You may have seen the acronym GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) in your car’s manual before, but you may not understand what it is and how it affects your vehicle. Even experienced off-roaders can easily misinterpret and overload their cars, and this action can lead to serious safety issues if left unattended.
So, this article will briefly explain the importance of upgrading your car’s GVM.
What is a GVM?
As mentioned, GVM stands for Gross Vehicle Mass or the maximum loaded mass of a vehicle. The usable payload of many 4×4 vehicles direct from the manufacturer is lower and less than what many 4×4 owners require in the long run.
That’s why a GVM upgrade raises the Gross Vehicle Mass, allowing you to carry a heavier load without sacrificing performance or handling. The upgrade doesn’t take long to exceed your car’s legal maximum weight after you add a couple of adult passengers and some basic supplies.
But adding certain accessories, such as bull bars, side steps, roof racks, and camping gear, might easily surpass your vehicle’s GVM limit.
When Should You Upgrade?
Every vehicle has a distinct load rating, which may be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. There are several scenarios when you should need a GVM upgrade, such as if:
- You must evaluate whether the load is distributed across your car’s front or rear half.
- Your car’s manufacturer would have set limits for the front and rear axles and the total vehicle weight (GVM).
- You should also examine whether you will be towing a trailer or caravan and make sure that the towing capacity (braked) does not exceed the manufacturer’s ratings.
If you surpass the rating for any of these loads, you must update your GVM.
How Much Does it Cost to Upgrade GVM?
The type of suspension system you install is a crucial component that might affect the cost of updating your vehicle’s GVM.
For example, a basic leaf spring suspension system is less expensive than other alternatives, such as airbag or coil spring suspensions. While leaf springs may be sufficient for certain vehicles, others may require a more complex suspension design to manage larger weights.
In addition, the difficulty of installing some suspension systems can increase the final cost. Some systems may necessitate additional changes to your vehicle’s chassis or drivetrain, which may involve additional costs. It is critical to talk with our technicians, who have vast experience with GVM upgrades and can precisely assess your vehicle’s requirements.
Finally, investing in a high-quality suspension system is critical for improving safety and performance when transporting heavy loads. So, you can check out the best gvm kits to guarantee a safe ride at all times. You can choose from an extensive range of upgrades ideal for your car model.
Enjoy a Safe Ride
Vehicle owners must comprehend the cost and procedure of GVM upgrades. That way, you can expand your vehicle’s carrying capacity and improve road safety by investing in a GVM modification. With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions regarding increasing your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Mass and continue to have a safe ride.
