GVM Upgrades By Vehicle

Find Your Truck.
Find Your GVM.

Choose your manufacturer, then select your exact vehicle. We will only show the GVM pathways relevant to that model, so you can compare the available packages without scrolling past vehicles that do not apply to you.

Select your model
Select your Chevrolet model above to view the applicable GVM packages and component information.
Chevrolet

Silverado 1500

LTZ / ZR2 / applicable variants
Select a GVM option to view package details
Weekender

3,650 KG

Payload-focused everyday and light-towing package.

GCM: Up to 8,150 KGTowing: Up to 4.5T
Package components
  • FOX 2.5 Performance Series shocks
  • 200 KG heavy-duty rear leaf packs
  • Heavy-duty BDS control arms
Best suited forDaily driving, light towing, tools and touring gear. positions this as the entry package where a load-rated wheel upgrade may not be required.
Important package notesalso publishes a ZR2-specific 3,650 KG pathway retaining the factory Multimatic suspension with BDS upper control arms and levelling / 2-inch lift options.
Ultimate Tourer

3,850 KG

Higher-capacity touring package with adjustable premium damping.

GCM: 8,350 KG LTZ / 8,050 KG ZR2Towing: LTZ 4.5T / ZR2 4.2T
Package components
  • FOX 2.5 Performance Elite DSC suspension
  • Approved heavy-duty rear spring configuration
  • Vehicle-specific engineering
Best suited forHeavy touring, bull bars, larger caravan tow-ball loads and greater permanent accessory weight.
Important package notespublishes this package without requiring a wheel and tyre upgrade in its listed configuration.
Pathway

4,200 KG

Heavy-duty 1500 package with 35-inch tyre approval in the published pre-rego configuration.

GCM: 8,700 KG LTZ / 8,400 KG ZR2Towing: LTZ 4.5T / ZR2 4.2T
Package components
  • Apex 2.5 remote-reservoir rear shocks
  • Upper control arms
  • 200 KG or 400 KG leaf pack
  • EFS bush kit and U-bolts
  • SSM engineering
Best suited forHeavily accessorised touring builds where payload, wheel/tyre rating and rear axle capacity are key.
Important package notes publishes 35x12.5R18 tyres subject to minimum load rating, load-rated wheels/tyres and pre-registration conditions. Rear axle rating is listed at 2,450 KG.
Heavy Hauler

4,250 KG

Maximum-capacity Silverado 1500 package for serious touring and canopy builds.

GCM: Up to 8,750 KGTowing: Up to 4.5T
Package components
  • FOX 2.5 Performance Elite suspension
  • 400 KG heavy-duty leaf packs
  • Load-rated wheels and tyres
Best suited forTray/canopy builds, rear drawers, rooftop tents, long-range tanks and high permanent load.
Important package noteslists up to 35-inch tyres for the applicable configuration and requires load-rated wheels and tyres.
Diff Modification

4,490 KG

Highest published Silverado 1500 pathway with axle modification.

Package components
  • Apex 2.5 adjustable remote-reservoir rear shocks
  • Upper control arms
  • EFS 400 KG constant-load leaf packs
  • EFS bush kit and extended U-bolts
  • Apex axle upgrade
  • SSM engineering and compliance
Best suited forMaximum-payload Silverado 1500 builds requiring axle reinforcement and heavy-duty suspension.
Important package notesFinal
Chevrolet

Silverado 2500 HD

Heavy-duty / NB2 pathways
Select a GVM option to view package details
Weekender

5,500 KG

Entry heavy-duty GVM package with a 3-inch lift.

GCM: 12,474 KGTowing: 4.5TLift: 3"
Package components
  • FOX 2.5 HTO Performance Series shocks
  • 500 KG heavy-duty leaf packs
  • Heavy-duty BDS control arms
  • Husky Extenda flares
Best suited forFamily tourers needing increased legal payload and a lifted stance.
Important package notesdescribes this package as an NB2 pathway.
Heavy-Duty Touring

5,825 KG

Higher-capacity Silverado 2500 HD package using the same available lift and suspension pathways as the 6,000 KG build.

Towing: 4.5TLift: 3" / 5" / 6.5"
Package components
  • FOX 2.5 DSC Performance Elite options
  • BDS heavy-duty control arms / suspension technology
  • 500 KG or 550 KG heavy-duty leaf packs depending on stage
  • 37-inch tyre engineering on applicable stages
Best suited forHeavy touring, high tow-ball load, tray and canopy builds, and customers wanting more payload while retaining the same lift choices as the 6,000 KG package.
Important package notes
Maximum Capacity

6,350 KG

Maximum-capacity Silverado 2500 HD pathway using the same lift and suspension choices as the 6,000 KG package.

Towing: 4.5TLift: 3" / 5" / 6.5"
Package components
  • FOX 2.5 DSC Performance Elite options
  • BDS heavy-duty control arms / suspension technology
  • 500 KG or 550 KG heavy-duty leaf packs depending on stage
  • 37-inch tyre engineering on applicable stages
Best suited forMaximum-payload Silverado 2500 HD touring and tray/canopy builds where the highest available carrying capacity is required.
Important package notes
Tourer / Heavy Hauler / Lifted

6,000 KG

Multiple 6,000 KG packages are available depending on load and lift requirements.

GCM: 12,474 KGTowing: 4.5TLift: 3" / 5" / 6.5"
Package components
  • FOX 2.5 DSC Performance Elite options
  • BDS heavy-duty control arms / suspension technology
  • 500 KG or 550 KG leaf packs depending on stage
  • 37-inch tyre engineering on applicable stages
Best suited forHeavy touring, high tow-ball load, tray/canopy builds, changing rear loads and large lifted builds.
Important package notesSeveral 6,000 KG stages are available including 3-inch, 5-inch and 6.5-inch configurations. Some lifted versions are pre-registration only.
Select your model
Select your RAM model above to view the applicable GVM packages and component information.
RAM

RAM 1500 DT

published pathways
Select a GVM option to view package details
Light GVM

3,650 KG

Entry payload upgrade for applicable ASV-imported RAM 1500 DT vehicles.

Package components
  • XTR mono rear shocks
  • Rear coil spring 200 KG +50
  • Category 6 indicators
  • SSM federal engineering
Best suited forDaily driving, towing and light touring where additional payload is required.
Important package notes marks this package for ASV imports only.
Stage 1 / 2 / 3

3,990 KG

Three published suspension choices at the same 3.99T GVM.

Package components
  • Choice of MXP mono, MRP remote-reservoir or Apex 2.5 MRR front/rear suspension
  • Upper control arms
  • 200 KG +50 rear coil spring; 500 KG option published on Stage 1/2
  • Air bags
  • Category 6 indicators
  • SSM federal engineering
Best suited forHigher-payload RAM 1500 touring and towing builds where shock specification can be selected to suit use.
Important package notes marks the published 3.99T packages for ASV imports only.
RAM

RAM 2500 5th Gen

5th-generation package data
Select a GVM option to view package details
Stage 1

5,300 KG

2-inch heavy-duty package with HTO suspension.

GCM: 12,695 KGTowing: 4.5TLift: 2"
Package components
  • FOX 2.5 HTO Performance Series front and rear
  • Husky Extenda flares
  • Load-rated wheel and tyre package required
Best suited forTouring and towing with a substantial payload increase.
Important package noteslists 35x12.5R18 or 35x12.5R20 maximum tyre size for this stage.
Stage 2 / Stage 3

5,550 KG

Maximum published 5th Gen GVM with 2-inch or 3-inch suspension options.

GCM: 12,695 KGTowing: 4.5TLift: 2" or 3"
Package components
  • FOX 2.5 Performance Elite front and rear
  • front coils
  • rear coils
  • BDS 3-inch radius arm kit on Stage 3
  • Husky Extenda flares
  • Load-rated wheel and tyre package required
Best suited forHeavier touring and tray/canopy builds requiring higher legal carrying capacity.
Important package notespublishes 35x12.5R18 or 35x12.5R20 maximum tyre size for the listed stages.
RAM

RAM 2500 6th Gen

6th-generation package data
Select a GVM option to view package details
Weekender

5,500 KG

2-inch package for daily drivers and lighter touring.

GCM: 12,750 KGTowing: 4.5TLift: 2"
Package components
  • FOX 2.5 Performance Series HTO shocks
  • Heavy-duty spring package as specified by
Best suited forDaily drivers and light tourers needing increased payload.
Important package noteslists up to 35x12.5R18 or 35x12.5R20.
Apex / Tourer / Heavy Hauler / 6-inch

5,890 KG

Multiple 5,890 KG packages from 2-inch through 6-inch lift.

GCM: 12,750 KGTowing: 4.5TLift: 2" / 3" / 4" / 6"
Package components
  • front and rear coils on 2-inch Stage 2
  • BDS 3-inch radius arm kit on Tourer
  • BDS 4-inch or 6-inch radius arm kit on lifted stages
  • Logic IQ air-bag coil-delete on 4-inch / 6-inch stages
  • Husky Extenda flares and mud-flap brackets on applicable stages
Best suited forMaximum-capacity 6th Gen builds ranging from touring on 35s to tray/canopy and lifted 37-inch builds.
Important package noteslists 37-inch tyres on 3/4/6-inch stages. A top 6-inch stage is also published for up to 40x13.5R17 with AEV flares and a 1,650 KG tyre load-rating requirement.
Select your model
Select your Ford model above to view the applicable GVM packages and component information.
Ford

Ford F-150

+ published pathways
Select a GVM option to view package details
Light GVM

3,580 KG

entry pathway designed to clear 1,000 KG payload on the published configuration.

Package components
  • XTR front shocks
  • XTR rear shocks
  • EFS front coils 0–100 KG +50
  • Fixed grease pins
  • Leaf pack 0–200 KG +50
  • EFS bush kit and U-bolts
  • SSM federal engineering
Best suited forDaily use and lighter touring where extra legal payload is the goal.
Important package notes publishes this as a pre-registration federal-compliance package.
Weekender / Performance

3,700 KG

offers two 3,700 KG packages with factory wheel retention in the listed configurations.

GCM: 8,200 KGTowing: 4.5TLift: Approx. 2"–2.5"
Package components
  • Stage 1: FOX 2.5 Performance Series HTO suspension
  • Stage 2: FOX 2.5 Performance Elite DSC suspension
  • 200 KG heavy-duty leaf packs
  • Heavy-duty BDS control arms
Best suited forDaily driving, long-distance touring, corrugations, bull bars and higher tow-ball loads.
Important package noteslists factory wheels/tyres for Stage 1/2 and a 1,224 KG approximate payload on its reference XLT configuration.
Stages 1–3

3,850 KG

Three suspension specifications at a 3.85T published GVM.

Package components
  • MXP 2.5, MRP 2.5 remote-reservoir or Apex 2.5 MRR suspension
  • 200 KG or 400 KG +50 leaf packs
  • Upper control arms on higher stages
  • EFS bush kit and U-bolts
  • Category 6 indicators
  • Cam lock nut
  • SSM federal engineering
Best suited forTouring and towing builds where the customer wants a choice of shock technology and rear spring rate.
Important package notesPublished by as pre-registration federal-compliance pathways.
Lifted & Loaded

4,000 KG

4-inch lifted package with large-payload capability.

GCM: 8,500 KGTowing: 4.5TLift: 4"
Package components
  • FOX 2.5 Performance Elite suspension
  • BDS 4-inch lift technology
  • 200 KG or 400 KG leaf pack option
Best suited forCustomers wanting a substantial legal GVM increase with a pronounced 4-inch stance.
Important package notespublishes this Stage 5 configuration as pre-registration only.
Heavy Hauler / No Compromise

4,300 KG

Maximum F-150 GVM with two premium suspension levels.

GCM: 8,800 KGTowing: 4.5TLift: Approx. 2"–2.5"
Package components
  • FOX 2.5 Performance Elite or FOX 3.0 Internal Bypass Race Series
  • 200 KG or 400 KG leaf packs
  • Load-rated wheels and tyres
Best suited forTray/canopy conversions, rear drawers, rooftop tents, long-range tanks and maximum-payload builds.
Important package notesrequires appropriate wheel/tyre ratings; aftermarket flares are required if running 35-inch tyres in the published configuration.
Heavy Duty

4,350 KG

Heavy-duty F-150 pathway with 35-inch tyre approval in the published pre-rego configuration.

Package components
  • MRP 2.5 remote-reservoir or Apex 2.5 MRR suspension
  • Upper control arms
  • 400 KG or 600 KG +50 leaf pack
  • EFS bush kit and U-bolts
  • Category 6 indicators
  • Cam lock nut
  • SSM federal engineering
Best suited forHigh-payload F-150 touring builds with 35-inch tyres.
Important package notes publishes a 1,785 KG payload figure, 35x12.5R20 maximum tyre size and load-rated wheel/tyre requirement for pre-registration.
Diff Reinforcement

4,490 KG

maximum published F-150 pathway with differential reinforcement.

Package components
  • Upper control arms
  • 0–400 KG or 600 KG +50 leaf pack
  • EFS bush kit and U-bolts
  • Differential brace
  • Category 6 indicators
  • SSM federal engineering
Best suited forMaximum-payload F-150 builds where axle/differential reinforcement forms part of the package.
Important package notes publishes 35x12.5R20 maximum tyre size for pre-rego with load-rated wheels and tyres.
6-inch Monster

3,700 KG

Separate 6-inch F-150 package designed around 37-inch tyres.

Towing: 4.5TLift: 6"
Package components
  • FOX 2.5 Performance Elite suspension
  • BDS 6-inch lift technology
  • 37x13.5R20 tyre package in the published SSM
Best suited forCustomers prioritising a fully engineered 6-inch / 37-inch F-150 build.
Important package notespublishes this as pre-registration only. Its package copy and specification table show differing GCM values, so final GCM should be confirmed before quoting.
Ford

Ford F-250 / F-350

NLT assessment required
Select a GVM option to view package details
Discuss Your Build

Vehicle-specific

The supplied / source pages do not publish a matching F-250/F-350 GVM package specification.

Package components
  • Vehicle year, model and axle configuration required
  • Finished accessory weight and towing requirement assessed
  • Suspension and certification pathway confirmed before quote
Best suited forF-250 and F-350 customers wanting a correctly matched heavy-duty GVM solution.
Important package notesWe have intentionally not invented component or axle-load data for these vehicles.
Planning The Complete Build

Why Would I Need
A GVM Upgrade?

Most trucks do not stay factory standard for long. Once accessories, passengers, fuel, towing equipment, tray or canopy systems and touring gear are added, the vehicle's available payload can reduce quickly. A GVM upgrade may become relevant when the finished vehicle needs to legally carry more mass than the standard configuration allows.

The Build Adds Up

Every part of a complete truck build contributes weight. This progression demonstrates how common modifications and towing requirements can progressively consume payload.

01
+
Bull Bar
Protection & mounting hardware
02
+
Winch
Recovery equipment
03
+
Wheels & Tyres
Larger off-road package
04
+
Tray & Canopy
Structure, storage & fit-out
05
+
Batteries
Electrical & inverter systems
06
+
Fuel & Gear
Long-range touring load
07
+
Passengers
Driver, family & luggage
08
→
Tow Ball Load
Trailer mass applied to vehicle
Available Payload Getting Closer To GVM →
Touring Builds

Carry More Gear

Rooftop tents, awnings, spare wheels, long-range fuel, batteries, fridges, recovery equipment and camping gear can add significant permanent and temporary load.

Towing Builds

Account For Tow Ball Load

The weight applied to the truck by a caravan or trailer forms part of the vehicle's operating mass and needs to be considered when planning payload.

Tray & Canopy Builds

Build Around The Finished Truck

A complete tray, canopy and electrical fit-out can represent a substantial portion of available payload before tools, passengers or touring gear are even added.

Plan Before You Build

The best time to consider GVM, suspension and payload is before the vehicle is fully modified. Talk to the Next Level Trucks team about the complete build you have planned.

Discuss Your Build
Understanding The Numbers

GVM Isn't The
Only Number.

A vehicle's legal operating limits are not determined by GVM alone. Payload, GCM, axle capacity and tow ball mass all interact, which is why the entire vehicle and trailer combination needs to be considered when planning a towing or touring build.

GVM

Gross Vehicle Mass

The maximum permitted operating mass of the vehicle itself when loaded.

GCM

Gross Combination Mass

The permitted combined mass of the tow vehicle and trailer together, subject to the vehicle's applicable limits.

PAY

Payload

The amount of weight available for people, accessories, cargo and imposed loads within the vehicle's permitted mass.

AX

Axle Loads

The load carried by the front and rear axles. Individual axle limits still matter, even if total vehicle mass is within GVM.

TBM

Tow Ball Mass

The downward load transferred from the trailer onto the vehicle through the towbar. This load contributes to vehicle operating mass.

How They Work Together

Think of the complete towing setup as a system rather than separate numbers. Increasing available vehicle payload does not automatically increase every other rated limit.

Tow Vehicle Loaded Vehicle Mass

Vehicle, passengers, accessories, cargo and applicable tow ball load.

+
Trailer Loaded Trailer Mass

Caravan, boat or trailer loaded for travel.

=
Combination Complete Towing Setup

The whole vehicle and trailer combination must remain within the applicable ratings and certification requirements.

Important

A GVM upgrade does not automatically mean an increase in towing capacity, GCM, axle ratings or every other vehicle limit. The exact allowable figures depend on the vehicle, approved upgrade pathway, certification and configuration.

Timing Matters

Pre-Rego vs
Post-Rego.

The pathway available for a GVM upgrade can depend on whether the vehicle is yet to be registered or already registered. That is why it is worth discussing the complete build early — ideally before accessories, suspension and towing equipment are finalised.

Before First Registration

Pre-Registration

If the vehicle has not yet completed its first registration, there may be upgrade pathways available that differ from those applicable to an already registered vehicle.

01
Plan Early

Speak with the team before the truck is registered and before the complete build is locked in.

02
Build Around The Intended Use

Suspension, towing, payload and accessories can be considered together from the beginning.

03
Confirm The Approved Pathway

The available solution depends on the exact vehicle, configuration and applicable approval requirements.

Already Registered

Post-Registration

Already have your truck on the road? GVM-related upgrade options may still be available, but the process and applicable certification requirements can be different.

01
Assess The Current Vehicle

Existing suspension, accessories, tyres, axle loads and current configuration all need to be considered.

02
Understand The Intended Load

We need to know what the vehicle carries, what it tows and what additional modifications are planned.

03
Determine The Correct Path

Upgrade availability can vary depending on vehicle, state requirements and the approved engineering solution.

Start With The Build Plan

Rather than treating GVM as an isolated suspension upgrade, we look at what the finished vehicle actually needs to do.

STEP 01
Tell Us Your Vehicle

Make, model, year, registration status and current setup.

STEP 02
Tell Us What You're Building

Towing, touring, tray, canopy, work use or complete build.

STEP 03
Review The Weight

Consider accessories, cargo, passengers, suspension and trailer load.

STEP 04
Choose The Right Path

Build the vehicle around the appropriate upgrade and certification solution.

Important

GVM upgrade availability and certification requirements can vary between vehicles, registration status, vehicle categories and jurisdictions. Always confirm the exact approved pathway for your vehicle before relying on a stated upgrade figure or beginning the build.

Buying A New Truck?

Talk to us before registration if you are planning a major towing, touring or load-carrying build.

Talk To Next Level
More Than A Number

GVM +
Suspension.

A serious towing or touring build needs more than additional payload on paper. The suspension needs to suit the actual vehicle weight, load distribution, towing requirements and the way the truck will be driven. That is why Next Level Trucks approaches GVM and suspension as part of the complete vehicle build.

Complete Suspension Planning

Build The Suspension Around The Truck.

There is no single suspension setup that suits every American truck. A vehicle that spends most of its life unloaded has very different requirements to one carrying a permanent canopy, towing a large caravan or travelling fully loaded through remote Australia.

01

Springs

Spring selection should match the expected permanent and variable load carried by the truck.

02

Shock Control

Quality dampers help control the additional mass and improve body movement, comfort and stability.

03

Airbag Support

Airbag systems can assist with variable rear loads and help maintain vehicle attitude when correctly configured.

04

Air Management

Onboard air management can make it easier to adjust load support as the vehicle's operating conditions change.

The Next Level Approach

Not Just Higher.
Not Just Heavier.
Built To Work.

Whether the truck is being built for daily driving, towing, touring or a full tray and canopy setup, the suspension package should be selected around the finished vehicle — not just the lift height.

Discuss Your Suspension

What Are We Trying To Improve?

The goal is to create a truck that works properly at its intended operating weight, rather than simply fitting heavier components.

↕

Load Support

Match suspension support to the permanent and changing load carried by the vehicle.

≋

Ride Control

Manage body movement and suspension response when the truck is loaded, unloaded or travelling over poor surfaces.

↔

Stability

Suspension setup can play an important role in how the vehicle feels when carrying load or towing.

✓

Complete Integration

Suspension should work with the vehicle's tyres, accessories, load, towing setup and intended use.

Variable Loads Airbags &
Air Management

Trucks that regularly move between unloaded driving and heavy towing or touring loads can benefit from additional load-management solutions. Airbags and onboard air systems do not replace correct suspension selection or change legal vehicle ratings by themselves, but they can form part of a properly engineered overall suspension package.

Important

Suspension components, airbags or lift kits do not automatically constitute a legal GVM upgrade. Any increased certified vehicle mass must follow the applicable approved pathway for the specific vehicle and configuration.

Build It Right From The Beginning

Plan Your
GVM Build.

The right solution starts with understanding what you actually want the truck to do. Tell us about the vehicle, the load, the trailer and the complete build you have planned — and we can help determine the most appropriate pathway.

01 / TOWING
↔

Towing

Caravan, boat, race trailer, gooseneck or heavy trailer. We consider the truck, trailer, tow ball load and intended travelling configuration together.

02 / TOURING
+

Touring

Long-range fuel, rooftop tent, awning, batteries, recovery equipment, spare wheels, fridges and everything required for extended travel.

03 / TRAY & CANOPY
▣

Tray & Canopy

Plan the suspension and vehicle weight around the tray, canopy, electrical system, water, storage and the equipment that will live permanently on the truck.

04 / WORK
↑

Work & Load

Tools, equipment, service bodies, permanent accessories and commercial loads all need to be considered when determining how the truck should be configured.

Next Level Trucks

Tell Us The End Goal. We'll Help Plan The Truck.

From suspension and GVM planning through to wheels, tyres, protection, towing equipment, tray and canopy, electrical, air systems and touring accessories — start with the finished vehicle in mind.

Before You Contact Us

What Do We Need To Know?

You do not need to know every technical detail. Give us as much information as you can about the vehicle and how you intend to use it.

01
Your Truck

Make, model, year and whether the vehicle is already registered.

02
Current Modifications

Suspension, wheels, tyres, bull bar, tray, canopy, batteries and existing accessories.

03
What You're Towing

Caravan, trailer, boat or other towing setup and any known weight information.

04
What You're Building

Tell us what else you plan to add so we can consider the finished vehicle rather than only its current configuration.

Start Your GVM Enquiry →
Build First. Numbers Second.

Tell us how you want to use the truck and we can help work backwards from the finished build. GVM should be part of the complete vehicle plan — not an afterthought.

→
GVM Upgrade Questions

Frequently Asked
Questions.

GVM upgrades can involve suspension, payload, towing, certification and registration requirements. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive when customers begin planning their American truck build.

Still Have Questions?

Every Truck. Every Build. Different.

The correct answer depends on your exact vehicle, registration status, suspension, intended payload, towing setup and complete build specification.

Talk To Next Level →
What is a GVM upgrade? +

A GVM upgrade is an approved increase to the vehicle's permitted Gross Vehicle Mass. In practical terms, it may provide additional legal carrying capacity for accessories, passengers, cargo and other loads, subject to the specific upgrade pathway and all applicable vehicle limits.

Does a GVM upgrade increase towing capacity? +

Not automatically. GVM, towing capacity, GCM, axle ratings and tow ball limits are separate ratings. Increasing permitted vehicle mass does not mean every other vehicle rating increases with it. The complete vehicle and trailer combination still needs to remain within all applicable limits.

Can I upgrade the GVM of an already registered truck? +

Depending on the vehicle and available approved pathway, post-registration upgrade options may be available. The process can differ from a pre-registration upgrade, so the truck's current registration status should always be confirmed before choosing a suspension or GVM solution.

Is it better to upgrade GVM before first registration? +

If you are purchasing a new truck and already know it will be used for serious towing, touring, a tray and canopy or substantial load carrying, it is worth discussing GVM requirements before first registration. Available options can differ depending on registration status and vehicle type.

Do airbags increase my GVM? +

No, airbags by themselves do not increase the legal GVM of the vehicle. Airbags can be useful for load management and variable rear loads when correctly configured, but an increased legal GVM requires an approved upgrade and certification pathway.

Does fitting a lift kit increase GVM? +

No. A suspension or lift kit does not automatically increase the legal carrying capacity of a vehicle. Some approved GVM packages may include specific suspension components, but the certification and approved pathway are what determine the increased permitted mass.

What is the difference between GVM and payload? +

GVM is the maximum permitted operating mass of the loaded vehicle. Payload is the amount of carrying capacity available between the vehicle's actual mass and its permitted GVM. Accessories, passengers, cargo and applicable trailer-imposed loads all consume that available payload.

What is GCM? +

GCM stands for Gross Combination Mass. It relates to the permitted combined mass of the tow vehicle and trailer together. GCM is separate from GVM, which applies to the vehicle itself.

Does tow ball weight count towards vehicle payload? +

The load imposed onto the tow vehicle by the trailer needs to be considered as part of the vehicle's operating mass and axle loading. This is one reason towing setups can consume available payload faster than many owners expect.

Should I plan GVM before fitting a tray and canopy? +

Ideally, yes. A tray, canopy, batteries, drawers, water, tools, recovery equipment and touring accessories can represent a significant amount of permanent weight. Planning the completed vehicle first makes it easier to choose an appropriate suspension and GVM pathway from the beginning.

Does a GVM upgrade mean I can ignore axle limits? +

No. Front and rear axle loads remain important. A vehicle may be under its total permitted GVM while still exceeding an applicable axle limit. Load placement and overall vehicle configuration therefore matter just as much as total mass.

What information should I provide when enquiring? +

Tell us the truck's make, model, year and registration status, plus its current modifications, what you intend to carry, what you intend to tow and what additional accessories you plan to fit. The more we understand the finished build, the better we can help identify an appropriate solution.

Important

The information above is general guidance only. Exact GVM, GCM, axle, towing and certification requirements can vary by vehicle, configuration, approved upgrade, registration status and jurisdiction. Confirm the applicable requirements for your specific vehicle before proceeding with modifications.

Next Level Trucks GVM Enquiry

Discuss Your
GVM Build.

Choose a GVM package above and we will bring that selection straight into this form. You only need to add your details, vehicle information and preferred timing so our team can confirm the correct engineering pathway and book the next step.

Your Selected GVMNo GVM selected yetChoose a package above, or complete the form for general GVM advice.
Final GVM, GCM, axle, wheel/tyre, suspension and engineering availability is confirmed against the exact vehicle before work is booked.