Why Caloundra West trucks need this work
A lot of Caloundra West trucks are rated to tow more than their combined weight ever allows once the truck, passengers, fuel and gear are counted. Around Aura, Bellvista and Little Mountain we regularly see combinations that are legal on the trailer's own rating but already over GCM before the boat or van is even hooked up — that's an insurance and licensing risk, not just a technicality.
What's included
- Compliance plate figures confirmed for GVM, GCM, axle ratings and braked towing capacity
- Truck weighed as you'd actually drive it — fuel, passengers, canopy, tools
- Tow ball download checked against the trailer's actual mass, not an estimate
- Brake controller supply and calibration checked against the trailer's brakes
- Written recommendation — load support, weight distribution hitch, or a GVM/GCM upgrade if genuinely needed
| Figure | What limits it | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| GVM | Truck alone, fully loaded | Forgetting tow ball download counts against it |
| GCM | Truck plus trailer combined | Assuming the trailer's rating is all that matters |
| Braked towing capacity | Trailer mass alone | Ignoring GCM once it's exceeded |
| Axle rating | Weight on each axle | Loading the tray or canopy over the rear axle limit |
Getting here from Caloundra West
Our workshop is at 46 Regent St, Caloundra — 5 minutes from Caloundra West. Most Caloundra West customers drop the truck off in the morning and collect it the same day where the job allows, so towing capacity check doesn't cost you a second trip. If you're coming in from Aura, Bellvista and Little Mountain, 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 towing capacity & gvm assessment — is quoted before we start, with no surprises on the invoice.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I know my actual towing limit before a trip from Caloundra West?
- Check your compliance plate for GVM, GCM and braked towing capacity, then weigh the truck loaded as you'd actually drive it. Whichever figure you hit first is your real limit, not the biggest number on the brochure.
- Can you check my towing setup before I head off from Caloundra West?
- Yes — bring the truck and trailer together if you can, or recent weighbridge tickets. We're 5 minutes from Caloundra West, so it's an easy trip to get sorted before a big tow.
- Will servicing my new RAM at your Caloundra workshop void the warranty?
- No. Under Australian Consumer Law, warranty stays intact provided the service follows the manufacturer's schedule with correct parts and fluids, which we document in your logbook every time.
- How far is Caloundra West from your workshop?
- About 5 minutes via Caloundra Road — many Aura and Bellvista customers drop off and collect on foot or by bike.