Is it Possible to Purchase an RV Without a Down Payment?

Zero down RV financing is a type of loan that allows you to purchase an RV without making a down payment. This can be a great option for people who don’t have a lot of money saved up or who want to lower their monthly payments.

How Does Zero Down RV Financing Work?

RVs can be expensive more than ordinary cars, so special RV loans are often used to finance them. These loans have fixed interest rates, which means that the interest rate will not change over the life of the loan. The monthly payments are also fixed, which makes it easy to budget for the loan. The repayment term for an RV loan can be up to 15 years.

When you get a 0 down RV loan, the lender will loan you the full amount of the RV’s purchase price. This means that you won’t have to put any money down upfront. However, you will still be responsible for making monthly payments on the loan, plus interest.

Even if you have bad credit, you may still be able to get zero down RV financing for bad credit. However, you’ll likely have to pay a higher interest rate and upfront fees. You may also have to meet other requirements, such as having a cosigner or providing proof of income.

The Pros and Cons of Zero Down RV Financing

There are both pros and cons to zero down RV financing. Some of the pros include:

  • You can get into a new RV without having to save up for a down payment.
  • Your monthly payments will be lower than if you had to make a down payment.
  • You can use the money you would have spent on a down payment for other expenses, such as upgrades or maintenance.

Some of the cons of zero down RV financing include:

  • You’ll likely have to pay a higher interest rate.
  • You’ll have to make larger monthly payments.
  • You may have to pay more upfront fees, such as closing costs.
  • If you default on the loan, you could lose your RV.

Types of Zero Down RV Loans

There are a few different types of zero down RV loans available. Some of the most common types include:

  • Traditional loans: These loans are offered by banks and credit unions. They typically have higher interest rates than other types of loans.
  • Lease-to-own loans: These loans are offered by RV dealerships. They allow you to lease an RV for a certain period of time and then buy it at the end of the lease.
  • Personal loans: These loans are offered by banks and credit unions. They can be used to purchase an RV, but they typically have higher interest rates than traditional RV loans.

Where to Find Zero Down RV Financing

There are a few places where you might be able to find zero down RV financing. These include:

  • Online lenders: Online lending platforms that specialize in RV financing may occasionally offer zero down payment options to attract customers. Be sure to research and compare terms and interest rates before committing to any loan. Popular online lenders include LendYou, VivaLoan, Personalloans.com, LightStream, and ZippyLoan.
  • Credit unions: Some credit unions offer competitive RV loan rates and may have promotions that include zero down payment financing for qualified borrowers. Credit unions focus on helping their members, not making money. They offer lower loan rates than regular banks.
  • Bank financing: While it’s less common with traditional banks, some banks may offer zero down payment options for RV loans, particularly if you have an existing banking relationship with them and good credit score.
  • RV dealerships: Some RV dealerships offer promotional deals that include zero down payment financing options. These deals might be available during specific sales events or as part of special offers. RV dealership offering 0 down RV financing include Country Roads RV Center, Great Outdoors RV, and Cherry Capital RV.
  • RV shows and expos: Attend RV shows and expos in your area, as lenders and dealerships often offer special financing deals, including zero down payment options, during these events.
  • Manufacturer promotions: RV manufacturers occasionally partner with financing institutions to offer special promotions, which might include zero down payment options for specific models or time periods.
  • Private lenders: Some private lenders or peer-to-peer lending platforms might offer zero down RV financing. Be cautious when dealing with private lenders, and thoroughly review terms and interest rates.
  • Membership organizations: Certain membership organizations, such as RV clubs or affinity groups, may have partnerships with lenders that offer zero down payment financing as a benefit of membership.
  • Special financing programs: Some lenders create special financing programs for specific demographics, like first-time RV buyers, military personnel, or retirees. These programs might include zero down payment options. Cousins RV, for example, offers RV financing for those in the Armed Forces or retired.

Zero Down RV Financing Near Me

Zero Down RV Financing Near Me
Check this map to see listings for zero down RV financing near where you live.

Is Zero Down RV Financing Right for You?

Zero down RV financing is an option that lets you purchase an RV without having to put down a down payment. It’s a convenient way to get into an RV sooner rather than later. However, before you decide to go this route, it’s important to consider both the benefits and potential drawbacks.

On the positive side, zero down RV financing allows you to start enjoying your RV without the need to save up a significant amount of money upfront. This can be particularly appealing if you’re eager to start your RV adventures and don’t want to wait until you’ve saved enough for a down payment. Additionally, it can free up your funds for other immediate needs or investments.

However, there are also some potential downsides to consider. Since you’re not making a down payment, you might face higher monthly payments or a higher interest rate compared to a traditional financing option. This means that over the long term, you could end up paying more for your RV. It’s also important to keep in mind that if the value of your RV depreciates over time, having no down payment could potentially lead to owing more on the loan than the RV is worth. Ultimately, whether zero down RV financing is the right choice for you depends on your current financial situation, your long-term goals, and your comfort level with the associated costs and terms.

Zero Down Financing FAQs

Which FICO Score is used for RV loans?

The FICO Score used for RV loans is typically the FICO 8 score. However, some lenders may also use other FICO scores, such as the FICO 5 score or the FICO 2 score.

Can you finance an RV with no money down?

Yes, it is possible to finance an RV with no money down, but it can depend on various factors including your credit score, the lender's policies, the RV's price, and current market conditions. It is important to note that zero down RV financing typically comes with higher interest rates than loans with a down payment. This is because lenders are taking on more risk when they don't have a down payment to secure the loan.

Is there zero down RV financing with bad credit?

Getting a zero down RV financing with bad credit is tougher, but not impossible. Focus on improving your credit score gradually, explore specialized bad credit RV lenders, and be ready for higher interest rates and less favorable terms. A co-signer or trade-in could help. Remember that you will likely have to pay a higher interest rate.

Ndesanjo is an experienced writer and researcher on finance issues. With an MA from the University of Toledo, USA, he is a valuable asset to the FiFi editorial team, and his work helps to make finance work for everyone. He has lived in 5 countries and speaks 3 languages. Read more about the editorial team at FiFi and our editorial guidelines.