RV Loans: How to Finance, Fix or Borrow Against an RV
| Buying an RV | RV-secured financing from a dealer, bank or credit union |
|---|---|
| Repairs and smaller costs | Unsecured personal loan, $100–$5,000 via our network |
| Already own an RV | RV title loan, where allowed by state |
| Personal loan collateral | None |
| Personal loan funding | Often next business day |
Three ways to finance an RV
Whether you're buying your first travel trailer, fixing a motorhome's generator before a trip, or need cash and own an RV free and clear, there's a loan type that fits. Here's how they compare:
| Option | Best for | Collateral | Typical speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RV financing (dealer, bank, credit union) | Buying a new or used RV | The RV you're buying | Days, often arranged at purchase | Usually requires a down payment; larger amounts and longer terms |
| Unsecured personal loan | Repairs, upgrades, an older or lower-priced RV, trip costs | None | Decisions often in minutes; funds often next business day | No lien on your RV; fixed monthly payments |
| RV title loan | Cash when you own an RV outright | Your RV's title | Often same or next day | Amount based on RV value and state law |
RV financing for a purchase
If you're buying an RV from a dealer, the dealer usually offers financing through partner lenders, and banks and credit unions offer RV loans too. These are secured loans: the RV is collateral, and the lender holds a lien on the title until you pay off the loan. Because they're secured, they can come with longer terms and larger amounts than unsecured loans, and lenders typically look at your credit, income, the RV's age and value, and your down payment.
Tips when shopping RV financing:
- Compare the APR and total of payments, not just the monthly payment. Long terms lower the payment but add interest.
- Get a quote from your bank or credit union before visiting the dealer so you have a baseline.
- Ask about prepayment penalties if you might pay it off early.
- Budget for the extras: insurance, registration, storage and maintenance.
Using a personal loan for an RV
An unsecured personal loan is often the simpler choice when the amount is smaller or you don't want a lien on the RV. People use personal loans to:
- Buy an older or lower-priced camper or trailer that some lenders won't finance.
- Cover RV repairs: engine, generator, roof seals, slide-outs, tires, brakes.
- Pay for upgrades like solar panels or a new awning.
- Cover campground deposits, towing or trip costs.
Because there's no collateral, there's no appraisal or title paperwork. You apply online, a lender reviews your income and bank details, and approved funds go straight to your account, often the next business day.
See if you qualify — it takes about 3 minutes. Start your free request. There is no obligation to accept an offer.
Sample payments on an RV personal loan
Here's how amount, rate and term shape a monthly payment. These are illustrations, not quotes; your lender sets the actual terms.
| Use | Loan | Assumed APR | Term | Monthly payment | Total repaid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generator repair | $1,500 | 35.99% | 12 months | About $150.69 | About $1,808.23 |
| Roof and seals | $3,000 | 25% | 24 months | About $160.11 | About $3,842.75 |
| Used pop-up camper | $5,000 | 20% | 36 months | About $185.82 | About $6,689.45 |
Run your own numbers in the personal loan calculator, and compare current averages on personal loan rates.
Borrowing against an RV you already own
If your RV is paid off and the title is in your name, an RV title loan lets you borrow based on its value while you keep using it, in states that allow title lending. The lender holds the title until you repay. Amounts depend on the RV's value, your income and state law, and terms and fees vary by state.
Because your RV secures the loan, read the agreement carefully: know the payment schedule, the total to repay and what happens if a payment is late. Details: RV title loans, how title loans work and title loan laws by state.
Can you get an RV loan with bad credit?
Traditional RV financing can be harder to get with fair or poor credit, and may require a larger down payment. A personal loan through our form is open to all credit types: many lenders in our network focus on income and bank activity, and some use alternative credit data instead of a traditional hard pull from the big three bureaus. If you own an RV outright, a title loan may also be an option, since the vehicle secures the loan.
To improve your odds, request only what you need, use the checking account where your income is deposited, and make sure your details match your ID. More: personal loans for bad credit.
Get your RV back on the road
Zebra Finance is a free matching service, not a lender. One short form shares your request with lenders in our network that serve your state, with amounts from about $100 to $5,000. Many lenders decide within minutes, and approved funds are often deposited the next business day. Each lender shows the APR, payments and total cost before you sign.
Ready? Start your free request. It takes about 3 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of loan is best for buying an RV?
For a newer or higher-priced RV, secured RV financing from a dealer, bank or credit union is common because it supports larger amounts and longer terms. For an older or lower-priced RV, or if you don't want a lien on it, an unsecured personal loan can be simpler and faster.
Can I use a personal loan to buy an RV?
Yes. Most personal loans can be used for any legal purpose, including buying an RV, especially a lower-priced or older one. There's no lien on the RV, no appraisal and no title paperwork. Through our network, amounts run from about $100 to $5,000, depending on your state and income.
How do I get a loan for RV repairs?
An unsecured personal loan is a common choice for RV repairs. Get a written repair estimate, then submit one short online request with your ID, income details and checking account. Many lenders decide within minutes, and approved funds are often deposited the next business day.
Can I get a loan using my RV as collateral?
If you own your RV outright and the title is in your name, you may be able to get an RV title loan in states that allow title lending. The amount depends on the RV's value, your income and state law. You keep using the RV while the lender holds the title.
What are RV loan rates?
Rates depend on your credit, the RV's age and value, the loan amount, your down payment and the term. Secured RV financing and unsecured personal loans are priced differently. Compare the APR and total of payments on each offer; your lender shows both before you sign.
Sources
- CFPB — What is a personal installment loan?
- FTC — What to know about payday and car title loans
- eCFR — 12 CFR Part 1026 (Regulation Z, Truth in Lending)