Why Kawana trucks need this work
Plenty of Kawana trucks are technically overweight and the owners don't know it. Add a steel tray, canopy, drawers, dual battery, water, tools and 350 kg of tow ball down weight and a 1500-series truck is over its plated GVM before the driver gets in — which is an insurance problem, not just a fine.
What's included
- Weighbridge figures for your truck as it's actually loaded
- Pre-registration vs second-stage-of-manufacture options explained
- GVM, GCM, axle limits and tow ball down weight assessed together
- Compliance paperwork so the upgrade is recognised, not just fitted
- Suspension matched to the new rating rather than a generic kit
| Rating | What it limits | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| GVM | Total loaded weight of the truck | Includes tow ball down weight |
| GCM | Truck plus trailer combined | Often the real limit when towing |
| Axle rating | Weight on each axle | A GVM upgrade can't exceed it |
| Tow ball mass | Downward load at the coupling | Eats into GVM directly |
Getting here from Kawana
Our workshop is at 46 Regent St, Caloundra — 12 minutes from Kawana. Most Kawana customers drop the truck off in the morning and collect it the same day where the job allows, so GVM upgrade doesn't cost you a second trip. If you're coming in from Birtinya, Warana and Bokarina, call ahead and we'll have the hoist free when you arrive.
Fixed-price minor servicing starts at $469 (1500-series) and $599 (HD-series). All other work — including gvm upgrades — is quoted before we start, with no surprises on the invoice.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a GVM upgrade or just heavier springs in Kawana?
- If the truck sags but you're within the plated GVM, springs or airbags fix it. If your loaded weight exceeds GVM, springs don't make it legal — you need a certified upgrade. We weigh first and tell you which one applies.
- Does a GVM upgrade increase what I can tow?
- Not necessarily. Towing is usually capped by GCM, not GVM. We check both so the upgrade actually solves the problem you're paying to fix.
- Do you set trucks up for boat towing, not just caravans?
- Yes — brake controllers, load support and hitch setup are the same principles whether you're towing a van or a boat off the Kawana ramp.
- My truck smells hot after towing to the boat ramp — is that normal?
- Short heavy-load trips to a boat ramp are harder on cooling and brakes than steady highway towing. Bring it in and we'll check brake temperatures and coolant condition.