| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Overview |
Carry More – Safely & Legally Upgrade your GVM to 3620 kg – giving you up to an extra 420 kg payload capacity. The allowable payload on modern 4WDs often looks impressive on paper, but disappears quickly once accessories, passengers, and gear are loaded. Staying under the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) can be challenging. Tough Dog Suspension is a recognised Second Stage Manufacturer (SSM) that develops and certifies components to increase your vehicle’s GVM. This means you can maximise carrying capacity without compromising roadworthiness. Each complete GVM kit offered by PPD Performance is extensively tested to ensure full ADR compliance. |
| Safety & Performance by Design |
Federal approval for GVM upgrades demands rigorous engineering and performance testing to confirm the vehicle performs as well or better than OEM specification. With a Tough Dog GVM Upgrade installed by PPD Performance, your 4WD will continue to stop, steer, and handle confidently – even with increased load. Depending on the vehicle, the following tests are conducted:
|
| Understanding GVM | The Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is the maximum weight a manufacturer allows a vehicle to carry when fully laden. A Tough Dog GVM Upgrade certified through PPD Performance allows your vehicle to carry more without breaching ADRs or legal limits. |
| Approval Types |
GVM upgrades are available through either Federal Approval (Pre-Registration) or State-Based Approval (Post-Registration), depending on your vehicle’s registration status. Federal Approval: For brand-new, unregistered vehicles. The Tough Dog GVM kit includes an additional compliance plate affixed to the vehicle during installation. State Approval: For already-registered vehicles. The same engineering data used for Federal approval is combined with an inspection by an authorised State engineer to certify compliance. |
| Key Benefit |
Increase your payload capacity by up to 420 kg – upgrading your Triton’s GVM to 3620 kg. Achieve greater load capacity while maintaining safety, legality, and performance – all backed by the engineering and testing standards of PPD Performance and Tough Dog Suspension. |
| Step | Description | Details / Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Pre & Post Registration |
Pre-Registration (Federal Approval): If you have ordered a brand-new vehicle through a dealership, the GVM kit can be installed prior to the initial registration of the vehicle. This grants Federal Approval — the vehicle is registered with the upgraded GVM and is recognized in all states of Australia. Post-Registration (State Approval): If the vehicle is already registered, the GVM kit can be installed and will require Department of Transport approval after installation to achieve State Approval. This updates the vehicle’s registration and is recognized in Western Australia. Important: You must advise our sales team whether you require a Pre or Post Registration GVM kit as this determines the Australian compliance plate provided. |
| Step 2 | Ordering the GVM Kit | In some cases, there may be more than one GVM kit option for your vehicle. Our sales team will guide you to the most suitable kit based on the accessories fitted and constant load requirements. Cost of the GVM Upgrade includes: • All parts required (shocks, springs, fitting components, and other parts as specified by the manufacturer) • Australian Compliance Plate • Installation • Wheel Alignment • Vehicle Modification Permit (Post Registration only) Additional costs may include: • Pit Inspection Fee To order a GVM Kit (Pre-Registration): • VIN number • Vehicle arrival date • 50% deposit To order a GVM Kit (Post-Registration): • Copy of registration papers • Photo of Australian Compliance Plate • Vehicle owner’s full contact details • Odometer reading • 50% deposit Once received, our sales team will place an order with Tough Dog for the selected kit (including the new compliance plate). The kit usually arrives in approximately 2–3 weeks from order date. At this stage, we will also lock in a booking date for installation at our workshop. |
| Step 3 | Install & Registration | On installation day, the vehicle must be dropped off at the agreed booking time. One of our qualified mechanics will install all parts included in the GVM upgrade kit, followed by a wheel alignment. The final step is to affix the new Australian compliance plate showing the upgraded GVM. Pre-Registration Vehicles: Process complete — vehicle transferred back to dealership for handover. Post-Registration Vehicles: Customer must present the vehicle to an authorised Department of Transport Inspection Station within 28 days of installation. Inspection stations can be found on the Department of Transportation website. |
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When ordering a GVM Upgrade, what information will I need to provide? |
Pre-Registration: VIN number, arrival date of the vehicle, 50% deposit. Post-Registration: Copy of registration papers, photo of the Australian Compliance Plate, owner’s contact details, odometer reading, 50% deposit. |
| How much does a GVM upgrade cost? | Cost depends on vehicle type, included parts, labour, and installation time. Contact PPD Performance for a quote. |
| Is a new Australian Compliance Plate part of the GVM Kit? | Yes — every GVM Upgrade from PPD Performance includes a new Australian Compliance Plate. |
| Does the vehicle need to pass a pit inspection after installation? |
Post-Registration: Yes, customers must present the vehicle to an authorised Department of Transport Inspection Station within 28 days of installation. Pre-Registration: No, the revised GVM is recorded during initial registration prior to handover. |
| Why is a wheel alignment required with a GVM upgrade? | Suspension and ride-height changes alter vehicle geometry; a wheel alignment ensures correct handling and tyre wear. |
| What’s included in the GVM Upgrade? |
Rear-coil vehicles: Front struts, rear shocks, front springs, rear springs, compliance plate. Rear-leaf vehicles: Front shocks, front springs, rear shocks, rear leaf springs, bush kit, greasable shackles & pins, U-bolts, compliance plate. Additional items (as applicable): CAT indicators, mud guards, reverse light, airbags, spring-tower reinforcement, tail-shaft spacers, caster correction bushes. |
| Do I need to come in before my appointment? | No pre-visit required before installation at PPD Performance. |
| How long from order to installation? | Kits usually arrive within 1–2 weeks; installation scheduling depends on PPD Performance workshop availability. |
| How long does installation take? Can I wait on site? | Installations typically take 4–6 hours. Drop off in the morning and collect near close of business the same day once the work is complete. |