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Ready to upgrade?
Servicing Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia registered vehicles Australia wide
Frequently asked questions
How long does the engineering process take?
Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the project and the documentation required. Straightforward inspections may be completed quickly, while more complex engineering assessments or custom modifications require additional analysis and documentation.
Furthermore, difference in wait times are dependent on the regulatory body providing the approval. Each State and Territory has its own body, as does the federal system.
How much does a GVM upgrade cost?
Total cost = engineering certification +shop install. Engineering certification starts anywhere between $1,990 and $5,990 depending on your vehicle type, complexity, and whether there are type approvals available in your state or territory. Shop installs vary from $2,500 to beyond $50,000 depending again on type of vehicle and modifications required/desired. Call us to discuss.
Is your vehicle suitable for a GVM upgrade?
Possibly. It depends on the vehicle model, chassis, suspension, axle limits, brakes, tyres, and intended use. We review those factors to confirm whether a GVM upgrade is suitable and what certification is needed. See our GVM Upgrade Finder tool or call us to discuss.
How do GVM and GCM differ on your vehicle?
GVM is the maximum weight your vehicle can carry when loaded. GCM is the maximum combined weight of the tow vehicle and trailer together. A GVM upgrade may not change GCM. We can help you work out what applies to your setup.
Will a GVM upgrade increase my towing capacity?
Not necessarily. A GVM upgrade increases the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle itself, but it does not automatically increase towing capacity or Gross Combination Mass (GCM). Every vehicle has specific limitations, and these should be considered when planning modifications or towing heavier loads.
What information do I need to get a quote?
To provide accurate advice, we'll generally need:Vehicle make, model and yearVIN (if available)Registration state or territoryDetails of any existing or planned modificationsIntended use (touring, towing, commercial, etc.)Providing this information upfront helps us identify the most suitable engineering pathway and provide an accurate quotation.
What's the difference between pre-registration and post-registration GVM upgrades?
Pre-registration GVM upgrades are done before the vehicle is registered and are often part of a Second Stage of Manufacture (SSM). Post-registration upgrades are performed on already registered vehicles and may have different compliance requirements.
How much can I increase my GVM?
The amount you can increase your GVM depends on your vehicle's make, model, and structural capacity. A licensed engineer can assess your vehicle and determine the maximum allowable GVM.
Can I get a GVM upgrade after my vehicle is registered?
Yes, GVM upgrades can be performed on registered vehicles. However, the process and requirements may vary depending on your state or territory.
Does a GVM upgrade increase my GCM?
No, a GVM upgrade does not automatically increase your GCM (Gross Combination Mass). GCM is determined by the vehicle manufacturer and may require separate certification.
What is a GVM upgrade?
A GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) upgrade increases the maximum allowable weight your vehicle can carry when fully loaded. This is achieved by modifying components such as suspension, brakes, and axles to meet higher load requirements.
Does a GVM upgrade affect insurance?
Yes, a GVM upgrade can affect your insurance. It's important to inform your insurer about the modification to ensure your policy remains valid.
Is a GVM upgrade legal in Australia?
Yes, GVM upgrades are legal in Australia, provided they comply with the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and state or territory regulations. Certification by a licensed engineer is typically required.
Can I reverse a GVM upgrade?
Yes, a GVM upgrade can be reversed, but it requires re-certification to ensure the vehicle complies with its original specifications.
Does it affect warranty?
A GVM upgrade may affect your vehicle's warranty, especially if the modifications are not approved by the manufacturer. Check with your dealer or manufacturer for details.
Does it affect resale value?
A GVM upgrade can affect resale value positively or negatively, depending on the buyer's needs. Some buyers may value the increased capacity, while others may prefer an unmodified vehicle.
What modifications are normally required?
Common modifications for a GVM upgrade include upgrading the suspension, brakes, and axles to handle increased loads. Additional components may also be modified depending on the vehicle.
What is an ATM upgrade?
An ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) upgrade increases the legal maximum weight of your caravan or trailer when fully loaded and unhitched — water, gas, gear, and fit-out included. Many caravans are overloaded before they even leave the driveway once full of touring gear and water tanks.
A properly engineered ATM upgrade reinforces the trailer's chassis and suspension to safely carry the extra load, backed by an engineer's compliance certificate for registration.
Without certification, an overloaded trailer is not road-legal, may be uninsured in the event of a claim, and can fail a roadworthy inspection. Read our guide on Understanding the Key Differences Between GVM and ATM Upgrades
Our process
01
Assessment
We review your trailer/caravan, intended load, and touring setup to determine the right upgrade path.
02
Engineering
Chassis and suspension components are selected and fitted to safely support the new ATM.
03
Inspection
The trailer is weighed and tested to confirm it meets the required standard.
04
Certification
We issue engineering compliance certification so your new ATM can be recorded on registration.
Related services
Independent engineering you can trust
KME provides independent engineering advice and certification. We recommend solutions that are legal, practical and suited to what your vehicle is needed for.
Fully compliant
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ADR and state regulations
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Engineering certification
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National experience
Vehicle-Specific Advice
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Touring vehicles
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Work utes
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Fleet vehicles
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Heavy vehicles
Australia wide
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Remote assessments
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Dealer support
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Interstate certification
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National approvals
Experienced
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15+ years of engineering
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Practical advice
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Fast turnaround
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Real technical knowledge
Daly was a pleasure to work with and has a wealth of knowledge, which he is happy to share. He is able to explain ADR requirements in simple terms and is more than happy to help customers understand the pathway to certification.
Steve P.
Very professional and efficient service. Daly is very knowledgeable and obliging and a pleasure to deal with.
Duncan T.
I can't complain about getting my GVM upgrade the same day I asked and paid!! Too good to be true. Amazing service.
Jamie L.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is an ATM upgrade?
ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) represents the maximum total weight your caravan or trailer can safely carry when fully loaded, as specified by the manufacturer. Many caravan manufacturers limit the payload to under 400kg, which can be easily exceeded when adding items such as dual batteries, water tanks, solar panels, or other accessories. At KME Vehicle Engineering, we specialize in providing ATM upgrade services that re-rate your trailer to a higher mass limit. This upgrade involves a thorough engineering assessment and compliance certification to ensure your trailer meets all safety and legal requirements. By increasing your trailer’s ATM, we enable you to carry additional payload without risking damage or non-compliance, offering peace of mind for individuals, dealerships, and fleet operators alike. Our professional process ensures your vehicle modifications are safe, certified, and tailored to your specific needs.
Q: Why is it important to have my caravan’s Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) certified?
Proper certification of your caravan’s Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) is essential not only to ensure legal compliance and avoid fines but also to protect your insurance coverage. There have been instances where insurance claims were denied because the caravan exceeded its certified ATM, even when no roadside incident occurred. At KME Vehicle Engineering, we provide accurate vehicle certification and GVM upgrades tailored to your specific vehicle to guarantee that your ATM is correctly assessed and documented. This thorough certification safeguards you from legal issues and ensures that your insurance remains valid, giving you peace of mind when operating or insuring your caravan.Avoid the scalies! Get weighed and get your ATM upgraded.
Q: Do I need to have my trailer weighed before an ATM upgrade?
No, but it is a good idea. Consider this. You think you're overloaded. You get all stressed, start planning an ATM upgrade only to weigh your trailer and find you are ok! You just saved yourself thousands!
Will my ATM upgrade be recognised if I travel to another state?
Yes, an Approved Total Mass (ATM) upgrade certified by KME Vehicle Engineering is recognised nationally across all Australian states and territories. Once your ATM is upgraded and properly endorsed with compliance certification from KME Vehicle Engineering, it is registered with the relevant state authority and recorded on your vehicle’s registration documents. This ensures that your upgraded vehicle’s mass limits are legally acknowledged regardless of where you travel within the country. However, it is important to carry your certification paperwork while driving interstate and to comply with any specific local regulations related to heavy vehicles or load limits to avoid penalties. If you require assistance with interstate compliance or additional permits, KME Vehicle Engineering is available to guide you through the process.
What does the ATM upgrade process actually involve?
At KME Vehicle Engineering, the ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) upgrade process involves a thorough engineering assessment and certification to increase your vehicle’s allowable mass limits safely and legally. This includes inspecting the vehicle’s chassis, suspension, brakes, and tyres to ensure they can handle the higher load. We will recommend upgrades to suspension components and safety systems. After these adjustments, we conduct compliance testing and prepare the required documentation for registration authorities. This process ensures your vehicle meets all regulatory standards for upgraded mass limits while maintaining safety and performance, providing peace of mind for individuals, dealerships, and fleet operators.
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