How to Get a Post-Registration GVM Upgrade in Australia

A post-registration GVM upgrade is an engineering and registration process for a vehicle that is already registered. The vehicle is assessed first to determine whether the proposed GVM is technically supportable, what modifications and evidence are required, and which certification pathway applies in the vehicle’s registration jurisdiction.

Pre-registration vs post-registration GVM upgrades

Pre-registration and post-registration GVM upgrades follow different pathways. A pre-registration upgrade is completed before the vehicle is first registered, while a post-registration upgrade is assessed and certified after the vehicle is already in service. The applicable requirements depend on the vehicle, proposed GVM and registration jurisdiction.

What information should I send the engineer?

make, model and year
VIN
registration jurisdiction
current GVM and axle ratings
existing modifications
proposed target GVM or intended operating mass
current or recent weights if available
relevant photos
towing or GCM requirements if they are part of the project

Buying a new LandCruiser 300 before first registration?
KME Vehicle Engineering also offers defined pre-registration pathways for eligible LC300s, including LC300 Desert GVM Kits and the LandCruiser 300 Commercial Build.

Isuzu NPS trucks

Have an Isuzu NPS 300 or NPS 75-155? Explore available GVM and GCM upgrade pathways.

Seven steps to a successful GVM upgrade

A GVM upgrade legally raises your vehicle's Gross Vehicle Mass — the maximum weight it's allowed to carry fully loaded. Here's exactly how to get one done, step by step.

Define the vehicle and target GVM

Confirm the vehicle make, model, current ratings, intended operating mass, existing modifications and registration jurisdiction.

Engineering assessment

KME Vehicle Engineering reviews whether the proposed GVM is technically supportable and identifies the engineering evidence, component changes, calculations or testing that may be required.

Modification planning

The required suspension, braking, wheel/tyre, axle or other modification work is identified before installation proceeds.

Complete the modifications

The vehicle is modified in accordance with the agreed engineering scope and applicable requirements.

Inspection, weighing and evidence

The completed vehicle is inspected and, where required, weighed, measured or tested to confirm the modification and supporting evidence.

Engineering certification

Where the assessment supports the upgrade, KME prepares the applicable engineering certification documentation.

Registration-authority process

The relevant registration authority determines the final acceptance and registration update requirements for the vehicle’s jurisdiction.

Related GVM information

GVM Upgrade Service — if you want KME Vehicle Engineering to assess your vehicle
How Much Does a GVM Upgrade Cost? — for typical cost drivers and quote factors
GCM & Braked Towing Capacity — if towing or GCM is part of the project
Vehicle Modification Rules by Jurisdiction — for state and territory requirements

From the blog

What is a GVM upgrade? →

Understanding VSB14→

Understanding VSB6 →

Understanding the vehicle certification process→

Ready to assess your vehicle?

Send KME Vehicle Engineering your vehicle details, current ratings, proposed GVM and registration jurisdiction. We’ll review the information and advise on the next engineering step.

Request a GVM Assessment

Why a GVM upgrade may not be possible

Not every proposed GVM increase can be supported. The outcome depends on the specific vehicle and proposed rating, including factors such as axle capacity, suspension, braking, wheels and tyres, chassis or body configuration, modification history, available technical evidence and jurisdictional requirements.

In some cases, the engineering assessment may identify a lower practical GVM than originally proposed, additional modification or testing requirements, or no suitable certification pathway for the requested outcome.

Does a GVM upgrade increase GCM or towing capacity

No — not automatically. GVM, GCM and towing capacity are separate vehicle limits. A GVM increase does not automatically change GCM or braked towing capacity, and those limits may require separate engineering assessment.

GVM Upgrade finder - What GVM upgrade can you get with KME Vehicle Engineering?

Make

Model

Starting GVM weight (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

Starting Price

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

ISUZU

NPS 300

6,000

7,500

$5490

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Starting cost

ISUZU

NPS 75-155

7,500

8,000

$5490

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Starting cost

Toyota

Hilux 8GEN

3,050

3,300 or 3,500

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

Toyota

Landcruiser Prado 150 series

2,990

3,500

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

Toyota

Landcruiser 300 series

3,280

4,000 or 4,210

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

Toyota

Landcruiser 200 series

3,300

4,000 or 4,200

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

Toyota

Landcruiser 100 series

3,180

3,580 or 3,900*

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

Toyota

Landcruiser 78 series (2003 - 2020)

3,300

4,200

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

Toyota

Landcruiser 79 series (2003-2020)

3,300

4,200

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

Nissan

Y62 Patrol

3,500

4,000

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

Ford

F150

3,220

3,600 or 4,200

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

Ford

Ranger 2 (2018 onwards)

3,200

3,500

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

ISUZU

MU-X (2021 onwards)

2,800

3,300

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

ISUZU

MU-X (2013-2020)

2,750

3,200

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

Mazda

BT-50 (2012-2020)

3,200

3,500

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

Ford

F450

8,000

13,500

$5490

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Starting cost

Ford

F350

4,490

7,000

$5490

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Starting cost

Ford

F250

4,490

6,000

$5490

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Starting cost

Ford

F150

3,265

4,100

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

Ford

Ranger 2

3,200

3,500

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

Chevrolet

Silverado 4500

8,000

10,400

$5490

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Starting cost

Chevrolet

Silverado 3500

4,490

6,700

$5490

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Starting cost

Chevrolet

Silverado 2500

4,490

6,000

$5490

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Starting cost

Chevrolet

Silverado 1500

3,300

4,000

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

RAM

RAM 4500

4,490

8,700

$5490

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Starting cost

RAM

RAM 3500

4,490

6,011

$5490

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Starting cost

RAM

RAM 2500

4,490

6,000

$5490

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Starting cost

RAM

RAM 1500

3,450

4,000

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

Toyota

Hilux (GUN Variants)

3,000

3,500

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

Toyota

Hilux (KZN & KUN variants)

3,000

3,300

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

Toyota

Landcruiser Prado 150 series

3,000

3,500

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

Toyota

Landcruiser Prado 120 series

2,990

3,400

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

Toyota

Landcruiser 70 series (inc 75, 76, 78, 79 series)

3,300

4,200

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

Toyota

Landcruiser 80 series

2,960

3,350

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

Toyota

Landcruiser 100 series

3,180/3,260

3,500/3,580 or 3,900*

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

Toyota

Landcruiser 200 series

3,300

4,200

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

Toyota

Landcruiser 300 series

3,280

4,210

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting cost

Get your GVM upgrade certified right, the first time.

Contact KME Vehicle Engineering

Frequently asked questions

Can any vehicle get a post-registration GVM upgrade?

No. Suitability depends on the specific vehicle, proposed GVM, technical evidence, modification scope and registration jurisdiction.

Do I need to weigh the vehicle first?

Often, current axle and total vehicle weights are useful for assessing how the vehicle is actually loaded. KME Vehicle Engineering will advise what weighing information is required for the assessment.

Can a GVM upgrade increase towing capacity?

Not automatically. GVM, GCM and towing capacity are separate limits and may require separate engineering assessment.

Can KME Vehicle Engineering help with vehicles outside Darwin?

Yes. KME Vehicle Engineering supports projects across Australia using remote engineering review and inspection partners where appropriate.

How long does a GVM upgrade take?

Timing depends on the vehicle, engineering scope, required modifications, inspections, testing and registration-authority process. KME Vehicle Engineering can advise the likely steps once the vehicle and proposed upgrade are reviewed.