GVM Upgrades

In Australia, GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) upgrades can be done under different regulatory pathways, and the distinction between SSM (Second Stage of Manufacture) and In-Service Type Approval upgrades is important depending on when and how the vehicle is modified.

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

SSM GVM Upgrade (Second Stage of Manufacture)

• When it’s applied: Must be done before the vehicle is first registered.
• Who approves it: Certified at the federal level by the Department of Infrastructure under the Road Vehicle Standards (RVS) legislation.
• How it works:

• • The vehicle is modified (usually suspension upgrades) by a second-stage manufacturer.

• • The vehicle is then issued a federal compliance plate.

• Benefits:

• • Nationally recognized—no need to re-certify if you move interstate.

• • Considered the most comprehensive and robust form of GVM upgrade.

• Limitations:

• • Must be done before registration.

• • Limited flexibility in components—must match the approved kit exactly.

In-Service Type Approval GVM Upgrade (Post-Registration / State-Based)

• When it’s applied: Done after the vehicle has been registered.
• Who approves it: Certified at the state or territory level by an approved automotive engineer or DOT authorised vehicle inspector.
• How it works:

• • Uses data from federally approved kits (like SSM kits) but requires state inspection and certification.

• • Issued a state compliance plate (e.g., blue modification plate in QLD).

• Benefits:

• • Allows upgrades on vehicles that are already in service/licensed.

• Limitations:

• • Not always recognized interstate If you re-register the vehicle in a different state, you may be required to have it signed off by a private automotive engineer.
  • Tyre & Rim Size fitted to the vehicle MUST match the Road Vehicle Descriptor (RVD) for that kit. This information can be found in the secondary tyre placard

If you’re buying a new vehicle and want the most robust upgrade with national recognition, SSM is the gold standard. But if your vehicle is already registered, a state-based type approval might be your only option. 

Want help figuring out which path suits your vehicle best?

Contact us

A GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) upgrade typically does not increase your vehicle’s BTC (Braked Towing Capacity) or GCM (Gross Combination Mass).

• BTC (Braked Towing Capacity): This is the maximum weight your vehicle can tow with a braked trailer. A GVM upgrade focuses on increasing the vehicle’s load-carrying capacity, not its towing capacity. Therefore, your BTC remains unchanged
• GCM (Gross Combination Mass): This is the total allowable mass of your vehicle and any trailers it tows. A GVM upgrade does not automatically increase the GCM. The GCM is usually set by the vehicle manufacturer and remains fixed unless specifically modified and approved

WCS GVM upgrades only increase the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM).  They do NOT increase the Gross Combined Mass (GCM) or Braked Towing Capacity (BTC).

GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) is the maximum allowable total weight of a vehicle when fully loaded. This includes the weight of the vehicle itself, plus passengers, cargo, fuel, and any accessories or modifications. Essentially, it’s the heaviest your vehicle can legally be when it’s on the road.

BTC (Braked Towing Capacity): This is the maximum weight your vehicle can tow with a braked trailer. A GVM upgrade focuses on increasing the vehicle’s load-carrying capacity, not its towing capacity. Therefore, your BTC remains unchanged

GCM (Gross Combination Mass): This is the total allowable mass of your vehicle and any trailers it tows. A GVM upgrade does not automatically increase the GCM. The GCM is usually set by the vehicle manufacturer and remains fixed unless specifically modified and approved

Tow Ball Weight (also known as Tow Ball Mass or Tongue Weight) is the downward force exerted on the tow ball of a towing vehicle by the trailer it is towing. This weight is a crucial factor in ensuring safe towing, as it affects the stability and handling of both the vehicle and the trailer.

RVS (Road Vehicle Standards) legislation refers to a framework including the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA) and Road Vehicle Standards Rules 2019 (the Rules) that sets national standards for safe, secure, and environmentally friendly road vehicles entering the Australian market, replacing older laws from 2021. It mandates vehicles must meet these standards to be listed on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) for sale, covering new, used, specialist, and enthusiast vehicles, ensuring overall market safety and compliance. 

ROVER (Road Vehicle Regulator) is the Australian Department of Infrastructure’s online portal for managing approvals under the Road Vehicle Standards (RVS) Act, acting as a single system for applications, approvals, and managing vehicles on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) for compliance with national standards. It’s used by businesses and individuals to submit applications for vehicle modifications, imports, and certifications, allowing them to track progress and receive decisions. 

RAV (Register of Approved Vehicles) is an online database of vehicles approved to meet RVS standards.

RVD (Road Vehicle Descriptor) is a detailed document that defines the specifications and variants of a vehicle type approved under Road Vehicle Standards (RVS) law, supplied by the applicant for type approval and used for compliance, modifications, and VIN details, acting as a key reference for regulators and certifiers. It specifies features like GVM, components, and options (e.g., airbags, ABS), helping to manage different versions (variants) of a single vehicle approval.