RV Finance: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy an RV in 2025
- Chris Liseo
- Nov 18
- 5 min read
If you’re shopping for an RV, camper, fifth wheel, travel trailer, or motorhome, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is how to finance your RV without overpaying. The RV finance process can feel confusing, especially with so many lenders, rate options, credit requirements, and loan terms to compare.
The good news? RV financing doesn’t have to be complicated — and when you understand the basics, you can save yourself thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about RV finance in 2025, plus how IntoRV helps buyers get fast, competitive approvals through 20+ national lenders.
What is RV Finance?
RV finance refers to the loan you use to purchase an RV — similar to an auto loan, but with longer terms, different credit requirements, and unique lender rules.
Most RV loans are:
• Fixed-rate simple interest rate
• Long-term (10–20 years)
• Closed-end installment loans
Unlike car loans (usually 4–7 years), RV loans are designed for bigger purchases and longer ownership.
How RV Financing works?
The RV finance process typically includes:
1. Pre-qualification
A quick credit check and review of your budget.
IntoRV offers utilizes soft-credit pulls that do not impact your credit, as well as a Fast Track Application for buyers who want same-day approvals.
2. Choosing a lender
Lenders each use different criteria.
That’s why IntoRV works with 20+ lenders to match buyers to the right one.
3. Selecting your RV
You can finance:
• Dealership RVs
• Private seller RVs
• Marketplace / RV Trader units
• New or used RVs
4. Underwriting review
Lenders verify identity, income, RV details, and insurance.
5. Funding
Once approved, lenders send money directly to the seller or dealer.
RV Finance Requirements (What Lenders Look For)
While every lender is different, most look at:
✔ Credit Score
Typical approval range: 660+
Best rates: 760+
IntoRV also works with lenders who consider buyers with lower credit scores or unique situations.
✔ Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)
Most lenders like to see a DTI under 45%, but exceptions exist.
✔ Down Payment
Commonly 10–20%, but not always required.
✔ RV Age & Condition
Newer RVs get better rates at most lenders.
Used units may have age limits depending on lender.
RV Finance Rates in 2025
Rates vary based on:
• Credit score and file depth
• RV age and type
• Loan term
• Amount financed versus collateral value
• Lender guidelines
As of 2025, typical RV finance rates range:
🔹 6.49% – 8.49% for excellent credit
🔹 8.74% – 12.99% for average credit
🔹 13%+ for challenged credit
IntoRV updates rates regularly and can compare options instantly across multiple lenders.
How much RV can you afford?
Use this quick rule:
👉 Every $10,000 financed adds about $80–$120/month depending on term and rate. The longer the term, the lower the increase. The shorter the term, the higher the increase. IntoRV shows buyers a minimum of two payment and term options per quote and allows buyers to weigh the difference between these and any others they ask about.
Want exact numbers?
Your RV financing expert at IntoRV can calculate it instantly. Contact us today!
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RV Finance Terms (Loan Length Options)
Lenders typically offer:
• 10-year loans (best for small trailers) for loans between $10,000-14,999
• 12-year loans for loans between $15,000-24,999
• 15-year loans for loans between $25,000-49,999
• 20-year loans (best for motorhomes or higher-priced units) for loans above $50,000
👉 Longer term = lower payment
👉 Shorter term = lower total interest
IntoRV helps you compare multiple options side-by-side.
Can you finance with bad credit?
Short answer: Yes, depending on the lender.
IntoRV works with lenders that consider:
• Past credit challenges
• No RV ownership history
• Limited down payment
• Higher DTI
• Rebuilding credit
Even if a bank said no, a specialty lender might say yes. At the very least, we're a team of experienced individuals who will at the very least help you understand exactly where you stand in the eyes of our preferred lenders.
RV Finance for Private Sellers
This is where many buyers get stuck.
Many banks rarely finance private-party RV purchases due to the complications of title and lien satisfaction or privately owned RV's being sold with a current outstanding loan.
IntoRV has lenders who DO finance:
• Facebook Marketplace RVs
• RV Trader units
• Craigslist
• Local private sellers
• Family-to-family sales
We handle the title verification, payoff, loan documents, and funding. Our process guarantees funding to the seller no matter who they are, and verifies ownership and identity for all units at the same time.
RV Finance through Dealership vs. IntoRV
Dealership financing:
• Convenient but limited to 1–3 lenders
• Dealer chooses the terms that benefit them the most • Higher rates in many cases
• Dealer adds markups
• Faster paced, dealer controlled timelines and funding
IntoRV financing:
• Access to 20+ lenders
• No markups
• You choose the best rate and term for you
• Works with ANY dealer nationwide
• Faster approval via Fast Track • Green light funding control from the buyer
This is why more RV buyers are switching to independent financing.
How to get the best RV Finance rate
To lower your rate:
✔ Improve credit score
✔ Put the right amount of money down (ask about minimum versus optimum)
✔ Choose newer models
✔ Compare lenders (IntoRV does this for you and presents options)
✔ Avoid very short or very long loan terms
✔ Apply before selecting the RV to show strong buying power
Pre-approval helps lenders offer better terms.
Should you refinance your RV loan?
If you already own an RV, you may be able to:
• Lower your monthly payment
• Reduce your interest rate
• Extend your term
• Remove a co-signer
• Switch from dealer financing • Recapture cash that you may have used to purchase your RV
IntoRV specializes in RV refinancing and often saves customers $150–$400 per month.
FAQs about RV Finance
How fast can I get approved?
With IntoRV’s Fast Track Application — often same day.
Do you finance anywhere in the U.S.?
Yes, except Alaska and Hawaii due to lender guidelines.
What credit score do I need?
620+ is typical, but lower scores can qualify depending on lender.
Can I finance used RVs?
Yes — all lenders allow used RVs, depending on age and type.
Can I finance without a down payment?
Sometimes — this depends on credit, RV value, and loan amount.
Final thoughts: The smartest way to finance an RV
RV financing is one of the most important parts of the buying process, and choosing the right lender can save you thousands.
IntoRV makes RV finance simple by giving you:
• Faster approvals
• More options
• Nationwide service
• Financing for dealers AND private sellers
• A dedicated RV finance expert
• A Fast Track Application for buyers who want to move quickly
If you’re ready to finance your RV the smart way:
Apply now through IntoRV’s Fast Track Loan App.
Or if you just want to explore, you can:
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