GVM Upgrades

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR Tow VEHICLE

Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) Upgrades

The topic of GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) can often get complicated when talking towing, that’s why it’s important to talk to an expert in towing!

A GVM upgrade through the Towing Performance Centre can improve load capacity on a vehicle, this is typically required when wanting to kit out your vehicle past the vehicle manufacturers stock GVM.

Importance of a Vehicle GVM Upgrade

A GVM upgrade allows more scope for accessories like bull bars, long range tanks, roof racks etc but still has its limitations, especially when towing. If towing you will often see the most benefit from a GVM upgrade when towing a lighter weight Caravan or Camper that is well under the Brake Towing Capacity.

This mean you have plenty of additional weight to play with before nearing the critical towing weight restrictions. As well as GVM, it is important to understand the effects of GCM (Gross Combination Mass), Axle Capacities, Ball Weights and Brake Towing Capacity.

Most importantly, exceeding a vehicles approved GVM could lead to a costly fine, void your insurance and make your vehicle unsafe.

GVM Upgrade Options

At the Towing Performance Centre we install a variety of GVM upgrade kits from reputable brands including JMACX, Pedders & Old Man Emu.

JMACX GVM & GCM UPGRADES

Australia’s leading suspension specialists for the Toyota Landcruiser and the innovators of the bolt in coil conversion, we have you covered from leaf to coil suspension true GVM options from 3900 to 6000 and legal lift of up to 4 inches and 35 inch tyres.

JMACX also offer a range of upgrades for Ford Ranger and Dodge Rams.

PEDDERS GVM+

Pedders offer GVM+ suspension upgrade solutions for selected vehicle models to assist in compliance for GVM ratings. Pedders GVM+ Upgrade Kits are all fully certified to ensure motor vehicle insurance, warranty and O.H.& S. requirements are maintained.

Through exhaustive and detailed testing, the Pedders GVM+ Upgrade Kits have been approved by the Federal Department of Infrastructure and Transport. In fact every GVM+ kit produced by Pedders undergoes extensive stability control testing as part of our rigorous R & D processes.

OLD MAN EMU

To assist in providing greater flexibility in managing load variations, Old Man Emu GVM & axle capacity upgrades are available for the most popular 4×4 models.

An approved suspension system and GVM upgrade compliance plate allows your vehicle to be registered according to its new, increased GVM. This process ensures that your vehicle is GVM legal in all states of Australia.

Previous GVM Upgrades

Looking for some inspiration for your vehicle? Here’s just a few examples of vehicles that have had GVM upgrades completed through the Towing Performance Centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • If your vehicle is exceeding its payload ratings, or you are planning to carry more than these figures you will need a GVM upgrade. Not only does exceeding these amount make your vehicle unroadworthy, it is dangerous & voids insurance.

    Given everyone has a unique towing situation, it is best to talk to the professionals and get a full weight assessment before deciding if a GVM upgrade is required.

  • Yes, GVM upgrades are legal in Australia provided the modifications are certified by consulting with an approved engineer in your relevant state or territory.

  • A GVM upgrade does not legally increase your vehicles total towing capacity. To increase your vehicles towing capacity you will require a GCM (Gross Combined Mass) upgrade.

  • In most cases you will be required to upgrade your vehicles tyres with a GVM upgrade. As tyres are load rated, when upgrading your vehicles gross mass you need to consider the extra weight your tyres encounter.

Think a GVM upgrade is right for you? Have a chat with the experts at the Towing Performance Centre today to see if a GVM is right for your vehicle. Complete the booking form below or give us a call on 07 3624 3821.