GVM Upgrades

Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is the maximum total mass of a fully loaded motor vehicle as specified by your vehicle manufacturer.   For many passenger vehicles, it can also be known as the Maximum Loaded Vehicle Mass (MLVM). 

For most 4WD owners the primary contributors affecting GVM are the fitting of touring accessories. Components such as bull bars/rear bars, tyre carrying equipment, winches, underbody protection, supplementary batteries and charging systems , adding additional fuel tank capacity and fuel, canopies or tray/body combinations, roof racks, draw systems, tow bars. This is before cargo and passengers are loaded.

Additional weight has multiple effects of the dynamics and handling of your vehicle. Increase in sprung mass can have significant effect on pitch, roll and yaw (The front to back, side to side and central axis rotation of your vehicle) Newtons second law defines F=MA (Force equals mass times acceleration) so any additional weight will place additional force loads on components of the vehicle. Your suspension travel (or sag as is commonly observed), braking efficiency and required braking distance as well as overall weight distribution (particularly when towing) can be substantially affected. Of course there is also the legal compliance issue, an overweight vehicle is considered unroadworthy and in most cases illegal to drive and unable to be insured.

First solution, purchase a vehicle that is fit for purpose at your most extreme use case scenario. If this is not an option then there are certainly a myriad of component upgrades that will enhance your vehicles performance and capability. Uprated spring and shock options include heavier rate coil springs, heavier duty leaf springs, variable load leaf springs, higher duty performing shock absorbers and airbag supplemented systems.

Understanding your most extreme use case scenario will define if there is a workable solution for your vehicle. Even with upgrades there are still limitations as to what can be achieved without going to supplementary axles or light truck options. Being realistic about your needs and your vehicles capabilities is key. Striking the balance between everyday driveability and vehicle fitness for purpose means there is not one size fits all solution. Get in contact with us and we can have an honest discussion on if and how we can help you.