No more gcm upgrades on new vehicles

[NissanGQ4.2]

Sorry if this has been mentioned before and will delete if it has
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NO MORE GCM UPGRADES ON NEW VEHICLES
WES WHITWORTH JUNE 9, 2018NEWS

https://mr4x4.com.au/no-gcm-upgrades...sletter+%23214

The Australian 4WD Industry Council of Australia have just released a statement regarding changes to GCM re-rating for vehicles undergoing a Second-Stage-of-Manufacture. As of July 1, 2018, there will be no more GCM upgrades permitted on new vehicles.

It has been a long standing modifications on new vehicles to change out tow bars, hitches and suspension components to effectively increase both the Gross Combination Mass (GCM) and Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM). The upgraded GCM was only able to be completed on a new vehicle, essentially pre-delivery, with modification plates to be affixed to the vehicle before first registration.

As of June 8, 2018, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) & 4WD Industry Council have now been notified of these changes by the Federal Department of Transport. The change was issued via an updated Circular by the National Vehicle Administrator following consultation with all state and territory transport regulators.

Where this change will be felt the most, is in the caravanning circles, simply due to the upgraded GCM (read: Towing Capacity) no longer being available, especially with the increased weight of caravans and camper trailers, for the typical mid-sized dual cab ute.

For example, the Ford Ranger XLT dual cab has a GVM of 3200kg, and a GCM of 6000kg, leaving an ability to tow up to 2800kg when it’s fully loaded (think bullbar, lights, winch, batteries, wheels, tyres, canopy, roof racks, fridge etc). The average van may well weigh 2200kg, however add water, food, gear, furnishings to the van and you’re very quickly pushing the GCM limit of the Ranger and a caravan. The average GCM upgrade ranges anywhere from 500kg to 1000kg, allowing for a lot more gear or caravan to be towed across the countryside.

Something worth noting, is that with this change being made due to safety concerns across the country, we should well expect more enforcement and weighbridging of vehicles on the roads into the future.

It is still early days in these changes, and we’re waiting to see what else comes of this change, or will new buyers need to go up to a full-sized / American sized ute? Let us know your thoughts below; would you pick a smaller caravan, or a bigger ute? One thing’s for certain, there’ll be no more GCM upgrades.

Notification of Change to Administrative Arrangements Regarding GCM Re-Rating for Vehicles Which Have Undergone a Second-Stage-of-Manufacture

JUNE 8, 2018 / COMMENTS OFF NEWS

https://www.4wdcouncil.com.au/notifi...f-manufacture/

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) & 4WD Industry Council have been notified by the Federal Department of Transport of a change in the administrative arrangements relating to modifications undertaken on a New Vehicle as part of a Second-Stage-of-Manufacture.

This change, which was issued via an updated Circular by the National Vehicle Administrator this week following consultation with all State and Territory Transport Regulators, effectively bans the practice of increasing the rated towing capacity of a vehicle, expressed as a Gross Combination Mass (GCM), above that specified by the first stage manufacturer.

This action was taken by the National Vehicle Administrator following the widespread concern expressed by regulators and aftermarket industry participants in relation to the potential safety implications of GCM re-rating and as such this change has the full support of the AAAA. Our support for this intervention is in line with our commitment as an industry to provide safe and responsible modifications through our many small and family owned automotive businesses across the country and for the thousands of Australian car owners potentially impacted by this practice.

Further information and a copy of the revised Administrators circular can be found HERE. see attachment https://www.4wdcouncil.com.au/wp-con...rade-final.pdf

[poindexter]

I have always thought for many years, that if you need a GVM upgrade, you've bought the wrong vehicle. Pack smart, travel light.

[NissanGQ4.2]

I have always thought for many years, that if you need a GVM upgrade, you've bought the wrong vehicle. Pack smart, travel light.

Not necessarily, things in life change, you might buy what suits your needs now but doesn't take into account buying a bigger caravan down the track

[PeeBee]

Great, I now have to look for a trailer weighing less than 100kg to be legal!!!

[AB]

Great, I now have to look for a trailer weighing less than 100kg to be legal!!!

Do you mean negative 1.3T?


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[Plasnart]

I have an old caravan pre compliance plate era, and rego states 900kg. Not 900kg in anybody's book, being twin axle timber framed jobby. To date I've been a bit relaxed about it due to no interest from weigh bridges, but might need to consider offloading it if this is the way they're going, and buy a newer van all properly specced on plate. Either that or get the van engineered, which might be a cheaper option overall. Haven't weighed it but don't think the GCM exceeds the Patrol's limits.

[Ben-e-boy]

Great, I now have to look for a trailer weighing less than 100kg to be legal!!!

How much do you weigh

[Plasnart]

How much do you weigh

Edit: Got everything under the sun in that beast! @PeeBee FYI

[Cuppa]

As I understand it there has been a 'bit of a loophole' which some of the suspension companies have exploited for a number of years. *Some* vehicles have been able to get increased GCM's by increasing the GVM. In my case with a 'retrospective' Lovells upgraded GVM on a Patrol this was not the case - the GCM remained the same whilst my GVM was increased by 500kg. In effect this meant that instead of being able to tow up to 2500kg (leaf cab chassis) I can now tow up to 2000kg *IF* I utilise the full extra 500kg on the vehicle (or tow the full 2500kg if I keep my vehicle weight below the original GVM of 3400kg). To be honest I think this is the way it should be & that the new rules from the 1st July are about ensuring this is the case for all vehicles.

As it is, it is of no concern for me as I have no intention of towing anything heavier than the Tvan. (max 1400kg)

I believe that to be safe it is best for the caravan to weigh less, or certainly no more than the tow vehicle, & that is the intent of these new rules. Some vehicles up until now have been able to get GCM upgrades allowing IMO unsuitable vehicles to tow behemoth vans which are nothing less than accidents waiting to happen.

GVM upgrades are still allowed & folk will either need to get bigger vehicles to pull bigger vans, or will have to do as I have done - have a GVM upgrade & to then utilise that on the vehicle at the expense of the weight they can pull, or stick to the vehicle's full towing capacity by remaining at or below the original GVM. It's nice to have that choice & I reckon the new rules will make the roads safer for all of us.

[Ben-e-boy]

GVM = GCM for PeeBee!! Got everything under the sun in that beast!

That insane. I cant believe the chassis hasn't cracked