√Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) explained
Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Gross Vehicle Mass but have been afraid to ask!
Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is a term used in the automotive industry to refer to the maximum permissible weight of a vehicle when fully loaded. This includes the weight of the vehicle itself, any passengers or cargo, fuel, and any other equipment or accessories that may be on board. The GVM is determined by the vehicle’s manufacturer and is typically found in the vehicle’s documentation.
The GVM is an important safety consideration, as it determines the maximum weight that the vehicle’s suspension, brakes, and tyres can handle. If a vehicle is overloaded, it can become dangerous to operate and can also cause damage to the vehicle’s components. In some countries, it is a legal requirement to ensure that the weight of the vehicle and its load do not exceed the GVM.
When determining the GVM, manufacturers take into account a number of factors, including the strength of the vehicle’s frame, the capacity of the suspension and brakes, and the maximum weight the tyres can support. The GVM is typically higher for larger, more robust vehicles such as trucks and buses, and lower for smaller, lighter vehicles such as cars and vans.
It’s important to note that GVM is different from Gross Combination Weight (GCW), which is the total weight of a vehicle and its trailer(s) when loaded. GVM is also sometimes referred to as GVW or Gross Vehicle Weight.
It’s also crucial for vehicle operators and owners to be aware of GVM, as it is illegal to operate a vehicle that exceeds its GVM. Overloading a vehicle can cause increased wear and tear on the tyres, suspension, and brakes, and can also make the vehicle more difficult to control and more prone to accidents. Additionally, overloading can also result in fines and penalties, as well as voiding the vehicle’s insurance coverage and warranty, if applicable.
When loading a vehicle, it’s essential to ensure the weight of the load does not exceed the GVM. This can be done by using a weighbridge. It is also important to distribute the load evenly across the vehicle to ensure that it is stable and easy to control.
In summary, GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) is the maximum permissible weight of a vehicle when fully loaded, including the weight of the vehicle itself, any passengers or cargo, fuel, and any other equipment or accessories that may be on board.
It’s an important safety consideration and legal requirement to ensure that the weight of the vehicle and its load do not exceed the GVM. It’s crucial for vehicle operators and owners to be aware of GVM, and to ensure that the vehicle is not overloaded to avoid fines, penalties, increased wear and tear, and voiding the vehicle’s insurance coverage.
GVM FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM).
GVM stands for Gross Vehicle Mass, and it refers to the total weight of the vehicle along with any fuel, fluids, passengers and cargo.
A vehicle’s GVM is set by the manufacturer and is calculated (with allowable tolerances) on how much weight a standard vehicle on factory-issue tyres can safely handle at speed.
GVM and GVW refer to the same thing – the total weight of the vehicle with all fluids, passengers and loads. Gross Combination Mass (GCM) or GCW refers to the combined mass of the vehicle and trailer.
First of all, it’s dangerous. If you overload a vehicle then it may not turn or brake as intended, which may lead to an accident. It’s also illegal, and if you are in an accident with an overloaded vehicle, your insurance may be voided and you may be charged.
The GVM of any vehicle is set by the manufacturer and is noted on a placard on the vehicle, or in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. You can also speak to the manufacturer that should have the information available.
When overloaded, the performance of your vehicle may become unpredictable, particularly at speed. While your vehicle may not seem overloaded when parked (static load), when the car is in motion (dynamic load) the movement of the vehicle through bends or along undulating surfaces amplifies the forces exerted by the combined mass of the car and load. If the centre of gravity has shifted up (with too much load on the roof, for example) then the vehicle will have a heightened risk of rollover.
There are a number of public weighbridges available that enable you to accurately weigh your car when fully loaded. We have included a map at the bottom of this page.
Kerb weight includes the mass of the car, the weight of the driver (approx 70kg), and all necessary fluids including a tank of fuel. Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is the maximum weight the car can support when a load is added to the kerb weight. That load can be cargo, passengers or a combination of both.
Yes. You can upgrade suspension components to support a higher GVM, but in order for the car to be legally recognised with a higher rating, it needs to undergo an engineering inspection and accreditation.
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