Whether you’ve been driving a truck for years, just got a new one for work or play, or are simply about to buy a new vehicle, a GVM upgrade is worth considering. It’s an investment worth making when you want to max out your stability and payload, but not everyone knows how this kind of upgrade works or whether it’s right for you. In the guide, we’ll cover how GVM upgrades are installed, what differences it makes, and why it’s one of the best upgrades you can choose for your truck.
What Is GVM?
GVM is an acronym for Gross Vehicle Mass, which refers to the maximum amount of weight your vehicle is legally allowed to carry. While this number might sound like it’s what you can load into the tub, it actually refers to the vehicle itself. That’s everything from the fuel, accessories, any gear you load on the back, and your passengers. When it comes to the total additional amount of weight you can carry on top of the truck’s weight, that’s referred to as the payload.
Your vehicle’s GVM is also a legal aspect when it comes to on-road safety and compliance. Once you exceed your GVM, whether that’s from too many extra parts or overly heavy gear in the tub, your vehicle is technically overloaded and no longer compliant. From a safety standpoint, it also impacts your control and ability to brake properly, meaning that for drivers wanting to haul heavy loads, a GVM upgrade is a necessity and not just nice to have.
Why GVM Matters for Modern 4WD Builds
Simple things like adding on a few extras like bull bars, electric sidesteps, and a roller shutter can significantly boost the amount of weight you’re carrying. Combining that with extra gear, your payload can get eaten up pretty quickly. When you want a heavy-duty, hard-hitting vehicle that’s suitable for loading up with a caravan for nationwide touring, or simply for carrying all your tools and equipment, a GVM upgrade ticks all the boxes.
Depending on the make and model of truck you drive and the GVM upgrade you opt for, you can increase your payload anywhere up to 199% on the original factory settings. You can add on gear with confidence knowing that you’re not only road-worthy and safe to drive, but are also protecting the integrity of your vehicle and still getting the best drive possible.
What Is a GVM Upgrade?
A GVM upgrade is essentially the process of adding new gear that reinforces and supports the frame and wheel base of your vehicle, in turn giving you a superior payload. Along with adding new components like suspension, leaf packs, coil overs and control arms, your truck will also need to be reassessed by a professional. This is to ensure you’ve got a great installation, but also to update your vehicle’s category where needed from NB1 to NB2. If you’re getting a new vehicle entirely and want to make sure it’s maxed out before you even hit the road, we can help.
When you upgrade before you’ve registered it (pre-rego approval), we become the secondary manufacturer. SSM (Second Stage of Manufacture) makes it easier to upgrade the way you want, while still ensuring it’s fully legal and safe to drive in every state and territory.
Key Benefits of a GVM Upgrade
If you’re still on the fence, here are the key benefits you can expect when you upgrade your hauling capabilities with a dedicated GVM upgrade:
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The first is obviously the huge increase in weight your truck can carry, with all of our Stages offering anywhere from a 50%+ increase, anywhere up to 200% more weight capacity than your factory settings.
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Better control on and off the road, even when you’ve got the tub loaded up with gear for work or hobbies.
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A boosted level of ground clearance for rugged terrain thanks to a new suspension system.
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Less sag even when you’re carrying plenty of weight, keeping things feeling smooth and safe no matter where the journey takes you.
What’s Included in a GVM Upgrade?
Each GVM upgrade you find will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, but also the Stage you opt for. You can check them out individually, but generally speaking, you’ll find a few key elements in each:
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Suspension upgrades, with ours being sourced from top brands like Fox and BDS.
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Heavy-duty coil overs as well as our own range of leaf packs.
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Performance shock absorbers.
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Upgraded control arms.
How the GVM Upgrade Process Works
When you’re ready to experience your vehicle’s real potential, go further, and take all your gear with you without breaking a sweat, here’s how it works:
Choosing your GVM upgrade kit:
You choose the Stage you want for your specific vehicle. If you’re unsure which one is best for you and your driving needs, you can always contact our team for a personal recommendation. The number of Stages we offer for each make varies. You’ll always find options that span entry-level GVM upgrades for more hauling potential for everyday essentials, through to serious and heavy-duty builds that are made for maximum performance and touring.
Installation:
Once you’ve chosen your GVM upgrade kit, you’ll then need to get it installed. Our authorised installers can help make sure everything is done perfectly and our prices are inclusive of the installation cost.
Paperwork and certification:
From there, you’ll need the final paperwork to be completed and signed off. Depending on whether you opted for the Pre-Rego option and SSM Approval, you may have limitations regarding local state and territory law. We can guide you through the best option for you before you get started. The certification is a must-have as it's a legal requirement for when you’re hitting the roads or the tracks in your new revved up truck.
Discover more, go further, and explore the range of top-quality and carefully engineered GVM upgrades with Offroad Industries online today.