GVM Upgrades in Sydney
Federally approved and engineered GVM upgrades for LandCruisers, INEOS, Ranger Super Duty and American trucks — supplied, fitted and certified in-house at Smeaton Grange.
Why a GVM upgrade?
Most touring vehicles leave the factory with far less payload than people expect. Add a tray or canopy, drawers, a fridge, water, fuel, a rooftop tent and passengers, and many 4x4s are over their legal Gross Vehicle Mass before they leave the driveway. Driving overweight can void insurance, and it puts extra load on brakes, suspension and chassis.
A GVM upgrade legally increases the maximum loaded mass of your vehicle. It combines engineered suspension components (springs, shocks and sometimes axle or chassis work) with the approval and paperwork that updates your vehicle's compliance, so you can carry your touring gear legally and safely.
- GVM — the maximum your vehicle may weigh fully loaded.
- Payload — GVM minus the vehicle's kerb weight: what you can actually carry.
- GCM — the maximum combined mass of the vehicle plus a trailer or caravan. Some packages re-rate GCM as well.
NB1 or NB2? Pre-rego or post-rego?
The two decisions that shape every GVM upgrade.
NB1 — car licence
Vehicles up to 4,500 kg GVM stay in the NB1 light-vehicle category and can be driven on a standard car licence. Many upgrades are designed to finish at or under 4,495 kg for exactly this reason.
NB2 — light rigid licence
Going above 4,500 kg moves the vehicle into NB2, which needs a Light Rigid (LR) licence. The payoff is a much bigger payload — popular on American trucks and heavily loaded tourers.
Pre-registration
Fitted before the vehicle is first registered, under a federal approval. It's usually the simplest and most cost-effective path — ideal if you're buying new.
Post-registration
For vehicles already on the road. The upgrade is certified under state rules and the registration is updated. Extra engineering and registration fees apply.
Wheels and tyres
Higher GVM stages often need load-rated wheels and tyres to match. We'll tell you up front if your package does.
Towing (GCM)
Some packages keep or increase the factory GCM so towing capacity isn't lost. We confirm the numbers for your exact vehicle before you book.
GVM upgrades by vehicle
| Vehicle | Upgrade | Up to | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| LandCruiser 79 Series | JMACX leaf GVM, coil conversion & Super Chassis | 4,495 kg | 79 Series builds · 4495 kg Super Chassis |
| LandCruiser 78 Series Troopy | JMACX coil conversion | 4,200 kg | 78 Series builds · 1GD 4200 kg |
| LandCruiser 76 Series | JMACX coil conversion | 3,900 kg | 1GD 76 Series · VDJ 76 Series |
| LandCruiser 300 Series | JMACX touring & commercial GVM | 4,200 kg | 3800 kg · 4200 kg · 4200 kg Commercial |
| INEOS Grenadier & Quartermaster | JMACX GVM upgrade | 4,495 kg | INEOS builds |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | Offroad Industries GVM & NB1 lifts | 4,250 kg | Silverado 1500 packages |
| Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD | Offroad Industries NB2 GVM & NB1 lifts | 6,000 kg | Silverado 2500HD packages |
| Ford F-150 | Offroad Industries GVM | 4,300 kg | F-150 packages |
| Toyota Tundra | Offroad Industries GVM | 4,300 kg | Tundra packages |
| RAM 2500 | Offroad Industries NB2 GVM | 5,550 kg (6th Gen coming soon) | RAM 2500 packages |
Maximum ratings vary by model, variant and build date. We confirm the right package for your vehicle at quote.
Why Project Overlander
Fitted in-house
Every GVM upgrade is fitted by our own technicians at our Smeaton Grange workshop — not sub-contracted.
Paperwork handled
We manage the approvals, plates and certification, whether your vehicle is new or already registered.
Build it once
Combine your GVM upgrade with trays, canopies, long range tanks, 12V and fit-outs from the same workshop.
GVM upgrade FAQs
What is a GVM upgrade?
It's an engineered upgrade that legally increases the maximum loaded mass of your vehicle, using approved suspension components and updated compliance so you can carry more weight safely and legally.
Will I need a truck licence?
Only if the upgrade takes the vehicle above 4,500 kg GVM (NB2), which needs a Light Rigid licence. Upgrades that finish at or below 4,495 kg keep the vehicle on a standard car licence.
Is pre-rego or post-rego better?
Pre-registration upgrades are usually simpler and cheaper, so they're ideal when buying a new vehicle. Post-registration upgrades work for vehicles already on the road but involve extra state engineering and registration fees.
Will a GVM upgrade reduce my towing capacity?
It depends on the package. Some keep or increase the factory GCM so towing isn't affected. We confirm the numbers for your exact vehicle before you book.
Do I need new wheels and tyres?
Some higher stages need load-rated wheels and tyres. We'll tell you up front if your chosen package does.
How do I get started?
Send us an enquiry with your vehicle details and how you plan to use it. We'll recommend the right package, quote it and book your build.