Best RV loans of 2024

Affordable RV loans can make owning a recreational vehicle a reality sooner than you think.

Author
By Erin Gobler

Written by

Erin Gobler

Writer

Erin Gobler is a freelance personal finance writer with more than eight years of experience writing online. She’s passionate about making the financial services industry more accessible by breaking down complicated financial topics in simple terms.

Edited by Jared Hughes

Written by

Jared Hughes

Editor

Jared Hughes is a personal loan editor for Credible and Fox Money, and has been producing digital content for more than six years.

Updated February 29, 2024, 5:42 PM EST

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Whether you’re planning some weekend camping trips or traveling the country full-time, a recreational vehicle (RV) can be a worthwhile purchase. However, it can also be an expensive one. While the cost of an RV varies depending on the type, prices range from thousands to millions of dollars.

If buying an RV in cash isn’t possible, financing it may help you achieve your dream of owning one. An RV loan is a type of loan that can be secured or unsecured, and they are offered by online lenders, banks, and credit unions.

Compare RV loans rates of March 2024

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4.24.2

Fox Money rating

Fixed (APR)

7.49% - 25.49%

Loan Amounts

$5000 to $100000

Min. Credit Score

700

Check Rates

on Credible’s website

View Details

3.93.9

Fox Money rating

Fixed (APR)

7.80% - 35.99%

Loan Amounts

$1000 to $50000

Min. Credit Score

620

Check Rates

on Credible’s website

View Details

4.44.4

Fox Money rating

Fixed (APR)

-

Loan Amounts

$2500 to $40000

Min. Credit Score

660

Check Rates

on Credible’s website

View Details

4.54.5

Fox Money rating

Fixed (APR)

8.49% - 35.99%

Loan Amounts

$1000 to $50000

Min. Credit Score

600

Check Rates

on Credible’s website

View Details

44

Fox Money rating

Fixed (APR)

8.98% - 35.99%

Loan Amounts

$1000 to $40000

Min. Credit Score

660

Check Rates

on Credible’s website

View Details

4.94.9

Fox Money rating

Fixed (APR)

8.99% - 29.99%

Loan Amounts

$5000 to $100000

Min. Credit Score

Does not disclose

Check Rates

on Credible’s website

View Details

44

Fox Money rating

Fixed (APR)

8.99% - 35.99%

Loan Amounts

$2000 to $50000

Min. Credit Score

600

Check Rates

on Credible’s website

View Details

3.93.9

Fox Money rating

Fixed (APR)

9.95% - 35.99%

Loan Amounts

$2000 to $35000

Min. Credit Score

550

Check Rates

on Credible’s website

View Details

4.34.3

Fox Money rating

Fixed (APR)

-

Loan Amounts

$5000 to $35000

Min. Credit Score

700

Check Rates

on Credible’s website

View Details

4.34.3

Fox Money rating

Fixed (APR)

11.69% - 35.99%

Loan Amounts

$1000 to $50000

Min. Credit Score

560

Check Rates

on Credible’s website

View Details

3.93.9

Fox Money rating

Fixed (APR)

11.72% - 17.99%

Loan Amounts

$3000 to $40000

Min. Credit Score

640

Check Rates

on Credible’s website

View Details

44

Fox Money rating

Fixed (APR)

-

Loan Amounts

$20000 to $200000

Min. Credit Score

660

Check Rates

on Credible’s website

View Details

3.73.7

Fox Money rating

Fixed (APR)

14.30% - 35.99%

Loan Amounts

$3500 to $40000

Min. Credit Score

640

Check Rates

on Credible’s website

View Details

3.93.9

Fox Money rating

Fixed (APR)

18.00% - 35.99%

Loan Amounts

$1500 to $20000

Min. Credit Score

540

Check Rates

on Credible’s website

View Details

Fox Business does not make or arrange loans.

Best RV loans

If you’re ready to shop for an RV loan, you have a lot of choices. You can compare multiple loan lenders by examining their annual percentage rates (APRs), loan amounts, repayment terms, and time to fund. Note whether loans are secured by the RV or unsecured, as is the case with most personal loans. And prequalify to see which lenders are most likely to approve your loan, and to get a sense of rates you might qualify for. 

The following personal loan lenders represent some of the best for RV loans, based on loan amounts, APRs, loan terms, funding time, eligibility criteria, and more.

Personal loans for excellent credit

SoFi

4.9

Fox Money rating

Check Rates

on Credible’s website

Est. APR

8.99 - 29.99%

Loan Amount

$5000 to $100000

Min. Credit Score

Does not disclose

Pros and cons

More details

Fair credit

Upgrade

4.5

Fox Money rating

Check Rates

on Credible’s website

Est. APR

8.49 - 35.99%

Loan Amount

$1000 to $50000

Min. Credit Score

600

Pros and cons

More details

Best home improvement loans

LightStream

4.2

Fox Money rating

Check Rates

on Credible’s website

Est. APR

7.49 - 25.49%

Loan Amount

$5000 to $100000

Min. Credit Score

700

Pros and cons

More details

Large personal loans

BHG Money

4

Fox Money rating

Check Rates

on Credible’s website

Est. APR

-

Loan Amount

$20000 to $200000

Min. Credit Score

660

Pros and cons

More details

Methodology

We evaluated the best personal loan lenders for RV loans based on factors such as customer experience, minimum fixed rate, maximum loan amount, funding time, loan terms, fees, discounts, and whether cosigners are accepted. Our team of experts gathered information from each lender’s website, customer service department, directly from our partners, and via email support. Each data point was verified by a third party to make sure it was accurate and up to date.

What is an RV loan? 

An RV loan is any loan you can use to purchase an RV. It may be secured by the RV itself, and funds may be sent directly from the lender to the dealer to cover your purchase. Or, you could take out an unsecured personal loan or a home equity loan, and receive cash with which to buy an RV. Most types of RV loans are installment loans with a fixed APR, fixed monthly payments, and a set repayment term that could last well over 10 years, depending on the type of loan and the lender. 

Secured RV loans

A secured RV loan is similar to an auto loan, where the loan is secured by the RV. If you fail to repay your loan, the lender can seize the RV to cover its losses.

Secured loans have several benefits. First, because they place less risk on the lender, they are often easier to qualify for. Additionally, you may be able to qualify for a lower APR for the same reason. Another key benefit of secured RV loans is their long repayment terms. Some lenders offer secured RV loans with repayment terms as long as 10 to 20 years if you secure the loan with the RV, and depending on the loan amount. Home equity loans can last up to 30 years. RV-secured loans also may require a down payment of 10% to 20%.

Unsecured RV loans

Another financing option to help you purchase an RV is an unsecured personal loan. A personal loan can be used for almost any purpose, typically, including a major purchase like an RV. You also don’t need to use your RV as collateral, which is a key benefit of an unsecured loan.

Unsecured loans are also widely available, so you may have an easier time finding the financing you need.

However, unsecured loans may have smaller available loan amounts and shorter repayment terms than secured RV loans. Though a few lenders offer personal loans up to $100,000 or more, most top out at $50,000. As a result, a personal loan may not be a realistic choice to purchase some RVs.

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Good to know

Because personal loans are unsecured, they may have higher APRs than secured RV loans.

How to compare RV loans

When you’re shopping around for an RV loan, there are a few factors to be aware of:

  • Secured or unsecured: Consider whether you’d prefer a secured or unsecured loan. Your desired loan amount and repayment term may impact your decision. Secured loans typically have higher loan amounts and longer repayment terms, but unsecured loans don’t require collateral.
  • Loan amount: Decide on your RV budget so you can shop for lenders that offer loans in the size you need. The amount you’re qualified to borrow typically depends on the lender, your credit score, your income, and your current debt.
  • APR: The annual percentage rate includes the interest rate and any upfront fees. RV loans can have competitive APRs, especially if they’re secured. However, compare rates across several lenders to find the lowest one.
  • Fees: Some lenders may have fees, including origination fees and late fees. Origination fees are typically 1% to 12% of the loan amount, depending on the lender, and are usually deducted from the funds before you receive them.
  • Repayment term: An RV loan term can last from as short as just one year to as long as 20 years, depending on the loan type. Some personal loan lenders offer 12-year terms for RV loans.
  • Monthly payment: Make sure your RV loan payment fits comfortably in your budget. Your monthly payment is determined by a combination of your loan amount, APR, and repayment term.
  • Time to fund: Many online personal loan lenders can fund your loan as soon as the same or next business day.
  • Customer reviews: Before choosing a lender, take the time to research customer testimonials. Some good websites to consider are Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau.

Pros and cons of using a personal loan for an RV

Taking out an RV loan comes with pros and cons. However, the pros and cons differ depending on whether you’re applying for a secured or unsecured loan.

Pros and cons of secured RV loans

Pros
Cons
Lower APRs: Because these loans are secured by your RV, they often have lower APRs than an unsecured loan.
Easier to qualify: Your RV is used as collateral, which makes it easier to qualify for.
Longer repayment terms: Secured RV loans may have payment terms of up to 20 years
Not widely available: Unlike unsecured loans, secured RV loans may not be offered by many major lenders.
Puts your RV at risk: If you don’t repay your loan, your lender has the right to take your RV.
May require a down payment: An RV loan may require a down payment of 10% to 20%.

Pros and cons of unsecured RV loans

Pros
Cons
Widely available: Unsecured loans are available from most major lenders.
No collateral required: An unsecured loan doesn’t require collateral, so your RV isn’t at risk.
Fast funding: Some personal loans can be approved and funded within just one business day.
Lower loan amounts: You may not find a personal loan large enough to purchase an expensive RV.
Higher APRs: These loans often have higher APRs since they’re determined by your credit profile.
Shorter repayment terms: Many personal loans have repayment terms of 1 to 7 years. This can mean a higher monthly payment.

How to apply for an RV loan

Here’s how to get a personal loan:

  1. Check your credit: Before applying for any loan, check your credit score so you know what loans you may be eligible for and whether you should improve your credit before applying. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com for free credit reports.
  2. Set your budget: Knowing the price range of RVs you’re shopping for can help narrow down your loan options, especially if you’re eying an RV on the higher end of the price spectrum.
  3. Determine the best loan type: You can purchase an RV with either a secured or unsecured loan; you could use the RV as collateral or you could use your home's equity as collateral with a home equity loan. Different loan types may be best for certain types of borrowers and RVs, so consider your situation to decide which is right for you.
  4. Get prequalified: Depending on your loan type and lender, you may be able to prequalify for a loan. Prequalification can give you an estimate of the APR and loan amount you may qualify for, and it won’t impact your credit. But it’s not an offer of credit, and the final rate you get may differ from the estimate.
  5. Apply for your loan: Once you’ve decided on a loan type and chosen the right lender, complete your application. The lender will perform a hard credit pull, which can lower your score by a few points temporarily. The application process may look different depending on whether you’re applying for a secured or unsecured loan.
  6. Finalize your loan agreement: If your loan is approved, you’ll have to sign your loan document to finalize it. You may receive your funds, or the lender may send them directly to the RV dealer — this is especially likely for a secured loan. For an unsecured loan, you can expect to receive funds anywhere from as soon as the same or next business day to within a week.

RV loans FAQ

What are current RV loan rates?

RV loans differ depending on whether you’re shopping for secured or unsecured loans, as well as your personal financial situation. As of January 2024, you can find RV loan rates for both secured and unsecured loans as low as 7.24% APR.

Do I need good credit for an RV loan?

You don’t necessarily need good credit to get an RV loan, but it certainly makes it easier to qualify. However, you may need good credit if you’re seeking a large RV loan. Even if you do qualify without good credit, you’re likely to get a higher APR, which can increase your loan costs. However, a cosigner with good credit can increase your chances of approval. But keep in mind they become responsible for making payments if you default.

How long are RV loan repayment terms?

RV loan repayment terms are different for secured and unsecured loans. Unsecured personal loans have terms up to seven years, typically, and up to 12 years with some lenders. An RV loan secured by the RV or your home could have a repayment term from 10 to 30 years.

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Meet the contributor:
Erin Gobler
Erin Gobler

Erin Gobler is a freelance personal finance writer with more than eight years of experience writing online. She’s passionate about making the financial services industry more accessible by breaking down complicated financial topics in simple terms.

Fox Money

Fox Money is a property of Credible Operations, Inc., which is majority-owned indirectly by Fox Corporation. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. All rights reserved. Use of this website (including any and all parts and components) constitutes your acceptance of Fox's Terms of Use and Updated Privacy Policy | Your Privacy Choices.

Fox Money is a property of Credible Operations, Inc., which is majority-owned indirectly by Fox Corporation. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. All rights reserved. Use of this website (including any and all parts and components) constitutes your acceptance of Fox's Terms of Use and Updated Privacy Policy | Your Privacy Choices.