When it comes to towing in Australia, the standard 3500kg braked towing capacity might not always cut it—especially for serious off-roaders, touring setups, or anyone hauling heavy gear. If you’ve ever found yourself needing to tow a larger caravan, boat, or work trailer, with your LandCruiser you probably need a Braked Towing Capacity (BTC) Upgrades. Let's find out what that means.

What Is a BTC Upgrade?
A BTC upgrade increases your vehicle’s towing capability beyond the manufacturer’s standard limit. For example, Lovells BTC Upgrades can legally increase the braked towing capacity of certain vehicles up to 4000kg—allowing you to tow more while staying within legal and insurance limits.
BTC upgrades are engineered specifically for Australian conditions and must meet Australian Design Rules (ADR). That means they are fully compliant with state and territory transport regulations, so you won’t run into legal issues as long as the upgrade is certified before first registration or through an authorised engineer for already registered vehicles.

Why Would You Need a BTC Upgrade?
If you’re hauling a heavier caravan, horse float, work trailer, or a fully loaded off-road camper, you might exceed your vehicle’s factory towing limit—which can lead to fines, voided insurance claims, and safety risks. A BTC upgrade helps by:
· Legally increasing towing capacity to handle larger loads
· Ensuring insurance compliance (towing beyond legal limits could void your coverage)
· Keeping you safe by ensuring your suspension and braking systems can handle the extra weight
· Reducing wear and tear by distributing weight more effectively across the vehicle’s chassis

Is a BTC Upgrade Legal in All States?
Yes, BTC upgrades are legal in all states and territories, but there are some differences in how they are applied:
· NSW, VIC, SA, and TAS: Allow BTC upgrades if certified by an endorsed engineer.
· QLD: BTC upgrades can be approved under modification codes (LS11/LS15/LX1).
· WA, ACT, NT: DO NOT allow BTC upgrades beyond OEM limits after first registration.

Should You Get a BTC Upgrade?
If you need to tow more than 3500kg, a BTC upgrade is the only legal way to do it. However, keep in mind:
You MUST have a LOVELLS GVM UPGRADE
Not all states allow post-registration BTC upgrades.
A BTC upgrade won’t magically make your vehicle handle heavy loads better—you’ll still need good weight distribution and proper trailer brakes.
4x4s Compatible with Lovells BTC Upgrades
Lovells offers Brake Towing Capacity (BTC) upgrades for these popular 4x4 models:
Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series (from November 2007)
Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series
Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series (January 2017 - August 2022)
Ford Ranger Next Gen 3.0L V6 Diesel
Whether you're towing a large caravan, horse float, or heavy equipment, upgrading your BTC rating with Lovells ensures you're doing it legally and safely. Contact our team today to discuss your 4x4's upgrade options and get expert advice on the right solution for your towing needs.
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