Caravan Loans Australia 2026

Key points (TL;DR)

• A caravan loan is a personal loan — secured or unsecured — for caravans, motorhomes, campervans, camper trailers, and RVs.
• Secured caravan loans start from 5.67% p.a. (comparison rate 6.10% p.a.) as of May 2026.
• Borrowing from $5,000 to $100,000+. Average caravan loan: ~$48,000–$50,000.
• New vans attract better rates. Older vans may suit unsecured finance better.

The open road doesn't wait for your savings to catch up. LoanGorilla compares caravan personal loans from 30+ Australian lenders for caravans, motorhomes, campervans, camper trailers, and RVs.

Explore all personal loan types on our hub →

What a caravan loan is

A caravan loan is a type of personal loan designed to help you buy a caravan or other towable or mobile holiday vehicle. You borrow a fixed amount and repay it over time in regular weekly, fortnightly, or monthly instalments — usually over one to seven years.

What you can use a caravan loan for

• New or used caravans
• Campervans and motorhomes
• Camper trailers and RVs
• Converted buses and off-road vans
• Insurance on the vehicle
• Modifications, add-ons, and accessories

New vs used caravan finance

Whether you're buying new or chasing a second-hand van makes a real difference to how lenders price the deal.

Balloon payments — useful but not free money

Some caravan loans allow a balloon payment. This lowers regular repayments but means a larger final payment. If you don't have savings or a plan to refinance, a balloon can create a nasty surprise. Factor it in upfront.

How to compare caravan loans

Don't get distracted by the headline rate. The real cost lives in the comparison rate, the fee structure, and the term length.

What affects your rate

Your credit profile, income stability, and whether the van is being used as security all shape the rate you'll receive. Newer vans with clear title attract stronger pricing under secured lending. Older stock, weaker credit, or casual employment pushes rates up.

Eligibility snapshot

You'll typically need to be 18+, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, employed with regular income, and able to demonstrate your financial position. For secured loans, the lender will also want details of the caravan including age, condition, and seller information.

Fixed vs variable rate

Fixed repayments keep your budgeting clean for the life of the loan — useful when you're also managing insurance, registration, and storage costs. Variable rates give more freedom to repay early without penalty.

How much can you borrow?

Caravan loans typically range from $5,000 to $100,000, with some lenders going higher for the right borrower and vehicle. The average caravan loan in Australia sits around $48,000–$50,000 — a useful benchmark when scoping your range.

Pre-approval: know your number before you look

Pre-approval gives you a firm budget before you start comparing vans. It also signals to sellers — especially in private sales — that you're a serious buyer. Pre-approvals are typically valid for one to three months and usually process within a few business days.

Budget for the full cost of ownership

• • Insurance and registration
• • Modifications and accessories
• • Storage and parking fees
• • Tow vehicle upgrades or hitch fitting
• • Maintenance and annual servicing
• • Travel and campsite costs

A caravan loan gets you the van. A good budget gets you the lifestyle.

Compare before you apply

LoanGorilla compares from 30+ lenders. Seeing multiple offers takes 60 seconds and won't affect your credit score. That's a better starting point than going straight to a dealership's finance desk.

You might also compare

• Secured personal loans — lower rates with your caravan as security
• Boat loans — similar finance for water-based adventures
• Travel loans — for the trips after you've got the van

Caravan Loans FAQ's