Ranger Mods

This is a post I placed on the other forum and on Facebook. For the information of members here as well.
Upgrading your GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass)
I though it appropriate to tell you of my findings following my research into upgrading the GVM on my 2017 Ford Ranger. The Ranger was purchased in June whilst on a trip to Brisbane for the Caravan and Camping show where we also ordered a 18’6” OptionRV Traction Caravan. The Ranger remains in Brisbane unregistered till we return in December for Xmas when we will drive it home to Darwin. Whilst in Brisbane the vehicle has had an ARB Canopy and Long Range Tank fitted. A Snorkel, Drawer system as well as Bull Bar, Side Rails and steps are on order and still to be fitted before we drive it home.
In view of the current discussions regarding GVM & GCM (Gross Combination Mass) I started to see that we were running into problems with weight issues with all the accessories being fitted to the vehicle if we were going to be able to tow our new van legally.
Nearly all the Suspension Manufacturers do a GVM Upgrade for the Ranger increasing the GVM from 3200kg’s to either 3330kg’s or 3500kg’s but I couldn’t find anyone that also increased the GCM. I really couldn’t see any benefit in doing the GVM upgrade as it didn’t help my towing situation and it looked like I would just have to take my chances and tow illegally.
Then I stumbled upon Lovell’s springs who do the GVM upgrade to 3500kg’s. The difference with Lovell’s upgrade over the other ‘s offered is that Lovell’s is a SSM (Second Stage of Manufacture) approved upgrade.
So using the Lovell’s upgrade on the Ranger this is what you achieve.
Upgrade your Ford Ranger GVM with a Lovells second stage of manufacturer (SSM) approved GVM upgrade. Currently Lovells are the only manufacturer with SSM federal approval to upgrade the Ford Ranger GVM from 3200kg to 3500kg that will deem the BTC (Braked Towing Capacity) to remain at OE capacity. Not only does a Lovells GVM upgrade retain OE BTC (so it will not de-rate your Braked Towing Capacity like other GVM upgrades do) but it legally nominates a new GCM which is recognised federally. The Lovells GVM upgrade calculates the GCM by the correct method – GVM plus BTC = GCM. See below for before & after GVM upgrades figures.

Before Lovells GVM Upgrade
GVM – 3200kg
Braked Towing Capacity - 3500kg
GCM – 6000kg. Ford rate the GCM to 6000kg and not 6700kg

After Lovells GVM Upgrade
GVM – 3500kg
Braked Towing Capacity - 3500kg
GCM – 7000kg

For further information I have attached below information on how a Second Stage of Manufacture is obtained.
Second Stage of Manufacture (SSM) for GVM upgrade approval is attained by the suspension manufacturer (Lovells) verifying to the Federal body known as the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS), specifically the Vehicle Safety Standards (VSS) branch of DOTARS that the suspension modification complies with the Australian Design Rules (ADR). The ADRs affected by a GVM upgrade is substaintial and this process can be difficult, costly and slow for the suspension manufacturer.

Lovells must supply comprehensive testing reports supplied by an authorised testing laboratory which show that the brakes & vehicle stability are able to with stand and perform safely with the additional weights. This testing procedure is not a basic brake test; it is an extensive highly complicated test with computer monitoring equipment and is normally carried out on an air field strip. Not only this but laboratory testing of all other vehicle factors that are affected by the ADRs need to be completed for example hydraulic swaybar operation (KDSS) and electronic stability control (ESP).

The VSS branch of DOTARS will review the documentation and vehicle apparutus to confirm that all is above board and correct. Once approved a federal legal certificate is issued to Lovells to allow the manufacture and supply chain for that specific build of vehicle.
In view of the above I now plan to proceed with the Lovell’s GVM upgrade as it essentially increases our Rangers GVM to 3500kg’s and GCM to 7000’kg’s so I can tow our new OptionRV Legally.

I have no affiliation with Lovell’s what so ever but thought their product should be bought to the attention of caravan owners out there as I know I was having trouble getting our outfit to fit within the original GCM of 6000gk’s for the Ranger.

Thanks for sharing the info, hopefully it can be of use to others.

I would certainly ensure you speak to a good, authorised engineer before you commit, especially if you're doing it after first registration. I spoke to an acquaintance of mine here in SA (other States may have their own rules???) who happens to be a senior engineer, authorised by the SA transport department and he said categorically that while he would accept the Lovell's GVM upgrade, he definitely would NOT upgrade the GCM.

In fact, he stated that under the 'rules' and if done before initial registration, the vehicle would no longer be a Ford Ranger, but a Lovells Ranger on the rego papers. He claimed it's the only way it can legally be done. This guy is well into motor sports, vehicle upgrades and inspecting hot rods, as well as being very senior in his company, hence my caution to all those contemplating a GCM upgrade after first rego.

Please don't shoot the messenger... up to you to suss it all out before parting with the hard-earned. Just be cautious.

Cheers

I'm in the process of buying a Ranger Wildtrac, as part of the deal the car will be going to the local ARB franchise and having the suspension upgraded with BP-51 shocks and +350kg coil springs at the front and +600kg leaf springs at the rear giving me a 55mm lift and plated GVM increase to 3500kg. This in conjunction with a switch from the standard 81" rims to 8x17" rims with +10mm offset and BFG KO2 tyres LT285/70R17. This will bring me all up a total of plus 70mm lift so I'll be fully legal, approved by the New South Wales MRS and the tyre combination are still with their accepted 10% of the original 18" wheel/tyre combination so the speedometer will be around 2% out at 100 kph. The certification of the increased GVM will cost me nothing as it will be carried out before the initial registration, as will the change from 18" wheels with a +55mm positive offset to 17" with a 10mm positive offset. Once its legal in NSW its compliance is recognized by all other states and territories, its the smart way to go.

HEY GUYS,
I have just been researching this Lovell's upgrade in great depth and decided to back peddle in a hurry, and here is why.

Ford have designed the drive train, gearbox, engine, transfer case, etc,etc to cope with a 6T GCM (Gross Combined Mass). You now go and get a certified 7T upgrade, by someone who is claiming they did lots of testing and you damage something. You believe them !

The first thing that FORD will do is dump you like a hot potato because you have overloaded the designed limits of the vehicle. Torque is one of the items they track in a Control Module.

Lovels is using loose words in their guarantees, if FORD will not honor your warranty claims then it is up to Lovels to support you on this right ?

Well read carefully the guarantee they provide. First you need to do independent testing to prove that the damage was caused by the suspension GVM & GCM upgrade - Good luck with that.

Since you are on your own - how much will this independent testing cost you ? Will this independent tester put his short and curlies on the line to help you - NO way

So you are up S**T creek without a paddle and it is full of diarrhea - WARNING don't go there

Think it out carefully, how can a 6T designed vehicle - all of a sudden now cope with 7T ??? You figure that a suspension upgrade can all of a sudden make your vehicle stronger !!! Really - you believe this stuff ?

Legally, if you cause someones death by overloading your vehicle, what do you think will happen? - Guess you won't be enjoying that Ranger anymore, as you will be in jail for that one !

Is it a smart sales gimic - probably, Its got a lot of people as they do many upgrades a week.

Me, I am going for the safer bet. Old Man emu with BP51 shocks.

BE WARNED & BE CAREFUL

RangerNator2
I also have 10yrs legal experience.

Each to there own I suppose. With the OME and BP51 shocks you won't be legal if GVM goes over 3200 and your GCM remains at 6000kg's. At least we with the Lovell's Upgrade will be legal to have more than a 3200kg's GVM and we now have a GCM 7000 so we will be covered by insurance should something unforeseen happen. Better than towing illegally with weights etc of the vans today and not being covered by insurance. Don't see warranty as an issue unless of course you are unlucky enough to score a lemon. It really comes down to how you drive them. If you want to flog them and drive them hard of course you are looking for trouble.

Just to correct your error:

ARB GVM upgrade is legal to 3.5T GVM, just as much as the Lovel's are, you get new plates and certificates to change the vehicles details through RTA.

If anyone in Sydney needs details of an engineer that can certify this GVM upgrade form ARB or others, PM me and I will give you his details.

The issue with Lovels changing the plate to say GCM 7T, is that in an investigation by Ford or the Police, it may result it what I said above.

Good luck with your lovels, this is not a pissing competition - I am trying to help you understand the implications.
I would not tow above a GCM of 6T as designed for the vehicle.
To do so, is to enter the Conundrum Zone !

For anyone interested, I have a GVM & GCM calculator spreadsheet that Ford provided me when investigating all of this.

Happy to share it with anyone that wants it.

Sorry you didn't say you got the ARB GVM upgrade. You only mentioned that you were getting their suspension and shocks. Do you tow a decent sized Caravan if not then you won't be looking for the additional GCM. It really only comes into play when you want to tow a Caravan with ATM over 3000 and you you have all the goodies fitted to your Ranger. Bullbar, Steps, Side Rails, Canopy, Drawers etc.The GCM of 6000kg is too limiting with all the gear. Of course we could solve the problem completely and get a Ford 250, Dodge Ram or similar but not all of us have $140k to throw at one of those. I have got the Ranger and Caravan for what just the F250 etc would have cost me.

I Agree the F250 or Toyota 70 series are a better choice, but these are too expensive.
No I have not bought my upgrade yet, but will be going for the ARB GVM upgrade.

What bugs me is the false advertising and crap that companies do to take people for a ride. But lovels don't really support their claims, as if they did they would then have unconditional insurance to back it up. But they don't, they instead have a disclaimer to not protect you should you get into trouble. It is all up to you to prove it is their fault, at great expense.
Trust me you are on your own.
You can not increase a vehicles GCM when it has been designed for a certain GCM, Lovels are taking people for a ride.

To upgrade a GCM you need to change all the other components - or choose a different vehicle - hence F250, Toyota 70 series or small truck.

When a vehicle has been designed to a certain limit, a piece of paper does not increase those limits. A complete redesign does, or an alternate vehicle. If you don't believe me then talk to an Automotive Engineer. They will set you straight.

Yes the limits of the Ranger are limiting, but one must work within them. To do otherwise is dangerous.
I have managed to balance my load to work within these limits and my van is not a 3.5T, it is a 2T unit.

If you intend to tow 3.5T van, then taking kerb weight + other mods means you can't carry too many passengers or much load. You must stay within the 6T limit that the vehicle has been designed for. Please talk to a Automotive Engineer.

I would rather you get upset with me, than end up dead or killing your family.

Please be careful. Don't let Lovels pull the wool over your head, and work within the 6T limit.

You are assuming those with the Lovell's upgrade may all be a total of 7000 GCM when towing and I guess some maybe. In my case it gives me a couple of hundred KG to play with and I will be legal rather than illegal so covered by insurance and also will be legal should I encounter a roadside weight check whilst travelling. Overall a much better position to be in I believe than towing and travelling illegally.

Wow you are carrying & towing a lot, you should consider a different vehicle. Look into a 2nd hand 70 series. They can carry more and can also have a 300kg GVM upgrade. No I am not assuming anything, I am looking at the published facts the design limit of this vehicle is 6T Gross Combined Mass, look up the manufacturer's specs.

Here is a link about after market modifications and what happens to unsuspecting people. Be it, its about engine mods, but the point he makes is still applicable. We all make mistakes, but we should be aware of the implications. In a serious event that involves death, not even the insurance company will cover you. Insurance companies are well known for finding excuses for NOT paying out. You are only safe if people only look at paperwork and don't investigate further, but when there is significant cost or someone hurt, they investigate everything.

As the driver and owner, You are wholly responsible for what happens to that vehicle when you are the driver. That is law, even after a piece of paper tells you that you can exceed the design limits of a vehicle.
You are living under a false sense of security. But if this gives you peace of mind, then so be it.

https://autoexpert.com.au/posts/the-tru ... re-mapping

To be honest, I have no time for John Cadogan (re your link) as I see him as a sensationalist, headline seeking journalist. Yes, he does speak some truths, but they are often one sided and exaggerated... my opinion.

As I stated in an earlier post, I've had a few cars and caravans uprated for GVM/ATM by an RTA approved engineer here in SA. While he said there's nothing he could do about pre-registration upgrade of the GCM, he stated unequivocally there was no way he would upgrade the GCM with just a suspension upgrade... not Lovells or anyone else's, despite the Lovell's claims. Although he is more than happy to up the GVM with appropriate suspension upgrades, but only to the manufacturer's maximum axle load ratings.

Having said that, I do agree that having a 7000kg GCM on paper would give some comfort if I was borderline, or even a bit over, should I get pulled over and weighed. But I don't think I could bring myself to push it too far over the original 6t rating.

Stay safe everyone.

Yes agreed, but John is funny and entertaining - although somewhat biased - ROFL

He makes me laugh !

I think given that a Admin circular has been issued now stating a SSM cannot adjust the GCM with their GVM upgrade just proves what a lot of people have been saying for a long time in the Industry and that Lovells have been playing in the murky grey depths. This was surely aimed at them as I believe they were the only ones claiming to upgrade GCM.

GerryP wrote: ↑Mon Dec 04, 2017 10:50 am To be honest, I have no time for John Cadogan (re your link) as I see him as a sensationalist, headline seeking journalist.

He is an absolute egotistical dick head, reminds me of politicians.

RangerNator2 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 03, 2017 1:40 pm HEY GUYS,
I have just been researching this Lovell's upgrade in great depth and decided to back peddle in a hurry, and here is why.

Ford have designed the drive train, gearbox, engine, transfer case, etc,etc to cope with a 6T GCM (Gross Combined Mass). You now go and get a certified 7T upgrade, by someone who is claiming they did lots of testing and you damage something. You believe them !

The first thing that FORD will do is dump you like a hot potato because you have overloaded the designed limits of the vehicle. Torque is one of the items they track in a Control Module.

Lovels is using loose words in their guarantees, if FORD will not honor your warranty claims then it is up to Lovels to support you on this right ?

Well read carefully the guarantee they provide. First you need to do independent testing to prove that the damage was caused by the suspension GVM & GCM upgrade - Good luck with that.

Since you are on your own - how much will this independent testing cost you ? Will this independent tester put his short and curlies on the line to help you - NO way

So you are up S**T creek without a paddle and it is full of diarrhea - WARNING don't go there

Think it out carefully, how can a 6T designed vehicle - all of a sudden now cope with 7T ??? You figure that a suspension upgrade can all of a sudden make your vehicle stronger !!! Really - you believe this stuff ?

Legally, if you cause someones death by overloading your vehicle, what do you think will happen? - Guess you won't be enjoying that Ranger anymore, as you will be in jail for that one !

Is it a smart sales gimic - probably, Its got a lot of people as they do many upgrades a week.

Me, I am going for the safer bet. Old Man emu with BP51 shocks.

BE WARNED & BE CAREFUL

RangerNator2
I also have 10yrs legal experience.

To update what I said earlier in 2017.
My Wildtrak was fitted with ARB OME BP-51 suspension components including 600kg rear springs ROH alloy wheels with 28570R17" BFG KO-2 tyres all fitted before registration. The total combined lift was 75mm. The work was carried out by 4X4 Offroad at Bathurst, they are located over the road from the MRS Registry. For a technical appraisal and tutorial for inspectors the MRS asked 4X4 to allow them to inspect the finished vehicle, it passed with "flying colours" even with the wheels and tyres.
Its plated at 3500 GVM and a CVM of 7000kg meaning that if ever I wish to I can tow a dual axle electric braked trailer weighing 3500 kg however I cannot exceed the original maximum tow ball weight of 100kg as I didn't get the plated chassis rails inspected and approved by an accredited automotive engineer.
Okay, with the Ascent canopy, ARB bulbar and winch, rear ARB bar, ORS fitted drawers system, 140 litres of diesel, 125 litres of water in the built in water tank, fridge/freezer filled and the storage drawers full, tools, spares, RTT, recovery gear etc., 2 spare wheels and tyres and us two adults and all our gear it hits the public weighbridge at 3260kg. - 60 kg over the original 3200kg GVM.
To date we have covered 64580 kms since we took delivery, In that time we have done the Simpson desert twice, Googs track, the Finke River Gorge track, the Old Ghan track from Alice to Finke including Chambers Pillars, Cattlewater Pass in the East McDonalds and the Madigan as well as two weeks on Fraser Island. It hasn't missed a beat.
On soft sand I dropped the tyres down to 14/16 front/rear and it cruised over all the (occasionally badly chopped up) dunes in sports mode (its a 6 speed auto) 2 gear -- 4WD High with the rear differential locked at 15-25kph.

FYI,
Lovells arent saying GCM anymore, its only a GVM upgrade.
CPA 46728: Ford Ranger 4x4 to 3500kg.
(Original GVM is 3200kg)
Lovells are the only GVM Upgrade SSM Approval holder to offer full certification of ESC/ESP system compliance at full GVM for the Ford Ranger.

Cheers

Okay, so my pre-registration upgrade took the Wildtrak from 3200kg to 3500 kg. Thays not only on the "B" column plate but on the registration papers. Now, taking that a step further if you then look at the tow bar rating for my 3.2 Ranger it quotes 3500kg tow weight (braked) and a tow ball (static) of 350kg to the total Combined Weight of my vehicle can be 7000kg - fully legal.

I don't know a lot about suspension but there is no way I would do that sort of upgrade.
The chassis rails are designed to support so much, increasing that payload with spring upgrades still leaves the same chassis to support it.
I would upgrade to a real 4wd.

Not quite, unless your GCM has been specifically upgraded to 7000kg and your paperwork states that, then your GCM will still be set at 6000.

Also, don't forget that your ball weight, although part of the 3500 towing allowance, forms part of your car's GVM, so your unhitched car can't be loaded to 3500 prior to hitching up.

GerryP wrote: ↑Wed Nov 20, 2019 11:48 pm Not quite, unless your GCM has been specifically upgraded to 7000kg and your paperwork states that, then your GCM will still be set at 6000.

Also, don't forget that your ball weight, although part of the 3500 towing allowance, forms part of your car's GVM, so your unhitched car can't be loaded to 3500 prior to hitching up.

Agreed, should I ever be stupid enough to tow a trainer weighing 3500kg and with a tow ball weight of 350kg then I would need to lose some weight in the car, so that the Wildtrak weight was reduced from it's current weight of 3260kg down to below 2910kg and that weight would need to include Julie and I - my guess would be that would include the removal of the RTT, dual compartment fridge freezer and leaving the food drawers empty - but it will never happen, 3500kg is a bloody huge caravan !!! the most we will ever tow will be a off road camper trailer.

good work Ian