Whether you are loading up for work, or heading out on another outback adventure, your Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and Gross Combination Mass (GCM) should always be front of mind. Operating your vehicle outside these limits can be very unsafe, and is illegal.
Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)
Your GVM rating is set by the manufacturer as to the maximum your vehicle can weigh. This includes everything sitting on the wheels. Vehicle, fuel, tray, water, people, food, beverages, the dog…Everything. It also includes Trailer Ball Mass (TBM) applied when towing a trailer.
Built into the overall GVM limit, there are also limits set for each axle. At times it is possible to be within your GVM, but have exceeded either your front or rear axle rating. So, weight distribution is also important.
Gross Combination Mass (GCM)
Firstly we must understand both Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) and Gross Trailer Mass (GTM).
The ATM is the maximum allowable mass of a trailer when unhitched. This should not exceed the Maximum Towing Limit of the vehicle, or the ATM specified for the trailer itself.
Whereas, the GTM is the weight supported on the trailers wheels once it is hitched to the vehicle.
The Gross Combination Mass (GCM) is then the GVM plus the GTM. Essentially this is the entire load rolling down the road.
Contact MDT today to discuss your requirements. Utilising high quality components, MDT has a number of ADR compliant GVM Upgrades to suit your needs.
