Best RV Loan Lenders Compared (2025) – Rates, Terms & Expert Tips

Buying an RV is a big decision, and for most people, it also means taking out a loan. Whether you’re looking at a new Class A motorhome, a used travel trailer, or a fifth-wheel camper, the right financing can make ownership affordable and stress-free. But with so many options—banks, credit unions, online lenders, and even RV dealerships—it can be hard to know which RV loan lender offers the best deal.

The good news is that today’s lenders provide flexible choices for almost every type of borrower. From credit unions like Alliant and Navy Federal offering long-term secured loans, to online lenders such as LightStream that fund fast unsecured loans, you can compare interest rates, repayment terms, and loan amounts to find what fits your budget. Some lenders even specialize in financing for people with bad credit or those who want to refinance an existing RV loan.

In this guide, we’ll compare the best RV loan lenders of 2025 side by side. You’ll see how they differ in APR, loan terms, vehicle eligibility, and fees. We’ll also explain what to look for in an RV loan, including secured vs unsecured financing, credit score requirements, and lender restrictions on RV age or mileage. By the end, you’ll know exactly which lender is right for your next adventure.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

When it comes to financing an RV, different lenders shine in different ways. Some focus on low APR rates, others on longer repayment terms, while a few stand out for fast funding or flexible vehicle eligibility. Here are our top picks for the best RV loan lenders in 2025:

Best Overall (Unsecured Loan) — LightStream (Truist)

LightStream is one of the most popular choices for RV financing because it offers unsecured personal loans with no collateral required. That means you don’t have to use your RV as security. With competitive interest rates, no origination fees, and same-day funding for many borrowers, it’s perfect if you want a quick and simple option—especially for used RVs or private-party purchases.

Best Credit Union Loan — Alliant Credit Union

Alliant Credit Union is known for offering long repayment terms (up to 20 years) and loan amounts that cover everything from small campers to high-end Class A motorhomes. It allows financing for new, used, and even older RVs. Plus, its rates are highly competitive compared to traditional banks, making it one of the most affordable secured RV loan options.

Best for Military Families — Navy Federal Credit Union

Navy Federal provides strong financing options exclusively for members of the military community and their families. With flexible terms, competitive APR, and secured loans for both new and used RVs, it’s a great choice if you qualify for membership. Many borrowers also like its personalized customer service and support.

Best for Bad Credit — GreatRVLoan

GreatRVLoan is a lender that works with borrowers who may not have perfect credit. It partners with multiple banks and credit unions to offer financing, making it easier to get approved if your credit score is on the lower side. While rates may be higher than top-tier lenders, it gives you access to longer terms and larger loan amounts than most bad-credit personal loans.

Best Broker for Multiple Options — Good Sam Finance Center

Good Sam acts as a loan marketplace, connecting you with different lenders. This makes it easy to compare loan amounts, APRs, and repayment terms in one place. Whether you want to buy a new RV, refinance your current loan, or finance a used camper, Good Sam gives you flexibility and choice.

How RV Loans Work (Secured vs. Unsecured)

RV loans work a lot like auto loans or personal loans, but they have some unique rules because recreational vehicles can be expensive and last for many years. Before comparing lenders, it’s important to understand the two main types of RV loans: secured and unsecured.

Secured RV Loans

A secured RV loan uses your motorhome, travel trailer, or camper as collateral. This gives lenders extra protection, so they usually offer:

• Lower APRs compared to personal loans
• Long repayment terms — often 10 to 20 years (120–240 months)
• Large loan amounts, sometimes up to $500,000 for luxury Class A motorhomes

However, secured loans come with conditions. Lenders often have limits on the age, mileage, and type of RV they will finance. For example, some credit unions won’t finance RVs older than 10–15 years. If you stop making payments, the lender also has the right to repossess the RV.

Popular secured lenders include Alliant Credit Union and Navy Federal Credit Union, both offering long terms and competitive rates for eligible borrowers.

Unsecured RV Loans

Unsecured loans don’t require your RV as collateral. Instead, they are based on your credit score, income, and debt-to-income ratio (DTI). These loans are usually faster and more flexible, with same-day or next-day funding in some cases.

The trade-off is that unsecured RV loans often:

• Come with shorter terms (typically 2–12 years)
• Have higher APRs than secured loans
• Cap loan amounts at around $100,000 or less

Still, they’re a great choice if you want to finance an older RV, private-party purchase, or a camper that doesn’t qualify for secured financing. LightStream (a division of Truist) is one of the most trusted names in this category, offering no fees and fast approval.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you want the lowest monthly payment and plan to keep your RV for years, a secured loan is usually better. But if you prefer flexibility, faster approval, or need financing for an older rig, an unsecured loan may be the smarter choice.

Best RV Loan Lenders — Deep Dive

LightStream (Unsecured, Good Credit)

LightStream, a division of Truist, is often ranked as one of the best overall RV loan lenders because it offers unsecured personal loans with flexible use. Unlike secured RV loans, you don’t have to put your camper, trailer, or motorhome up as collateral.

Why it stands out:

• Fast funding — many borrowers get money the same day
• No fees — no origination fees, late fees, or prepayment penalties
• Wide loan range — from around $5,000 up to $100,000
• Low starting APRs for borrowers with excellent credit

This makes LightStream an excellent choice if you have good to excellent credit and want a quick, hassle-free loan for an RV purchase. It works especially well for:

• Private-party sales (buying from an individual instead of a dealer)
• Older RVs that secured lenders might not finance
• Borrowers who want to avoid extra costs like hidden fees

Things to keep in mind:
LightStream requires a strong credit profile, so it may not be the best option if you have fair or poor credit. Loan terms are shorter than traditional secured RV loans, so monthly payments may be higher.

Alliant Credit Union (Secured, Long Terms)

Alliant Credit Union is one of the top lenders for people who want a secured RV loan with long repayment terms. Unlike unsecured personal loans, Alliant uses the RV itself as collateral, which allows them to offer competitive APRs, higher loan amounts, and repayment terms up to 20 years (240 months).

Why it stands out:

• Extended terms — spread payments out over 10–20 years
• Large loan amounts — great for financing luxury Class A motorhomes or high-value campers
• Covers a variety of RVs — new, used, and even older models in some cases
• Lower monthly payments compared to short-term personal loans

Alliant is especially helpful for buyers who want to keep monthly payments affordable while purchasing a more expensive rig. Many borrowers use Alliant to finance motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheels, and toy haulers because the credit union has fewer restrictions on RV types.

Things to keep in mind:
Alliant requires you to qualify for credit union membership, and like most secured lenders, it has rules about RV age, mileage, and usage. For example, some full-time RV lifestyles may need additional approval. Also, since the RV is used as collateral, defaulting on the loan could mean losing your vehicle.

Navy Federal Credit Union (Best for Military Families)

Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) is a top choice for military members, veterans, and their families who want affordable RV financing. Like Alliant, it offers secured RV loans, using the RV as collateral, which helps keep interest rates competitive.

Why it stands out:

• Exclusive membership benefits for the military community
• Competitive APRs on both new and used RVs
• Flexible terms that can stretch up to 15–20 years for larger loan amounts
• Trusted lender with strong customer service and support

Navy Federal is ideal for borrowers looking to finance motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheels, or campers with lower monthly payments. Members often find that NFCU provides more personalized service compared to big banks, making the borrowing process easier and less stressful.

Things to keep in mind:
You must be a Navy Federal member to qualify, so eligibility is limited to active-duty service members, veterans, Department of Defense employees, and their families. Like other secured RV lenders, there may be restrictions on the age and mileage of the RV being financed.

Good Sam Finance Center (Best Broker for Multiple Options)

The Good Sam Finance Center isn’t a direct bank or credit union—it’s a loan marketplace and broker that connects RV buyers with multiple lenders. This makes it a great choice if you want to shop around for rates, terms, and loan amounts without applying to several places individually.

Why it stands out:

• Multiple lending partners — access to banks and credit unions through one application
• Flexible loan amounts — can finance both entry-level campers and luxury Class A motorhomes
• Covers different loan needs — new RVs, used RVs, and even refinancing existing loans
• Convenience — makes it easier to compare APR, terms, and monthly payments in one place

Good Sam is especially useful if you’re unsure which lender will give you the best deal or if you want to finance an older RV, refinance your current loan, or compare multiple options at once.

Things to keep in mind:
Since Good Sam works with partner lenders, APR and terms vary based on your credit profile and the lender you’re matched with. You may also need to pay certain fees depending on the lender selected.

GreatRVLoan (Best for Bad Credit)

GreatRVLoan is a lender that specializes in helping people who don’t have perfect credit. Instead of turning away borrowers with lower credit scores, it works with a network of banks and credit unions to find financing options that fit. This makes it one of the best choices for RV loans if you have bad credit or limited credit history.

Why it stands out:

• Flexible credit requirements — more forgiving than traditional banks
• High loan amounts — can finance large purchases, including luxury motorhomes and fifth-wheels
• Long repayment terms — helps reduce monthly payments even for expensive RVs
• Works with many lenders — increases your chances of approval

GreatRVLoan is a strong option if you’ve been declined by traditional lenders or if you’re buying an older RV that doesn’t meet standard credit union guidelines.

Things to keep in mind:
Since it serves borrowers with weaker credit, interest rates are usually higher than what you’d find with lenders like LightStream or Alliant Credit Union. Also, the approval process may take longer because it depends on matching you with a suitable lender.

Eligibility & What Lenders Look For

Before you apply for an RV loan, it helps to understand what lenders check during the approval process. Each bank, credit union, or online lender has its own requirements, but most focus on the following key factors:

Credit Score

Your credit score is one of the most important factors in RV loan approval.

• Excellent credit (720+) usually qualifies for the lowest APRs.
• Good credit (660–719) can still get solid rates but may face slightly higher interest.
• Fair or bad credit (below 660) may limit your options to lenders like GreatRVLoan or broker services such as Good Sam Finance Center.

Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)

Lenders want to see that your income is high enough to cover your current debts plus a new RV loan payment. A DTI under 40% is typically preferred.

Down Payment & Loan-to-Value (LTV)

Many lenders require a down payment of 10%–20% of the RV’s price. This lowers their risk and can also reduce your APR. LTV (loan amount compared to RV value) is important—if the RV is worth less than what you’re borrowing, approval becomes difficult.

RV Age, Mileage & Type

Unlike cars, RVs can last decades, but lenders often set limits:

• Some won’t finance RVs older than 10–15 years.
• High mileage can also reduce eligibility.
• Certain lenders specialize in specific types—motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheels, or toy haulers.

Income & Employment History

Steady income and stable employment improve your chances of approval. Lenders may ask for pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements during the application.

Membership Requirements

Credit unions like Alliant Credit Union or Navy Federal require membership. If you don’t meet eligibility, you’ll need to look at online lenders like LightStream or brokers like Good Sam.

How to Choose the Right RV Loan Lender

Finding the best RV loan lender is not only about low interest rates. You need to consider a few important factors before making a decision:

• Loan Terms – Look at the repayment period. Longer terms mean lower monthly payments, but you may pay more in interest over time.
• Interest Rates – Compare fixed vs. variable rates. Even a small difference can save you thousands of dollars.
• Down Payment Requirements – Some lenders require 10–20% down, while others may offer zero down options for qualified buyers.
• Credit Score Flexibility – If your credit isn’t perfect, choose lenders that work with fair credit borrowers.
• Extra Fees – Watch for application fees, processing charges, or prepayment penalties.
• Special Features – Some lenders offer perks like refinancing, no prepayment penalties, or flexible repayment schedules.

Tip: Always get prequalified with multiple lenders to compare offers side by side. This helps you find the most affordable option without hurting your credit score.

Tips to Get the Best RV Loan Rates

Securing a good RV loan rate can make your dream purchase more affordable. Here are some proven tips to help you lock in the best possible deal:

• Improve Your Credit Score – Lenders reward borrowers with higher credit scores by offering lower interest rates. Pay off debts, clear overdue bills, and avoid applying for multiple new loans before your RV purchase.
• Save for a Larger Down Payment – Putting more money down reduces the loan amount, which lowers your monthly payments and interest costs.
• Shop Around – Don’t settle for the first offer you get. Compare banks, credit unions, and online lenders to see who gives the best terms.
• Choose a Shorter Loan Term – While longer terms seem attractive because of smaller monthly payments, shorter terms usually come with lower interest rates and less total interest paid.
• Get Preapproved – Preapproval gives you a clear idea of what you qualify for and strengthens your bargaining power with RV dealerships.
• Time Your Purchase – Buying during off-season months (like late fall or winter) may help you negotiate better prices and financing options.

Pro Tip: A combination of strong credit, a bigger down payment, and comparing multiple lenders can easily save you thousands over the life of your loan.

Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for RV Loans

While getting an RV loan can be exciting, many buyers make common mistakes that end up costing them more money in the long run. Here are key pitfalls to avoid:

• Not Checking Your Credit Report – Errors on your credit report can lower your score and increase your interest rate. Always review and fix mistakes before applying.
• Focusing Only on Monthly Payments – A lower monthly payment often means a longer loan term, which can result in paying much more interest overall.
• Skipping the Down Payment – Zero-down loans may seem appealing, but they often come with higher rates and leave you owing more than the RV is worth.
• Ignoring Hidden Fees – Some loans include processing fees, prepayment penalties, or insurance add-ons. Always read the fine print.
• Not Shopping Around – Sticking with one lender or dealership financing may prevent you from finding a better rate elsewhere.
• Overborrowing – Financing add-ons, upgrades, or warranties may push your loan higher than necessary, making repayment harder.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures that your RV loan stays affordable and manageable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions people ask before taking out an RV loan:

1. What credit score do I need for an RV loan?
Most lenders prefer a credit score of 660 or higher. A higher score can help you qualify for lower interest rates.

2. Can I get an RV loan with bad credit?
Yes, but expect higher rates and stricter terms. Some lenders specialize in loans for borrowers with fair or poor credit, but you may need a larger down payment.

3. How long are RV loan terms?
RV loan terms can range from 5 to 20 years depending on the lender, loan amount, and your credit profile. Longer terms mean lower monthly payments but more interest paid over time.

4. Is an RV loan the same as a car loan?
Not exactly. While similar, RV loans are usually larger and may be treated more like a mortgage or personal loan, especially for high-value motorhomes.

5. Do RV loans require a down payment?
Most lenders require 10–20% down, but some offer zero-down financing if you have excellent credit.

6. Can I refinance my RV loan?
Yes, refinancing can help you lower your interest rate or reduce monthly payments if rates drop or your credit improves.

7. Are RV loans tax deductible?
If your RV qualifies as a primary or secondary residence (has sleeping, cooking, and bathroom facilities), the interest may be deductible as mortgage interest. Check with a tax professional.

Conclusion

Getting an RV loan is one of the most common ways to make your dream of traveling and exploring the open road a reality. While loan rates vary based on factors like credit score, down payment, and loan term, understanding these details can help you save money in the long run. By comparing lenders, improving your financial profile, and choosing terms that fit your budget, you can secure a loan that makes RV ownership affordable and stress-free.

With the right financing plan, your RV is not just a purchase—it’s an investment in memorable journeys, family adventures, and the freedom to travel on your own terms.