• Most lenders offer motorhome loans from 10 to 20 years, some even longer for high-priced models.
• Your credit, income, down payment, and the age of the motorhome all affect the loan term you can get.
• While longer loans lower monthly payments, you will probably pay more in total interest.
• Shorter terms cost less overall, but your payments can be a lot higher each month.

If you are looking to finance a motorhome, expect loan terms anywhere from 10 to 20 years, sometimes even up to 25. It depends on the lender, the age of the RV, the price, and your own credit. Longer loans will lower your monthly payment, but you will pay more interest over time. Shorter terms have higher payments but will likely cost you less in the long run. There is no single best answer, but most buyers land somewhere in the 12 to 15-year range. You can find options that fit your comfort zone if you know what affects the terms.

How Long Are Average Motorhome Loans?

RV and motorhome loans do not follow the same blueprint as car loans. With cars, most buyers stick to five or six years. For motorhomes, it’s a different world.

Most banks, credit unions, and RV dealers offer these common loan terms:

• 10 years for smaller or older motorhomes
• 12 to 15 years for most mid-range RVs
• 20 years for new, high-value, or luxury rigs
• Some lenders offer up to 25 years on very expensive motorhomes, though that’s rare

A lot of people expect terms to work just like car loans, but the bigger dollar amount and slower depreciation mean lenders will stretch out the payment plan.

If you’re buying a new Class A motorhome over $100,000, you will likely be offered longer terms than you would with a smaller camper or a used model.

Why does it matter? The longer you finance, the more interest builds up. The monthly payment drops, but it can add tens of thousands to the final price.

Example: Loan Term vs. Payment

Here is a comparison. Let’s say you want to finance $80,000 for a mid-size motorhome at 7% interest.

It might seem like a great deal to have $600 payments, but the total price difference can be huge. You can see why it’s important to choose carefully.

What Affects How Long You Can Finance?

Anyone can walk onto an RV lot and see a big sign for “20-year loans,” but not every buyer gets approved for the longest possible term.

Here are the main things that will affect your loan term:

• Your credit score: Higher scores often mean longer terms and better rates
• Income and debts: Lenders check your ability to manage payments over a longer time
• Down payment: A bigger down payment can help you secure better terms
• Motorhome price and age: Newer, more expensive models qualify for longer terms
• Type of lender: Dealer financing, banks, and credit unions each have different rules

Lenders are wary of financing older RVs for long periods; many will not write long loans for motorhomes over 10 years old.

I have seen people with high incomes and great credit get approved for 20-year terms, while others with lower scores may be capped at 10 or 12 years, sometimes less.

Does Mileage Matter?

A lot of people ask if the number of miles on a motorhome affects financing. It does, but not as much as the age does. If a coach is over 10 or 15 years old, or has high miles, most banks will shorten the term or turn down the loan.

It is always worth asking around. Some community credit unions will be more flexible, but it is not a guarantee.

Dealer Financing vs. Banks vs. Credit Unions

Where you get the loan matters just as much as your credit score. Some lenders will stretch your term, others will set stricter limits.

It can be smart to get pre-approved at a bank or credit union before visiting a dealer. You will know your real limits and can sometimes negotiate a better deal.

Some buyers only look at dealer financing, but that is not always the cheapest way. Check every option before you sign.

Is It Hard to Get a 20-Year Motorhome Loan?

Not everyone gets a 20-year loan. If you have great credit, verifiable income, and buy a new or newer motorhome, it is quite possible. If you want to finance an older RV or have only average credit or a smaller down payment, you may see the lender pull your maximum term down.

Most lenders will only offer 20 years on newer motorhomes costing at least $50,000. Older RVs (especially those older than 10 years) usually get a shorter loan, maybe five to twelve years.

• If your motorhome is less than five years old, you will probably qualify for the full range of terms
• If it is older than 10 years, or you are buying used and it’s already on its second or third owner, most lenders pull back

If you’re financing a used Class C that’s 14 years old, don’t expect a 20-year term. Most lenders stop at five or seven years for something that old.

Your own credit makes a difference, but so does the RV’s age, price, and even its type. For example, diesel pushers often hold their value better, so some lenders might offer longer loans for those.

What About Refinancing?

Some RV buyers refinance after a few years, hoping for a longer term or a lower rate. It works sometimes, but it is hard to get a longer term for an RV that is already used. Every year that passes, lenders usually offer shorter refinances because the asset is getting older.

If you financed a five-year-old rig for 12 years, and now it’s eight years old, don’t count on stretching that loan back to 20 years through refinancing. Usually, you can sometimes lower your rate or payment, but extending the timeline is less likely unless the RV is new.

Can You Pay Off Early?

You are allowed to pay off a motorhome loan early in most cases, but check for prepayment penalties. A few lenders, especially dealer finance companies, might penalize you if you pay the loan off before a few years have passed.

Still, most conventional banks and credit unions will let you pay off the loan without any penalty. This could save you a lot of interest if you have a windfall, sell your home, or just want to be debt-free faster.

Tips for Choosing the Right Loan Term

There is no perfect formula for how long to finance a motorhome, but there are some practical questions you can ask yourself.

• How long do you plan to keep the RV? If you think you will upgrade in five years, a 20-year loan makes little sense.
• Will you use it full-time or just a handful of weekends each year?
• How much are you comfortable paying every month? Do not just look at the minimum.
• Can you handle the risk of being “upside down” if the RV loses value faster than you pay it off?

Try different scenarios with online calculators. Run the numbers at 10, 15, and 20 years. Watch how the interest adds up.

Some people jump for the lowest monthly payment, but forget how interest stacks up. Paying $200 less each month can cost you tens of thousands extra over two decades.

Some RV owners choose the longest term offered for flexibility, then make extra payments when they can.

When a Shorter Loan Makes Sense

Not everyone needs or wants a long loan. If you can afford higher payments, go for a shorter term. You will save big on interest and own your RV much sooner.

Paying a little extra each month on a 15-year term, for example, could help you pay it off in 12 or 13 years, with much less interest paid overall.

How to Improve Your Loan Offer

A few steps can help you get better terms when you are ready to buy.

• Boost your credit score before applying for a loan
• Save a bigger down payment (10-20 percent is common, but even 5% helps)
• Shop for the newest RV you can afford; lenders offer longer terms on newer models
• Compare several lenders and never take the first offer without checking others

If you have time, pay down debt and fix credit before shopping. That can shave years off your loan or save thousands on interest.

Other Factors to Consider

There are a few more angles that can change how long you want to finance a motorhome.

• Insurance: Some lenders require full coverage for as long as you finance, which can be costly.
• Depreciation: RVs lose value quickly, especially in the early years. The longer the loan, the more you risk owing more than it’s worth at some point.
• Travel frequency: If you plan to use your RV only occasionally, paying more in interest for a long-term loan could feel wasteful. If you live in it, maybe it’s worth spreading out the payments.

Be careful of extra fees built into the loan. Origination fees, documentation fees, and add-ons can inflate the true cost, especially over a long payment plan.

You can ask your lender for a truth-in-lending statement showing the full breakdown, and press them on any odd charges. Dealers can sometimes slip in extras unless you’re paying attention.

Motorhome Types and Their Loan Terms

The type of motorhome affects the loan you can get. Here’s a quick look:

If you are buying on the low end of the price range or picking up a vintage rig, expect to see more limits on how long you can finance it.

Will You Owe More Than the Motorhome Is Worth?

It is surprisingly common for RV buyers with long loans to be “underwater” at some point. The RV declines in value faster than you pay down the loan.

If you want to sell or trade in before the loan is paid, or even if the RV is damaged and insurance needs to pay out, you could end up owing money.

Some dealerships push “GAP coverage” insurance for this reason. Not everyone needs it, but it is something to think about if you plan to finance for 15 years or more, or if you are not putting a large down payment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying a new motorhome. Think twice before you:

• Take the longest loan just for the lowest payment
• Accept a poor interest rate because you want a bigger rig
• Ignore the total cost; look beyond the monthly payment
• Skip reading the fine print for prepayment penalties or big fees

Buyers sometimes stretch themselves too thin, especially if they believe they will use the RV more than they actually do.

I have talked with people who thought they wanted a certain lifestyle and then realized the RV sat unused half the year, but the loan kept on going.

What Lenders Want to See

To get the best offers, lenders want to see:

• High credit score (usually above 700 is ideal, though some will go lower)
• Low debt-to-income ratio
• Steady income or retirement assets
• Down payment, even a small one
• Preference for new or nearly-new RVs

It is not impossible to get financed with less-than-perfect credit, but your down payment and loan length may be limited. Interest rates might be higher or terms shorter, but you are not out of luck.

Some lenders care more about the asset than your credit, but most care about both.

Questions to Ask Before Signing

Some real questions to ask any lender or dealer before you commit:

• What are the real terms if I want to pay off early?
• Are there any hidden fees in the financing deal?
• Am I required to buy extra insurance or GAP coverage?
• How does the interest rate change with loan length?
• Is the term flexible or fixed for the life of the loan?
• What happens if I want to sell or trade in before the loan is paid?

Digging into the details now can save you headaches later. Lenders, and especially dealers, may not always highlight the downsides up front.

Don’t just look at the monthly payment, no matter how tempting. The full loan cost is what counts, both for your wallet and your future plans.

Summary Table: Motorhome Loan Factors

Sometimes what you think you want, a low monthly payment, turns out not to be best. Shorter loans are challenging each month but safer, cheaper, and bring peace of mind faster. If you understand these trade-offs, you can find a motorhome loan that actually fits your life, not just your daydreams.