Gross Combination Mass (GCM) Upgrades for vehicles with LOVELLS GVM - How to get a GCM upgrade at BAM Garage on a QLD registered vehicle.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Shock Absorbers
  • If you already have a Lovells GVM upgrade and/or Lovells BTC upgrade fitted to your vehicle and are wishing to increase your GCM, for GCM certification to be carried out note the below information.
  • Twin-Tube performance gas charged shocks cannot exceed 3 years in age or 70,000km
  • Mono-Tube / Platinum / Remote Reservoir shocks cannot exceed 3 years in age or 100,000km - age factor for shock replacement of 3 years is regardless if shock is still in 4 year warranty term
  • If you do not have a Lovells GVM upgrade fitted to your vehicle then we are able to provide a GCM upgrade to your vehicle with a fresh installation of an approved Lovells GVM upgrade kit.
  • IF LOVELLS SHOCK ABSORBERS FITTED TO VEHICLE ARE OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY TERMS, THEY MUST BE REPLACED WITH NEW PARTS FOR LS16 COMPLIANCE TO BE UNDERTAKEN.
• Tyres & Rims
  • The load carrying capacity of all tyres must be sufficient for the GVM/GCM/axle loads
  • The load carrying capacity of all rims must be sufficient for the GVM/GCM/axle loads
  • The tyre age is not to exceed 5 years in age from the tyre manufacturing date
• Upper Control Arms (UCA's)
  • Upgraded UCA's are to be used in most Lovells GVM upgrades to address camber and caster specifications
  • If your vehicle has upgraded UCA's fitted these will need to be checked for compliance.
  • UCA's will need to be rated to meet the new front axle loads
  • UCA's will need to have relevant FEA and ADR test information
  • UCA's will need to be checked for recalls and manufacturing version
  • UCA balljoint condition to be checked for water ingress, rust and wear
• Category 6 Indicators
  • Category 6 indicators are required on some makes and models
• Extended brake hose fittings
  • Extended brake hose fittings are required on some makes and models
• Front swaybar spacers
  • Front swaybar spacers are required on some makes and models
• Brake proportioning valve adjustment
  • Brake proportioning valve adjustment are required on some makes and models

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Vehicle mechanical & safety check
  • To be performed at BAM Garage. This can be done prior to GVM/BTC/GCM alterations or at the same time. Defects will need to be resolved.
• Vehicle Condition
  • The vehicle is to have a complete mechanical & safety check over at BAM Garage.
  • The condition of the vehicle is important for certification and must be in a safe and serviceable condition at the point of certification
  • Suspension components, frame, structure, rust, tow equipment and brakes are key areas.
  • There must be an absence of leaks from the vehicle.
  • The engine and transmission suspension are to be in serviceable condition
  • The vehicle's drive shafts, axles, tail shaft, bearing and angle are to be correctly setup and in serviceable condition
  • All components including suspension, transmission, engine, brakes, engine cooling systems should be validated as fit for purpose for increased GCM.

PASS & FAIL CHECK LIST FOR GCM ELIGIBILITY

• Gross Combination Mass (GCM) upgrade to a Queensland registered vehicle cannot be performed if any of the below areas are found to have defects
  • Is the vehicle in safe and serviceable condition
  • Is there any visible structural damage to the chassis
  • Is there any visible rust on the chassis or underside which will reduce the vehicles structural integrity
  • Are all suspension mounting points free of visible damage/cracks
  • If the vehicle has an existing Lovells approved GVM upgrade, are the shock absorbers still within Warranty period
  • Is the steering damage free and fully operational
  • Is the radiator and cooling system in good working order, free from any damage
  • Using a Glycol concentrate tester, is the glycol coolant concentration acceptable
  • Are the brakes in good condition
  • Has the ESC (if fitted) been disabled - (ESC must not be disabled)
  • Are the axle assemblies in good condition visually
  • Are there any oil leaks from the axle assemblies/engine/brakes/transmission
  • Is there any rust or damage to body panels which will reduce the vehicles structural integrity
  • Are the tyres in roadworthy condition and less than 5 years old
  • Are the rims in good condition and show no signs of damage
  • If fitted with aftermarket rims, are they rated to cover axle capacities
  • If vehicle is having a BTC Upgrade fitted, are the tow bar and safety chains suitably rated
  • Is the vehicle in acceptable safe condition to upgrade the GVM, BTC and or GCM
  • Has the vehicle operator been given a written version of Lovells Owners Manual and Overview
  • Has the vehicle passed brake inertia test

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Front Diff Drop
  • Front drive shaft angle vs. front ride height of vehicle to be assessed for diff drop eligibility - for 4x4 vehicles only
• Servicing
  • Vehicle OEM service is to be up to date and not overdue by either kilometers or time schedule. Service records are sufficient. If vehicle is due for servicing we can arrange this for you.
• Harsh Environment Servicing
  • It should be noted that the durability and endurance of components may be shortened through wear and tear and be subject to earlier repair / replacement. The OEM standard servicing intervals may no longer be applicable.
  • Carrying out intermediate servicing of vehicles at 50% of the original logbook schedule intervals is recommended for vehicles that are primarily a tow vehicle
• Automatic Transmission Flush
  • Automatic transmissions should be flushed every 40,000km for vehicles that are primarily a tow vehicle - regardless of the OEM schedule.
• Brake Pad Upgrade
  • GCM upgrades attract towing more weight aswell as carrying more weight in the vehicle which are both well beyond OEM. We highly recommend utilising upgraded high temperature brake pads.
  • LOVELLS STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT BRAKE PADS BE REPLACED AT TIME OF GVM/GCM MODIFICATION.
• Brake Power Vac Booster Upgrade
  • Landcruiser 76, 78 and 79 series are highly recommended to have an upgraded brake booster fitted. This is due to the OE booster being a single diaphragm. The upgraded booster will become twin diaphragm. If vehicle does not past brake inertia test then this will become mandatory.
• Engine Cooling System
  • Radiator age is a key consideration to ensure reliability and optimal performance.
  • Radiator failure can lead to complete engine failure and road hazards.
  • Sometimes radiator failure is un-noticed by the driver until the engine begins to fail. The can be due to a coolant gauge not responding quick enough or correctly as the leak was so large that there was not enough fluid in the system to allow the gauge to respond. The engine will then need to become so hot until steam is created for to register the gauge overheating, by this stage the damage is normally catastrophic.
  • If your vehicle is 8+ years of age and has an original radiator fitted we recommend replacement. Radiators have plastic tanks and their condition can sometimes be assessed by the colour of the plastic. However the colour of the plastic beneath the water outlet hoses cannot be seen. Radiator failure most commonly comes from the hose outlet fitting breaking off the radiator itself. Removing a radiator hose shows the plastics true condition. At the 8+ year mark the plastic instead of being black in colour is often brown or yellow. Many times the radiator outlet actually snaps off when attempting to remove the water hoses due to it being so brittle.
  • If your vehicle is approaching 200,000km and has an original radiator fitted we recommend replacement.
  • LOVELLS STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT THE OEM RADIATOR IS SERVICED OR REPLACED WITH A NEW OEM ITEM OR PWR AFTERMARKET ITEM IF A GCM UPGRADE IS BEING UNDERTAKEN. IF AN ENGINE FAILS DUE TO INSUFFICIENT COOLING CAUSED BY A CLOGGED OR DAMAGED RADIATOR, WARRANTY MAY BE VOIDED.
• Airbags
  • Users that are towing with ball weight that are not using weight distribution may want (or already have) airbags fitted to the rear axle. Please note the below information provided to us from Lovells as of 14th March 2023
    • AFTERMARKET AIRBAGS AREN’T A PART OF A LOVELLS SSM KIT. AIRBAGS MAY LOAD THE CHASSIS AT THE MOUNTING POINTS AND MAY CAUSE FAILURE. THE VARIABILITY OF AIR PRESSURE IN THE BAGS CAN ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO ALTERED HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE VEHICLE. THEREFORE, WE SUGGEST AIRBAGS ARE NOT FITTED. IF THE END USER WISHES TO HAVE THEM FITTED AFTER COMPLIANCE, PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS MAY VOID WARRANTY.
  • This does not mean you cannot fit airbags to your vehicle. We can still certify GVM/BTC and GCM upgrades with airbags. The statement is more of a disclaimer to ensure that the LS11/LS16 engineer cannot be held accountable if the airbags cause damage to the vehicle.
  • If you already have airbags fitted to the vehicle and we are performing suspension alterations the recommendation is for airbag replacement at 2+ years of age.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU WANT A GCM UPGRADE PERFORMED IN 2023

• Prior to COVID 19 GVM upgrades would generally take 4-6 weeks to receive from point of order. Since COVID 19 due to many world wide factors some GVM upgrades have taking substantially longer to receive from point of order.
• With the recent GCM code released in Queensland in March 2023, demand is currently exceeding supply. Due to high demand GCM retro-fit parts and GVM / GCM full kits we strongly recommend planning your upgrade well in advance.
• If you are wishing to upgrade your existing Lovells GVM upgrade to become a GCM upgrade we would recommend placing a pre-order and deposit.
• If you are wishing fit a full Lovells GVM & GCM upgrade to your vehicle we would recommend placing a pre-order.
• All that is required is a $1,000 deposit which will secure you in the que in order of preference.

WHAT IS AVAILABLE

• It is important to note that although the LS16 GCM legislation is legal and active in the QLD code of practice, we at this stage cannot immediately offer these upgrades. The Lovells post-registration GVM/GCM & GVM/BTC/GCM upgrade kits will have staggered release date as the evidence packages are involved and complex. The dates below are a guide only and may be revised.
• The in-service QLD registered vehicle GCM upgrades will not all be released at the same time at BAM Garage. Further vehicles will progressively come.
• *AVAILABLE NOW* AS OF MAY 2023
  
  • GVM upgrade, GCM upgrade & Axle upgrades to the below vehicles
    • LANDCRUISER 200 / LC200
      • GVM 3800KG, GCM 7300KG
      • GVM 4000KG, GCM 7500KG
      • GVM 4200KG, GCM 7700KG
    • LANDCRUISER 300 / LC300
      • GVM 3800KG, GCM 7300KG
      • GVM 4200KG, GCM 7700KG
  • BTC upgrade, TBM upgrade & GCM upgrades to the below vehicles
    • LANDCRUISER 200 / LC200
      • GVM 3800KG, BTC 4000KG, GCM 7800KG
      • GVM 4000KG, BTC 4000KG, GCM 7800KG
      • GVM 4200KG, BTC 4000KG, GCM 7800KG
  • FORD RANGER NEXT-GEN - V6 TWIN TURBO ONLY
    • FORD RANGER PY v6
      • GVM 3700KG, GCM 7200KG
  • Note
    • Permitted at BAM Garage- GCM upgrades to LC200 with dual cab ute conversion, providing chassis has not been extended or modified. This is due to the approval being based on a test vehicle with standard chassis.
    • Not permitted at BAM Garage - GCM upgrades to LC200 with dual cab ute conversion, where the chassis has been extended or modified. This is due to the approval being based on a test vehicle with standard chassis. Vehicles with modified chassis rails or extensions are to refer back to the agent that did the work initially.
• APRIL 2024
  • GVM upgrade, GCM upgrade & Axle upgrades to the below vehicles - date may be subject to change
    • ISUZU D-MAX (07/2020~ NEW FACE LIFT)
    • MAZDA BT50 (07/2020~ NEW FACE LIFT)
• MAY 2024
  • GVM upgrade, GCM upgrade & Axle upgrades to the below vehicles - date may be subject to change
    • LANDCRUISER 79 / LC79 (01/17 on Single Cab), (01/18 on Dual Cab)
    • LANDCRUISER 79 / LC79 J7
• JUNE 2024
  • GVM upgrade, GCM upgrade & Axle upgrades to the below vehicles - date may be subject to change
    • FORD EVEREST NEXT-GEN SERIES - V6 TWIN TURBO ONLY

• GCM upgrades to LC200 with dual cab ute conversion, providing chassis has not been extended or modified. This is due to the approval being based on a test vehicle with standard chassis.
• GCM upgrades to LC300 with dual cab ute conversion, providing chassis has not been extended or modified. This is due to the approval being based on a test vehicle with standard chassis.

WHAT VEHICLES ARE YET TO BE CONFIRMED

• TOYOTA HILUX GUN (10/2015~ 4X4)
• ISUZU MU-X RG-1
• LANDCRUISER PRADO 150
• LANDCRUISER 78 / LC78 Troop Carrier (01/17 on)
• LANDCRUISER 76 / LC76 (01/17 on)

WHAT VEHICLES ARE NOT BEING OFFERED UNDER LS16 FOR GCM

• FORD RANGER PX1 (01/2012-ON 4X4 & 2X4 HI-RIDER)
• FORD RANGER PX2 & PX3 / Mazda BT50 - 3.2L
• FORD RANGER PX3- 2.0L BI-TURBO
• FORD EVEREST MY18- 2.0L BI-TURBO
• LANDCRUISER 76 LC76 Wagon (03/2007-12/2016)
• LANDCRUISER 78 LC78 Troop Carrier (03/2007-12/2016)
• LANDCRUISER 79 LC79 Ute (03/2007-12/2016)

THIRD PARTY ADDITIONAL COSTS & REVISED COSTS

• LS16 mechanical engineer fee $1025 + GST (for retro fitting existing Lovells kit to GCM)
• LS11 / LS16 mechanical engineer fee $1125 + GST (for new Lovells kit installation)
• LS11 / LS16 / LO1 (change of vehicle category) mechanical engineer fee $1225 + GST (for new Lovells kit installation)
  • LO1 change of vehicle category applies to the below vehicles
    • LC200 4200KG GVM
    • LC79 3900KG GVM
    • LC79 4200KG GVM
    • Isuzu DMAX 3600KG GVM
    • Ford Ranger Next-Gen RA series
    • Dodge RAM 1500 DS 3950KG GVM
  • For vehicles previously fitted with Lovells GVM or BTC that need a GCM upgrade the LO1 code will already be present on the vehicle.
• GCM Lovells OLS retro fitting fee $400 + GST
  • This fee only applies to vehicles that have previously been fitted with Lovells GVM or BTC upgrades that are requiring a GCM upgrade

WHAT IS NOT PERMITTED

• Vehicles that are not operating with Lovells GVM or Lovells BTC upgrades. BAM Garage are only performing GCM upgrades to vehicles operating under Lovells SSM approvals.
• GCM upgrades to vehicles with chassis extensions. A Lovells GCM upgrade will not comply with vehicles that have modified chassis rails. This is due to the approval being based on a test vehicle with standard chassis.
• GCM upgrade on Dodge RAM DSSome models of LC200 cannot be increased to 4200KG GVM
  • Petrol V8 LC200 can only be increased to 3800KG GVM or 4000KG GVM. Towing upgrade cannot be performed.
  • All Diesel V8 variants can be upgraded to 3800KG/4000KG/4200KG GVM. Except Diesel V8 LC200 where the start of the VIN is JTMHV09 can only be increased to 3800KG GVM or 4000KG GVM. Towing upgrade to 4000KG can still be performed.
• Some models of LC300 cannot get GVM or BTC increases
  • • Saraha ZX & GR-Sport/GRS

MAINTENANCE

• Post GVM upgrade / any form of suspension alteration - all vehicles
  • All suspension must be retensioned within 0,500km for warranty and safety which is done at a cost of 30min labour.
• Post GVM upgrade - leaf sprung vehicles only
  • All suspension must be retensioned within 0,500km for warranty and safety. A second retention is required 1,000km following the first retention. Each retention is carried out at a cost of 30min labour.
• Leaf sprung vehicles only - rear leaf springs are greaseable and must be greased every service please ensure your service provider is aware of this
• Vehicles with upgraded UCA's only - Upper control arms are greaseable and must be greased every service please ensure your service provider is aware of this

DISCLAIMER

• Vehicle owners and registered owners are to be aware that compliance with this code does not guarantee that a vehicle will be acceptable for continued registration as a modified registered production vehicle. If, for example, a vehicle does not handle or brake satisfactorily or has any other feature that renders the vehicle unsafe or not roadworthy, it will not be accepted for registration.
• Owner is to retain a copy of all information provided to the owner as part of the evidence for certification.
• Gross vehicle mass must not be exceeded (GVM)
• Axle loads must not be exceeded
• Trailer ball mass must not be exceeded (TBM)
• Braked towing capacity must not be exceeded (BTC)
• Gross combination mass must not be exceeded (GCM)
• Aggregate trailer mass must not be exceeded (ATM)
• First stage manufacturer vehicle warranty debrief is outlined in the Lovells Owners Manual
• Durability and endurance of components may be shortened through wear and tear and be subject to earlier repair or replacement
• Increased GCM may affect the insurance cover provided by the vehicle insurer. It is the responsibility of the vehicle operator to consider any such effect on the insurance cover.
• All spring/s and shock absorber/s part number/s must remain the same for  compliance to be retained
• If you have a BTC upgrade fitted - when towing a rated trailer/caravan that weighs more than first stage manufacturers specified max BTC, but under second stage manufacturers max BTC the Lovells towing coupling and towing pillar part number/s supplied in the BTC kit must be used and must remain the same for compliance to be retained
• Aftermarket airbags aren’t a part of a Lovells SSM kit. Airbags may load the chassis at the mounting points and may cause failure. The variability of air pressure in the bags can also contribute to altered handling characteristics of the vehicle. Therefore, we suggest airbags are not fitted. If the end user wishes to have them fitted after compliance, please be aware that this may void warranty.