Tasmanian RAM 1500 Owners: Here's How to Legally Carry 500kg More

If you own a RAM 1500 and you've ever felt limited by what you can legally carry, you're not alone. Whether you're a tradie hauling tools, a touring enthusiast loaded with camping gear, or a family heading off-grid with all the essentials, the factory GVM of 3450kg can feel restrictive fast.

The good news?

You can legally increase your RAM 1500's carrying capacity by up to 500kg with a certified Lovells GVM upgrade — and we're here to break down exactly how.

The Problem: You're Running Out of Payload (Fast)

Let's be real. The RAM 1500 is a beast of a truck, but once you start adding

• A canopy or tray setup

• Tool boxes and work equipment

• Bull bar and winch

• Roof racks and awnings

• Camping gear, water, and recovery equipment

• Passengers and fuel

  
  

...you're already pushing close to your legal limit. And if you're towing? Forget about it.

The result? You're either leaving gear behind, risking fines, or worse — compromising safety and voiding your insurance.

The Solution: Lovells GVM Upgrades for RAM DT 1500

Lovells has engineered three certified SSM GVM upgrade kits specifically for the RAM DT 1500 Bighorn and Laramie (2024 onwards).

Each kit is designed for different needs, so you can choose the one that matches how you actually use your truck.

Here's the breakdown:

Option 1: Lovells 3700kg Comfort GVM Upgrade

Best for: Daily operators, tradies, and light touring

GVM Increase: 3450kg → 3700kg (+250kg)

What You Get:

• Heavy-duty front and rear coil springs

• Gas Legend twin-tube shock absorbers (front and rear)

• Upgraded rear axle rating: 1930kg

• Full compliance kit (SVI plate, decals, mudflaps, indicators)

Why Choose This: If you're using your RAM primarily for work or daily driving with occasional weekend trips, the Comfort kit gives you the extra payload you need without over-engineering. It's the most cost-effective option and still delivers serious capability.

Real-World Example: A local Tassie tradie came to us maxed out with tools, a canopy, and a small trailer. After the Comfort upgrade, he gained enough payload to legally carry everything — plus room for an extra passenger and lunch esky.

Option 2: Lovells 3950kg Touring GVM Upgrade

Best for: Serious tourers, remote travel, and heavy towing setups

GVM Increase: 3450kg → 3950kg (+500kg)

GCM Revision: 7950kg (upgraded towing capacity)

What You Get:

• Heavy-duty front and rear coil springs

• Gas Legend twin-tube shock absorbers (front and rear)

• Upgraded axle ratings: 1820kg front / 2130kg rear

• Full compliance kit (SVI plate, decals, mudflaps, indicators)

Why Choose This: This is the sweet spot for anyone who tours regularly or tows heavy. The 500kg GVM increase and revised GCM mean you can load up the truck, hook up the camper trailer or caravan, and hit the road with confidence.

Real-World Example: A family heading to the Cape with a camper trailer, roof-top tent, dual batteries, and a fridge setup needed serious payload. The Touring kit gave them the legal capacity to carry everything safely — and they still had room to spare.

Option 3: Lovells 3950kg Platinum GVM Upgrade

Best for: Commercial use, extreme touring, and those who demand the best

GVM Increase: 3450kg → 3950kg (+500kg)

GCM Revision: 7950kg

What You Get:

• Heavy-duty front and rear coil springs

• 46mm mono-tube remote reservoir shock absorbers 

  with 8-stage adjustable damping

• Upgraded axle ratings: 1820kg front / 2130kg rear

• Full compliance kit (SVI plate, decals, mudflaps, indicators)

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Why Choose This: The Platinum kit is the ultimate. The 8-way adjustable remote reservoir shocks give you complete control over ride quality, whether you're empty, loaded, on-road, or off-road. If you're serious about performance and comfort under load, this is the kit.

Real-World Example: A commercial operator running a RAM for remote site work needed maximum payload and adjustability for varying loads. The Platinum kit delivered uncompromising strength and ride quality, no matter the conditions.

*** NOTE THESE KITS REQUIER WHEELS AND TYRES TO BE REPLACED ***

You may be asking yourself "Why do Lovells require the Rims to be replaced when others don't", as this just adds another cost to the Lovells GVM upgrade.

RAM Trucks publish the maximum load rating of their rims. Their wheels are only rated to 2050lbs, in our language that is 929.8kg !!!

This means that the maximum Front or Rear axle capacity of the RAM DT 1500 is only 1859.6kg if the vehicle still has the OE wheels fitted !!!

We are aware that some competitors are offering GVM upgrades with re-rated axle capacities greater than 1859.6kg, whilst allowing OE wheels to be utilised. This contravenes the Road Vehicle Standards and will expose Production Facilities (and the SSM) to possible legal action and fines.

What Does 250kg–500kg Actually Mean?

Let's put it in perspective. An extra 250–500kg of legal payload means you can add

• A full aluminium canopy or tray (80–120kg)

• Bull bar and winch (100–150kg)

• Roof rack, awning, and roof-top tent (100–200kg)

• Dual battery system and fridge (50–80kg)

• Tools, camping gear, water, and recovery equipment (100–200kg)

• Extra passengers and luggage

Without worrying about

• Roadside fines

• Insurance claims being denied

• Premature wear on suspension and brakes

• Unsafe handling and braking performance

  

Why GVM Upgrades Are a Smart Investment

1. Legal Compliance

Driving over your GVM is illegal. Fines can be hefty, and if you're involved in an accident while overweight, your insurance may refuse to cover you.

2. Safety

Factory suspension is designed for the factory GVM. When you exceed that, braking distances increase, handling suffers, and component wear accelerates. A certified GVM upgrade ensures your truck performs safely under load.

3. Resale Value

A professionally installed, certified GVM upgrade is a selling point. It shows the next owner that the truck has been built to handle real-world use — and it's all legal and documented.

4. Peace of Mind

No more second-guessing whether you're overweight. Load up, hit the road, and enjoy your RAM the way it was meant to be used.

Why Choose TJP Auto for Your GVM Upgrade?

At TJP Auto, we're not just installers — we're Suspension & GVM specialists.

Here's what sets us apart:

• AIS / AVC Approved: Tasmanian government-approved for certification and compliance

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• Experienced Technicians: We've completed countless GVM upgrades on RAM 1500s and know these trucks inside out

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• Quality Parts: We use Lovells — a trusted Australian brand with 95+ years of suspension expertise

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• Fast Turnaround: Most GVM upgrades are completed in 1–2 days

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• Local Support: Based in Derwent Park, Tasmania — we're here for you before, during, and after the upgrade

  
  

Ready to Unlock Your RAM's Full Potential?

If you're tired of leaving gear behind or worrying about legal limits, it's time to upgrade. Whether you choose the Comfort, Touring, or Platinum kit, you'll gain the payload, safety, and confidence to use your RAM 1500 the way you need to.

Get in touch with TJP Auto today:

Use the chat tab on the bottom corner

visit us at 📍 55 Sunderland Street, Derwent Park, TAS 7009

Call 📞 03 6229 4791

SMA 📱 0483 930 520

Email✉️ info@tjpauto.com

🌐 www.tjpauto.com

Book your GVM upgrade now and start carrying more — legally, safely, and confidently.

FAQs

Q: How long does a GVM upgrade take?

A: Most installations are completed in 1–2 days, depending on the kit and any additional modifications.

Q: Will a GVM upgrade affect my warranty?

A: Lovells GVM upgrades are engineered and certified to meet Australian Design Rules (ADR). We recommend checking with your RAM dealer, but certified upgrades are generally accepted.

Q: Can I tow more with a GVM upgrade?

A: The Touring and Platinum kits include a revised GCM (Gross Combination Mass) of 7950kg, which increases your legal towing capacity when combined with the higher GVM.

Q: Do I need to notify my insurance?

A: Yes. Always notify your insurer of any modifications, including GVM upgrades. Most insurers accept certified upgrades without issue.

Q: Which kit is right for me?

A:

It depends on how you use your RAM. Contact us at TJP Auto, and we'll help you choose the best option based on your needs and budget.

Don't let factory limits hold you back. Upgrade your RAM 1500 with Lovells and TJP Auto — and carry everything you need, legally.