Is GVM upgrade worth it?

Why it’s worth considering Upgrading the GVM of a vehicle makes it far easier to head off on a trip at a legal weight. This will keep you away from fines, any potential criminal charges, and will keep your insurance policy watertight.

What is involved in a GVM upgrade?

A typical GVM upgrade, depending on vehicle type, can range from around 300kg to more than 600kg in some cases. They typically consist of uprated front and rear springs and shock absorbers, which replace the original bolt-on equipment with no chassis modifications required.

Can you do a GVM upgrade?

GVM upgrades are a bit more straightforward on unregistered vehicles but can be done on registered vehicles through the process of consulting an engineer who is approved to assess and certify vehicle modifications, as mentioned above.

How much does a 200 series GVM upgrade cost?

The kit can only be fitted by an approved Lovells’ installer. The upgrade kit is expected to cost more than $3000, on top of around $3500 for the GVM upgrade.

Does a GVM upgrade mean you can tow more?

Does a GVM upgrade reduce my towing capacity? No. A GVM upgrade does not change how much weight your vehicle is legally allowed to tow, as it does not increase the Gross Combined Mass (GCM).

Does a GVM upgrade void warranty?

Vehicle warranty is not affected when a GVM Upgrade is fitted. A vehicle that carries weight or loads in excess of the manufacturers GVM or a vehicle that has had an increase in its ride height will have “accelerated” wear and tear on its driveline components.

Are GVM upgrades legal in all states?

That is, vehicles on the SSM approval list for towing capacity, GVM and GCM upgrades can continue to have modifications certified and remain registered in any state or territory. In-use vehicles registered in NSW, Victoria, SA and WA can also continue to have their GVM, GCM and towing upgrades approved at state level.

Does a GVM upgrade increase GCM?

GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) Upgrades Where things get ugly, is that if the GCM used to be the GVM plus Towing Capacity, does a GVM upgrade then increase the GCM? Simply put, it does not. Towing Capacity: 3500kg.

How heavy is a 200 series?

So, how heavy is the 200 series LandCruiser? The 200 Series LandCruiser’s gross vehicle weight is 7,385 pounds or 3350 kg.

Is Lovells GVM upgrade legal?

Importantly, this means that: Vehicles that Lovells has previously modified are legal in all States and Territories. Lovells is permitted to plate vehicles with gross vehicle mass (GVM) upgrades and towing capacity upgrades under the approved RVD (as stated in Lovells SSM approvals and as noted on current RVDs).

Is GCM upgrade legal?

According to Mr Davison, Lovells GCM and Braked Towing Capacity (BTC) upgrades are approved in NSW, Victoria, and South Australia. In Tasmania, GCM upgrades are allowed, but BTC increases are not.

Why do you need a GVM upgrade?

A GVM upgrade increases the allowable Gross Vehicle Mass and means that you can carry a bigger load without comprising performance or handling. Once you start wanting to add on extra equipment like bull bars, side steps, roof racks, camping gear you can very quickly exceed the legal limit for your vehicle’s GVM.