A motorhome can be financed by a private individual if the parties sign a loan contract, check the vehicle's administrative status, transfer the money traceably and declare the loan on formulaire 2062 when the amount exceeds 5 000 €.
A second-hand market banks follow poorly
Motorhomes and converted vans hold their resale value well, but banks are reluctant to finance a van converted by a private owner or a model over ten years old. A loan from a parent or friend lets you secure a used vehicle quickly.
Low-profile, A-class or campervan: impact on the loan
A converted van of around 40 000 € does not involve the same commitment as a new A-class motorhome above 100 000 €. The higher the sum, the more a detailed contract, or even a notarial deed, is justified to protect both parties.
Checking the registration and lien status
Before lending, ask the seller for the certificat de situation administrative (vehicle status certificate) or consult the official HistoVec history. It reveals a lien, an objection or a stolen vehicle; a pledged motorhome cannot be freely resold to repay the lender.
Maximum authorised weight and the driving licence
A category B licence allows you to drive a motorhome up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight. Above that, a C1 licence is normally required, so check this before borrowing for a heavy model the borrower would not be allowed to drive.
Writing a contract that names the vehicle
The contract states the registration number, chassis number, price and amount lent. As with a peer-to-peer motorbike loan, a clause can require the lender's consent before resale and assign the sale price to the outstanding balance.
Retention of title or a pledge on the motorhome
The parties can agree a pledge on the vehicle, recorded in the registration system, or keep the lender as co-owner until repayment. These arrangements have different legal effects; a notary or lawyer can help choose the right formula.
Running budget: insurance, servicing, storage
Specialist motorhome insurance, roadworthiness tests, habitation unit maintenance against leaks, winter storage and higher motorway toll classes all reduce repayment capacity and must appear in the plan shown to the family lender.
Fake motorhome sellers based abroad
Adverts offer recent motorhomes at half price, with a seller transferred to Scotland or Spain and delivery by a secure carrier in exchange for a deposit. This scheme resembles the scam involving transfers abroad.
Fictitious lenders in vanlife groups
Vanlife communities on Facebook and Instagram attract fake lenders promising fast financing in return for file fees or a gift card. Read our page on loan scams on social networks before replying to such offers.
Tax declaration and contract registration
Above 5 000 €, the borrower files formulaire 2062, the French loan declaration form, with their income tax return. The parties can also register the contract with the tax office for a fixed fee of 125 €, which gives it a certain date.
Covering the cost by renting it out
Some borrowers plan to rent their motorhome to other individuals to fund repayments. Rental income is taxable and the insurance must cover that use, so it is wiser not to build the schedule on uncertain seasonal earnings.
Early resale or a family disagreement
If a couple separates or the vehicle is sold before the loan ends, the contract should require early repayment of the balance. Without a written agreement, the lender would have to prove the debt before the tribunal judiciaire using mere bank statements.
Steps in privately financing a motorhome
- Check the gross vehicle weight of the chosen model and the borrower's driving licence category.
- Obtain the vehicle status certificate or a HistoVec report before paying any deposit.
- See the motorhome in person, test the living area and compare the chassis number with the registration document.
- Sign a loan contract stating registration, amount, rate, schedule and resale conditions.
- Pay the seller by bank transfer and collect the signed certificate of sale.
- Declare the loan on formulaire 2062 if the amount lent exceeds 5 000 €.
Indicative costs of a private motorhome loan
| Item | Indicative amount | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Interest between individuals | Free, capped by the usury limit | Zero rate possible between relatives |
| Optional registration | 125 € (fixed fee, indicative) | Gives the contract a certain date |
| Vehicle status certificate | Free on the official service | Request it before buying |
| Annual insurance and servicing | Vary by model | Include in the budget |
| Deposit to a fake seller | Money lost | Common online fraud |
Paperwork to collect before signing
- Identity documents and proof of address for both parties
- Copy of the motorhome's registration document
- Recent vehicle status certificate
- Certificate of sale signed by the seller
- Loan contract and repayment schedule
- Vehicle insurance certificate
- Formulaire 2062 if more than 5 000 €
Common mistakes with a motorhome loan
- Paying a deposit for an unseen motorhome sold by a private seller supposedly living abroad who refuses any viewing.
- Lending for a model above 3.5 tonnes when the borrower only holds a category B licence.
- Overlooking a lien registered on the vehicle by a former creditor, discovered only at the time of resale.
- Paying file fees in gift cards to a lender met in a vanlife group online.
- Relying on seasonal rental to repay without checking the insurance cover or the tax treatment of that income.
Questions about financing a motorhome privately
Can a relative lend me 40 000 € for a converted van?
Yes, with a written contract setting out the amount, term and rate, and a traceable transfer. You will declare the loan on formulaire 2062. Optional registration at 125 € or a notarial deed strengthens the proof for a sum of this size.
Can the lender be named on the motorhome's registration document?
A registration document can be issued in the names of several co-holders. This gives the lender rights over the vehicle, but complicates resale and insurance. Seek advice from a notary or lawyer before choosing this solution.
How do I check that a used motorhome has no lien?
Ask the seller for the vehicle status certificate or the HistoVec report, which are free official documents. They show liens, objections and theft reports. A seller who refuses to provide them should make you walk away from the deal.
What should I do if I paid a deposit to a fake seller?
Alert your bank immediately to try to recall the transfer, file a complaint with the police or gendarmerie and report the advert on PHAROS. Keep the adverts, messages and payment receipts for the investigation.