GVM Upgrades

The GVM is the maximum weight of a vehicle when fully loaded. This includes everything bolted to it and ALL load in it, such as fuel, water, bull bar, tow bar, recovery gear, tray body, canopy, even the passengers.

When considering these issues, note that many manufacturers advertise a particular GTM, commonly 3500kg in recent times. This 3500kg is only available with a stock vehicle, and as you add accessories, load or passengers, this extra weight needs to be calculated and taken OFF the advertised maximum figure.

The GTM is not able to be increased, and may have to be reduced in some circumstances.

The GCM is no longer able to be increased, and this is a very important limit. If the GVM is upgraded, and the vehicle set-up takes up to the maximum weight, then the practical Towing capacity is reduced, as the Combined Mass is a fixed limit.

200 Series Landcruiser Standard

• GVM Total 3350kg
  
• GTM Total 3500kg
  
• GCM Total 6850kg
  
• OME GVM has 2 options, 3650kg or 3845kg.

If the vehicle weighs 3800kg loaded for a trip, after GVM is fitted, then the practical Towing Mass is only 3050kg, not the standard 3500kg, ie 3800 – 3350 = 450kg. Then 3500 – 450 = 3050kg.

This is a VERY important concept to come to grips with if you are approaching the limits of your vehicle’s capacity.

To discuss specific GVM issues surrounding your model 4×4, please make contact with one of our experienced staff.

We can increase the GVM either before or after registration.

All vehicles have a legal GVM as part of the vehicle manufacturer’s overall Australian Design Rules (ADR) approval. If your vehicle exceeds the GVM it will be most likely be uninsured and cannot be driven when detected, ie If you are found to be over-weight on a trip, the vehicle will need to be made compliant by reducing weight before it can be driven from that point. Unhook the Van and leave it or take gear out of the vehicle, or both! Highly inconvenient.

Old Man Emu, in its capacity as an Approved Secondary Manufacturer, has a range of GVM options for an ever increasing range of vehicles. This approval is gained by Old Man Emu engineers submitting detailed tests, not only on the OME suspension components and Kits, but the rest of the vehicles mechanical systems as well. Usually Braking Systems and Axle Loads.

It is possible to increase the GVM further by upgrading these other mechanical parts, which come with separate engineering compliance from other approved Secondary Manufacturers.

Once the approved OME suspension system and GVM upgrade Compliance Plate has been fitted by us, it can then be registered according to its new increased GVM. This process ensures that your vehicle is GVM legal across all states.

For registered vehicles, our SA Dept of Transport ‘Approved’ engineer will assess compliance.

After providing some basic vehicle details, the existing suspension components may require replacement with a new OME GVM Upgrade Kit, or it may be that some level of GVM Upgrade is possible with the existing aftermarket components.
At the end of the process, a SA Compliance Plate is fitted by us. At this point the vehicle will need to undergo a complete inspection by the Department at one of its testing stations. Note: If the vehicle has been registered for less than 12 months, this requirement is waived.

The SA Compliance is currently recognised in all States.

GVM rules have recently changed significantly, and further substantive changes are planned, so please consult with us before moving ahead.

As mentioned earlier, if GVM upgrade is required beyond just Suspension or if individual axle loads are greater than the Original Equipment (OE) specification, then there are Secondary Manufacturers that have replacement engineered mechanical components that will render the vehicle compliant once fitted.