000 lower purchase price makes the difference between stretching your budget and comfortable payments.

Quick answer: Typically $10,000 to $400,000+, depending on your income and credit.

The details: RV loan amounts typically range from $10,000 to $400,000 or more, depending on the lender and your financial profile. Your maximum loan amount depends on factors like your income, debt-to-income ratio (lenders prefer under 40%), credit score, and the RV's value. As a general rule, your total monthly debt payments (including the RV loan) shouldn't exceed 40% of your gross monthly income. Some specialized lenders offer loans up to $2 million for luxury motorhomes. To determine your realistic maximum, calculate 40% of your gross monthly income, subtract your existing debt payments, and what's left is roughly what you can afford for an RV payment.

Quick answer: 15 years if you can afford it (saves thousands), 20 years if you need lower payments.

The details: The right term depends on your budget and financial goals. A 15-year term means higher monthly payments but significantly less interest paid overall. For example, on a $75,000 loan at 7%, a 15-year term costs about $674/month and $46,320 in total interest, while a 20-year term costs $581/month but $64,440 in interest—an $18,120 difference. Choose 15 years if you can afford the higher payment and want to save money long-term. Choose 20 years if you need a lower monthly payment to fit your budget or want to preserve cash flow for other investments or expenses. Remember, many loans don't have prepayment penalties, so you can start with a 20-year term and pay extra when able.