The purchase price is only the start of what a caravan costs. Add finance or the upfront outlay, on-road costs and insurance, then the ongoing run, servicing, tyres, storage, registration and the tow vehicle. Budgeting the whole picture up front is what keeps caravanning affordable.
General information, not financial advice. This guide explains the kinds of costs involved in owning a caravan. It doesn't take your circumstances into account and isn't a recommendation. Figures are indicative only, get current quotes and, for finance decisions, consider licensed financial advice.
Upfront
Purchase price, on-road costs, and the accessories most owners add in year one.
Finance
If you borrow, the loan repayments and interest over the term.
Insurance
Comprehensive cover for the van, contents and touring, priced to your van and storage.
Running
Registration, servicing, tyres, storage, consumables, and the tow car's fuel.
Upfront: price, on-roads & options
The upfront cost is more than the sticker: add on-road costs (registration, stamp duty and delivery) and the accessories most owners buy early, an awning, extra batteries or solar, a weight distribution hitch, and setup gear. Budget a buffer for that first-year kit.
It's easy to spend a meaningful amount fitting a new van out for the way you travel. Deciding which options to factory-fit versus add later, and building that into your budget, avoids surprises after handover.
Financing a caravan
Caravans are usually financed with a secured loan, similar to a car loan, over roughly three to seven years, with the van as security. Your deposit, term and rate drive the repayment, a longer term lowers the repayment but costs more interest overall.
Rates and terms vary by lender and your circumstances, so it pays to compare and read the fine print (fees, early-payout terms, balloon payments). Because this is a borrowing decision, consider licensed financial advice for your situation. This guide is general information only.
Insurance
Caravan insurance is priced to your van's value, where it's stored, your location and cover level. Comprehensive touring cover with contents costs more than basic cover, but protects the van on the road and in storage.
Storing the van securely (locked, off-street or in paid storage) can affect your premium, as can your claims history and where you travel. Get quotes for your specific van and use, rather than relying on a rule of thumb.
Ongoing running costs
The regular costs are registration, insurance, annual servicing, tyres over time, storage, and consumables like gas. None is huge on its own, but together they're the true cost of keeping a van ready to travel.
Servicing keeps the warranty valid and the van safe, bearings, brakes, seals and the chassis all need attention. Tyres age out on time as much as tread, so budget for replacement even if the kilometres are low.
Storage
If you can't keep the van at home, paid storage is often the biggest surprise cost. It varies widely by location and whether it's open, covered or indoor. Check what your property (and council) allows before you buy.
A van that won't fit down the side of the house, or that your council won't let you park on the street, means ongoing storage fees for its whole life. It's worth confirming storage before you commit to a length.
The tow vehicle
Don't forget the car. Towing uses noticeably more fuel, and a heavier van may mean a bigger (thirstier, pricier) tow vehicle. The van and the car are one budget, a cheaper van that forces a new car isn't cheaper.
If a lighter van lets your existing car tow comfortably, that can save far more than the difference in van price. Our what can your car tow? guide helps you match a van to the car you already own.
Depreciation & resale
Caravans depreciate like most vehicles, fastest in the early years, though well-maintained vans from established brands tend to hold value better. Servicing, condition and demand for the layout all shape what you get back.
Buying with resale in mind, a sought-after layout, a reputable brand, and a full service history, softens depreciation. It's part of the cost picture: what the van costs you is the price minus what you sell it for, plus everything in between.
A sample yearly budget
Here's an indicative annual running budget, excluding finance and the tow car. Real figures vary widely by state, van and how you travel, so treat these as a starting frame, not a quote.
| Ongoing cost | Indicative range (per year) |
|---|---|
| Registration | $200 – $700 |
| Insurance | $800 – $1,800 |
| Servicing | $300 – $700 |
| Tyres (amortised) | $150 – $400 |
| Storage (if needed) | $0 – $2,500 |
| Consumables (gas, sundries) | Varies |
Add finance repayments and the tow car's extra fuel on top, and you have the real annual cost. The point isn't the exact number. It's to budget all of it before you buy, so the van fits your life comfortably.
Value across the range
A big lever on total cost is buying the right-sized van: lighter, well-matched vans cost less to tow and often less to run. New Age spans light couples' tourers to full family vans, so you can match the van, and its running cost, to how you travel.
Work out the whole budget first, then shortlist within it. Our complete buying guide walks the full decision, and the range lets you compare vans that fit both your travel and your budget.
