The highly anticipated Toyota Prado 250 Series (2024 onwards) has finally arrived in Australia, and while it’s an impressive touring platform straight from the factory, many owners quickly discover one limitation… payload.
With accessories like bull bars, roof racks, drawers, long-range fuel tanks, and towing setups, it doesn’t take long for the new Prado to approach its factory GVM of around 3100–3200kg.
That’s where a Lovells GVM Upgrade comes in.
At Ape Suspension, we can now offer the official Lovells GVM upgrade kits for the Toyota Prado 250 Series, increasing the vehicle’s legal load carrying capacity and making it far more capable for touring, towing and off road adventures.
Two GVM Upgrade Options for the Prado 250
Lovells has developed two engineered upgrade packages for the new Prado:
Touring GVM Upgrade: 3650kg
Ideal for most touring setups and accessory builds.
Key specifications:
- GVM: Increased to 3650kg
- GCM: Increased to 6800kg
- Front Axle Capacity: 1605kg
- Rear Axle Capacity: 2045kg
- Towing Capacity: 3500kg
This option gives Prado owners an additional 450–550kg of payload capacity, depending on the vehicle’s original GVM rating.
Platinum GVM Upgrade: 3900kg
For serious touring setups, heavy builds, and towing.
Key specifications:
- GVM: Increased to 3900kg
- GCM: Increased to 6800kg
- Front Axle Capacity: 1800kg
- Rear Axle Capacity: 2100kg
- Towing Capacity: 3500kg
This upgrade provides up to 800kg more payload capacity compared with a standard Prado.
Why Prado Owners Need a GVM Upgrade
Modern 4WD builds can easily add hundreds of kilograms to a vehicle.
Common accessories include:
- Bull bars
- Winches
- Dual battery systems
- Drawer systems
- Roof racks and rooftop tents
- Long range fuel tanks
- Fridges and recovery gear
- Tow balls from caravans
All of this weight counts toward your Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), which includes passengers, fuel, cargo, accessories and towball weight.
In Western Australia, exceeding your GVM can lead to:
- Insurance issues
- Defects from road authorities
- Increased wear on suspension and drivetrain
- Reduced safety and braking performance
A properly engineered GVM upgrade ensures your vehicle remains legal, safe and capable when fully loaded.
Federal SSM Approved GVM Upgrade
Lovells is a Federally approved Second Stage Manufacturer (SSM), meaning their upgrades are tested and engineered to meet Australian Design Rules (ADR) and federal compliance standards.
When fitted pre registration, the upgraded GVM is officially recorded on the vehicle’s compliance plate, ensuring the increased capacity is recognised nationally.
Lovells upgrades are developed through extensive testing and analysis to ensure the vehicle remains safe and compliant with Australian standards.
What’s Included in the Prado 250 GVM Upgrade Kit
The Lovells kit includes heavy duty suspension components specifically engineered for the Prado platform, including:
- Heavy duty front coil springs
- Heavy duty rear coil springs
- Gas shock absorbers or remote reservoir shocks (Platinum kit)
- Compliance plates and tyre placards
- Installation documentation and engineering data
These upgrades not only increase legal load capacity but also improve vehicle stability and control when carrying weight or towing.
Minimum Payload Recommendation
Lovells recommends vehicles fitted with their GVM upgrade kits carry a minimum constant payload of around 250kg to maintain proper ride quality and suspension performance.
This is typically achieved easily once accessories and touring equipment are installed.
When Should a GVM Upgrade Be Installed?
There are two ways to install a GVM upgrade:
Pre registration (Federal SSM upgrade)
- Installed before the vehicle is first registered
- Updated GVM is recorded on the compliance plate
Post registration (State engineering)
- Installed on vehicles already registered
- Requires engineering inspection and certification depending on the state
Our team can help advise which option is best for your situation.
Prado 250 GVM Upgrade Installation in Perth
At Ape Suspension, we specialise in suspension upgrades for touring and towing vehicles across Western Australia.
We are Lovells Diamond Dealers and have over 20 years of experience fitting suspension and GVM upgrades for serious 4WD builds.
If you’re planning to:
- Tow a caravan
- Fit touring accessories
- Build a touring Prado
- Stay legal with your payload
a GVM upgrade is one of the best modifications you can make.
Book Your Prado 250 GVM Upgrade
If you’ve just ordered or purchased the new Toyota Prado 250 Series, speak with our team about upgrading the suspension and GVM today.
📧 sales@apesuspension.com.au
📞 (08) 9302 6648 (Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm)