Isuzu D-Max 2021 - GCM and GVM upgrade 

I drove a friends new Isuzu MUX with a 3.2 tonne ATM 23ft caravan on the back last week. We were testing it for the first time since they bought the new Isuzu. The vehicle may be physically able to take the weight standard (caravan has independent stability control) but it is absolutely not powerful enough to tow a van approaching 3 tonnes or more. On a dead flat road with no head wind it could barely make 90km/h with the foot flat to the floor, never ever got into top gear over a 30km test and often dropped back to 4th gear just to maintain 85 to 90 km/h. I had to drive the vehicle in manual mode so it didn’t keep hunting up and down gears. Travelling up a a relatively benign incline it was struggling to keep 65km/h on the highway. I didn’t expect it to go well but I was really surprised at just how unsuited it was to towing a van near it’s supposed limit. I suggested to my friend they have to either change their new car to something bigger of reduce the van size. The Isuzu is not suitable in my opinion to towing anything even close to its supposed 3.5 tonne limit. If you think it is I suggest you borrow someones van and try it out. The car dealer who sold them the MUX told them the vehicle ‘supported’ towing up to 3.5 tonne. That’s another way of saying “well you sort of can tow 3.5t but you probably shouldn’t.” I’m guessing if they brought the car back to the dealer after a couple of trips with a destroyed gearbox or engine they would say they never told them to tow that much. I do wonder how many people are relying on dealers advise and buying vans that are far beyond the vehicle or drivers ability to safely travel on the road. The dealer even said they didn’t have to run it in first as running in isn’t required. Another of those sales half truths as you don’t need to actually run them in like the old days where you gradually built up speeds and varied the loads for the first few thousand kms. But advising that a 3.2 tonne caravan was okay straight off the lot? Very dodgy indeed and one thing I know about Isuzu, they do not look after their customers well if they have a problem down the track.

Getting this done to my new sx space cab when in landed end of march by arb as you were to busy to fit me in I am putting a camper on the back I like your work and thanks for the video,

You need to do this to tow just about any van over 2.5t

How is it possible to get a GVM upgrade above maximum axle load ratings? Does Lovells now warrant the axles, etc to be capable of taking the extra load? If so, how does it effect manufacturer warranty and is it possible to still get a 3600kg GVM upgrade after initial registration (NSW) Not trying to be a d!ck, genuinely interested as I have a BT-50 on order and will have a Jacksons tray/canopy fitted in SA so would be interested to get this done at the same time.

I’d like to get this done to my 22 once it arrives. How much higher than stock is this upgrade I was looking to do at least 2” rear and 3” on the front so the vehicle sits level while not towing.

Dont they change the intercooler too.

transfer the foam to the new radiator for better cooling

Interesting and thanks for sharing this upgrade. Can you advise how this will increase the strain on the drive train and how would it affect any warranty claim , even with the certification? Cheers

Can any mechanic do the upgrade for GVM or does it have to be a special fitter to be able to get the GVM upgrade?

Ball park figure on cost for same vehicle. What changes if any aredone to brakes/ transmission? Whay happens to the bits you remove from the vehicle afterwards?

Just because you can tow that much doesn’t mean you should. That load is ridiculous

So if its this easy to upgrade the vehicles GCM/GVM then why didn't Isuzu do this in the factory?? Also do you think that just changing the suspension and radiator is enough. What about the increased stress load on the other working components of the car Diff engine etc. Why not just buy the correct vehicle in the first place. Can you increase a vehicles GCM?? I believe this to be incorrect. Also if you increase the GVM then that extra carrying weight has to come off somewhere in the towed vehicle. A lot of money spent for not much gain.

How much did this upgrade cost?

Awesome work. Going to get one booked in once it finally comes in next year. Any particular tyre you recommend to use on the stock rims?

Is this legal in Victoria? Also whats the rear leaf constant load? 600kgs?

So you get a modification certificate for the upgrade. GCM included?

Will there be a GVM upgrade for the new Isuzu MUX?

It's an absolute disgrace that Isuzu (and others) are allowed to give these cars a 3.5T towing capacity with the stock suspension.

How lone till UCA options are looking like being available?

What does the 6900gcm upgrade cost?

Can I ask what this upgrade cost.

Hi! Does changing the shocks & leaf springs imprmoves the ride quality? Thank you!

Lol this is so funny 🤣 just buy a 200 or 300 and get that standard 🤣 and with lovells "willy Jeep" ride

Diferettial looks little, like weak

Stupid idea if you need to tow something heavier buy a bigger tow vehicle the original tow weight is already to much for the size of vehicle. Maybe a landcruiser or patrol

So this is a GVM upgrade based upon axle-sum increase? If so, you lose all flexibility in loading front and rear. There is no actual increase in the axle load rating? In addition, rating any vehicle above its current GCM (already too high for most vehicles in practical terms) is, in my mind, irresponsible. All this does is encourage even more gullible drivers to go close to or over the limit (as shown by recent studies in Queensland, where over 80% !! of weighed vehicles towing were overweight) and place themselves at higher risk. Anyone towing close to their GCM maximum or with a vehicle at its GVM maximum is asking for trouble. If you insist upon going down the path of GVM upgrades (and there are some valid reasons to do so) look at the costs. Try costing the individual components... a set of Lovells Gas Legends is often much cheaper elsewhere than purchasing directly from Lovells. Go figure?!

You ruined the suspension, nasty modification, japanese master knowledge thrown away!

Japanese engeenering thrown away.!