What if your caravan could pay for itself? For thousands of Australians, listing on Camplify has turned a lifestyle purchase into a genuine income stream.
What if your caravan could pay for itself? For thousands of Australians, listing on Camplify has turned a lifestyle purchase into a genuine income stream — and smart buyers are now choosing vans with this in mind.
Most caravans sit idle for 10–11 months of the year. Garaged, maintained, insured, registered — but unused. That's changing fast.
The peer-to-peer hire economy has arrived in the caravan market in a serious way. Camplify, Australia's largest caravan sharing platform, now has over 10,000 vans available for hire across Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Spain. Owners are averaging $14,000–$22,000 per year in hire income on popular models in high-demand locations.
That changes the calculus on buying a caravan entirely.
The numbers: what can a caravan actually earn?
Earnings vary significantly based on location, van type, and how actively you manage bookings. Here's a realistic guide based on Camplify data:
| Van type | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camper trailer | $4,000–$6,000/yr | $7,000–$10,000/yr | $11,000–$14,000/yr |
| Pop-top caravan | $5,000–$8,000/yr | $10,000–$14,000/yr | $15,000–$20,000/yr |
| Full caravan | $7,000–$12,000/yr | $13,000–$18,000/yr | $19,000–$26,000/yr |
| Motorhome | $10,000–$15,000/yr | $16,000–$22,000/yr | $23,000–$32,000/yr |
Example: A well-presented 2019 Jayco Journey in the Sydney or Newcastle area could realistically earn $15,000–$18,000 per year. At that rate, a $55,000 van pays back its purchase price in under 4 years — and you still own it.
What makes a caravan earn well on Camplify?
1. Location matters most
The top-earning locations on Camplify Australia are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Gold Coast, Perth, Cairns and Airlie Beach, and the Adelaide Hills. If you're in a coastal region or major population centre — you're in good shape.
2. Sleeps 4–6 comfortably
Family-sized vans hire far more frequently than two-berth vans. Families are the biggest hirers on Camplify and they need the space.
3. Has an ensuite or at least a toilet
The most common filter hirers use is "toilet and shower." Vans without at least a portable toilet significantly limit their audience.
4. Air conditioning
Non-negotiable in QLD, WA, and most of NSW. Vans without aircon lose a large percentage of summer bookings — the highest-earning period.
5. Relatively modern (2015 or newer)
Hirers are more confident booking newer vans. Camplify's review system means newer, better-presented vans accumulate positive reviews faster — which drives more bookings.
The try before you buy angle
If you find a van on Camplify Xchange that's already listed as a hire van on Camplify, you can book a hire trip in it before committing to purchase. You'll experience exactly how it tows, how it sleeps, and whether the layout suits your family — plus you'll see firsthand how it's been maintained.
How the Camplify model works for owners
Once you buy a van, listing it on Camplify takes about an hour:
- Create your listing — photos, description, pricing, availability calendar
- Set your daily rate — Camplify provides pricing recommendations
- Manage bookings — you control your availability calendar
- Camplify handles the rest — payment processing, hirer verification, damage protection up to $20 million
- Get paid — earnings deposited within 24 hours of each trip starting
The investment case
A $60,000 caravan loan at 8% p.a. over 7 years costs around $940/month. A van earning $16,000/year nets approximately $1,133/month after estimated maintenance costs — meaning the van essentially services its own loan while building you an asset.
That's before you've used it yourself a single day.
Browse Camplify Xchange to find caravans with verified hire history and earnings estimates.
Part of the Camplify Xchange editorial team, sharing expert RV advice for Australian adventurers.