A GVM upgrade involves a professionally fitted aftermarket suspension system to increase how much weight your 4×4 can legally carry. GVM upgrades can be a great option for drivers who frequently haul tools, camping gear, or go off-roading.
After over two decades of building and tuning 4WDs, I’ve seen when GVM upgrades make the most sense.
If you’re wondering “what is a GVM upgrade” and “is it worth it for my 4WD”, here’s what you need to know.
What Does GVM Mean?
Gross vehicle mass refers to the combined mass of the vehicle and the amount of weight it can legally carry. This includes the weight of any gear, tools, equipment, and passengers.
Hauling long-range fuel tanks, camping gear, or bulky tools can quickly have you pushing a vehicle’s weight limit.
This is where a Gross Vehicle Mass upgrade can be beneficial. A GVM upgrade is a custom modification process that legally increases a vehicle’s maximum weight capacity. This is accomplished by replacing factory springs, control arms, and shocks with heavy-duty aftermarket options.
Done properly, a GVM upgrade can enable you to legally and safely carry more gear or tow a caravan with ease.
What’s Involved in a GVM Upgrade?
A GVM upgrade typically involves:
- Replacing stock suspension components with heavy-duty shocks and springs
- Swapping out the factory springs
- Upgrades to the tyres and rims to handle the higher load capacity
- Brake upgrades
- Replacement axles
- Appropriate certification and documentation (more on this later)
- Upgrades to handling components
When You Need a GVM Upgrade
If you frequently haul heavy loads or go off-roading, a GVM upgrade can give you peace of mind.
Here are some common scenarios where I recommend a GVM upgrade:
- Safety and Legal Reasons: Are you frequently carrying close to or more than your vehicle’s weight limit? This can lead to legal issues, voided insurance, voided warranties, and poor handling. A GVM upgrade can allow you to legally and safely carry more weight.
- Enhanced Performance: Want improved steering response, better stability, and reduced suspension sag? A GVM upgrade can give you the performance you want out of your 4×4.
- Thrill Seekers: Love off-roading like I do? A GVM upgrade lets you head into the outback with total confidence in your 4×4’s ability to handle the terrain. Tow your caravan or camping supplies with ease, knowing your 4×4 can easily and safely handle the load.
- For Towing Needs: Do you frequently tow a caravan? A certified GVM upgrade can give you the payload capacity needed to tow safely and efficiently.
- After Adding Bulky Accessories: Did you add a bull bar, roof rack, or drawer system to your 4×4? If so, you may be nearing the weight limit and in need of a GVM upgrade.
Legal Compliance and Certification
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
GVM Required Certifications in WA |
Driving a 4×4 over its set GVM is illegal in Australia. Western Australia enforces strict GVM upgrade regulations that can vary between states, so it’s important to choose a licensed installer.
Working with a properly certified installer ensures compliance with WA road laws and Australian Design Rules (ADRs). |
Pre or Post-Registration GVM Upgrades in WA |
GVM upgrades must be certified either before or after registration. Pre-registration upgrades update your vehicle’s GVM before it’s registered. Post-registration upgrades must be completed by a Licensed Vehicle Modifier (LVM) in WA.
Both pre and post-registration upgrades ensure your 4×4 meets state regulations and ADRs. |
Insurance Considerations for GVM Upgrades |
Driving a 4×4 that is over its legal GVM or modified by a non-certified installer is both illegal and unsafe. In the event of a crash, if your 4×4 is overloaded, your insurance may be voided.
Always notify your insurance provider of any modifications and provide proof of compliance. |
Installer Compliance
GVM upgrades must be completed by a certified Licensed Vehicle Modifier. To obtain LVM certification, installers must be approved by the WA Department of Transport.
This may seem like a hassle, but GVM upgrades are an upgrade that isn’t worth messing with on your own. A do-it-yourself Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) upgrade can seem like a good idea until you face financial, mechanical, or legal ramifications.
I’ve seen too many horror stories from self-installed GVM upgrades over the last couple of decades. The ones I see most are over-sprung 4x4s that are awful to handle and even dangerous when unloaded.
GVM upgrade kits often have a sky-high spring rate to compensate for the increased load weight. Yes, it does result in a vehicle that can effectively tow a lot more weight. However, when unloaded, the 4×4 is now over-sprung and a nightmare to drive.
Without accounting for the entire vehicle, DIY GVM upgrades can cause brake issues, stress on components, and accidents.
Modifying the vehicle yourself can also void your manufacturer’s warranty and insurance and leave you responsible for expensive repairs.
The only way to ensure your 4×4 is completely safe and road legal after a GVM upgrade is working with a LVM-licensed installer.
At Elite Tune, we work with approved kits from leading manufacturers and help you comply with the certification process. We ensure your 4×4 is road legal and ready to handle the upgrades without compromising on performance or longevity.
Complementary GVM Upgrades
A lot of installers treat GVM upgrades as a one-size-fits-all modification. I like to view GVM upgrades as one piece of the performance puzzle.
When I evaluate a vehicle for a GVM upgrade, I look at:
- The 4×4’s make and model
- Your towing needs, including what you’ll be carrying and how often
- Your recreational needs, such as frequent time spent off-roading
- Your tradie needs, if applicable
- How the added weight and components will affect the vehicle’s handling
- What wear-and-tear considerations need to be addressed to accommodate the added weight
Once I evaluate these considerations, I tailor a GVM upgrade to suit your towing, tradie, or recreational needs.
Here are common upgrades that pair well with a GVM upgrade:
- Tyres: Tyres are one of the first complementary upgrades I look at with GVM modifications. Meeting the new load-rating requirement often requires aftermarket tyres with appropriate load ratings.
- Suspension Lift Kits: Custom suspension upgrades are the ideal complement to GVM upgrades. Aftermarket suspension lift kits enhance handling, make towing easier, improve ride quality, and enhance durability.
- Bull Bars: Bull bars are another upgrade that complements a GVM upgrade well. If you’re a big off-roader, bull bars are a must. A GVM upgrade can ensure your 4×4 handles the extra weight of a bull bar.
- Snorkels: If you’re planning a GVM upgrade for frequent off-roading and adventurous water crossings, consider a snorkel.
Find out if a snorkel is a worthwhile upgrade for your 4×4 needs here: What Does a Snorkel Do on a Car?
Applications in Real-World 4WD Use
I’ve seen GVM upgrades benefit mining vehicles, caravan towing, and off-roading enthusiasts the most.
- Caravan Towing: GVM upgrades increase towing capacity and efficiency, making them a common choice for caravan towing. (Learn more here: Do I Need a Suspension Upgrade to Tow a Caravan?)
- Off-road Adventurers: Off-road enthusiasts like me will enjoy the improved handling, higher towing capacity, and smoother ride offered by a GVM upgrade.
- Mining: For mining applications, GVM upgrades provide the added durability and enhanced performance needed to navigate the unforgiving terrain.
You May Also Like: What Is a Mine Spec Vehicle & What Does It Include?
Fully Compliant Perth GVM Upgrades
A custom GVM upgrade can give your 4×4 increased towing capacity, better handling, and improved performance. Working with a licensed installer is crucial to avoid financial, legal, or mechanical issues.
At Elite Tune, our specialists are LVM-licensed and ready to safely and legally upgrade your 4×4’s GVM. Our aftermarket suspension kits are professionally fitted and compliant with all Australian Design Rules and regulations. Contact our 4×4 performance upgrade specialists to get a quote for your custom GVM upgrades tailored to your trade or recreational needs.
