GVM Upgrades and Suspension Solutions: Why It Matters for Your 4WD
- The BAW Team
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
Why GVM Upgrades Matter More Than You Think
At BAW Automotive, we get it—most people think about bar work, big tyres, or suspension lifts first. But arguably the most important mod you can make is a GVM upgrade.
GVM stands for Gross Vehicle Mass. It’s the maximum weight your vehicle can legally weigh when fully loaded—fuel, passengers, gear, the lot. And for many popular 4WDs, that legal limit is shockingly low. If you've fitted a bull bar, roof rack, drawers, fridge, or long-range tank, you're probably closer to your limit than you realise.
What Is Payload and Why Does It Matter?
Your payload is calculated as: GVM - Kerb Weight = Payload
Kerb weight is your vehicle in ready-to-drive condition but without passengers or load. Add a few accessories and your available payload disappears fast.
Here’s how quickly things add up on a 200 or 300 Series LandCruiser:
Bullbar: 50kg
Winch: 30kg
Roof rack: 30kg
Drawers & recovery gear: 60kg
Fridge, tools, water, and camping gear: 100kg+
Two passengers: 150kg
That’s well over 400kg gone already, and we haven’t added a caravan or trailer yet.
Why You Need a GVM Upgrade When Towing
Many people assume their vehicle’s 3500kg braked towing capacity is all that matters - but that’s not the whole story. When you hook up a van, the towball download (typically 10% of the trailer weight) pushes down on your rear suspension. That weight counts against your payload and GVM.
Let’s say you’ve got a 2000kg caravan. That’s potentially 200–250kg pressing directly into your GVM. Add in gear, passengers, and accessories, and you’re overloaded before you even hit the highway.
That’s where a GVM upgrade saves the day. With something like a Lovells 4205kg GVM Upgrade, you gain up to 925kg more payload, legally. This means you can pack more, tow with confidence, and stay insured.
Don’t Forget GCM – Gross Combination Mass
GCM is the total weight of your loaded vehicle AND your trailer combined. And here’s where many get caught out. You can’t just add max GVM and max towing capacity together.
Take a Ford Ranger V6 for example:
GVM: 3350kg
Braked Towing Capacity: 3500kg
GCM: 6400kg
That means: 6400 - 3350 = 3050kg leftover for the trailer. You’re already over if your van weighs more than that. Now subtract 250kg for towball downforce and you’ve got barely any breathing room.
Suspension Upgrades – Ride Quality Meets Load Carrying
A GVM upgrade isn’t just about carrying more weight—it’s about doing it safely and comfortably.
Suspension upgrades improve:
Stability under load
Off-road performance
Ride comfort on corrugated or uneven terrain
We fit premium suspension systems from Australia’s best, including Superior Engineering, Tough Dog, and Lovells. We tailor every system to your setup—no cookie-cutter kits here.
Legal Compliance & Safety – Why It’s Non-Negotiable
Any 4WD over its GVM is unroadworthy. That means:
You could be fined or defected
Insurance may not cover you in an accident
You’re putting yourself and others at risk
A GVM upgrade ensures you’re safe, legal, and protected. And at BAW, we do it right—with certified SSM-approved kits that meet all compliance standards in QLD and across Australia.
What Else Should You Consider?
State Regulations: Each state has its own rules on lift height, tyres, and GVM compliance. We’ll guide you through it.
Load Planning: We help plan your build to stay under your limits.
Pre-Reg vs. Post-Reg: Many upgrades must be done before first registration for full compliance.
Ready to Upgrade Your GVM?
We’ve built hundreds of compliant touring and towing rigs across Australia. Whether you’re towing a van, hauling tools, or heading off-grid, we’ll spec and fit the right setup for your needs.
Comments