Do I need a Light Rigid licence after a GVM upgrade?

Only if the certified GVM goes over 4,500 kg (NB2). An NB1 upgrade at or under 4,500 kg can still be driven on a standard car licence. We confirm the target rating with you before the truck is plated.

Can I keep a GVM upgrade on a car licence?

Yes. If the certified GVM stays at or under 4,500 kg, the vehicle remains NB1 (or NA if it stays at or under 3.5 tonnes) and a C-class car licence still covers it. That is the usual path on Silverado 1500, F-150 and RAM 1500, and the choice for HD owners who do not want Light Rigid.

Why do GVM upgrades use 4 inch McGaughy's and BDS kits?

The 4 inch McGaughy's and BDS kits are the suspension we use most for GVM work. They add the spring rate to support the new rating, give tyre clearance, and still ride like a daily driver. On some late-model HD trucks BDS does not make a 4 inch kit — we spec the closest matching BDS 5 inch system instead.

What else is involved besides the lift kit?

The kit is the hardware. A legal GVM upgrade also needs load-rated tyres, brakes and chassis checked against the new rating, then an engineer's certificate and a modification plate. We scope that before we order parts so you are not surprised at inspection.

How do I start a GVM upgrade on F-150?

Pick the 4 inch McGaughy's or BDS kit that matches your year and cab, or send us the VIN. We confirm whether NB1 or NB2 is the right ceiling, quote supply and install, and book the truck for a mod plate once the kit is on.

F-150 GVM Upgrade

Q: What is the difference between NB1 and NB2?

NB1 is the Australian Design Rules category for medium goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and up to 4,500 kg GVM. NB2 is over 4,500 kg and up to 12 tonnes. Crossing 4,500 kg is the change that affects licence class and some heavy-vehicle rules.

Q: Does Tough Trucks issue modification plates in-house?

Yes. We supply the kit, install it at Arundel or Mackay, and complete in-house modification plates for the GVM upgrade. Call 07 5500 0095 to start the paperwork for your VIN.

Ford F-150 GVM upgrades

Compliance F-150s come in as a light goods vehicle. Payload vanishes as soon as you fit a canopy, tub rack or touring setup. A GVM upgrade into NB1 (up to 4,500 kg) is the usual job — more legal mass, still on a car licence.

The main kit is the BDS 4": FOX 2.0 strut or FOX 2.5 Performance Elite coil-over for 2021–2025. McGaughy's F-150 range is the 6.5" lift, not a 4" GVM kit, so BDS 4" is what we put under an F-150 GVM package. Older years can still be quoted — send the VIN.

We supply, install and plate in-house. Call 07 5500 0095. See all GVM upgrades.

NB1 vs NB2 on an F-150

F-150 GVM work is almost always NB1. NB2 on an F-150 means Light Rigid and heavy-vehicle rules on a platform that is happier staying under 4,500 kg. If the build weight is heading past that, an F-250 is the cleaner truck.

GVM upgrade FAQs — NB1 and NB2

Is there a McGaughy's 4" kit for F-150?

No. McGaughy's F-150 kit is the 6.5" lift. For GVM upgrades we use BDS 4" kits. McGaughy's 4" is the main kit on F-250 / F-350.

Will an F-150 GVM upgrade need an LR licence?

Not on the standard NB1 package (certified GVM at or under 4,500 kg).

What is a GVM upgrade?

A GVM upgrade is an engineered increase to the certified Gross Vehicle Mass. It raises the legal loaded weight so a canopy, touring fit-out or heavier body stays inside the rating. Tough Trucks supplies the suspension, installs it and issues the modification plate in-house. Call 07 5500 0095 with the VIN to start.

What is the difference between NB1 and NB2?

Australian Design Rules split goods vehicles by GVM. NA is up to 3,500 kg. NB1 is over 3,500 kg and up to 4,500 kg. NB2 is over 4,500 kg and up to 12 tonnes. The line that changes how you drive the truck is 4,500 kg.

Do I need a Light Rigid (LR) licence?

Only if the certified GVM goes over 4,500 kg. That moves the vehicle into NB2 and a standard car licence no longer covers it. Stay at or under 4,500 kg (NB1) and a C-class car licence still applies.

What else changes on an NB2 installation?

Besides the LR licence, NB2 is treated as a heavy vehicle: 0.00 blood alcohol, higher tolls on many roads, and some states cap heavy vehicles at 100 km/h. Registration and insurance also follow the new category. We walk through that before you commit to a rating over 4,500 kg.

Can I complete a GVM upgrade and stay on a car licence?

Yes. If we plate the truck at or under 4,500 kg it remains NB1 (or NA if it stays at or under 3,500 kg). That is the usual brief on 1500-series trucks, and the choice for HD owners who want more payload without Light Rigid.

Why 4" McGaughy's and BDS kits?

Those are the kits we use most for GVM work. The 4" McGaughy's and BDS systems add the spring rate to support the new rating, clear larger tyres, and still ride like a daily driver. On a few late-model HD platforms BDS does not make a 4" kit — we spec the closest 5" BDS system instead.

Does Tough Trucks issue modification plates in-house?

Yes. We supply, install and complete in-house mod plates at Arundel and Mackay. The plate is what makes the GVM legal, not the lift kit on its own. Call 07 5500 0095.

What else is involved besides the suspension kit?

Load-rated tyres, brakes and the chassis have to match the new GVM. Then an engineer's certificate and a modification plate. We scope that before parts are ordered so inspection is not a surprise.

All GVM upgrades · F-250 · Silverado 1500 · RAM 1500

GVM figures, licence class and heavy-vehicle rules depend on the certified rating and the state of registration. We confirm the path for your VIN before the truck is plated.