How long can you finance an RV?

RV loan terms commonly range from 5 to 20 years, depending on the RV price, your credit profile, and the lender. Smaller RVs and used units may be limited to 5–10 years, while large new motorhomes can sometimes be financed for 15–20 years. Longer terms lower the monthly payment but increase total interest paid.

Should I make extra payments on my RV loan?

Making extra principal payments can significantly reduce total interest and shorten your payoff time, especially on long-term RV loans. Use the Extra Payment field in this calculator to see how even a modest monthly extra amount affects your payoff date and total cost. Check your loan agreement for any prepayment penalties before paying extra.

What is a good interest rate for an RV loan?

RV loan rates vary with market conditions, your credit score, income, down payment, and whether the RV is new or used. As a rough guide, excellent-credit borrowers may see rates similar to or slightly higher than auto loans, while fair-credit borrowers may see rates several percentage points higher. Always compare APRs, not just advertised rates, and consider total cost over the life of the loan.

RV Loan Calculator

Q: What credit score do I need for an RV loan?

Many lenders prefer a credit score of at least the mid-600s for RV loans, and the best rates usually go to borrowers with scores above 720. Some lenders will finance RVs for lower scores, but you may see higher interest rates, larger down payment requirements, or shorter terms. Always compare offers from multiple lenders.

Q: Is RV loan interest tax-deductible?

In some cases, interest on an RV loan may be tax-deductible if the RV qualifies as a second home under IRS rules (it must have sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities) and you itemize deductions. Tax rules are complex and change over time, so consult a qualified tax professional for advice about your specific situation.

Estimate your RV payment, total interest, and payoff date. Compare terms, down payments, trade‑in value, and extra principal payments side by side.

Estimated Monthly Payment

Total Interest

Total Cost of RV

RV purchase price

Sticker price before taxes, fees, and add‑ons.

Taxes & fees rolled into loan (optional)

Sales tax, title, doc fees, warranties, etc. that you plan to finance.

Cash down payment

Cash you pay upfront to reduce the loan amount.

Trade‑in value (optional)

Amount still owed on trade‑in (if any)

We subtract any remaining loan balance from the trade‑in value.

Interest rate (APR)

Annual Percentage Rate from your lender.

Loan term

years

1 yr 180 months 20 yrs

Extra principal payment (optional)

Extra you plan to pay toward principal each month.

Payment frequency

We convert non‑monthly payments to an equivalent monthly schedule for totals.

Amount financed

Price + fees − down payment − net trade‑in.

Loan‑to‑value (LTV): —

Adjust any field and click Calculate to refresh results.

Estimated payoff time

—

Payoff date: —

With extra payments

—

Interest saved: —

Effective RV cost per month of use

—

Assuming 10 years of ownership.

This RV loan finances $0 at 0% APR for 0 months. Your estimated payment is $0 per month.

Total of payments: $0
Total interest paid: $0
Interest as % of amount financed: 0%

Year	Total Payment	Principal	Interest	Ending Balance
Run a calculation to see the amortization schedule.

#	Date	Payment	Principal	Interest	Balance
Run a calculation to see the amortization schedule.

How this RV loan calculator works

This RV loan calculator uses the standard amortizing loan formula to estimate your payment and interest. It works for motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, camper vans, and other recreational vehicles.

Monthly payment formula

Let:

P = amount financed (loan principal)
r = monthly interest rate = APR / 12 / 100
n = total number of monthly payments

Then the monthly payment M is:

$ M = P \times \dfrac{r(1 + r)^n}{(1 + r)^n - 1} $

Total interest paid = (M × n) − P.

What each field means

RV purchase price – The advertised price of the RV before taxes and fees.
Taxes & fees rolled into loan – Any costs you plan to finance: sales tax, title, registration, documentation fees, extended warranties, etc.
Cash down payment – Money you pay upfront. A larger down payment lowers your payment and interest.
Trade‑in value & amount owed – If you trade in an RV or vehicle, we subtract any remaining loan balance from its value to get your net trade‑in credit.
Interest rate (APR) – The annual percentage rate from your lender, including any finance charges.
Loan term – How long you’ll take to repay the loan. RV loans often range from 5 to 20 years.
Extra principal payment – Optional extra amount you plan to pay each month to pay off the RV faster.
Payment frequency – Monthly, bi‑weekly, or weekly payments. We convert to an equivalent monthly schedule for totals.

RV loan strategies: keeping payments affordable

1. Adjusting term vs. interest vs. down payment

To hit a target payment, you can adjust three main levers:

Term – Longer terms lower the monthly payment but increase total interest.
APR – A lower rate reduces both payment and total interest.
Down payment – More money down reduces the amount financed and your payment.

Use the calculator to test different combinations until you find a comfortable monthly payment and acceptable total cost.

2. The impact of extra principal payments

Even small extra payments can save thousands in interest on a long RV loan. Enter an extra monthly amount to see:

How much earlier you’ll pay off the RV.
How much interest you’ll save compared with the standard schedule.

3. Loan‑to‑value (LTV) and RV depreciation

The calculator shows an estimated loan‑to‑value (LTV) ratio: amount financed divided by RV price plus financed fees. A lower LTV (for example, 80–90%) can help you:

Qualify for better rates.
Reduce the risk of being “upside‑down” (owing more than the RV is worth).

Frequently asked questions about RV loans

What credit score do I need for an RV loan?

Many lenders look for at least the mid‑600s, and the best advertised rates usually go to borrowers with scores above 720. Some lenders will finance RVs for lower scores, but you may see higher APRs, larger down payments, or shorter terms.

How long can I finance an RV?

Terms commonly range from 5 to 20 years. Smaller or older RVs may be limited to 5–10 years, while large new motorhomes can sometimes be financed for 15–20 years. Use the term slider to see how longer terms reduce the payment but increase total interest.

Is RV loan interest tax‑deductible?

In some cases, yes. If your RV has sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities, it may qualify as a second home and the interest may be deductible if you itemize. Tax rules are complex and change over time, so talk to a qualified tax professional about your specific situation.

Should I choose a longer term for a lower payment?

A longer term can make the payment more affordable, but you’ll pay more interest over the life of the loan and may be upside‑down longer. Use this calculator to compare a shorter vs. longer term and see the trade‑off between monthly payment and total interest.

Can I pay off my RV loan early?

Many RV loans allow early payoff without penalty, but some have prepayment penalties or specific rules about how extra payments are applied. Check your loan agreement or ask your lender, then use the Extra principal field to model early payoff scenarios.

This RV loan calculator is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Actual loan offers, rates, and terms will depend on your lender and personal financial situation.