ARB has now extended its range of Old Man Emu (OME) GVM upgrades to include Toyota HiLux models from 2015 on. After successfully obtaining approval to increase the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) for the HiLux, ARB has released two upgrade options to improve the original specified capacity from 3000kg to either 3150kg or 3465kg.

Whether you’re carrying tools for your trade or loading up the 4×4 for a big trip, your vehicle can become dangerous and illegal if it’s in excess of the OEM specified weight limit.

The GVM is the maximum a vehicle can weigh when fully loaded. Everything you place on, or in your vehicle adds to the overall Gross Vehicle Mass. This includes a bull bar, tow bar, recovery gear, the tray body for cab chassis vehicles, fuel and even your passengers.

All vehicles have a legal GVM as part of the vehicle manufacturer’s Australian Design Rules (ADR) approval. If your vehicle exceeds these limits you could be up for a costly fine, void your insurance and ultimately make your vehicle unsafe.

To combat these issues, ARB offers Old Man Emu GVM upgrades for a number of new vehicles, now including a range of Toyota HiLux 4×4 variants. There are two upgrade options available to cater for different applications. A Stage 1 upgrade will increase the HiLux’s GVM to 3150kg, and a Stage 2 will increase the GVM to a whopping 3465kg.

There is, however, a special condition that comes with the heavier GVM upgrade. A minimum of 600kg must be permanently carried in, or on the vehicle at all times. This requirement is part of the ARB approval when fitting a Stage 2 upgrade and is essential to maintain the vehicle’s handling performance.

New vehicle GVM enhancements are only granted by the Federal Department of Infrastructure and Transport after ARB have carried out thorough testing. ARB also ensures that the increased GVM following the fitment of a complete suspension system meets ADR safety requirements.

Once an authorised OME fitter has installed an approved OME suspension system and a GVM Upgrade Compliance Plate to your vehicle, it can then be registered according to its newly increased GVM. This process ensures that your vehicle is GVM legal in all states of Australia.

If you think your vehicle is over the legal weight limit or needs some additional payload capacity, ARB has the solution.

All media enquiries should be directed to:

Alex Surwillo

T: (03) 9761 6622
F:(03) 9721 9093
E: asurwillo@arb.com.au
A: PO Box 105, Kilsyth, VIC 3137