Typical RAM projects
KME Vehicle Engineering has undertaken engineering work across RAM 1500, RAM 2500 and RAM 3500 vehicles, covering a range of vehicle configurations and modification types. Each vehicle still needs to be assessed individually because the applicable engineering requirements and certification pathway depend on the vehicle configuration, modification scope and registration jurisdiction.
RAM vehicles can fall into either the light- or heavy-vehicle engineering pathway depending on their GVM and configuration. KME Vehicle Engineering has experience across both.
RAM owners commonly seek engineering for GVM changes, towing/GCM issues, heavy-vehicle category changes, seating changes, suspension/lift modifications, axle changes and other bespoke modifications.
Common RAM modifications - what do you need certified?
GVM upgrades
Typical upgrades
RAM 4500 — 4,490 → 8,700 kg
RAM 3500 — 4,490 → 6,011 kg
RAM 2500 — 4,490 → 6,000 kg
RAM 1500 — 3,450 → 4,000 kg
Vehicle category
NB1 → NB2
Important when mass thresholds change.
GCM & Braked towing capacity
Relevant when the combined vehicle-trailer mass needs to be assessed. Assessed separately and is specific to vehicle type.
Seating
5 seats → 6 seats
Common on RAM 1500 vehicles
Suspension and Lift
Lift kits, coils and airbags
Often part of already modified RAMs and mass rating related builds
Axles, wheels and tyres
Rear axle upgrades and non standard packages are changes that can affect ratings and compliance
Example projects by KME Vehicle engineering
RAM 3500 Gooseneck Hitch Certification — WA
Heavy vehicle, Vehicle Modification
Engineering certification of a 2025 RAM 3500 gooseneck coupling installation in Western Australia under VSB 6 P1. The vehicle-specific installation was inspected and tested. The certification covers the coupling modification; it does not establish an increased GVM, GCM or towing capacity.
RAM 1500 GVM Upgrade to 4,300 kg — NT
GVM, Vehicle Modification
Engineering certification of a RAM 1500 DT GVM upgrade to 4,300 kg, with JMACX rear suspension and differential housing plus airbag assistance. Inspection, road testing and ESC/ABS testing supported the Northern Territory certification; GCM remained unchanged.
RAM 1500 Sixth-Seat Conversion — NT
Vehicle Modification
Engineering certification of a RAM 1500 DS conversion from five to six seats, with a front-row centre seat, additional seatbelt and assessed seat/restraint anchorages. Certified in the Northern Territory using VSB 14 Section LK and VSB 5.
RAM 2500 Rear Axle & 5,800 kg GVM Upgrade — WA
GVM, Heavy vehicle, Vehicle Modification
Engineering certification of a RAM 2500 GVM increase from 5,460 kg to 5,800 kg and rear axle rating increase from 2,740 kg to 3,078 kg. The WA-certified package included replacement suspension, airbag assistance and a long-range fuel tank under VSB 6 A2, F1, G4, M1, P1, S1 and S2.
RAM 2500 GVM Upgrade to 5,460 kg — WA
GVM, Heavy vehicle, Vehicle Modification
Engineering certification of a RAM 2500 GVM increase from 4,495 kg to 5,460 kg and category change from NB1 to NB2 in Western Australia. Assessed under VSB 6 G4, P1, S1 and S2 within the original axle ratings, with no suspension modification required.
RAM 2500 GVM Upgrade to 6,000 kg — NSW
GVM, Heavy vehicle, Vehicle Modification
Engineering certification of a 2025 RAM 2500 GVM increase from 4,495 kg to 6,000 kg, including a revised 3,300 kg rear axle/suspension rating. Assessed under VSB 6 codes D3, E3, F1, G4, P1, S1 and S2; GCM remained 12,750 kg.
RAM 2500 GVM Upgrade to 4,622 kg
GVM, Heavy vehicle
Engineering certification of a factory RAM 2500 category change from NB1 to NB2, with a revised GVM of 4,622 kg under VSB 6 S1.
RAM3500 to 6.2t
GVM, Heavy vehicle
Dodge RAM 3500 — GVM upgrade to 6.2t with a 3,500kg rear axle rating, certified under VSB6 (D3, E3, F1, G4, J1, M1, P1, S1, S2) with full engineering evidence package covering suspension substitution, brake system re-certification, and ADR compliance across all applicable rules.
Model | Starting GVM | GVM upgrade available | Same day approval | Approx cost ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
RAM 4500 | 4,490 | 8,700 | yes | $5490 |
RAM 3500 | 4,490 | 6,011 | yes | $5490 |
RAM 2500 | 4,490 | 6,000 | yes | $5490 |
RAM 1500 | 3,450 | 4,000 | $1990 |
Typical GVM upgrades we do