Is Your Fully Laden SUV Still Legal for Use on the Road?
If you've bought a mid-sized SUV, thinking it should be perfectly adequate to cater to your family on a camping expedition, you may be disappointed. There seems to be enough room inside for the family and all the camping gear, but if you look at the size limitations, you may see that you are now overweight. So what should you do in this situation, so you can still plan those great adventures without any risks?
Your Usable Payload
Each manufacturer has to nominate a "usable payload", and most of them will err on the side of caution. So, it's not difficult to exceed those minimum levels, even if you do not appear to overload the vehicle itself. But it's always best to conform and remember that risks are involved. If you are unfortunate to get into an accident, the fact that the vehicle weighs too much and is over its usable payload may become an issue with the insurance company.
Consider an Upgrade
However, help is at hand in the form of a GVM upgrade. This allows you to increase the minimum "gross vehicle mass" and will enable you to carry a bigger load than you might otherwise. It can also make the vehicle more stable when it is heavily laden, improving the handling and benefiting those performance levels.
Refer to the Documentation
To find out if you need an upgrade, refer to the owner's manual and then weigh the vehicle when it is fully laden. Remember that if you intend to tow a caravan or trailer as well, this may have additional implications when it comes to the ratings and your need for a GVM upgrade.
Upgrade Kits
Many aftermarket companies sell suspension upgrade kits for Australia's most popular mid-size SUVs. They're all well-engineered and approved, and you can have full confidence once they are fitted. Each kit will have components designed for your specific vehicle, like new shock absorbers, coil springs and mounting bolts. You will need to get them professionally installed.
Inspection and Authorisation
Once the kit is fitted, present the vehicle for a formal inspection. This will need to be performed by an automotive engineer approved and authorised by the State. If they're happy, they will issue a modification plate you need to attach to the vehicle. Then, should you ever be stopped by a law enforcement officer, you can produce the documentation and point to the plate. You can also give this information to your insurance company, just in case.
What to Do Next
So, if you think that your vehicle may be overweight (or marginally so), don't take any risks. Get in touch with an accessory supplier to order a GVM upgrade kit such as Ford Everest GVM upgrade kits.
Share