California RV Loan Rates (October 2026): Local Lenders & Tax
What California lenders advertise for RV loans, how California taxes an RV purchase, and a calculator set up with the California rate. Rates checked October 21, 2026.
RV loan rates from California lenders
Local credit unions often beat national lenders, but most require you to live or work in their area to join. These are each lender's lowest published rates for well-qualified borrowers.
| Lender | Published rate | Terms | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Union of Southern California | 7.24% new, 7.49% pre-owned (up to 84 months) | Up to 180 months | 8.24% new and 8.49% pre-owned for up to 180 months. |
| University Credit Union | 10.74% (up to 36 months) to 13.49% (180 months) | Up to 180 months | Lowest rates need a loan-to-value of 70% or less, autopay and a repeat-borrower discount. |
Membership and eligibility rules apply. Nationwide lenders are listed on the main RV loan rates page.
How California taxes an RV purchase
The rate depends on where you register the RV, not where you buy it. The statewide base is 7.25%; most areas add district taxes, so look up the rate for your address with the CDTFA rate tool and enter it in the calculator.
Buying from a private seller or out of state does not avoid the tax: use tax at the same rate is due, usually collected when you register with the DMV. A vehicle bought out of state and brought into California within 12 months is presumed to be bought for use in California.
California RV loan calculator
Monthly payment
$895
for 12 years at 8% APR
- Amount financed
- $82,663
- Sales tax (7.25%)
- $6,163
- Cash due at signing
- $8,500
- Total interest
- $46,186
- Total of payments
- $128,849
Year-by-year amortization schedule
| Year | Interest paid | Principal paid | Balance at year end |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6,458 | $4,279 | $78,383 |
| 2 | $6,103 | $4,634 | $73,749 |
| 3 | $5,719 | $5,019 | $68,730 |
| 4 | $5,302 | $5,435 | $63,295 |
| 5 | $4,851 | $5,887 | $57,409 |
| 6 | $4,362 | $6,375 | $51,033 |
| 7 | $3,833 | $6,904 | $44,129 |
| 8 | $3,260 | $7,477 | $36,652 |
| 9 | $2,640 | $8,098 | $28,554 |
| 10 | $1,967 | $8,770 | $19,784 |
| 11 | $1,239 | $9,498 | $10,286 |
| 12 | $451 | $10,286 | $0 |
Example: a $85,000 RV in California
With 10% down ($8,500) and 7.25% tax rolled into the loan, you would finance $82,663. At 8% APR over 12 years that is $895 a month and $46,186 in interest. Change any of these in the calculator above.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to use a California lender?
No. Nationwide lenders and credit unions with open membership lend in every state; Alliant Credit Union, for example, offers RV loans up to 20 years. Compare at least one local and one national offer.
Which tax rate applies if I buy outside California?
Usually the rate where you register the RV. Buying in another state rarely avoids your home state's tax.
Sources
Checked on October 21, 2026. Lenders change rates often; confirm with the lender before you apply.
- Credit Union of Southern California — recreational vehicle loans, as of October 21, 2026
- University Credit Union — RV loan rates, as of September 17, 2026
- California Department of Tax and Fee Administration — vehicles