Embarking on a campervan adventure is a dream for many outdoor enthusiasts and wanderlusters alike.
The freedom to roam wherever the road takes you, waking up to breathtaking views, and embracing a minimalist lifestyle on the go—it’s no wonder that campervan living has become increasingly popular.
However, financing such a venture can seem daunting. Fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various avenues for financing your dream campervan.
Can I finance a campervan conversion?
Yes, you can finance a campervan conversion. Some lenders offer specialised loans specifically for recreational vehicles, including campervans. These loans are typically similar to car loans or motorhome loans and can help you spread out the cost of purchasing a campervan over time.
When financing a campervan, you’ll need to go through a similar application process like any other type of loan. Lenders will assess factors such as your credit score, income, employment history, debt-to-income ratio, and the value of the campervan to determine your eligibility for financing and the loan terms.
It’s important to shop around and compare loan offers from different lenders to find the best terms and interest rates for your situation. Additionally, consider factors such as the down payment required, the length of the loan term, and any fees associated with the loan.
Financing a campervan is a significant financial commitment, so it’s essential to ensure you can comfortably afford the monthly payments and other expenses such as insurance, maintenance, and campground fees.
With careful planning and research, financing can be a convenient way to make your dream of owning a campervan a reality.
How to finance a campervan: step-by-step
1. Assess your budget
Before you start shopping for a campervan, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your budget. Consider how much you can afford to spend on the purchase, and ongoing expenses such as insurance, maintenance, fuel, and campground fees. Be realistic about what you can comfortably afford, factoring in both one-time expenses and monthly payments.
2. Price up the van and the conversion
The van and the conversion are usually two separate costs, although some van converters offer to source a vehicle and convert the van into one package. It’s important to get a solid figure of how much your van costs and your conversion costs to ensure you apply for the right amount of finance.
How much does a campervan conversion cost?
3. Check your credit score
Your credit score plays a significant role in determining your eligibility for financing and the interest rate you’ll qualify for. Before applying for a loan, check your credit score and take steps to improve it if necessary. A higher credit score can help you secure better loan terms and lower interest rates.
4. Explore financing options
Once you have a budget and an idea of the type of campervan you want, it’s time to explore financing options, such as cash, personal loans and vehicle finance.
5. Apply for finance
Once you’ve chosen a financing option, you can apply for a loan online, over the phone, or in person, depending on the lender’s preferences. You’ll need to provide personal and financial information, including your income, employment history, and any assets or debts.
6. Negotiate terms
After you’ve been approved for a loan, you may have the opportunity to negotiate the loan terms, including the interest rate, loan term, and down payment amount. Read the loan agreement carefully and ask questions about any terms you don’t understand.
7. Finalise the Purchase
Once you’ve agreed to the loan terms, you can finalise your agreement. This typically involves signing the loan documents and any other paperwork required by the lender. Once the paperwork is complete, you can begin your conversion and start enjoying your adventures on the road!
By following these steps and exploring your financing options, you can find the best way to finance your dream campervan and make it a reality.
What are my options when financing a van?
Here are some finance options for converting a van. Each finance option has different implications, and it’s important to ask your converter if they accept whatever finance option you choose.
1. Cash: cash is the best way to finance a van conversion project as you won’t pay any interest. However, a high-level conversion will cost anywhere between £20,000-40,000, and most people don’t have that type of money to hand.
2. Bank or credit union loans: traditional lenders such as banks and credit unions offer loans specifically for vehicle purchases, including vans. These loans often come with competitive interest rates and terms, especially for borrowers with good credit scores. You can apply for a loan directly from your bank or credit union, and if approved, you’ll make monthly payments until the loan is paid off.
3. Dealer financing: Many van dealerships offer financing options to customers through partnerships with lending institutions. Dealer financing can be convenient, as you can complete the purchase and financing process in one place. However, compare the terms and interest rates with other lenders to get the best deal. It’s also important to check that you can modify the vehicle, as some dealers won’t allow this.
4. Manufacturer financing: Some van manufacturers provide financing options directly to customers. These financing programs may offer special incentives or promotions, such as low-interest rates or cashback offers, to encourage purchases of their vehicles. Manufacturer financing can be a convenient option, but compare rates and terms with other lenders to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Manufacturer financing is more for people who want a ready-made campervan.
5. Online lenders: Many online lenders specialise in vehicle financing, including vans. These lenders often provide a streamlined application process and may offer competitive rates, especially for borrowers with good credit. Online lenders may also be more flexible in terms of eligibility requirements and loan terms.
6. Personal loans: If you can’t secure financing through traditional channels, consider taking out a personal loan to purchase a van. Personal loans typically have higher interest rates than vehicle loans, but they may be more accessible for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit or unconventional income sources.
7. Equity release
Another option if you own your home is to use equity release, in simple terms an advance loan payment on part of the value of your property. The most popular form of equity release is the lifetime mortgage, where the “loan” is paid back (with interest) only when the property is sold or the policyholder dies.
Before deciding on a financing option, assess your budget, compare rates and terms from multiple lenders, and consider your credit score, income, and how long you plan to keep the van.
You also need to disclose the full project, you don’t want to mislead a lender into thinking they’re funding one thing, only to do something completely different.
You can find the best solution to suit your needs and budget by researching and exploring different financing options.
What factors influence a finance application?
Several factors can influence the outcome of a car finance application. Lenders assess these factors to determine the borrower’s creditworthiness and ability to repay the loan. Here are some key aspects that can impact a car finance application:
Credit Score
Perhaps the most significant factor is the applicant’s credit score. Lenders use credit scores to evaluate the borrower’s credit history and gauge the risk associated with lending to them. A higher credit score indicates responsible financial behaviour and may increase the chances of approval for favourable loan terms. Conversely, a lower credit score may result in higher interest rates or even rejection of the application.
Income and employment
Lenders typically require proof of stable income and employment to ensure that the borrower has the means to repay the loan. A steady income stream demonstrates financial stability and reduces the risk of default. Applicants with higher incomes and longer employment histories may receive more favourable loan offers.
Debt-to-income ratio
Lenders assess the borrower’s debt-to-income ratio, which compares their monthly debt payments to their gross monthly income. A lower debt-to-income ratio indicates that the borrower has more disposable income to cover loan payments, making them a lower risk for lenders.
Deposit
The size of the down payment can significantly impact a car finance application. A larger down payment reduces the loan amount and shows the lender that the borrower is committed to the purchase. It also lowers the loan-to-value ratio, which can result in better loan terms.
Loan term
The length of the loan term can affect the likelihood of approval and the interest rate offered. Shorter loan terms typically come with lower interest rates but higher monthly payments, while longer loan terms may have lower monthly payments but higher overall interest costs.
Vehicle value
The value of the vehicle is another consideration for lenders. Newer or more valuable vans may be easier to finance because they serve as collateral for the loan. Conversely, older or less valuable vehicles may be more difficult to finance or may come with higher interest rates.
Loan type
The type of loan applied for can also impact the approval process. For example, secured loans, where the vehicle serves as collateral, may be easier to qualify for than unsecured loans. Additionally, specialised loans such as those for bad credit or first-time buyers may have different approval criteria.
Credit history
In addition to the credit score, lenders may review the applicant’s credit history for any past delinquencies, bankruptcies, or other negative marks. A clean credit history demonstrates responsible financial behaviour and increases the likelihood of approval.
Speak to us about your campervan conversion
If you want to convert a van into a camper and you’re unsure about how to do it, get in touch with us and we can go through your options and make your dream a reality!
