Do I Need A GVM Upgrade?
If you've added accessories, carry gear, or tow a caravan, it's very easy to push a 4WD close to or over its legal weight limit without realising. A lot of people assume a suspension upgrade fixes the problem, but that's not always the case.
What Is GVM?
GVM stands for Gross Vehicle Mass, the maximum legal weight your vehicle is allowed to be when fully loaded. That includes everything on board:
Most 4WDs don't start overweight. They become overweight over time, as accessories and touring gear are added.
GVM Upgrade Calculator
Four steps. Have your weighbridge docket and compliance plate handy.
Compliance plate is typically found on the driver's door jamb or firewall. VIN partially redacted in example above.
Take it over a weighbridge
Loaded up with your permanent accessories - no passengers, added luggage, water etc. You can weigh with or without your van or trailer.
Add your ball weight
If you didn't weigh with your van, add this now. About a tenth of the trailer or van sits on the ball. 300kg on a 3 tonne van. Weighed hooked up, or not towing? Leave it at 0.
Add on seating capacity weight
Even if you don't have anyone sitting there, it's added to the calculation. How much per seat depends on your compliance category.
Post July 2021 vehicle? Compliance plates are no longer fitted to newer vehicles. Enter your VIN on the RAV Public Search to find your compliance category and other details.
Take that total off your factory GVM
The one on your compliance plate. That shows if you're under or over.
How Busselton Auto Repairs Can Help
We are accredited for both Dobinsons and DMW GVM upgrades, for touring, towing and work vehicles. Both run Dobinson springs and shocks. What differs is the approval the vehicle is plated under, and on some vehicles the DMW plate goes higher. Our approach is:
- Practical and load-focused
- Based on how you use your vehicle
- Fully compliant and certified
- Clearly explained, with no pressure
GVM Upgrade FAQs
A Dobinsons GVM upgrade enhances your vehicle's legal weight-carrying capacity through the expert installation of a specially designed Dobinsons suspension kit. This kit, rigorously tested and approved in Australia by the Department of Infrastructure, replaces the factory springs, shock absorbers, and other standard suspension components. It not only raises your vehicle's ride height but also significantly boosts its payload capacity.
Get your GVM off the compliance plate. Take the vehicle over a weighbridge loaded up with your permanent accessories, no passengers. Add your ball weight if you tow, and the seating allowance for every seat, even the empty ones. If that total is more than your GVM, you're overloaded. The calculator above does the maths for you. Visible rear suspension sag is another warning sign.
Contact our friendly team. We will determine the best course of action and which suspension setup your vehicle needs.
Yes, we can do a 2" lift with the GVM upgrade.
Currently, the Department of Infrastructure and Transport does not endorse or approve upgrades to Gross Combination Mass. Dobinsons Spring & Suspension also does not endorse or approve any GCM upgrades.