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GVM upgrades for light and heavy vehicles 

Engineering assessment and certification for GVM upgrades on 4WDs, utes, trucks and other vehicles. 

F350 GVM Upgrade to 6.1T

What type of GVM upgrade do you need?

Light vehicle GVM upgrades

4WDs, utes and touring vehicles requiring additional legal carrying capacity for accessories, payload, passengers or touring equipment.

Heavy vehicle GVM upgrades

Trucks and other heavy vehicles (>4.5 tonnes) requiring increased GVM as part of an engineered modification and certification pathway.

Can your vehicle have a GVM upgrade?

Many 4WDs, utes, American pickups and some heavy vehicles can be assessed for a GVM increase, but eligibility is vehicle-specific. KME Vehicle Engineering reviews the vehicle model, existing GVM, axle and component ratings, current modifications, intended use and registration jurisdiction before confirming the available engineering pathway.

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Common vehicles we assess include Toyota LandCruiser and Hilux models, Nissan Patrol, Ford Ranger and F-Series, RAM, Izuzu NPS and Chevrolet Silverado. Use the GVM Upgrade Finder to check common vehicle options, or send us your vehicle details for an assessment.

Who can certify a GVM upgrade?

GVM certification depends on the vehicle category, whether the upgrade occurs before or after registration, and the state or territory in which the vehicle is registered. KME Vehicle Engineering can determine the applicable pathway, engineering evidence and inspection requirements for your vehicle before certification proceeds.

What a GVM upgrade does - and does not change

A GVM upgrade increases the maximum permitted operating mass of a vehicle, allowing it to carry additional passengers, accessories, fuel, equipment or payload.

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Whether an upgrade is technically supportable depends on the specific vehicle, proposed operating mass, axle capacities, suspension, brakes, wheels and tyres, intended use, modification history and registration jurisdiction.

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A GVM upgrade does not automatically increase GCM or towing capacity. Those limits may require separate engineering assessment and may be subject to different regulatory requirements.

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KME Vehicle Engineering can assess the proposed upgrade, identify the engineering evidence and modifications required, and advise on the applicable certification pathway for the vehicle and jurisdiction.

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Light Vehicles 4.5 tonnes or less - GVM upgrades and VSB14 compliance →

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Heavy Vehicles > 4.5 tonnes -  GVM upgrades and VSB6 compliance →

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Special cases:

Planning a new Landcruiser 300 commercial build?

Planning a new LandCruiser 300 Desert GVM build?

Isuzu NPS truck GVM upgrade

 

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Ready to upgrade?

Darwin-based, with engineering and inspection arrangements available for eligible vehicles across Australia. Requirements depend on the vehicle and registration jurisdiction.

KME's 4 step process

01

Assessment

We review the vehicle, current ratings, intended operating mass, modifications and registration jurisdiction to determine the appropriate engineering pathway.

02

Engineering

We assess the proposed mass increase and identify the engineering evidence, component changes and any testing required for the applicable pathway.

03

Inspection

The vehicle is inspected and, where required, weighed or tested against the relevant engineering and jurisdictional requirements.

04

Certification

Where the assessment supports the upgrade, KME prepares the applicable engineering certification documentation. Final acceptance and registration changes are determined by the relevant registration authority.

Why might a proposed GVM upgrade not be approved?

Start with your vehicle type in the GVM upgrade finder tool below. KME Vehicle Engineering assesses both light and heavy vehicle GVM upgrades, but the engineering, modification and certification pathway can differ significantly depending on the vehicle category, target GVM and registration jurisdiction.

GVM Upgrade finder - What are your options?
 

Make
Model

Not every proposed GVM is technically or administratively achievable. An upgrade may be limited by the vehicle or component ratings, axle loads, tyres and wheels, braking or suspension requirements, available engineering evidence, the installed configuration, or the approval pathway available in the vehicle’s registration jurisdiction. KME Vehicle Engineering assesses these constraints before confirming the proposed upgrade and certification pathway.

Starting GVM weight (kg)
Available GVM upgrade (kg)

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

Starting Price
ISUZU

NPS 300

6,000

7,500

$5490

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Starting price

ISUZU

NPS 75-155

7,500

8,000

$5490

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Starting price

Toyota

Hilux 8GEN

3,050

3,300 or 3,500

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

Toyota

Landcruiser Prado 150 series

2,990

3,500

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

Toyota

Landcruiser 300 series

3,280

4,000 or 4,210

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

Toyota

Landcruiser 200 series

3,300

4,000 or 4,200

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

Toyota

Landcruiser 100 series

3,180

3,580 or 3,900*

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

Toyota

Landcruiser 78 series (2003 - 2020)

3,300

4,200

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

Toyota

Landcruiser 79 series (2003-2020)

3,300

4,200

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

Nissan

Y62 Patrol

3,500

4,000

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

Ford

F150

3,220

3,600 or 4,200

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

Ford

Ranger 2 (2018 onwards)

3,200

3,500

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

ISUZU

MU-X (2021 onwards)

2,800

3,300

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

ISUZU

MU-X (2013-2020)

2,750

3,200

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

Mazda

BT-50 (2012-2020)

3,200

3,500

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

Ford

F450

8,000

13,500

$5490

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Starting price

Ford

F350

4,490

7,000

$5490

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Starting price

Ford

F250

4,490

6,000

$5490

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Starting price

Ford

F150

3,265

4,100

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

Ford

Ranger 2

3,200

3,500

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

Chevrolet

Silverado 4500

8,000

10,400

$5490

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Starting price

Chevrolet

Silverado 3500

4,490

6,700

$5490

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Starting price

Chevrolet

Silverado 2500

4,490

6,000

$5490

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Starting price

Chevrolet

Silverado 1500

3,300

4,000

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

RAM

RAM 4500

4,490

8,700

$5490

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Starting price

RAM

RAM 3500

4,490

6,011

$5490

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Starting price

RAM

RAM 2500

4,490

6,000

$5490

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$5490

Starting price

RAM

RAM 1500

3,450

4,000

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

Toyota

Hilux (GUN Variants)

3,000

3,500

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

Toyota

Hilux (KZN & KUN variants)

3,000

3,300

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

Toyota

Landcruiser Prado 150 series

3,000

3,500

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

Toyota

Landcruiser Prado 120 series

2,990

3,400

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

Toyota

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

3,300

4,200

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

Toyota

Landcruiser 80 series

2,960

3,350

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

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 price

Toyota

Landcruiser 200 series

3,300

4,200

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

Toyota

Landcruiser 300 series

3,280

4,210

$1990

Starting GVM (kg)

Available GVM upgrade (kg)

$1990

Starting price

Isuzu NPS 300 and NPS 75-155 GVM and GCM upgrades

KME Vehicle Engineering can assess eligible Isuzu NPS trucks for vehicle-specific GVM and GCM upgrades.

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Isuzu NPS 300

  • GVM assessment: from 6,000 kg to 7,500 kg

  • GCM assessment: from 9,500 kg to 11,000 kg

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Isuzu NPS 75-155

  • GVM assessment: from 7,500 kg to 8,000 kg

  • GCM assessment: from 11,000 kg to 12,000 kg

  • Wheel configuration: factory duals or an assessed super-single conversion

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GVM, GCM and wheel conversions are separate modifications. The available pathway depends on the vehicle variant, installed components, modification condition, engineering evidence and registering jurisdiction.

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View a completed Isuzu NPS upgrade project →

Found your vehicle? The next step is an engineering assessment

The GVM Upgrade Finder is a starting point only. The suitable upgrade pathway depends on the specific vehicle, current ratings, existing modifications, intended operating mass and registration jurisdiction.

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KME Vehicle Engineering can assess your vehicle and confirm the engineering pathway, evidence and modifications required before you commit to an upgrade.

Request a GVM assessment

Can’t see your vehicle or target GVM? Send us the make, model, year, VIN and current GVM and we’ll review what pathway may be available.

Independent engineering you can trust

Engineering - led

  • Independent engineering assessment

  • Vehicle intended purpose driven

  • Vehicle-specific advice

GVM & related systems

  • GVM upgrade assessment

  • Axle, suspension and braking considerations

  • GCM and towing assessed separately where required

Australia wide

  • Darwin-based engineering team

  • Remote project support

  • Inspection partner network across Australia

Experienced engineering

  • 15+ years of engineering experience

  • Complex and bespoke vehicle modifications

  • Practical technical advice

Example GVM upgrade projects

Real GVM engineering across light and heavy vehicles

KME Vehicle Engineering works on everything from 4WD and ute GVM upgrades through to higher-mass trucks and complex vehicle modifications. These projects show how the engineering pathway changes with the vehicle, proposed mass and jurisdiction
 

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 GVM Upgrade to 3,750 kg — WA

Western Australia
GVM, Vehicle Modification

Engineering certification of a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 GVM increase from 3,300 kg to 3,750 kg in Western Australia, with rear suspension upgrades, revised rear axle capacity and brake testing. GCM remained unchanged.

Read the whole story

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 BDS 3-inch Lift & 5,534 kg GVM — WA

Western Australia
GVM, Suspension, Heavy vehicle, Vehicle Modification

Engineering certification of a Chevrolet Silverado 2500 fitted with a Fox BDS 3-inch suspension kit and 35-inch tyres, with GVM re-rated to 5,534 kg in Western Australia. Assessment included non-standard wheels and tyres, suspension, braking and towing-system checks under VSB 6.

Read the whole story

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Canopy & 5,500 kg GVM Engineering — WA

Western Australia
GVM, Heavy vehicle, Vehicle Modification

Engineering certification of a Chevrolet Silverado 2500 canopy/body modification together with a GVM re-rating from 5,148 kg to 5,500 kg in Western Australia. The project included vehicle-specific inspection, brake testing and ADR/VSB 6 assessment while retaining the OEM suspension and wheels.

Read the whole story

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Suspension & 5,800 kg GVM Upgrade — WA

Western Australia
GVM, Suspension, Heavy vehicle, Vehicle Modification

Engineering certification of a Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD GVM upgrade to 5,800 kg in Western Australia, with Bilstein suspension components, additional rear leaf support, airbags and non-standard LT295/70R18 wheels and tyres assessed under VSB 6.

Read the whole story

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 NB1 to NB2 & 5,171 kg GVM — WA

Western Australia
GVM, Suspension, Heavy vehicle, Vehicle Modification

Engineering certification of a Chevrolet Silverado 2500 category change from NB1 to NB2 with GVM re-rated from 4,536 kg to 5,171 kg in Western Australia. The vehicle used a Rough Country 3-inch Vertex suspension kit, 35-inch tyres and revised GVM/GCM ratings assessed under VSB 6.

Read the whole story

Ford Transit GVM Upgrade to 4,000 kg — NT

Northern Territory
GVM, Vehicle Modification

Engineering certification of a 2016 Ford Transit GVM increase from 3,550 kg to 4,000 kg in the Northern Territory. Rear Sumo Spring and Super Spring assistance was assessed with chassis analysis and brake checks under VSB 6 Sections F and S. Original axle ratings remained unchanged; no GCM increase is claimed.

Read the whole story

RAM 1500 GVM Upgrade to 4,300 kg — NT

Northern Territory
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.

Read the whole story

RAM 2500 Rear Axle & 5,800 kg GVM Upgrade — WA

Western Australia
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.

Read the whole story

RAM 2500 GVM Upgrade to 5,460 kg — WA

Western Australia
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.

Read the whole story

Ford F-150 GVM Upgrade to 4,200 kg — NT

Northern Territory
GVM, Vehicle Modification

Vehicle-specific certification of a 2024 Ford F-150 GVM upgrade to 4,200 kg under the Northern Territory VS24 process, with the vehicle category revised from NA to NB1. The evidence records the modification certification, not automatic interstate acceptance.

Read the whole story

RAM 2500 GVM Upgrade to 6,000 kg — NSW

New South Wales
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.

Isuzu NPS 300 GVM & GCM Upgrade — Queensland

Queensland
GVM, GCM, Heavy vehicle

Queensland-certified Isuzu NPS 300 heavy-vehicle upgrade: GVM increased from 6,000 kg to 7,500 kg and GCM from 9,500 kg to 11,000 kg following vehicle-specific engineering assessment and brake testing under VSB 6 codes G4, S1, S2 and S3.

Toyota LandCruiser 300 GR Sport Desert SSM Build

Northern Territory
GVM, GCM, BTC, SSM, Vehicle Modification

Pre-registration LC300 GR Sport Desert SSM project with 4,000 kg GVM, 7,800 kg GCM, 4,000 kg braked towing capacity and five seats. Upgraded springs and rear airbag assistance with original GR Sport shock absorbers retained. Ratings apply to this specific configuration.

Read the whole story

Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series GVM Upgrade to 4,200 kg

Northern Territory
GVM, Vehicle Modification

Engineering certification of a 2025 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series GVM upgrade to 4,200 kg, with the vehicle category revised to NB1 for Northern Territory registration.

Read the whole story

Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series GVM Upgrade to 4,000 kg

Northern Territory
GVM, Vehicle Modification

Engineering certification of a 2021 Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series GVM upgrade to 4,000 kg, completed for Northern Territory registration.

Read the whole story

Toyota LandCruiser 100 Series GVM Upgrade to 3,580 kg

Northern Territory
GVM, Vehicle Modification

Engineering certification of a 2003 Toyota LandCruiser 100 Series GVM upgrade to 3,580 kg, completed for Northern Territory registration.

Read the whole story

RAM 2500 GVM Upgrade to 4,622 kg

South Australia
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.

Read the whole story

Isuzu NPS 75-155 GVM & GCM Upgrade — NSW

New South Wales
GVM, GCM, Heavy vehicle

Engineering certification of an Isuzu NPS 75-155 GVM increase from 7,500 kg to 7,995 kg and GCM increase from 11,000 kg to 12,000 kg under VSB 6 G4, S1, S2 and S3.

Read the whole story

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 GVM Upgrade to 5,500 kg

Western Australia
GVM, Heavy vehicle, Vehicle Modification

Engineering certification of a Chevrolet Silverado 2500 GVM increase from 5,148 kg to 5,500 kg, including front and rear suspension, axle and fuel-tank modifications.

Read the whole story

Toyota Prado 150 Series GVM Upgrade to 3,500 kg — NT

Northern Territory
GVM, Vehicle Modification

Engineering certification of a 2016 Toyota Prado 150 Series GVM upgrade to 3,500 kg, completed for Northern Territory registration.

Read the whole story

Toyota Hilux GVM Upgrade to 3,500 kg

Northern Territory
GVM, Vehicle Modification

Engineering certification of a 2022 Toyota Hilux GVM upgrade to 3,500 kg under an approved Second Stage Manufacturer schedule, completed for Northern Territory registration.

Isuzu NPS 75-155 GVM & GCM Upgrade

Western Australia
GVM, GCM, Heavy vehicle

Engineering assessment and certification of an Isuzu NPS 75-155 GVM increase from 7,500 kg to 8,000 kg and GCM increase from 11,000 kg to 12,000 kg, with a super-single wheel conversion under VSB 6 G4, S1, S2 and S3.

Read the whole story

Mazda BT-50 GVM Upgrade

Queensland
GVM, Heavy vehicle

GVM re-rating for a 2017 Mazda BT-50 via upgraded suspension under the QLD LS15/LS11 code, with revised tyre placard and load capacity labelling.

Isuzu NPS 75 Tow Pin Rating

Western Australia
GVM, Heavy vehicle, Vehicle Modification

Assessment of an Isuzu NPS 75 tow pin under a defined 4.5-tonne static load case. The model returned a safety factor of 3.7 against yield for the nominated component and assumptions—not a separate towing or recovery rating.

Toyota Landcruiser 79 series GVM upgrade to 4.5t

Northern Territory
GVM, Heavy vehicle

GVM upgrade for a Toyota Landcruiser 79 Series, taking GVM from 3,510kg to 4,500kg. Engineered with ARB Old Man Emu suspension and an extended rear axle, backed by Finite Element Analysis of the differential and axle to confirm structural strength at the increased rating. Approved by NT Transport under VSB 6.

Silverado 2500 GVM upgrade to 6t

Victoria
GVM, Heavy vehicle, Vehicle Modification

Upgraded suspension, brake system certification, GVM upgrade to 6t, axle re-rating for this Silverado 2500.

Read the whole story

Prado GVM Upgrade to 3.5T

Western Australia
GVM, Vehicle Modification

Toyota Prado GVM upgrade to 3,500kg — suspension and braking assessment and certification to support increased touring payload.

300 Toyota Landcruiser Commercial build pre-rego SSM

Northern Territory
GVM, GCM, 300 Series Commercial Build, Vehicle Modification, BTC, SSM

Pre-registration Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series commercial build-out — rearmost seats removed and toolbox/drawer system installed, rear cargo barrier fitted, HD springs and shock absorbers, additional ADR-compliant lighting. Re-rated to GVM 4,210kg, GCM 7,800kg, BTC 4,000kg, and classified as a commercial vehicle (ATO Private Tax Ruling, no LCT).

RAM3500 to 6.2t

South Australia
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.

F350 Upgrade to 6.1t

Queensland
GVM, Heavy vehicle

Chassis, suspension and brake upgrade to support a fully touring-fitted setup.

Request a GVM assessment

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.

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