TIP # 126 NOTE, MAJOR ISSUE WITH GVM, YOU MAY NOT HAVE THOUGHT OF….

Brian,
I have built a number of 'Custom" vehicles. When you significantly alter the suspension or configuration of a vehicle, and get an Independent Transport approved Engineer to write a Mod ticket for it (the kinds that do truck bodies and 6x6 and suspension upgrades) then you have the ability to have your vehicle re-registered as a "Custom Landcruiser".... At that point you can have a higher GCM as well with a sympathetic Engineer.

I have done that with a Cruiser, both on GVM and GCM on the small end of size of vehicles. I have also done it on the big end of tow vehicles and there are about four Modification Plates affixed to my Mack. One of them increases the Hitch strength in the back to 12 tonne. This was a custom built heavy frame between the chassis members, with a Ring Feeder Socket from a wreck. The Engineer from the Tow Truck Builder down the road had a look at it, wanted a few bolts increased to the next size, then wrote the Mod Plate for a 12 Tonne Tow capacity. Then MACK Compliance Engineers, also wrote me a letter and affixed their own plate, upgrading my GCM to 24 Tonnes.

These are just examples, the short of it is that don't take "no" for an answer, go to another Custom Truck or Body Builder that is Licensed to do Modification Plates, that is willing. You can probably upgrade you GVM and your GCM, and they justify it with your Custom Truck now that has the suspension or brake upgrades to suit. Some will do it with no upgrades as in the 80 Series from 2500 to 3500 kg. On some vehicles they need the springs and shackles upgraded or brakes upgraded, but that is the extreme and any way it can be done. It is done all the time at places that build Safari or Tour Buses or 6 wheelers.

But also, I have not heard of anyone enforcing GCM issues with the smaller vehicles. Only the Medium Rigid Class and above, have the Gross Combined Mass looked at. So far no one seems to really be enforcing or even know about GCM in smaller rigs, and a lot of them do not even list a GCM, only a GVM and a Manufacturers towing capacity... It is not like the Big Rig stuff....

Reasonable............. Ranger

Sorry Andy,
I just do not know, except that the non-Bogger mentioned it... I tell you what, he will be in here in the next two weeks and I will make a point of asking...

However, it can probably be done anywhere in Oz, in a medium sized city and up. I would not travel all the way to Caboolture just for that, unless you are local....

It might be a Custom Coach Builder, I think there is one called Caboolture Coach and Body from years ago. Their outside Engineer did my stretched Troop Carrier, and they still exit, but I don't know if they changed the name... Do a search on www.yellowpage.com.au for something like Coach and Body Builders for Caboolture. Should find it with a little look.

Best Regards, Ranger

Thanks Steve,

I would certainly appreciate the name. I have tried a number of places in the Sunshine Coast area, so far to no avail. As we live at Tannum Sands the Sunshine Coast is handy enough.

Andy

Andy,
The person in question, (no names, non-Bogger) came by today.... And it is a no go, you will have to search one out for yourself. He is going back to Melbourne to find one in his area. So I am sorry but I am no help to you, except to say IT CAN BE DONE..

But the point of this thread was that when you do, you are a 0.00 alcohol driver...!! He did not see this Posting, not being on the BOG... And was Stunned as he has a heavy truck License. Needless to say he was thrilled to get the Tip, had not occurred to him!

Good Luck, just to let you know I did not forget you.. Regards, Ranger...