What is a GVM Upgrade?

In Queensland, Australia, there are two main types of Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) upgrades for 4x4 vehicles:

1. Federally Recognised GVM Upgrade (Second Stage Manufacturing - SSM)
2. Queensland 10% GVM Upgrade (State-Based Modification Plate)

Here’s the key difference between the two:

1. Federally Recognised GVM Upgrade (SSM - Second Stage Manufacturing)

 Nationally Recognised – This type of GVM upgrade is certified at the federal level under the Second Stage Manufacturing (SSM) process.
 Done Before First Registration (No longer the case) – This upgrade must be completed before the vehicle is first registered.
 Valid Australia-Wide – Because it follows federal ADR (Australian Design Rules) standards, it is accepted in all states and territories.
 Higher GVM Increase Possible – Typically allows a larger increase in GVM than the state-based option.
 Manufacturers' Warranty May Be Retained – If done through an approved provider, some manufacturers may still honour the vehicle's factory warranty.
 More Expensive & Complex – The process involves extensive testing and certification, making it a costlier option.

Example:
A Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series with a factory GVM of 3,380kg can be upgraded to 4,200kg or more under an SSM GVM upgrade.

2. Queensland 10% GVM Upgrade (State-Based Modification Plate)

 State-Based & Cheaper – This type of upgrade is only recognised in Queensland and is generally less expensive than an SSM upgrade.
 Can Be Done After First Registration – Unlike the SSM upgrade, this can be performed after the vehicle has been registered.
 Simple Approval Process – A Registered Approved Person (RAP) or a licensed engineer can install and certify the upgrade with a modification plate (Blue Plate - Code LG1).
 Limited to 10% Increase in GVM – Queensland regulations only allow a maximum 10% increase in the original GVM.
 Not Recognised Outside Queensland – If you move to another state, the upgrade may not be valid. You might need to revert to the original GVM or seek re-certification.
 May Affect Warranty – Since this is a state-level modification, some manufacturers might void parts of the vehicle’s factory warranty.

Example:
A Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series with a factory GVM of 3,380kg can be upgraded to 3,718kg (10% increase) under a Queensland modification plate.

Which One Should You Choose?

• If you plan to travel interstate, sell the vehicle outside Queensland, or need a larger GVM increase, the SSM (Federally Recognised) Upgrade is the better option.
• If you only need a small GVM increase (up to 10%) and plan to keep the vehicle in Queensland, the state-based upgrade is a cheaper and easier solution.

Would you like help finding an approved installer for either option?