Trailers are financed the same way as trucks and other commercial assets — usually via a chattel mortgage, with the lender funding the purchase and you owning the trailer from settlement. Because a trailer is often bought alongside a prime mover, it's easy to assume the two have to be financed together, but that's not the case: a trailer can be its own finance contract with its own term, rate and balloon, which is useful when you're adding a unit to an existing fleet rather than buying a complete new rig.
Flat-tops, tautliners, curtain-siders, tippers, drop-decks and refrigerated trailers are all financeable, new or used. Trailers tend to hold their value well when maintained, which is why longer terms and balloon structures are commonly available — the calculator above lets you model either.
For a trailer used in the business, the interest portion of chattel mortgage repayments is generally tax deductible, and the trailer itself is typically depreciable. Confirm your position with your accountant.
Trailers do the carrying work in Australian road freight — from a single flat-top behind a rigid to B-double sets on interstate runs. Operators often add or replace trailers more often than prime movers, as contracts change and new freight comes along. That makes standalone trailer finance a common deal in its own right.
A broker who compares across a panel can match the term and balloon to how long you plan to run each trailer, instead of forcing it into the same contract as your truck.
There's no fixed limit. It depends on the trailer, your business and how the loan is set up. Lenders typically look at:
Worked example (example only, not a quote): Using the calculator's starting figures — a $60,000 trailer, no deposit, a five-year term and a 20% balloon — the loan amount is $60,000. Your regular repayments pay off $48,000 of it plus interest, and the $12,000 balloon is due at the end. Use the calculator above for your figures.
Five steps, from first enquiry to hooking up.
Budget Finance is a credit representative (Credit Representative 565565) of Connective Credit Services Pty Ltd, Australian Credit Licence 389328. All applications are subject to the lender's assessment and approval.
Most business trailers are financed with a chattel mortgage: the lender pays for the trailer, you own it from settlement, and you repay over a set term. Start with an enquiry or the calculator above. A broker then gathers your ID, ABN details and bank statements or financials, plus the trailer's invoice or the seller's details. The trailer can be its own loan, or financed with a truck you're buying at the same time.
Usually photo ID, an active ABN, recent business bank statements or financials, and the trailer details. For a dealer sale that's the tax invoice. For a private sale it's the seller's details and the trailer's VIN, so it can be checked before settlement. Newer businesses may be asked for more, such as tax returns or details of the work the trailer will do.
The cost depends on the interest rate the lender offers you, the loan term and any balloon. Your rate is set after the lender assesses the trailer's age and type, your trading history and your credit history. A longer term or bigger balloon lowers each repayment but adds interest over the loan. Use the calculator above to compare repayments, then your broker confirms real pricing once a lender has assessed you.
Sometimes — it depends on what happened, how long ago, and how your business is going now. Some lenders will look past older credit problems, especially if they've been paid and your recent bank statements are clean. A deposit or a solid trading history can help. Be upfront with your broker about any defaults or late payments, so the application goes to a lender whose rules fit.
Yes — if the trailer is used in your business, it can usually be financed the same way as a freight trailer. That includes tipper trailers, plant and tag trailers for moving machinery, and food or coffee trailers. Lenders look at the trailer's value and resale market, so a common, well-built unit is easier to finance than a one-off custom build. A small trailer can also be added to a bigger loan, such as for the vehicle that tows it.
Yes — trailers are commonly financed as a standalone asset, separate from the truck or prime mover pulling them. This is useful when you're adding a trailer to an existing fleet or replacing one unit without touching the rest of your equipment.
Some lenders will combine a truck and trailer into a single finance contract if they're purchased together, which can simplify admin, though many operators prefer to finance them separately so each asset's term matches its own expected working life. Try our truck finance calculator alongside this one to compare.
Flat-tops, tautliners, curtain-siders, tippers, drop-decks, refrigerated trailers and specialised trailers are all financeable, new or used, through a dealer or private sale.
Trailer finance terms commonly run from 1 to 7 years. Because well-maintained trailers last a long time, longer terms and balloon structures are often available — but matching the term to your actual usage plans usually gives the most sensible overall cost.
For a trailer used in the business, the interest portion of chattel mortgage repayments is generally deductible and the trailer itself typically depreciable. Confirm your specific position with your accountant.
No dealer requirement at all — a dealer sale, private sale, buying from a friend or relative, even a Facebook Marketplace listing, are all fine. Private sales just involve a couple of extra verification steps that we handle for you before settlement.