Silverado 1500 GVM 2026: What's Changed for the MY26i?
There’s been an important change to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in Australia. For the updated MY26i Chevrolet Silverado 1500, General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) has increased the factory Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) from 3,300kg to 3,505kg. The change applies to Silverado 1500s entering local right-hand-drive remanufacturing production from 1 August 2026.
Silverado 1500 GVM 2026: What's the New Factory Rating?
If you're researching Silverado 1500 GVM 2026 changes, there are two important updates to know about. Chevrolet has increased the factory GVM to 3,505kg, while Offroad Industries has secured federal approval for its aftermarket GVM upgrades on the new MY26i model.
That means the latest Silverado leaves the factory with an additional 205kg of GVM capacity compared with the previous model. Which has increased the factory payload to:
Model | Previous GVM | MY26i GVM | MY26i Maximum Payload |
Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium | 3,300kg | 3,505kg | 942kg |
Silverado 1500 ZR2 | 3,300kg | 3,505kg | 922kg |
For Silverado owners carrying touring equipment, accessories or tow ball weight, that extra capacity is useful. But it doesn't make aftermarket Silverado 1500 GVM upgrades redundant.
Importantly, this isn't an aftermarket GVM upgrade. It's a new factory-certified specification for the MY26i Silverado 1500. So, if you've recently purchased a Silverado or you're waiting for one to arrive, it's important to confirm which specification your vehicle has before comparing GVM figures or choosing an aftermarket GVM upgrade.
Why Did Chevrolet Increase the Silverado 1500 GVM?
The MY26i Silverado 1500 has moved from an NA vehicle classification to NB1. Joining the RAM 1500 and Toyota Tundra, which are also classified as NB1 medium goods vehicles.
Why increase the GVM at all? The change could be about more than just payload. Moving into the NB1 category also changes which Australian Design Rules (ADRs) the vehicle must comply with, including certain safety and emissions requirements.
According to GoAuto, the new classification allows Chevrolet to avoid certain pedestrian-detection Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) requirements under ADR 98/01. However, the change also has implications for emissions regulations. Vehicles above 3,500kg currently fall outside the scope of Australia's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).
Does the New Factory GVM Mean I Don't Need a GVM Upgrade?
Not necessarily. The new 3,505kg GVM gives Silverado owners an extra 205kg of carrying capacity, but there's an important catch. Chevrolet hasn't increased the Silverado's Gross Combination Mass (GCM) alongside its GVM.
GCM is the maximum combined weight of your vehicle and whatever you're towing. Because this limit hasn't changed, the extra GVM doesn't mean you can carry more weight and still tow the same amount.
Adjust the sliders below to see how close you might get to your GCM when towing.
That's why a GVM upgrade alone isn't always the complete solution, particularly for owners towing heavy caravans, boats or trailers. Depending on how you use your Silverado, a combined GVM and GCM upgrade may be a better option, allowing you to increase your vehicle's carrying capacity without being as restricted by the factory GCM.
Can You Still GVM Upgrade a MY26i Silverado 1500?
The factory GVM increase from 3,300kg to 3,505kg is good news for Silverado owners. But for those needing more carrying capacity, bigger lifts (or larger tyres) there's even better news.
Offroad Industries has now received federal approval for its entire Silverado 1500 GVM upgrade range on the new MY26i model. That includes more than just increased GVM and GCM capacities. Offroad Industries also offers federally approved suspension upgrades that allow you to legally run:
Silverado 1500 LTZ: Up to a 6-inch lift with 37-inch tyres.
Silverado 1500 ZR2: Up to a 4-inch lift with 37-inch tyres.
Want to know more about these bigger lift options? Read our guide to legal 6-inch lifts and 37-inch tyres for the Silverado 1500
BAW Automotive is an authorised Offroad Industries GVM installer in Brisbane. Whether you're looking for more payload, better towing capabilities or a bigger lift, we can help you choose the right upgrade for how you use your Silverado.
Get a Quote for a Silverado 1500 GVM Upgrade
