Lovells Automotive approved for post-rego GCM upgrades in WA
Lovells is the first in Australia to be approved for legal GCM upgrades on registered vehicles in WA, helping caravanners and tradies boost towing capacity safely.
Lovells Automotive Systems has become the first Second Stage Manufacturer (SSM) in Australia to receive approval for post-registration gross combination mass (GCM) upgrades under Western Australia’s new legislation. This marks a significant step in bringing WA’s vehicle modification laws in line with the rest of Australia.
For a refresh on GCM weights, check out this feature.
The new rules allow WA vehicle owners to legally fit Lovells’ Australian-designed suspension upgrades that increase a vehicle’s GCM — the total allowable weight of the vehicle plus any trailer it tows — even after the vehicle has been registered, as long as the upgrade is completed by Lovells-approved fitment and production facility centres.
Boost your carrying capacity with a Lovells GCM upgrade
What Lovells’ GCM upgrades mean for vehicle owners
Lovells’ GCM enhancement kits can boost a vehicle’s carrying capacity — including passengers, cargo, fuel and accessories — by up to 15 per cent in some cases. These upgrades build on Lovells’ established gross vehicle mass (GVM) programs that raise a vehicle’s own load limits without trailers.
Want to know what goes into a GVM upgrade, read this guide.
The new standards outlined in WA Department of Transport’s (DoT) Vehicle Technical Bulletins VTB-180A and VTB-181A create safe and legal pathways for increasing the GVM and GCM capabilities of light vehicles — upgrades that have become increasingly more beneficial for caravanners, four-wheel drivers and fleet operators across WA.
“The new DoT rules will result in safer, more capable vehicles in Western Australia, with Lovells’ Gross Combination Mass Revision available to trades, travellers and fleet operators seeking to boost their vehicle’s load carrying abilities”, said Mike Davison, general manager at Lovells Automotive System.
Lovells GCM upgrade
Lovells is proud to be the first company nationally to comply with these regulations, underscoring its longstanding commitment to developing legislation with state and federal regulators and designing safe, durable and high-performance upgrades. This milestone as the first company in Australia to comply with the new standards not only demonstrates Lovells’ commitment to safety and engineering excellence but also provides WA drivers with a lawful and dependable option to enhance their vehicles for both work and recreational use — without sacrificing safety.
Effective immediately, Lovells’ GCM upgrades compliant with Western Australia’s new VTB-181A standards are available for the popular Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series. Over the next few months, Lovells plans to roll out GCM upgrade options for a range of popular utes, SUVs and cab chassis models from brands including Toyota, Ford, Isuzu and Mazda.
Lovells GCM upgrade availability and vehicle suitability
The updated legislation also allows vehicles previously upgraded with Lovells’ GVM solutions under VTB-180A — which increase carrying capacity excluding trailers — to now qualify for GCM Revisions regardless of their registration status, extending the benefits to older vehicles as well.
Lovells GCM upgrades are available for Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series now, with more upgrade options on the way
However, customers seeking to upgrade from an existing GVM to a GCM revision must have their vehicles inspected at an authorised Lovells fitment centre to ensure all existing components are in good working and serviceable condition. This inspection and reapproval service prior to the GVM upgrade is priced from $400, plus GST.
For more information on pricing, vehicle suitability and fitment locations, head to the Lovells website.
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