If you’re seriously thinking about buying a caravan, you’ve probably already started looking at sticker prices online. And you’ve probably also started wondering what the real number looks like — the full cost of buying, owning and travelling in a caravan in Australia.

Here’s an honest breakdown of what you can expect, from the purchase price through to the day-to-day costs of life on the road.

The Purchase Price: What’s a Realistic Budget?

New caravans in Australia range widely depending on size, features and intended use. As a rough guide for 2026:

• Entry-level camper trailers and pop tops: $35,000–$55,000. A great starting point for families testing the caravanning lifestyle. Jayco’s camper trailer range and pop tops sit in this bracket.
• Mid-range family caravans: $55,000–$90,000. Full-featured caravans with ensuites, larger kitchens and better off-grid capability. The Jayco Discovery and Starcraft sit here.
• Premium touring and off-grid caravans: $90,000–$130,000+. Long-term touring rigs with serious off-grid systems, premium interiors and extended self-sufficiency. The Jayco Adventurer 48V and Silverline fall into this category.

Approved used caravans are a smart alternative if you want to reduce your upfront outlay. A quality two-to-four year old van in good condition can offer genuine value, and buying through a dealer gives you inspection, warranty and peace of mind that private sales don’t always provide.

Tow Vehicle: Don’t Overlook This Cost

If you don’t already own a vehicle capable of towing your intended van, this is a significant consideration. Most mid-range and large caravans require a tow vehicle with a braked towing capacity of at least 2,500kg — and ideally 3,000–3,500kg for heavier vans.

This typically means a large SUV, 4WD or dual-cab ute. If you need to upgrade your vehicle as part of the purchase, factor in anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000+ depending on what you’re buying.

If you already have a capable tow vehicle, this cost is zero — but it’s still worth confirming your vehicle’s exact towing rating before choosing a van.

Finance: Spreading the Cost

Most Australian caravan buyers use finance, and it’s a straightforward process. Secured caravan loans currently range from around 7–12% per annum depending on your profile, with terms of two to seven years available.

As a rough example: a $70,000 caravan on a 7-year loan at 8.5% p.a. works out to approximately $1,080 per month. A shorter term of 5 years at the same rate would be around $1,430 per month but saves significant interest overall.

Jayco Financial Services offers flexible finance options with repayment structures designed to fit different budgets.

Use the Jayco repayments calculator to see what your weekly or monthly repayments might look like, or explore financing options here.

Ongoing Costs: The Real Running Budget

Once you own a caravan, these are the ongoing costs to factor into your planning:

• Registration: Varies by state, but typically $300–$600 per year for a standard van
• Insurance: Caravan insurance in Australia runs from around $600–$1,500+ per year depending on the van’s value and your level of coverage. Jayco Platinum Caravan Insurance offers tailored coverage for Jayco owners — learn more here.
• Annual service: Plan for $400–$800 per year for a routine service through a qualified Jayco service agent
• Campsite fees: Powered sites at caravan parks typically run $40–$80 per night. Free camping and low-cost national park sites can significantly reduce this if you’ve got an off-grid setup
• Fuel: Budget around 15–20% more on fuel when towing, depending on your vehicle and van weight
• Tyres and accessories: Budget a few hundred dollars annually for maintenance items and the odd accessory upgrade

What Does the Total Picture Look Like?

If you’re travelling for around 40 nights a year (roughly 8–10 trips) with a mix of powered sites and free camping, and you’ve financed a mid-range van:

• Finance repayments: ~$12,000–$15,000 per year
• Insurance + registration: ~$1,500–$2,000 per year
• Service and maintenance: ~$600–$800 per year
• Camping fees (40 nights average): ~$1,600–$2,400 per year
• Total annual outlay: roughly $16,000–$20,000

Compared to a family of four flying return to a destination, staying in hotels and eating out for 40 nights across the year, caravanning starts to look very competitive — especially once the van is paid off and the trips keep coming for years.

Ready to Run the Numbers?

Use our repayments calculator to get a realistic monthly figure, then explore the Jayco range to find the van that fits your budget and lifestyle. Our dealers can also walk you through Jayco Financial Services finance options and Jayco Platinum Caravan Insurance in detail — find your nearest dealer here.