Compare Trailer Finance from 50+ Australian Lenders
Finance utility, flatbed, refrigerated and specialised trailers with flexible loan structures. Competitive rates, fast approvals, and options tailored to business needs.
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Trailer Finance Made Simple
From logistics fleets to farm equipment, the right trailer is essential for efficiency. Finance designed to fit cash flow, asset life and business growth.
Borrow With Confidence
From $5,000 up to $250,000+ depending on trailer type and business profile
Flexible Terms
1 to 7 year terms with optional balloons/residuals
Fast Approvals
Same-day approvals possible for eligible applications
New or Used
Finance trailers from dealers, auctions or private sellers
Tax-Smart Structures
Chattel mortgage, hire purchase, finance lease available
Customised Fit-Outs
Finance refrigerated units, shelving, hydraulic lifts or branding
How it works
We match your application to lenders that specialise in trailer finance so you can compare rates, terms and structures with confidence.
Apply online in 3 minutes
Provide your business details, trailer type and budget.
See matched options
Our Lender Match tool compares loan structures and rates side-by-side.
Upload documents
Submit ID, ABN/GST details and recent bank statements (financials for larger facilities).
Settle & collect
We arrange settlement so you can pick up or deploy your trailer faster.
Backed by over 50+ lenders
Giving you the best chance of being approved.
A quick guide to trailer finance
Trailer finance helps Australian businesses secure essential haulage equipment without depleting working capital. Structures include chattel mortgage (ownership from day one), hire purchase (ownership transfers at end), and finance lease (use during the term, with a residual). Loan size and pricing depend on business turnover, credit profile and trailer type—whether it’s a flatbed, refrigerated, livestock or enclosed unit. Many lenders allow balloons to keep repayments affordable while aligning costs with the trailer’s useful life. Trailer finance is widely used across logistics, construction, agriculture and mobile services.
Want to skip ahead?
This guide is broken down into sections. Click below to skip ahead.
Types of trailer finance
Choose a structure aligned to ownership, tax treatment and cash flow:
Chattel Mortgage
A secured loan where you own the asset from day one while the lender holds a mortgage over it as security. Perfect for business equipment, vehicles, and machinery purchases.
Pros
- Immediate ownership of the asset
- Tax benefits - claim GST credits and depreciation
- Flexible repayment terms available
- Lower interest rates due to security
Cons
- Asset serves as security - risk of repossession
- Comprehensive insurance typically required
- Ongoing maintenance responsibilities
Best For
Established businesses looking to purchase equipment, vehicles, or machinery with immediate ownership and maximum tax benefits.
Hire Purchase
A financing arrangement where you hire the asset with an obligation to purchase it at the end of the term. Combines the benefits of gradual ownership with manageable monthly payments.
Pros
- Guaranteed ownership at term completion
- Fixed monthly payments for budgeting
- No large upfront capital required
- Tax benefits available during the term
Cons
- No ownership until final payment made
- Higher total cost than outright purchase
- Asset cannot be sold during the term
- Early termination may incur penalties
Best For
Businesses that want eventual ownership of assets but need to spread the cost over time, particularly suitable for essential equipment with long useful life.
Finance Lease
A lease agreement where you use the asset throughout the lease term with the option to purchase it at the end. Ideal for businesses wanting to preserve cash flow while accessing essential equipment.
Pros
- Lower upfront costs and deposits
- Preserves working capital and credit lines
- Tax deductible lease payments
- Option to purchase at lease end
Cons
- No ownership until lease completion
- Total cost may be higher than outright purchase
- Early termination penalties may apply
Best For
Growing businesses that need equipment access without large capital outlay, or companies wanting to preserve cash flow for operations.
Operating Lease
A rental agreement for business equipment where you use the asset for a set period without ownership obligations. Perfect for equipment that becomes obsolete quickly or seasonal business needs.
Pros
- No ownership responsibilities or risks
- Lower monthly payments than finance options
- Easy upgrades to newer equipment
- Tax deductible lease payments
Cons
- No equity built in the asset
- No ownership at lease end
- Limited customisation options
- Ongoing payment obligations
Best For
Businesses needing short-term equipment access, companies in rapidly evolving industries, or those wanting predictable operating expenses without ownership risks.
What can I use trailer finance for?
Trailers support industries across Australia—from farms to freight. Finance can cover many use cases:
Logistics & Transport
Flatbed and enclosed trailers for freight, distribution and courier businesses.
Construction & Building
Haul heavy machinery, tools and building materials between sites.
Agriculture & Farming
Livestock, crop and machinery trailers designed for rugged rural use.
Event & Exhibition
Transport staging, AV gear and displays between venues with secure enclosed trailers.
Mobile Food & Retail
Finance custom-built trailers for food trucks, coffee vans or pop-up shops.
Waste & Recycling
Specialised trailers for transporting waste, recyclables or heavy bins.
Case Study
Bill H, Harrison Farms
Flexible repayments with a balloon
Industry: Agriculture
Challenge: Needed a livestock trailer upgrade without heavy upfront costs.
Solution: Chattel mortgage, 60-month term with 25% balloon aligned to resale value.
A Queensland cattle farmer financed a new livestock trailer through Emu Money. The balloon structure kept monthly repayments low while allowing working capital to be directed towards feed and farm operations. The balloon is expected to be largely offset by the trailer’s resale value at term end.
How much can I borrow with trailer finance?
Typical facility sizes range from $5,000 to $250,000+ depending on trailer type and business profile. Many lenders finance up to 100% of purchase price for new trailers (including fit-outs), while older or specialised units may attract lower LVRs and shorter terms. Pricing depends on turnover, stability and credit health.
Trailer Finance Repayment Calculator
Estimate repayments and total costs before you apply. Adjust amount, term, rate and balloon to suit your budget.
Balance over time
Am I eligible for trailer finance?
Eligibility focuses on serviceability and trailer suitability. Newer and well-maintained trailers usually qualify for sharper pricing. Strong cash flow, stable turnover and clean credit improve approval odds.
You may be eligible if you are:
An Australian business with an active ABN (GST preferred for larger limits)
Over 18 years old
Trading for at least 6–12 months (start-ups considered case-by-case)
Minimum monthly turnover of $5,000–$10,000
Purchasing an eligible trailer (flatbed, enclosed, refrigerated, livestock, utility)
How to apply for trailer finance?
Apply online in minutes and upload documents. We compare multiple lenders and coordinate settlement so your trailer is ready for use quickly.
Documents you may need:
ABN and GST details
Photo ID (licence or passport)
Business bank statements (3–6 months)
Tax returns/BAS for larger limits
Trailer details (VIN, invoice, or quote)
How to save money on trailer finance
Compare loan structures as well as rates—chattel mortgage vs lease vs hire purchase can change repayments and tax outcomes. Balloons/residuals can lower monthly repayments but should align with expected resale value. Bundle accessories or modifications (hydraulic lifts, refrigeration units, branding) at settlement to finance them at the same rate. Newer trailers usually attract sharper pricing, while avoiding unnecessary add-ons reduces long-term costs.
Example: Balloon impact — $40,000 over 60 months at 8.49% p.a.:
| Balloon | Approx. Monthly Repayment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
$0 | $822 | Highest monthly cost |
10% ($4,000) | $740 | Lower monthly cost |
20% ($8,000) | $658 | Balanced cost vs cash flow |
30% ($12,000) | $576 | Lowest monthly cost; resale expected to cover balloon |
Understanding trailer finance options
Trailer finance can be tailored to match ownership goals, repayment style and upgrade cycles. Key options include:
Secured vs Unsecured
Most trailer loans are secured against the trailer itself, reducing risk and interest rates. Unsecured loans exist but with higher costs.
Balloon/Residual Payments
Lower monthly costs by deferring a lump sum to the end—payout, refinance, or trade-in when due.
Fixed vs Variable Rates
Fixed rates give budgeting certainty. Variable rates may save money if market rates fall, but add risk if they rise.
Early Repayment Flexibility
Some lenders allow early payout or extra repayments; others charge fees. Check before signing if upgrades are planned.
Bundled Modifications
Custom features like refrigeration, shelving, or hydraulic lifts can often be financed alongside the trailer itself.
Testimonials
Verified Review
It was an absolute pleasure dealing with Ryan from Emu Money in sorting out my car loan. I was talking with another broker and I was almost ready to settle the loan through him without realising I was getting charged a large amount as the lender fee, almost 3K. Once I started talking with Ryan I realised the naked truth of how I was about to get ripped off by the other lender. Ryan helped me to get the loan with a lesser fee, lesser repayment amount and the same lender with which I was gone with the first broker. I can't thank enough Ryan for his exceptional service which helped to get a better deal. I would highly recommend him for any loan needs.
Praveen P.
Verified Review
Fantastic experience. Very seamless process, all done online and settlement was exactly when required. Highly recommend Adam. He was a pleasure to do business with on our first loan with Emu Money.
Vicki
Verified Review
Huge thanks to Evette at Emu Money for hooking me up with an amazing car finance deal — absolute legend! Very knowledgeable, went above and beyond, made the whole thing easy and saved me a ton. Couldn’t be happier!
Scott D.
Verified Review
I had Baron as my broker for a car loan, and the entire process was incredibly smooth and straightforward. All I had to do was answer a few questions and provide the necessary documents — Baron handled the rest. Before I knew it, I was finalizing the paperwork for my new car. Highly recommend — really appreciate all your help, Baron!
Donna C.
Verified Review
In today's world, finding someone truly committed to their work and dedicated to their clients' best interests is rare. Brad has been one of the best brokers I’ve ever worked with. His communication is exceptional, his understanding of my needs was spot-on, and he went above and beyond to ensure I had exactly what I needed for my business to thrive. Thank you, Brad—I’ll definitely be reaching out again in the near future!
Wesley C.
Verified Review
Clint G.
Frequently Asked Questions
Business Trailer Finance FAQs
These helpful FAQs will help you find the answers you need. If you can't find what you're looking for, you can request a callback below.
