The GVM is the maximum loaded weight of a rigid vehicle while driving on the road.

Gross vehicle mass (GVM)

Gross vehicle mass means the maximum allowable weight your tow vehicle can be loaded up to set by vehicle manufacturers. This includes people, luggage, gear, fuel, tow ball mass from your caravan, everything.

No, a standard LandCruiser in Australia cannot legally tow 4.5 tonnes; its factory limit is 3,500kg, but upgrades can increase this to 4,000kg (4 tonnes) for models like the 300 Series, requiring heavy-duty components and compliance.

The Tare Weight represents how much additional load can be safely added to your caravan, while the Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) sets the maximum total weight to avoid overloading. The Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) ensures your towing vehicle can safely handle the combined weight, helping maintain safe towing conditions.

Many modern 4x4s—especially dual-cab utes and large SUVs—are rated to tow up to 3500kg. Popular options include the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-MAX, Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, Ford Everest, and Nissan Patrol. However, towing at maximum capacity significantly reduces payload due to Gross Combination Mass (GCM) limits. Always check your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), Gross Combination Mass (GCM), and tow ball mass (TBM) to ensure safe and legal towing.

Popular 4x4 Utes (Dual-Cab Pickups):

• Ford Ranger: Offers 3500kg towing, but payload is reduced when fully loaded.
• Toyota HiLux: Capable of 3500kg towing across various models.
• Isuzu D-MAX: Known for its 3500kg towing capacity and value.
• Mazda BT-50: Shares platforms with the D-MAX, offering the same capability.
• Nissan Navara (PRO-4X): Also rated for 3500kg towing. 

Important Considerations:

• Payload Limits: When towing 3500kg, the weight of passengers, fuel, and accessories subtracts from the vehicle's payload, potentially leaving very little for the tray/cabin.
• GCM: Your towing capacity is limited by the Gross Combination Mass (GCM). If the trailer (3500kg) plus the loaded vehicle exceeds the GCM, you cannot tow at the full 3500kg rating.
• Engine & Transmission: V6 diesel engines often provide better low-end torque for towing than four-cylinder engines. 

A GVM upgrade is legal if it meets all compliance requirements, including:

• Certified by an approved engineer / “Approved Person”
• Fitted with a modification plate (e.g. LS11 in QLD)
• Meets the Queensland Code of Practice (QCOP)
• Complies with national standards (ADR + NCOP)

You also need proper documentation (engineer’s certificate, compliance plate, etc.), otherwise it’s not considered legal.

If it’s engineered, certified, and plated → it’s legal.

A GVM upgrade becomes illegal if:

• It’s just suspension upgrades without certification
• No mod plate / paperwork
• It exceeds approved limits
• The vehicle isn’t updated with the new GVM officially

That can lead to:

• Fines or defect notices
• Registration issues
• Insurance being voided