How Long Can You Finance an RV in 2025? (Loan Terms Explained)

If you’re planning to buy a motorhome or camper, one of the first questions you’ll face is: how long can you finance an RV? Loan terms typically range from 5 to 20 years, depending on your budget, credit, and loan type.

You’re not alone—over 11.2 million U.S. households own an RV, and about 1 million Americans live in them full-time. As RV living grows, understanding your financing options is key.

In this guide, we’ll cover typical loan terms, what affects them, and how to choose the right plan to fit your travel and financial goals.

TL;DR

You can finance an RV for 5 to 20 years. Secured loans offer longer terms and lower rates, while unsecured loans are shorter and more expensive. Long terms mean lower payments but more interest. Short-term savings save money but cost more monthly. Choose based on your budget and how long you’ll own the RV.

What Is the Typical RV Loan Term?

Most RV loan terms range from 5 to 20 years, depending on the loan type and your financial profile. Unsecured loans usually have shorter terms, while secured loans for new, high-value RVs can stretch to 15 or even 20 years.

Unsecured personal loans, often used for used RVs or smaller models, typically last 5 to 7 years. These loans don’t require collateral but may come with higher interest rates and stricter borrowing limits.

Secured RV loans, where the RV acts as collateral, offer longer repayment options and generally lower interest rates. Some lenders, like USAA, may extend terms up to 240 months (20 years), especially for buyers financing larger, brand-new RVs. 

Choosing between a short and long term depends on your goals: shorter terms reduce total interest, while longer terms lower your monthly payment.

What Affects How Long You Can Finance an RV?

Your RV loan term depends on the vehicle’s cost, your credit, income, loan type, and down payment. Lenders offer longer terms for high-value RVs, strong credit profiles, and secured loans.

Let’s break down the top factors that impact how long you can finance an RV:

1. The Cost and Type of RV

Higher-priced RVs generally qualify for longer loan terms. For example, luxury Class A motorhomes costing over $100,000 often get approved for 15- to 20-year terms to keep monthly payments reasonable. 

In contrast, smaller towable campers or older used RVs may only qualify for loans under 10 years.

2. Your Credit Score and Income

A higher credit score and steady income improve your loan options. Borrowers with excellent credit (700+) can typically access longer terms with lower interest rates. 

If your credit score is low or your income is unstable, lenders may limit you to shorter-term loans or require a co-signer.

3. Down Payment Amount

The more you put down upfront, the more flexible your financing options become. 

A typical RV down payment is 10% to 20%, but larger down payments can help you secure longer terms or reduce your interest rate. Lenders see bigger down payments as lower risk.

4. Secured vs. Unsecured Loans

Secured RV loans usually offer longer terms than unsecured loans. A secured loan uses the RV as collateral, which allows the lender to extend repayment over 10–20 years. 

Unsecured loans, while faster to get and collateral-free, are usually capped at 5–7 years and have higher interest rates.

Should You Choose a Long-Term or Short-Term RV Loan?

Long-term RV loans lower your monthly payments, while short-term loans reduce the total interest you pay. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize affordability now or long-term savings.

Long-Term Financing (15–20 Years)

Pros: 

• Lower monthly payments that fit more comfortably in your monthly budget
• Ideal for large, expensive RVs like Class A motorhomes or luxury fifth wheels
• More accessible for new buyers who need extended terms to qualify

Cons: 

• Higher total interest paid over the life of the loan
• Greater risk of negative equity due to rapid RV depreciation
• Longer financial commitment, which limits future flexibility
  

Short-Term Financing (3–7 Years)

Pros: 

• Faster payoff and full ownership in a shorter time
• Significant interest savings, especially on loans between $30k–$80k
• Better if you plan to upgrade or resell, helping you avoid being underwater

Cons:

• Higher monthly payments that may strain your budget
• May limit your loan amount, especially for buyers with limited income
• Not ideal for large RVs unless you have a substantial down payment

Where Can You Get Long-Term RV Financing?

You can get long-term RV financing from dealerships, banks, credit unions, and online lenders, with some offering loan terms up to 20 years. 

The best option for you depends on the RV you’re buying, your credit profile, and whether you prefer in-person or online service.

1. Dealerships

RV dealerships are one of the most common places to get long-term financing. Many work with third-party lenders to offer terms ranging from 10 to 20 years, especially for new or high-value RVs. 

Dealers often bundle in promotional offers like low interest rates, extended warranties, or flexible payment plans to make financing more attractive.

2. Banks and Credit Unions

Traditional banks and credit unions offer both personal loans and RV-specific financing. While personal loans usually cap out at 5 to 7 years, secured RV loans can extend to 10 or 15 years. 

If you’re an existing customer or member, you may also qualify for better rates or more personalized repayment terms.

3. Online Lenders

Online platforms make it easy to compare multiple loan offers with terms ranging from 3 to 20 years. Many lenders allow you to pre-qualify with no impact on your credit score and offer quick decisions. 

Marketplaces like LightStream and others let you filter by term length, loan amount, and rate to find the best fit, all from the convenience of your home.

Tips to Choose the Right RV Loan Term

Choose a loan term based on your financial goals, budget, and how long you plan to keep the RV.

• Know your monthly budget: Make sure the monthly payment fits alongside other living expenses.
• Consider how long you plan to own the RV: If it’s a long-term lifestyle choice, longer financing may make sense.
• Factor in RV depreciation: RVs lose value quickly, especially new models, so avoid being underwater on the loan.
• Use a loan calculator to model scenarios: See how changing the term or down payment affects your total cost.
• Don’t forget insurance, maintenance, registration, and fuel: These recurring costs can easily add $300–$700+ to your monthly RV budget.

Final Thoughts

RV loan terms typically range from 5 to 20 years, depending on the loan type, your credit, and the RV’s value. Long-term loans offer lower monthly payments but cost more in interest. Short-term loans save money overall but require higher monthly payments.

To choose the right term, consider your budget, how long you’ll keep the RV, and total ownership costs. Whether you go through a dealer, bank, or online lender, compare your options carefully and pick a loan that fits both your finances and travel goals.

FAQs

Can you finance an RV for 20 years?

Yes, many lenders offer terms up to 20 years, especially for new, high-value RVs like Class A motorhomes or luxury fifth wheels.

What is the average RV loan term?

Most secured RV loans fall between 10 and 15 years. Unsecured personal loans are usually shorter, averaging 5 to 7 years.

Is it better to finance an RV short-term?

If you can afford the higher monthly payments, yes. Shorter terms mean lower total interest and less risk of negative equity.

Can I refinance my RV loan later?

Yes. Many RV owners refinance if interest rates drop or their credit improves. Refinancing can help lower your monthly payment or shorten your loan term.