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Load a 4x4 for trips and then bolt on accessories like bull bars and winches and you will quickly use up the HiLux's available payload.
The two options to overcome this scenario are to either reduce the amount of gear you’re carrying or increase the vehicle's GVM. Apart from the legalities, a GVM upgrade will also allow you to carry heavy loads more comfortably and safely.
GVM upgrades typically involve reworking the suspension by fitting stronger springs and upgraded shock absorbers, and it may even include upgrading the brakes to ensure the vehicle can safely handle the increased load capacity.
- What it is: Increases the available carrying capacity (payload) of your HiLux.
- Why you need it: To stay legal and safe, as well as keep your insurance valid. Vehicles that exceed their GVM limit may be deemed unroadworthy.
- Buying tips: Obviously the key parts in a GVM upgrade are suspension components, so consider your lift requirements and get a lift and GVM upgrade done simultaneously.
Here are some products we recommend. They’re intended as a starting point, to give you an idea of what’s available.
JUMP AHEAD
| Upgraded GVM | Increased payload | Pre- or post-rego | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pedders | 3500-3620kg | 500-690kg | Either |
| ARB | 3150-3465kg | 150-465kg | Either |
| Terrain Tamer | 3150-3465kg | 150-465kg | Either |
| Tough Dog | 3510kg | 510kg | Either |
Pedders GVM upgrade
Pedders has two GVM upgrade kits, with either 500kg or 690kg increase over the factory GVM. The 500kg kit includes suspension upgrades plus headlight angle adjustment and a front brake pad upgrade. The 690kg kit includes the obvious suspension upgrades plus headlight angle adjustment, indicator upgrade and a front brake pad upgrade.
Specifications
- Upgraded GVM: 3500-3620kg
- Payload increase: 500-620kg
- Pre- or post-registration: Either, but post-registration will require engineering certification
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Pros
- Options available depending on your load requirements
- Support network of more than 120 outlets Australia-wide
- Two-year/40,000km warranty
Cons
- Brake pads are part of the upgrade, which means you’re locked into those particular pads
ARB GVM upgrade
ARB has two upgrade options available to cater for different applications. A Stage 1 upgrade will increase the HiLux’s GVM to 3150kg, and a Stage 2 will increase the GVM to 3465kg.
However, there is a special condition that comes with the heavier GVM upgrade: a minimum of 600kg must be permanently carried in or on the vehicle at all times. This requirement is part of the ARB approval when fitting a Stage 2 upgrade and is essential to maintain the vehicle’s handling performance.
Specifications
- Upgraded GVM: 3150-3465kg
- Payload increase: 150-465kg
- Pre- or post-registration: Either, but post-registration will require engineering certification
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Pros
- Options available depending on your load requirements
- Utilises quality Old Man Emu components
- Stage 1 offers a mild upgrade when only a slight increase is needed
Cons
- Stage 2 upgrade requires 600kg of constant load
Terrain Tamer GVM upgrade
Consisting of exclusive Terrain Tamer suspension components, these HiLux GVM upgrade options have been thoroughly tested and analysed to reach Secondary Stage Manufacturer's approval and can be installed either prior to registration or on existing registered vehicles at approved workshops, and following state-level modification processes.
Specifications
- Upgraded GVM: 3150-3465kg
- Payload increase: 150-465kg
- Pre- or post-registration: Either, but post-registration will require engineering certification
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Pros
- Parabolic spring options for extra comfort
- Backed by years of research and development
Cons
- Not a one-stop shop like some others, so you need to locate an installer
Tough Dog GVM upgrade
Tough Dog GVM upgrades allow a vehicle to be certified to carry a greater amount than the original manufacturer, without breaching applicable ADRs or laws. You can upgrade the GVM of a vehicle using either Federal approval or State-based approval, depending on whether the vehicle has been registered or not.
Specifications
- Upgraded GVM: 3510kg
- Payload increase: 510kg
- Pre- or post-registration: Either, but post-registration will require engineering certification
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Pros
- Solid payload increase
- Quality foam cell shocks
- Can be done in conjunction with your suspension lift
Cons
- Very basic option, although that’s probably an advantage to most
How we review products
4X4 Australia has been reviewing four-wheel drive vehicles and aftermarket products for more than 40 years.
When looking for the best accessories for your make and model of 4WD, there are some things essential to making sure you have the best off-roading experience.
When we compare products, here are some of the things we consider:
- Warranty
- Build quality
- Value for money
- Time and ease to set-up/install
- Weight
- Fit and finish
- How well it gets the job done
- What materials they’re made from
- Corrosion/UV resistance
- Coatings
- Compatibility with other accessories
- Compliance with ADRs and vehicle safety systems
- Country of manufacture
- Load ratings, to determine what's the best product across each price point.
We also consider user reviews and our own experience with these products to make sure our recommendations are for the best on the market.
Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We also include products that we do not earn a commission from.
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