The amount of weight your vehicle carries has an impact on its safety and handling. This typically isn’t a challenge with passenger cars – but it’s a common problem for off-road and light fleert vehicles.
When you’re loading up the 4×4 with custom canopies, heavy wheels, camping gear and the whole family, it’s easy to exceed the manufacturer’s GVM. Happily, there is a solution.
So what does a GVM upgrade do? A GVM upgrades allow you to increase the amount of weight your vehicle can carry safely. That makes it possible to take the family, the dog and the kitchen sink on your next trip!
In this article, we’ll see what a GVM upgrade does and answer some of our most frequently asked questions.
What is Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)?
Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is the maximum loaded weight of a vehicle. The GVM is calculated by adding together the vehicle’s curb weight and its payload capacity.
For example, a Toyota LandCruiser 70 series weighs 2,205kg and has a payload capacity of 1,305kg, giving it a GVM of 3,510kg.
The manufacturer’s stated GVM is the safe operating limit. Driving a vehicle that weighs more than the GVM is dangerous. It alters the handling characteristics of the vehicle, reduces braking performance, and can make vehicles more prone to rollovers and accidents.
Note that GVM is separate from Gross Combination Mass (GCM). GCM is the maximum loaded weight of a tow vehicle and any trailers it’s towing.
How does a GVM upgrade work?
Like the name suggests, a GVM upgrade increases the maximum Gross Vehicle Mass. This allows you to carry more load without negatively impacting handling, performance and braking.
GVM upgrades must be installed, inspected and approved by an appropriately qualified person.
GVM upgrades are common on 4WDs that are used for work or recreational purposes. While vehicles like the LandCruiser have a large GVM, it’s easy to exceed the limit with bullbars, canopies, uprated wheels and tyres, accessories and other equipment. Installing a GVM upgrade increases the amount of equipment you can carry while ensuring your vehicle is safe to drive.
Installing a GVM upgrade does not increase the GCM. A vehicle’s GCM considers more than the vehicle’s weight – it’s also calculated based on factors such as braking capacity. Upgrading GCM requires additional modifications to suspension, brakes, tyres, wheels and other items.
The Durashock GVM Upgrade Process
The process of installing a Durashock GVM raised suspension upgrade kit depends on the make and model of your vehicle. Our professional GVM upgrade kits include upgraded suspension components (e.g. leaf springs and/or shock absorbers) as a complete package that’s engineered to suit most popular 4×4 vehicles.
All Durashock GVM systems comply with current state regulations. You can read our warranty policy here: https://driveline.com.au/policies-tc/
The Benefits of GVM Upgrades
Investing in a GVM upgrade provides several major benefits:
- Increased load capacity – GVM upgrades can substantially increase a vehicle’s load limit. This is especially useful for fleets that frequently carry large and heavy equipment, such as mining vehicles.
- Improved handling under load – Carrying heavy loads (including attachments such as ute canopies and bar work) can negatively impact a vehicle’s handling and safety. GVM upgrades improve handling in these conditions.
- Improved safety – Improving handling also improves braking, steering and responsiveness. This ensures drivers are safe behind the wheel.
- Better access to load areas – GVM upgrade kits typically provide a small lift to the vehicle’s ride height. This makes it easier to access doors and load areas.
GVM upgrades are suitable for both passenger and commercial vehicles. If you like to hit the trails for a weekend of camping, or if you need to carry heavy equipment to your worksite, GVM upgrades are ideal.
FAQs
High quality GVM upgrades should improve handling, especially when the vehicle is carrying a heavy load.
The GVM upgrade kits supplied and installed by Driveline provide a minimal increase to ride height. Excessive height increases can negatively affect the on- and off-road handling of your vehicle.
Avoid GVM upgrade kits that increase the GVM by increasing the ride height.
A professional GVM upgrade should not affect ride quality.
The right GVM upgrade should be tuned to match your vehicle and the loads you carry. Matching the spring rate to your vehicle prevents it from becoming overly bouncy or stiff on the road.
Driveline’s GVM upgrade kits for Toyota LandCruiser and Hilux can increase your GVM by up to 600kg. Speak with our team to find out what options we have for your vehicle.
Stay Safe On and Off-Road with Durashock GVM Upgrades from Driveline!
Upgrading your vehicle’s GVM is the best way to improve performance, safety and handling while on the off the beaten path. If you’re a weekend warrior headed on your next camping trip, or a fleet manager that needs solutions for hundreds of vehicles, Driveline can help.
Driveline is an Australian owned manufacturer, importer and installer of GVM upgrade kits. We’ve designed our own range of GVM upgrades for some of Australia’s favourite utes and 4WDs, including the Hilux and LandCruiser.
Our GVM upgrade kits are tested to improve performance, braking and handling while on the road. That allows you to carry heavy loads in total safety.
Contact our team to find out more about GVM upgrades for your vehicle!
