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Authoritative data source & methodology

Primary reference: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) & Regulation Z (Truth in Lending Act). See §1026.22 APR determination and Auto loan key terms. “Tutti i calcoli si basano rigorosamente sulle formule e sui dati forniti da questa fonte.”

We compute payments with the standard amortization formula using APR as the nominal annual rate, adjusted to your payment frequency (monthly/biweekly/weekly). Taxes are estimated as taxable base × tax rate; in many states, trade-in value reduces the taxable base. Fees and add-ons are assumed financed unless you adjust down payment.

The formula explained

For an amortizing loan with periodic rate \( i \) and number of payments \( n \):
\[ \text{Payment} = P \cdot \frac{i}{1-(1+i)^{-n}} \] where \( P \) is the financed principal (price − down − trade\_in + payoff + tax + fees + add\text{-}ons).
Periodic rate \( i = \frac{\text{APR}}{m} \), with \( m \) payments per year (12, 26, or 52).

Glossary of inputs & outputs

  • Purchase Price: Agreed RV price before tax; discounts applied.
  • Down Payment: Cash paid upfront; lowers amount financed.
  • Trade-in Value / Payoff: Dealer credit and any loan you still owe; payoff increases amount financed.
  • Sales Tax Rate: Combined rate; taxable base often equals (price − trade-in).
  • Fees/Add-ons: Doc/title and optional products financed.
  • APR: Yearly cost of credit (Reg Z); used to derive periodic rate.
  • Term: Number of months to repay.
  • Payment: Amount due each period; principal + interest.
  • Total Interest / Total Cost: Sum of interest across the term; total of payments.

How it works: a step-by-step example

Example: Price \$65,000; down \$10,000; trade-in \$8,000 with \$3,000 payoff; tax 7%; fees \$600; APR 7.99%; term 144 months; monthly payments; extra principal \$50/month.

  1. Taxable base = \$65,000 − \$8,000 = \$57,000; tax = \$3,990.
  2. Financed principal \( P = 65,000 - 10,000 - 8,000 + 3,000 + 3,990 + 600 = \$54,590 \).
  3. Periodic rate \( i = 0.0799 / 12 \); \( n = 144 \). Apply the amortization formula to get the monthly payment.
  4. Apply extra principal each month; schedule shows earlier payoff and reduced interest.

FAQs

What terms are common for RV loans?

Many lenders offer 60–180 months; some extend to 240 months for larger balances. Longer terms lower the payment but raise total interest.

Does trade-in reduce sales tax?

Frequently yes, but this is state-specific. This tool models tax on (price − trade-in) by default.

APR vs interest rate?

APR is the yearly cost of credit and can include certain fees; it is the standardized measure for comparisons (Reg Z).

Can I finance fees and add-ons?

Often yes; we include them in the financed amount so you see their impact on payment and interest.

Biweekly payments?

26 payments/year at half the monthly payment accelerates payoff and can cut interest if your lender applies payments as received.

Finding fair RV values?

Consult J.D. Power (formerly NADA) or RV Trader for market context before negotiating.

Tool developed by Ugo Candido. Content verified by CalcDomain Editorial Board.
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