gvm-gcm upgrade

boardrider · Post by **boardrider** » Thu Sep 14, 2017 3:39 pm

has anyone had a gvm upgrade,i have got pages of information in regard to the lovells upgrade and i must point out that yes it does increase the gcm to 7000kg.But what i am asking is 1. has anyone done this
2. who did it for you
3. where you happy with the result. ie,not only increasing the load carrying capacity but as your daily drive where you happy with the final comfort level
4. what cost is involved
thanks so much
boardrider

blacktray · Post by **blacktray** » Thu Sep 14, 2017 4:34 pm

I have the Pedders upgrade which takes the GVM to 3500kg. Don’t know about the GCM

You may already know it is best to get a GVM upgrade before you first register the vehicle or you will need to get an engineering certification etc. and a lot more expense. When they do the upgrade you get an extra compliance plate on the vehicle and it gets registered with the new GVM.

I ordered it with the new vehicle so the dealer organised it with Pedders. An extra $3,290

It added about 50mm lift

Since it’s had the upgrade since new, I don’t have much to compare it with but I’m happy with it.
I have a dual cab XLS with a steel tray and with a reasonable load in the tray the headlights still point up a bit but of course with a dual cab a lot of the load is behind the axle so I guess that is to be expected.

I got the upgrade to help with a slide on camper. I could have got away without it but when loaded up and extras are added I’d be getting close to the limit which I didn’t want to do. Also I’d have wanted a suspension upgrade anyway and the extra lift. Think I will go for a LR tank soon so that will add a bit more too.
Hope that’s of some use.

boardrider · Post by **boardrider** » Thu Sep 14, 2017 5:19 pm

blacktray, thanks for the reply.i did my sums prior to buying the car and two things that were not accurate,the kerb weight was 48kg higher than specified and the arb canopy was twice the weight they told me it would be,i was hoping i did not need a gvm-gcm upgrade but this may be what is required,i will talk at length with the lovells fitter and try and get a price and system i feel would work.cheers
boardrider

Noel · Post by **Noel** » Thu Sep 14, 2017 7:41 pm

Hi Boardrider
I have the Lovells upgrade and yes mine has the 7,000 gcm upgrade which I had updated on the rego papers as well, great ride when loaded a bit hard when empty. But I use it mainly loaded so for me it's fine.
I had mine done in Keilor Vic by Statewide 4x4 very happy with the job done by them. If you are in Melbourne and want to test drive before you buy send me a pm and we can arrange a test drive. Mine was installed after Rego and cost $4,500
Cheers
Noel

boardrider · Post by **boardrider** » Fri Sep 15, 2017 8:05 am

hi noel.
sounds good to me,thats the info i am after,glad it works for you,I am getting quotes much higher than that at the moment,i also carry some weight in the rear all the time.I have a canopy,rear drawers which are full of stuff.If i get an upgrade i can then install a steel bullbar and maybe a long range tank.
Thanks for the offer,if i cant get the right price up here i just may take up your offer and do a trip down south and get it done there,cheers
boardrider

bmcoed · Post by **bmcoed** » Fri Sep 15, 2017 4:42 pm

Hello Noel,
The Statewide 4x4 Keilor web site says the the GCM unfortunately can't be altered and would remain at 6000kgs for the PX Ranger, even though the GVM was raised to 3500kgs.
I would be interested to know how it was upgraded to 7000 kgs.
Thanks Bill.

PTnLinda · Post by **PTnLinda** » Fri Sep 15, 2017 6:57 pm

Everything I have read it's only the GVM that's upgraded. The GCM remains at 6000kg's. There seems to be heaps of confusion around this. Also the Rangers Axles are rated Front 1480kg's and rear 1850kg's total 3300kg's. The reason I guess why the Ironman 4x4 GVM upgrade kit only increases GVM to 3300kg's. So how can GVM be upgraded to more than 3300kg's without changing axles?

Cracka · Post by **Cracka** » Fri Sep 15, 2017 7:08 pm

G'day Boardrider, I have the Lovells GVM upgrade done on my '14 BT50. Had it done by DWP Automotive, Minto (Sydney) back in July. I had OME lift with 300 kg rear springs fitted prior to this but I needed the GCM increase that the Lovells upgrade provides as when I've got the van and loaded up with the Tarpon boat on, my GCM is around 6100kg.

It is a bit firmer than the OME but definitely rides and handles better than the OME. Day to day when I haven't got the van on and touring around I weigh about 2760kg. It lifted the rear about 30mm extra than what the OME already was.

Cost, mine was done post rego so had the engineers cost as well and came in at $5150.

And, yes I'm extremely happy with it.

Mick

Cracka · Post by **Cracka** » Fri Sep 15, 2017 7:14 pm

PTnLinda wrote:Everything I have read it's only the GVM that's upgraded. The GCM remains at 6000kg's. There seems to be heaps of confusion around this. Also the Rangers Axles are rated Front 1480kg's and rear 1850kg's total 3300kg's. The reason I guess why the Ironman 4x4 GVM upgrade kit only increases GVM to 3300kg's. So how can GVM be upgraded to more than 3300kg's without changing axles?

Incorrect, with the Lovells gear as long it is fitted and engineered by their authorised fitters/engineers the GCM is increased to 7000kg for the Ranger/BT50, I have the new compliance plate and engineers reports to prove it......

You need to ring Lovells and they will email you the info as its not stated on their website.

They can do it as they are a second stage manufacturer and have completed the testing and department approval that is applicable. This is what was explained to me by both Lovells, the fitter I used and the Engineer who approved the fitting. The GVM has also been endorsed by the NSW RMS on my rego papers and the GCM of 7000kg is on file with them as it does not get printed on rego papers for light vehicles, but it is on the engineers report and the new compliance plate.

Have a look at this PDF http://caravanersforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=71493

Mick

PTnLinda · Post by **PTnLinda** » Fri Sep 15, 2017 8:13 pm

Thanks Mick that was the information I have been trying to find.

Cracka · Post by **Cracka** » Fri Sep 15, 2017 8:18 pm

PTnLinda wrote:Thanks Mick that was the information I have been trying to find.

No worries glad I could help......

boardrider · Post by **boardrider** » Sat Sep 16, 2017 8:36 am

hi cracka.
thanks for taking the time to reply.All good from what you are saying.I had my car weighed and with just the canopy and rear drawers with gear in them,plus myself and my wife i come in at 2640kg.So i need the upgrade to put on a bullbar and throw a few things in the rear.Also add 200kg of ball weight.i will be getting in touch with DWP.That is a lot closer than Melbourne.I cant believe how inadequate the load carrying is with the OME suspension.Thanks again Mick.
boardrider

Cracka · Post by **Cracka** » Sat Sep 16, 2017 12:22 pm

boardrider wrote:hi cracka.
thanks for taking the time to reply.All good from what you are saying.I had my car weighed and with just the canopy and rear drawers with gear in them,plus myself and my wife i come in at 2640kg.So i need the upgrade to put on a bullbar and throw a few things in the rear.Also add 200kg of ball weight.i will be getting in touch with DWP.That is a lot closer than Melbourne.I cant believe how inadequate the load carrying is with the OME suspension.Thanks again Mick.
boardrider

Not a problem, he is actually right next door to Lovells office. His name is David and has experience in the off road racing game. He was great to deal with, as part of his install he adds castor wedges under the rear spring pack to get the pinion angle a bit better.

PTnLinda · Post by **PTnLinda** » Sat Sep 16, 2017 2:07 pm

Looks like I am going to source out the Lovells GVM upgrade now. The only reason I hadn't really considered any upgrade an option was I originally thought you couldn't get the GCM increased but I know better now. I was really looking for the GCM upgrade as well with having the Ranger kitted out and then towing a 3 tonne caravan as well made it very difficult to fit into the standard 6000kg GCM.Thanks guys for for showing me where I could find the information I needed.

Cracka · Post by **Cracka** » Sat Sep 16, 2017 7:01 pm

PTnLinda wrote:Looks like I am going to source out the Lovells GVM upgrade now. The only reason I hadn't really considered any upgrade an option was I originally thought you couldn't get the GCM increased but I know better now. I was really looking for the GCM upgrade as well with having the Ranger kitted out and then towing a 3 tonne caravan as well made it very difficult to fit into the standard 6000kg GCM.Thanks guys for for showing me where I could find the information I needed.

Exactly the reason I went with them as well, my Kedron is 3120kg fully loaded trip ready..........now I can take the car topper when I want and don't have to worry about the extra bit of weight.

PTnLinda · Post by **PTnLinda** » Sun Sep 17, 2017 2:28 pm

Upgrading your GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass)
I though it appropriate to tell you of my findings following my research into upgrading the GVM on my 2017 Ford Ranger. The Ranger was purchased in June whilst on a trip to Brisbane for the Caravan and Camping show where we also ordered a 18’6” OptionRV Traction Caravan. The Ranger remains in Brisbane unregistered till we return in December for Xmas when we will drive it home to Darwin. Whilst in Brisbane the vehicle has had an ARB Canopy and Long Range Tank fitted. A Snorkel, Drawer system as well as Bull Bar, Side Rails and steps are on order and still to be fitted before we drive it home.
In view of the current discussions regarding GVM & GCM (Gross Combination Mass) I started to see that we were running into problems with weight issues with all the accessories being fitted to the vehicle if we were going to be able to tow our new van legally.
Nearly all the Suspension Manufacturers do a GVM Upgrade for the Ranger increasing the GVM from 3200kg’s to either 3330kg’s or 3500kg’s but I couldn’t find anyone that also increased the GCM. I really couldn’t see any benefit in doing the GVM upgrade as it didn’t help my towing situation and it looked like I would just have to take my chances and tow illegally.
Then I stumbled upon Lovell’s springs who do the GVM upgrade to 3500kg’s. The difference with Lovell’s upgrade over the other ‘s offered is that Lovell’s is a SSM (Second Stage of Manufacture) approved upgrade.
So using the Lovell’s upgrade on the Ranger this is what you achieve.
Upgrade your Ford Ranger GVM with a Lovells second stage of manufacturer (SSM) approved GVM upgrade. Currently Lovells are the only manufacturer with SSM federal approval to upgrade the Ford Ranger GVM from 3200kg to 3500kg that will deem the BTC (Braked Towing Capacity) to remain at OE capacity. Not only does a Lovells GVM upgrade retain OE BTC (so it will not de-rate your Braked Towing Capacity like other GVM upgrades do) but it legally nominates a new GCM which is recognised federally. The Lovells GVM upgrade calculates the GCM by the correct method – GVM plus BTC = GCM. See below for before & after GVM upgrades figures.

Before Lovells GVM Upgrade
GVM – 3200kg
Braked Towing Capacity - 3500kg
GCM – 6000kg. Ford rate the GCM to 6000kg and not 6700kg

After Lovells GVM Upgrade
GVM – 3500kg
Braked Towing Capacity - 3500kg
GCM – 7000kg

For further information I have attached below information on how a Second Stage of Manufacture is obtained.
Second Stage of Manufacture (SSM) for GVM upgrade approval is attained by the suspension manufacturer (Lovells) verifying to the Federal body known as the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS), specifically the Vehicle Safety Standards (VSS) branch of DOTARS that the suspension modification complies with the Australian Design Rules (ADR). The ADRs affected by a GVM upgrade is substaintial and this process can be difficult, costly and slow for the suspension manufacturer.

Lovells must supply comprehensive testing reports supplied by an authorised testing laboratory which show that the brakes & vehicle stability are able to with stand and perform safely with the additional weights. This testing procedure is not a basic brake test; it is an extensive highly complicated test with computer monitoring equipment and is normally carried out on an air field strip. Not only this but laboratory testing of all other vehicle factors that are affected by the ADRs need to be completed for example hydraulic swaybar operation (KDSS) and electronic stability control (ESP).

The VSS branch of DOTARS will review the documentation and vehicle apparutus to confirm that all is above board and correct. Once approved a federal legal certificate is issued to Lovells to allow the manufacture and supply chain for that specific build of vehicle.
In view of the above I now plan to proceed with the Lovell’s GVM upgrade as it essentially increases our Rangers GVM to 3500kg’s and GCM to 7000’kg’s so I can tow our new OptionRV Legally.

I have no affiliation with Lovell’s what so ever but thought their product should be bought to the attention of caravan owners out there as I know I was having trouble getting our outfit to fit within the original GCM of 6000gk’s for the Ranger.

Scotty56 · Post by **Scotty56** » Sun Sep 17, 2017 7:41 pm

Thanks PTnLinda,

That's great info to know.

alpha1 · Post by **alpha1** » Sun Sep 17, 2017 8:56 pm

Great explanation of the process. Can we get this as a sticky??, save a lot of searching and waffle regarding gvm/gcm upgrades.

Grant L1 · Post by **Grant L1** » Mon Sep 18, 2017 5:04 am

Thanks PTnLinda.

Noel · Post by **Noel** » Tue Sep 19, 2017 5:24 pm

Hi Guys
I have attached my Rego papers after the lovells upgrade GCM on the Rego Papers is stated at 7000 Kg, I also have the engineers report which is required to upgrade the GCM on the Rego Papers. I spoke to Dragen @ Lovells he is very helpful 0408356737
Regards
Noel

boardrider · Post by **boardrider** » Wed Sep 20, 2017 11:40 am

hi,and thanks to all who have contributed to this subject.Now a lot of people will be able to use their rangers knowing they can not only add those extras they wanted but do it legally,great work and a special thanks to Cracka
boardriderhttp://www.newranger.net/forums/posting.php?mo ... =3&t=10251#

colf · Post by **colf** » Wed Sep 27, 2017 7:25 pm

spoke to ARB yesterday while they were upgrading my suspension on my new ranger and they also said that they can do the 7000kg GCM upgrade to my car.
They said they are a second stage manufacturer and can do the upgrade before the car is registered.
I mentioned that Lovells can do it after rego and he said he would have to check to see if they can as he was not sure.

PTnLinda · Post by **PTnLinda** » Wed Sep 27, 2017 8:00 pm

colf wrote:spoke to ARB yesterday while they were upgrading my suspension on my new ranger and they also said that they can do the 7000kg GCM upgrade to my car.
They said they are a second stage manufacturer and can do the upgrade before the car is registered.
I mentioned that Lovells can do it after rego and he said he would have to check to see if they can as he was not sure.

I would be getting it in writing from ARB that they can in fact do it before I went ahead with it.
I had correspondance from a member on the Ranger Facebook forum from down Newcastle way who had just had a Pedders GVM upgrade done and they also stated the GCM was increased. Further investigation after reading my above article found this was incorrect and he had the Pedder's GVM upgrade removed for a full refund and replaced it with the Lovell's upgrade.

NelsonPK · Post by **NelsonPK** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 1:48 pm

colf wrote:spoke to ARB yesterday while they were upgrading my suspension on my new ranger and they also said that they can do the 7000kg GCM upgrade to my car.
They said they are a second stage manufacturer and can do the upgrade before the car is registered.
I mentioned that Lovells can do it after rego and he said he would have to check to see if they can as he was not sure.

Not sure about ARB, this photo is out of their book.
Definitely says the GCM is not increased.

Explorer52 · Post by **Explorer52** » Thu Nov 02, 2017 10:17 am

Have just double checked with Lovells.
With the gvm to 3500 / GCM to 7000 upgrade the back axle maximum load is also changed from 1850 to 2020
The front axle maximum load remains at 1480.
RRP is $5,000 plus GST = $5,500 for pre-registration upgrade.

If you don't need GCM upgrade then Pedders GVM upgrade will give 3500 gvm and 2050 on the back axles according to their web site so Pedders gets an extra 30kg uplift on the back compared to Lovells.

Pedders advised cost of their upgrade is
Pre rego: 3300
Post rego: 3300+660 for Engineering Certificate

So if you don't need GCM increase to 7000 after taking into account the extra weight you have put into the Ranger you get 30kg more on the back axle from Pedders. Minto 4x4 in Sydney could give a retail estimate of price

I didn't get a RRP for a CVM only upgrade only from Lovells but it is probably about the same "street price" as Pedders but there are more Pedders in some areas of Sydney than authorised Lovells dealers.

Some GVM upgrades are said to just increase the GVM to the total of the front and back axle maximums of the standard vehicle. Without an increase in the back axle maximum you may end up illegal anyway even with the increased GVM, particulalry where you are wanting extra load on the back such as towball weight, drawer system and canopy plus gear. Always find out what if any changes you get to the axle maximum load capacities as well. If you need a GVM increase you probably need a back axle increase as well.

PTnLinda · Post by **PTnLinda** » Thu Nov 02, 2017 8:20 pm

Just getting my pre-registration Lovell's GVM upgrade done at present. Yes RRP is $5500 inc GST. I shopped around and having it done for $3900 inc GST.

Copie · Post by **Copie** » Thu Nov 02, 2017 10:33 pm

Sheesh they are charging like a wounded bull, I had mine done for 450 from a local engineering firm, post rego using at the time factory suspension. Only thing fitted was a balancing unit on the master cylinder.

That’s GVM to 3500 from 3200

Explorer52 · Post by **Explorer52** » Sun Nov 05, 2017 11:56 pm

Copie wrote:Sheesh they are charging like a wounded bull, I had mine done for 450 from a local engineering firm, post rego using at the time factory suspension. Only thing fitted was a balancing unit on the master cylinder.

That’s GVM to 3500 from 3200

Did that give you an increase on the maximum back axle loading too? If yes how much? Front axle?

Or do you still have the same axle limits as standard Ranger?

Are you in Sydney?

Copie · Post by **Copie** » Mon Nov 06, 2017 1:06 am

Just upped the rear axle load limit.

Front axle remained as standard.

And no I’m in newcastle

iainboyd · Post by **iainboyd** » Wed Jan 24, 2018 2:21 pm

I had ARB increase the GVM on my Wildtrak to 3500 kg before registration, the fix included upgraded 50mm lift suspension with BP-51 shocks and springs. I'm curious however about the increased GCM (Gross Combined Mass) loading with an increased allowance on the back axle, if Ford only rate their rear axles at XXXX kg how can an aftermarket suspension installer re-rate it for a greater loading with out any strengthening or modifications ?

Tryharddaniel · Post by **Tryharddaniel** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 11:03 am

Hi

It seems the rules have changed no longer can a second stage manufacturer upgrade the vehicles GCM.

https://infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/ ... pgrade.pdf

Issued by the
Administrator of Vehicle Standards
In consultation with the
Australian Motor Vehicle Certification Board
comprising Commonwealth, State and Territory representatives
Page 1 of 6
Issue 4
June 2018
CIRCULAR 0–4–6
CERTIFICATION OF VEHICLES WHICH HAVE UNDERGONE A SECOND-STAGE-OF-MANUFACTURE
10.6 The towing capacity of a light vehicle expressed as Gross Combination Mass (GCM) rating or Rated Towing Capacity or Maximum Braked Towing Mass rating must not exceed the value set by the first stage manufacturer. Second stage manufacturers are not permitted to increase the towing capacity as part of an SSM IPA that results in GVM upgrade.

Daniel

diomac · Post by **diomac** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 12:00 pm

Rules haven't changed, they have been clarified. ARB for example always said GCM couldn't be increased under their SSM after they got legal advise that is also why they wouldn't upgrade GVM past 3350 on a Ranger post rego. Lovells just decided to interpret the rules differently and now this circular has come out to make it crystal clear. In Qld post rego GVM upgrade is now done via LS11.

Scotty56 · Post by **Scotty56** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 9:45 am

Latest re GVM-GCM upgrades:

Extract from http://rvcs.infrastructure.gov.au/ under tab What's New? dated 29/6/18

"This update clarifies clause 10.6 requirements for recently issued Administrator’s Circular 0-4-6 (Issue 4, June 2018).

Circular 0-4-6 was amended to include arrangements for SSM Light Vehicles that have been subject to a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) upgrade under Clause 10.

The guidance provided by the Circular 0-4-6 applies to Light Vehicles that includes NA (GVM up to 3.5 tonnes) and NB1 (GVM over 3.5 tonnes and up to 4.5 tonnes) category vehicles.

The revised circular applies to new applications and new amendments to existing Identification Plate Approvals (IPAs). The Circular will not affect the existing IPAs held by the second stage manufacturers. Existing IPA holders can continue to supply to the market vehicles covered by the approved Road Vehicle Descriptors (RVDs). This includes vehicles where the approved RVD has variants that exceed the first stage manufacturer’s Gross Combination Mass (GCM) rating or Rated Towing Capacity or Maximum Braked Towing Mass rating. The second stage manufacturers need to ensure that the current approved RVDs should refer to the current approved RVDs for the first stage manufacturer.

The option of GCM or towing capacity upgrade may be available to consumers in some State/Territory jurisdictions, after the vehicle is supplied to the market."

SeaDooPete · Post by **SeaDooPete** » Mon Nov 19, 2018 8:28 pm

Hi folks,
Haven't been here before, but enjoyed all the reading (Thanx). I am aware that the Administrator of Vehicle Safety Standards branch in the Cwlth (10/2018) wrote to Lovells Suspensions/Springs to clarify that they have never held, nor been given GCM upgrade approvals.

I now see that Lovells website has been totally revamped, and also supports those comments that there approvals are GVM not GCM. There are a few dealers who haven't caught up on the news, and advertise they can do 7,000kg GCM on Rangers/BT50s, those dealers are likely come under scrutiny by Fair Trading agencies.

So this clarifies, that Lovells are the same as Pedders, ARB, TJM, Driveline, EFS, etc that all are holders of SSM kits.
The other difference is Lovells appeared to claim there mods were acceptable post first rego, this is not the case, and any engineering signatory that just claims RVD approvals and not provided an engineering test, is likely to loose also.
Pete

Silkwood · Post by **Silkwood** » Thu Nov 29, 2018 6:20 pm

Can you verify how you became "aware" of this communication? It does not gybe with the information from RCVS. Interested to know why Lovells have not confirmed this.

Cheers,

Mark

diomac · Post by **diomac** » Sun Dec 23, 2018 1:59 pm

Lovells do now state "Note that The GCM (Gross Combined Mass) doesn’t form part of a Lovells GVM or BTC Upgrade or noted in our DIT Approval for Second Stage of Manufacture." They seem to have finally admitted it, though I do see they whinge about the GCM laws at every chance they get in the media.

The Lone Ranger · Post by **The Lone Ranger** » Wed Apr 03, 2019 12:59 pm

I have just spoken to Lovells and they have confirmed that kit fitment pre registration GCM increase in Qld to 7000KG is still available.

Terry 62 · Post by **Terry 62** » Sun Jun 02, 2019 8:57 am

Having mine done as we speak, from 3200 to 3330kg.

I was shocked when i took my 16" Jayco expanda caravan & 2015 XLT dual cab over the weight bridge to check my weights.

Car & van combined 4820kg, 3120kg for the car and 1660kg for the van. So with the caravan hooked up I have only 80kg to put into the car before I am over it's GVM and that's without me in it

At the time I did have about 30kg of extra stuff in the car that can come out, but it's all to close for comfort for me.

I am also having the ATM of the van increased from 1870kg to 2000kg so I can move a some weight around.

iainboyd · Post by **iainboyd** » Mon Jun 10, 2019 10:29 am

boardrider wrote:has anyone had a gvm upgrade,i have got pages of information in regard to the lovells upgrade and i must point out that yes it does increase the gcm to 7000kg.But what i am asking is 1. has anyone done this
2. who did it for you
3. where you happy with the result. ie,not only increasing the load carrying capacity but as your daily drive where you happy with the final comfort level
4. what cost is involved
thanks so much
boardrider

Yes I had mine done before registration by 4WD Offroad at Bathurst using ARB OME BP-51 suspension - GVM from 3200 to 3500kg and CVM to 7000kg. They also supplied and fitted the rest of the specified accessories.
Yes, I am very happy with the result, I cannot speak too highly of the BP-51 suspension - coil and leaf springs and shocks, the rears are 600kg Its a bit "floaty" unloaded but otherwise I have no issues with it. Remember the Ranger is a IFS lightweight 4WD Ute so it will always have some "issues" the worst of which is the swaying side to side when driving up gouged out sand dunes

The cost of the suspension was around $4500 fitted.

The vehicle fully loaded with 140 litres of diesel, 125 litres of drinking water, fridge and drawers full of goodies and with ARB Ascent canopy, Simpson 3 Roof Top Tent, camp toilet and HWTG shower, ARB Bull-bars front and rear, two spare wheel/tyres and a Warne winch and ARB underbody plates the Wildtrak comes in at 3260 kg. -- 60kg. over the original plated GVM so it was money well spent.

NelsonPK · Post by **NelsonPK** » Wed Jun 26, 2019 10:32 am

iainboyd wrote:
boardrider wrote:has anyone had a gvm upgrade,i have got pages of information in regard to the lovells upgrade and i must point out that yes it does increase the gcm to 7000kg.But what i am asking is 1. has anyone done this
2. who did it for you
3. where you happy with the result. ie,not only increasing the load carrying capacity but as your daily drive where you happy with the final comfort level
4. what cost is involved
thanks so much
boardrider
Yes I had mine done before registration by 4WD Offroad at Bathurst using ARB OME BP-51 suspension - GVM from 3200 to 3500kg and CVM to 7000kg. They also supplied and fitted the rest of the specified accessories.
Yes, I am very happy with the result, I cannot speak too highly of the BP-51 suspension - coil and leaf springs and shocks, the rears are 600kg Its a bit "floaty" unloaded but otherwise I have no issues with it. Remember the Ranger is a IFS lightweight 4WD Ute so it will always have some "issues" the worst of which is the swaying side to side when driving up gouged out sand dunes
The cost of the suspension was around $4500 fitted.

The vehicle fully loaded with 140 litres of diesel, 125 litres of drinking water, fridge and drawers full of goodies and with ARB Ascent canopy, Simpson 3 Roof Top Tent, camp toilet and HWTG shower, ARB Bull-bars front and rear, two spare wheel/tyres and a Warne winch and ARB underbody plates the Wildtrak comes in at 3260 kg. -- 60kg. over the original plated GVM so it was money well spent.

Iain, as per your query in an earlier response above, did they explain how they manage to exceed the axle load ratings?
Are you sure the GCM has been increased from 6000kg to 7000kg, refer to my earlier post with the book from ARB.
I am curious as I'm running about 97% on both axles (calculated, yet to be weighed) when towing & about to fit a bulbar & winch which will probably tip me over the 3200kg when towing.