If you have a caravan in your sights but don't have the money, you have various financing options that can help you make your purchase.
Buying your own caravan, either for travelling around with you family or even during retirement, can be a cost-effective way to see the country. While caravans can be expensive, there is financing available to you. Find out what you need to know about caravan loans in this guide.
NRMA Caravan Loan
NRMA Caravan Loan
From
fixed rate
From
comparison rate
- 5 hour pre-approval
- No monthly fees
- Extra repayments at any time
100% confidential application
NRMA Caravan Loan
You can borrow from $5,000 for a new or used caravan and get the funds the following day.
- Interest rate from: 5.99% p.a.
- Comparison rate: 6.55% p.a.
- Interest rate type: Fixed
- Application fee: $399
- Minimum loan amount: $5,000
Caravan loans comparison
Need a caravan loan? Consider...
- RACV Personal Loan: 7.8% p.a. comparison rate. Suitable for buying a caravan. Take advantage of pre-approval and a competitive rate.
- St.George Secured Personal Loan - Fixed: 9.6% p.a. comparison rate. Vehicle eligibility criteria apply.
- IMB Secured Personal Loan: 7.24% p.a. comparison rate. A competitive loan suitable for caravan purchases.
- bcu Secured Freedom Loan: 8.74% p.a. comparison rate. Loan approval times as low as 30 minutes.
How do caravan loans work?
Caravan loans essentially work just like any other loan. You have a choice between an unsecured personal loan or secured personal loan that allows you to use your caravan as security. Not all lenders providing vehicle loans will allow this. If you opt for a secured loan you can take advantage of a lower interest rate, but unsecured loans offer more flexibility. Some loans have a fixed interest rate so your monthly repayments will be the same every month. Other loans have a variable interest rate, which may fluctuate, but the rate tends to be lower.
Types of caravan loans
- Secured personal loan. Use your caravan as security and benefit from a lower rate. These loans can either be referred to as car loans or secured personal loans, but all come with similar features. If a lender allows you to use your caravan as security then you can benefit from the low rate, but keep in mind you risk your caravan should you default on the loan.
- Unsecured personal loan. This loan allows for greater flexibility with your loan amount, so you can use it to purchase accessories for your caravan or even insurance. Unsecured personal loan rates are higher because the lender is taking on more of a risk.
- Caravan financing from a specialist lender. Several specialist lenders operate in this space. Remember to check the reputability of these lenders before you apply.
What types of caravans can I purchase?
The road you’ve chosen to travel notwithstanding, there’s a caravan out there that can make travelling on it a pleasure. Find out more about what types are available below.
How should you compare your caravan loan options?
- Find out the interest rate. Interest rates for caravan loans tend to be quite competitive, but it’s still important to use interest rates as a comparison point as this is where you can potentially save a lot of money. Decide whether a fixed or variable interest rate is right for you and go from there.
- Will the loan be secured or unsecured? Caravan loans can either be secured or unsecured. Unsecured loans can have less risk but they often have higher fees to compensate for this risk. Choose whether you want a secured or unsecured loan and then compare fees and charges once you have made your decision.
- Are you given flexible repayment options? Most caravan loans tend to have flexible loan repayments but some are better than others. The can offer fortnightly or monthly repayments by BPAY or direct debit, so choose a loan that offers convenient options.
- See what loan terms are on offer. The term lengths of caravan loans vary depending on which financial provider you go with. The amount of money you borrow will influence the term length but it’s also recommended you have a rough idea of how long it will take you to repay the loan before agreeing to anything.
What to avoid with a caravan loan
- Watch out for over-committing to a high loan amount. Ensure that you’re not borrowing more than you can afford to pay back before you take out a caravan loan. It’s also important to not get yourself into too much debt. If you are currently in debt, it’s strongly recommended that you don’t take out another loan and instead consider your other options first. Continuously borrowing money is a very dangerous move.
- Any hidden surprises in your contract. Just like with any other loan, you will be required to commit to a contract. Make sure you carefully read through your contract before committing to it so you aren’t hit with any unexpected charges
Checklist for buying a camper trailer
The "different strokes for different blokes" saying holds true even when it comes to camper trailer shopping, given that just about every camper has unique requirements. Find out what aspects need your attention:
- Chassis. The chassis of a trailer plays a crucial role in holding it together, and for increased life look for a chassis made using high-quality materials. If you plan to carry heavy loads of if you’re thinking about driving off-road, look for an extra strong chassis.
- Suspension. Suspension springs should be strong enough to take the weight of the trailer as well as of the load that it carries. Make sure you pay heed to their condition at the onset, and find out if they’re suitable for off-road driving.
- Tailgate and doors. Remember to check all seals, not just on the doors and the tailgate but also on all compartments and even the tool box to avoid damage from water and rust.
- Towing. The towing coupling should have enough strength to take the camper trailer’s weight as well as all that it carries. For off-road driving, getting a coupling that turns 360 degrees is ideal. In addition, consider getting snatch points at the trailer’s rear section.
- Protection. Camper trailers tend to flick up stones from time to time, and this can even happen on paved roads. Some trailers work in deflecting these stones by using built-in stone guards, and some come with shade cloth attachments to bridge the gap between the trailer and the car.
- Tyres. If you can manage to get the same set of tyres on your trailer as on your main vehicle you can look forward to a smoother drive.
- Trim. The canvas your camper trailer uses should be durable, given that it provides shelter, but remember that lightweight canvas is quicker and simpler to set up. Check for waterproofing and mildew-proofing of all canvas and awnings, and make sure they don’t have any holes.
- Bedding. Ensure there’s enough room for everyone who might use your trailer, and don’t hesitate to take measurements of bedding if it looks small.
- Possible add-ons. While the list of add-ons can be very long, most camper trailers tend to include water tanks, jockey wheels, and awnings, so it makes sense to look for these in your purchase.
How to start your application for a caravan loan
If a caravan loan sounds like it’s right for you, applying for one is very easy. All you need to do is use the comparison table on this page and compare the caravan loans available. Look at all your different options and when you find one that’s right for you, simply click the 'Go to site' button and go through to the lender’s website. Once you’re on the website it’s as easy as completing your application form online and then waiting to hear if you get approval for your caravan loan.
Typically, to be eligible for caravan finance you must be at least 18 years of age. You must also have a good credit rating and be able to demonstrate this to the provider with evidence such as bank statements, payslips and copies of other credit contracts. Other loans may also require you to be an Australian resident/citizen or already be a member of the financial institution.
What documents will I need for my caravan loan?
Your application will run much smoother if you have all your documents ready and available when you apply for your caravan finance. You will need:
- Drivers licence, Medicare number
- Payslips or proof of income
- Confirmation of your address
How much can I borrow for my next caravan?
Use the calculator below to work out how much you could borrow and what your repayments might be.
Frequently asked questions about caravan loans
Do I need to pay stamp duty for my caravan?
Generally caravans are exempt from stamp duty, but you’ll need to confirm this with your Office of State Revenue as it is dependent on the state you live in.
Can I get pre-approval on my caravan loan?
The majority of blenders will offer you pre-aprroval on your caravan loan. This can help your bargaining power when dealing with the sales manager when buying your next caravan
We are wanting to buy a secondhand caravan and car. What is the best type of loan?
Hi Lara,
Thanks for your question.
Please note that finder.com.au is a financial comparison service and we can’t recommend any specific loan product to our users.
I suggest that you take advantage of our loan calculator above so that you’ll know which loan type can give you low monthly repayment under your desired terms.
Cheers,
Anndy
Can this loan be used for camper trailers?
Hi Bill,
It’s best to double check before you apply, but generally you will be able to use the loans on the above page for caravans or camper trailers.
Hope this has helped,
Elizabeth
I have queried on behalf of my mum (pensioner) in regards to a loan for a second hand caravan. Due to its age (2000) we’ve been told it must be an unsecured loan where the interest rate is much higher. Yet my mum owns her own house outright. With such an asset behind her surely a secured loan would be given approval?
Is this true?
Hi Kerry,
Thanks for your question.
Some lenders will be willing to use the equity your mother holds in her house as security for the loan, this is called an equity loan and you can find out more about it here. There are also other secured loan options you can consider, which you can read about it here. I’m unable to recommend a specific lender for you but hopefully you’ll find a few options to consider.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
Would a loan be available for a second hand caravan for a pensioner?
Hi Karen,
Thanks for your question.
All of the personal loans featured on this page are available for financing a caravan. In terms of availability for your situation, you can click through and read a review of the loan (by clicking on the title of the loan) and see the minimum income required and whether the lender will finance secondhand vehicles.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth