trailers · Equipment & asset finance
Refrigerated trailer finance
The fridge unit ages faster than the trailer around it. We structure the finance so the term reflects the whole unit, not just the chassis.
What is refrigerated trailer finance?
Refrigerated trailer finance is funding for an insulated semi-trailer with a refrigeration unit, secured against the trailer. Reefer trailers carry chilled and frozen freight across Australia, and lenders assess the fridge unit and insulated body as major components of the asset value.
Refrigerated trailers do the long-haul work of the Australian cold chain: produce from regional growing areas to city markets, frozen goods between distribution centres, and pharmaceutical freight with tight temperature tolerances. The trailer body can last two decades, but the refrigeration unit typically needs a major service or replacement well before that, which is the main thing to plan for financially.
That timing difference matters when choosing a term. A seven-year finance term on a trailer with a fridge unit already at high hours can mean you are paying for the trailer while also funding a replacement unit out of cash flow. Your broker can look at whether funding a new or rebuilt unit at the same time as the trailer, on one contract, produces a cleaner outcome than dealing with it later.
Refrigerated trailer finance at a glance
| Typical price range | $60,000 – $250,000 |
|---|---|
| Finance term | Up to 84 months |
| Useful life | About 18 years |
| New or used | Used reefer trailers are common but body and unit condition varies widely; new builds suit operators needing multi-temperature compartments for supermarket work. |
| Indicative rates (Chattel mortgage) | 6.9% – 14.5% p.a. · rate history |
| Finance structures | Chattel mortgage (recommended), Trailer finance, Equipment loan |
How lenders assess refrigerated trailer finance
Lenders look at the refrigeration unit’s make, age and run hours as closely as the trailer itself, because a replacement unit is a substantial cost. Insulated panel condition and door seals also affect value. Operators with contracted supermarket, food service or pharmaceutical work are assessed favourably because income is predictable. Multi-temperature trailers are well regarded. Replacement fridge units fitted to an existing trailer can often be financed as an upgrade. Private sales require PPSR clearance before settlement.
Before you buy
- Ask for fridge unit run hours and service records; units past 20,000 hours may be approaching a major overhaul.
- Inspect the insulated panels for delamination and water ingress, which quietly destroy a body’s ability to hold temperature.
- Consider a multi-temperature build with movable bulkheads if you carry chilled and frozen on the same run.
Commonly financed
MaxiCUBE refrigerated van trailer · Vawdrey refrigerated trailer · Thermo King SLXi unit · Carrier Vector 1550 unit · Schmitz Cargobull reefer
Estimate refrigerated trailer repayments
- Number of repayments
- 60
- Balloon at end of term
- $31,000
- Total interest (est.)
- $43,876
- Total repaid (est.)
- $198,876
This calculator provides an estimate only and does not account for fees, charges or the specific terms a lender may offer. It is not financial advice or an offer of finance.
Key terms
What is refrigerated trailer finance?
Refrigerated trailer finance is a secured loan or lease used to buy an insulated trailer with a refrigeration unit, with the complete trailer as security. Terms commonly run 48 to 84 months and the fridge unit is funded with the trailer.
Can I finance a replacement fridge unit?
Often yes. Where you already own the trailer, some panel lenders will fund a replacement or rebuilt refrigeration unit as an upgrade secured against the trailer. The trailer’s value and your trading history determine whether this is available.