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Caravan, motorhome and boat finance
Finance for a new or used caravan, camper trailer, motorhome or boat, from a dealer or a private seller. Here's how it works, what lenders check, and what repayments look like.
My Finance Hub · Updated October 2026
Short answerMost caravan and boat loans are secured, with the van or boat as security, which usually means a lower rate than an unsecured personal loan. Terms usually run from 1 to 7 years. Lenders generally want comprehensive insurance and may limit how old the van or boat can be.
What you can finance
- Caravans, pop-tops and camper trailers
- Motorhomes and campervans
- Fifth-wheelers
- Boats, including the motor and trailer as a package
- Jet skis and other personal watercraft
New or used, from a dealer or a private seller. If it's for business, such as a work boat or a van used as site accommodation, a chattel mortgage may suit better. See chattel mortgage vs. lease.
How it works
- Get approved first. You'll know your budget before you start looking, and you can move quickly at a dealer, a show or a private sale.
- Choose the van or boat. Send us the listing or the dealer's quote.
- The lender checks it. This includes a PPSR search, which shows any finance still owing and, for caravans and other road-registered vehicles, whether it's been reported stolen or written off.
- Insurance and settlement. You arrange comprehensive insurance, the lender pays the dealer or seller, and it's yours to pick up.
Buying privately? Get these details from the seller
- Caravan or camper: the VIN or chassis number, the registration, and the details on the compliance plate, including the ATM.
- Boat: the hull identification number (HIN), the motor's serial number, the boat and trailer registration, and the trailer's VIN.
- A payout letter if the seller still has finance on it. The lender pays that out first, then pays the seller the rest.
More on how private sale finance works.
Check your tow vehicle first
Before you commit to a van or a boat, make sure your vehicle can tow it legally and safely:
- The van's aggregate trailer mass (ATM), its maximum loaded weight, needs to be within your vehicle's braked towing capacity.
- The tow ball download needs to be within the limits for your vehicle and towbar.
- The loaded vehicle and van together need to stay within the vehicle's gross combination mass (GCM).
Need a new tow vehicle as well? We can look at both together. See ute finance.
Example: $60,000 over 5 or 7 years
A $60,000 van or boat at an example rate of 8.5% p.a., with monthly repayments:
| Term | Monthly repayment | Total interest | Total repaid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 years | $1,231 | $13,860 | $73,860 |
| 7 years | $950 | $19,816 | $79,816 |
Example only: principal and interest, fixed rate, repayments in arrears, no fees or charges. Try your own numbers in our repayment calculator.
The 7-year term lowers the repayment by about $281 a month, but it adds nearly $6,000 in interest. Paid weekly, it's about $283 or $219 a week.
Budget for the running costs
Lenders look at your whole budget, and so should you. On top of the repayment, allow for:
- Registration and insurance
- Storage, or mooring or marina fees
- Servicing and maintenance, such as tyres and wheel bearings, or engine servicing and antifouling for a boat
- A boat licence, if you don't already have one
What lenders look at
- Your income, expenses and credit history.
- The age, value and condition of the van or boat.
- Whether you're putting in a deposit or trading something in.
- Whether it's new or used, and from a dealer or a private seller.
FAQs
How old can the caravan or boat be?
It depends on the lender. Many set a maximum age by the end of the loan, and older vans or boats may need a deposit or a shorter term. We'll tell you which lenders fit before you apply.
Can I finance a caravan or boat from a private seller?
Yes. The lender checks the PPSR, confirms the value, pays out any finance still owing and pays the seller at settlement.
Do I need a deposit?
Not always. Some lenders will finance the full price if you have a strong credit history and steady income. A deposit lowers your repayments and can help with older vans or boats.
Is a secured loan cheaper than a personal loan?
Usually. A secured loan uses the van or boat as security, so lenders generally offer a lower rate than on an unsecured personal loan. Your rate still depends on your situation and the lender.
Can I finance a jet ski?
Yes. Many lenders treat jet skis and other personal watercraft like boats.
Do I need insurance?
Lenders generally require comprehensive insurance for the life of the loan, with the lender noted on the policy.
Talk to us
Found the van or boat, or still deciding? Tell us what you're looking at, and we'll compare 40+ lenders and send you a quote in writing.
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General information only. It doesn't take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Credit criteria, fees and charges apply. My Finance Hub is a Credit Representative (553769) of Purple Circle Financial Services (Australian Credit Licence 486112).