RV loans are personal loans from online lenders, or secured vehicle loans from banks and credit unions, that pay for your camper, motorhome or trailer.
Last updated on April 27, 2022
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Purchasing a new or used camper, motorhome, trailer or other type of recreational vehicle is a large expense that many people can’t afford outright.
Whether you’re looking for unsecured or secured loan options, here’s how to finance an RV with a personal loan, plus tips on where to find the best RV loans and how to apply.
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NerdWallet's personal loans content, including articles, reviews and recommendations, is produced by a team of writers and editors who specialize in consumer lending. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch and many other national, regional and local publications. They have been cited in publications including The Harvard Kennedy School, and appeared on NerdWallet's "Smart Money" podcast as well as local TV and radio.
Why trust NerdWallet
- 35+ personal loans reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 20+ years of combined experience covering personal loans and financial topics.
- Objective, comprehensive star rating system assessing 20+ categories and 70+ data points.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
NerdWallet's personal loans content, including articles, reviews and recommendations, is produced by a team of writers and editors who specialize in consumer lending. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch and many other national, regional and local publications. They have been cited in publications including The Harvard Kennedy School, and appeared on NerdWallet's "Smart Money" podcast as well as local TV and radio.
RV Loans in 2023: Compare RV Financing Options
Our pick for
Unsecured RV loans
on LightStream's website
LightStream
4.5
NerdWallet rating
Est. APR
6.99-25.49%
Loan amount
$5,000-$100,000
Min. credit score
660
View details
Get rateon Upgrade's website
on Upgrade's website
View details
Upgrade
5.0
NerdWallet rating
Est. APR
9.99-35.99%
Loan amount
$1,000-$50,000
Min. credit score
560
View details
Get rateon SoFi's website
on SoFi's website
View details
SoFi Personal Loan
5.0
NerdWallet rating
Est. APR
8.99-29.99%
Loan amount
$5,000-$100,000
Min. credit score
None
View details
Get rateon Upstart's website
on Upstart's website
View details
Upstart
4.5
NerdWallet rating
Est. APR
7.80-35.99%
Loan amount
$1,000-$50,000
Min. credit score
None
View details
How do RV loans work?
RV loans are installment loans, meaning you’ll receive the loan in a lump sum, then pay it back in fixed monthly installments that include interest. Repayment terms range from one to 20 years.
Banks, credit unions and online lenders offer RV loans. The type of lender you choose will probably depend on whether you want a secured or unsecured loan.
Before hitting the road, consider that most financial experts don't recommend using a personal loan for discretionary purchases. So unless you’re going to live in your RV, carefully consider the costs of financing — including monthly payments that you may owe longer than the life of the vehicle. If you do take a loan, have a solid plan to pay it off.
Secured RV loans vs. unsecured RV loans
The biggest differentiator between RV loans is whether they’re secured or unsecured. Secured RV loans use collateral — in this case, the RV itself — to guarantee the loan. Each type of loan has its advantages.
Secured RV loans
Since the loan is guaranteed by collateral, secured loans typically have lower rates than unsecured loans. Lenders may also be more willing to approve your application if you secure the loan with the RV, so if you have a lower credit score, it may be easier to get approved or to finance a larger loan amount.
But secured loans come with a big risk: If you fail to make payments, the lender can repossess the RV. Lenders may also require a down payment, which means you’ll need money upfront, but it also means you borrow less and pay less overall for the RV.
Unsecured RV loans
Unsecured loans do not require collateral. Instead, approval is based on your credit score, income and existing debt. For some borrowers, rates may be higher on an unsecured loan.
Online lenders that offer unsecured loans usually allow you to pre-qualify, so you can compare rates and terms with no impact on your credit score. This isn’t as common with secured loans, because their rates are determined by the vehicle you’re financing.
You also won’t lose your RV if you fail to repay an unsecured loan (although there are still consequences to not paying). It may also be possible to finance an older RV or one with more miles on it, which are limitations on some secured RV loans.
Pros and cons of secured and unsecured RV loans
Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
| Secured RV loans |
|
| Unsecured RV loans |
|
Who gives RV loans?
The online lenders listed above provide some of the best unsecured RV loans. If you want a secured RV loan, you’ll probably need to apply with a bank or credit union.
How long are RV loans?
The length of an RV loan will depend on the lender, loan amount and whether the loan is secured or unsecured. Terms usually range from one to 20 years.
You’ll want to select a loan term where you can comfortably afford the monthly payments while keeping in mind overall interest costs. A longer term means lower monthly payments, but more interest.
For example, a $30,000 loan at 6% APR with a five-year repayment term would have monthly payments of $580 and cost $4,799 in total interest. The same loan with an eight-year repayment term would have monthly payments of $394, but cost $7,847 in total interest.
Use NerdWallet’s RV loan calculator to calculate your RV payments.
What is the current interest rate for RV loans?
Similar to repayment terms, the annual percentage rate on RV loans varies.
An unsecured RV loan will have an APR ranging from 6% to 36%. See the table below for average unsecured interest rates based on your credit bracket. If you’re unsure what credit bracket you fall into, you can check your credit score for free on NerdWallet.
Score range | Borrower credit rating | Estimated APR |
720-850. | Excellent | 11.32%. |
690-719. | Good | 14.32%. |
630-689. | Fair | 17.99%. |
300-629. | Bad | 22.34%. |
Source: Average rates are based on aggregate, anonymized offer data from users who pre-qualified through NerdWallet from July 1, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Rates are estimates only and not specific to any lender. The lowest credit scores — usually below 500 — are unlikely to qualify. Information in this table applies only to lenders with maximum APRs below 36%.
Secured loans typically have lower annual percentage rates, with many lenders offering single-digit rates.
How to get an RV loan
To get an RV loan, you’ll need to apply for the loan with the lender. Most applications are online, but you may need to close the loan in person at a branch or by phone, especially if it’s a secured loan.
Loan applications require you to submit personal information including your name, address, contact details and Social Security number. You may also need to provide supporting documents to verify your identity, employment and income.
If you’re applying for a secured RV loan, you’ll need to supply vehicle information, like the vehicle year, make, model and model number.
Unsecured loans can be funded as quickly as the same or the next day after you’re approved. Secured loans may take one to two weeks.
Last updated on April 27, 2022
NerdWallet's RV Loans in 2023: Compare RV Financing Options
- LightStream: Best for Unsecured RV loans
- Upgrade: Best for Unsecured RV loans
- SoFi Personal Loan: Best for Unsecured RV loans
- Upstart: Best for Unsecured RV loans
Frequently asked questions
How long is an RV loan?
Loan terms for RV financing vary broadly, from one to 20 years, depending on the lender, loan amount and whether the loan is secured or unsecured.
How does RV financing work?
RV financing can be secured or unsecured. A secured loan uses the RV as collateral, which may mean a lower interest rate, but the lender can repossess your RV if you don’t repay. Unsecured RV loans typically have higher interest rates and shorter repayment terms. If you fail to repay, the lender won't take your vehicle, but your credit will be affected.
What credit score do I need for an RV loan?
The minimum credit score to get an RV loan depends on the type of financing you choose. For an unsecured RV loan, those with good and excellent credit (690 or higher FICO) and little existing debt typically get the lowest rates. For an RV loan that you secure with the vehicle, rates and credit requirements are often lower.
What are RV loan rates?
RV loan rates are generally below 36%, but they can be much lower if you have a good credit score, little existing debt and high income. Unsecured loan rates start around 6%, and your rate is decided based on your creditworthiness and finances. Secured RV loan rates start around 4%. While your credit and income are factors that decide your rate on a secured loan, a lender will also consider information about the vehicle, like its age.
