GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #31 | Page 15

RV FEATURE Um, we're reasonably sure there's a problem here... ”WOULDN'T IT BE NICE IF ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT COULD AGREE ON GCM UPGRADES?” However, the legality of these upgrades, has come into question in recent months. In the publicly-available Circular 0-4-6, which was issued in June 2018 by the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities (the department responsible for the Australian Design Rules and the Australian Motor Vehicle Certification Board) sets out the requirements concerning GVM and GCM upgrades for new vehicles: “The towing capacity of a light vehicle expressed as Gross Combination Mass rating or Rated Towing Capacity of Maximum Braked Towing Mass rating must not exceed the value set by the first stage manufacturer. Second stage manufacturers are not permitted to increase the towing capacity as part of an SSM IPA (second stage of manufacture identification plate approval) that results in GVM upgrade.” This statement appears to suggest that any vehicle upgrade that alters the towing capacity of a vehicle is illegal; however, we have it on good authority that the Australian Motor Vehicle Certification Board is soon to ‘clarify’ its position on this matter. We will update you if any such clarification is issued. That is the federal government’s position. Some states, including South Australia, however, do allow GCM upgrades by second stage manufacturers. Wouldn’t it be nice if all levels of government could agree? / 15