Heavy-duty vehicles have come a long way in becoming more efficient. They’re using less oil and generating less pollution. Trucks are capable of carrying over 3, 500 kg pounds from one location to the other. It’s necessary to understand that each heavy-duty vehicle has a certain load-carrying capacity, which indicates the greatest weight that it can manipulate without reducing its efficiency. Exceeding the vehicle’s weight capacity is highly dangerous. If you’re required to haul more weight, it’s recommended to equip the truck with the necessary accessories and suspension parts.
An upgrade ensures an enhanced load-carrying capacity of the vehicle. It keeps you safe on the road and ensures that you’re respecting all the regulations. Manufacturers build trucks to meet a specific gross vehicle weight rating. The great thing is that you can modify the weight capacity without re-engineering the vehicle. If you’re curious to know what you can do to increase your vehicle’s hauling power, please continue reading. In this article, we’ll show you how to improve your safety and make your trips more productive.
Understand the maximum amount your vehicle can weigh when fully loaded
If you’re not new to 4×4 driving, you know that GVM represents the maximum weight allowed for a given vehicle when it’s fully loaded. A truck can tow up to 3,500 kg, but you may have to make a compromise in terms of luggage or passengers. The 3,500 kg are taken up by the combined weight of the driver, occupants, and various engine fluids. Your truck’s GVM is distributed evenly for safe and efficient operation. The more you add, the less you can tow. You can identify your vehicle’s weakest link by getting a good understanding of the weight-bearing components.
It’s important to replace or reinforce the weakest link with something of a higher weight rating. Driving an overloaded truck is dangerous, as mentioned earlier, regardless of whether you’re driving a family pickup truck or a commercial vehicle. You’ll want to install additional components for extra support. Don’t get stranded in the middle of nowhere with an overloaded 4WD. As far as increasing the heavy load-carrying capacity of a truck, there are several determining factors, among which mention can be made of GVM upgrades.
See where you can find a GVM upgrade kit
Upgrading the GVM is quite common in new vehicles. 4×4 owners aren’t happy with the usable payload from the manufacturer and resort to making little adjustments, making sure not to compromise on performance or handling. If you’d like to follow in their footsteps, undertake a GVM upgrade. If the brakes and axles are in good condition, you’re good to go. Reach out to a licensed engineer and have them assess the compliance plate and individual axle weights on the truck before carrying any changes. GVM upgrade solutions are generally suggested for a load limit that is under 10%. If you require a little bit more, the engineer will undoubtedly suggest a GVM upgrade kit. It will enhance the ride with better comfort, carrying, and handling.
Attention needs to be paid to the fact that lift kits and GVM upgrade kits aren’t the same thing. To be more precise, they don’t give the same results. Installing a lift kit does come with certain advantages, such as being able to handle rough, difficult terrain, but it won’t tackle deeper issues. If you want to get better use out of your truck, get a GVM upgrade kit that has been approved by infrastructure and transport policies and programs. Equally important is that the upgrade solution has gone through extensive testing regarding stability control.
The good news is that there are numerous aftermarket suppliers of GVM upgrades. Trustworthy ones have carried out the necessary engineering and testing to make sure that the truck’s OEM components aren’t compromised during the process. Don’t waste your time or money. The market is characterized by few established international vendors because the barriers to the technology are high. Some say that the size of the automotive market is downsizing and leading to increased competitiveness. The point is that you should be able to identify a good supplier.
Get an authorized facility to help you install the GVM upgrade
If you’re getting a GVM upgrade, it’s a good idea to hire an authorized installer. They will do their on inspection of the vehicle, evaluating everything from the front to the rear, to determine what the best course of action is. The aim isn’t only to increase the heavy load-carrying capacity, but also to optimize the front and the rear axle loadings. The upgrade won’t affect your truck’s warranty, yet you should check with the manufacturer to be sure that the warranty will remain intact. You’re able to increase the vehicle’s weight capacity by 300 kg or more. The ride height might be affected.
It’s a waste of potential that so many trucks are limited by their heavy load-carrying capacity. If your vehicle works as hard as you do, it’s worth investing in a GVM upgrade. It’s pretty straightforward and the project can be completed in a relatively short period of time. There is no margin of error allowed. If you don’t respect the rules that apply to your state, you risk unnecessary fines. Keep in mind that there are heavy fines for this type of offense and insurance companies tend to reject claims for damages in the case of overloaded trucks. So, you won’t be compensated.
The GVM suspension is becoming more and more popular. Getting the opinion of an engineer is paramount when raising the carrying capacity of your ride. If you’re a business owner, you could be accused of breaching occupational health and safety regulations and even employee negligence. Get more than one assessment and don’t be afraid to ask questions. A reputable installer will be happy to address your concerns. They will be able to come out to your premises to help you out. Be conscious when fitting the accessories and suspension parts.
