GVM upgrade for 2020 Kakadu - worth it or not?

[champ150 Moderated member Find all posts View Profile Close champ150]

Hi all,

First-time poster and 4x4 novice here. I really need some advice for my 2020 Prado Kakadu I just purchased.

I want to hit the road and do the big lap, but as I work remotely, just work from wherever I am and explore as much as possible. As part of this, I want to add all sorts of mods, including:

1. ARB Summit bullbar (inc UVP and recovery points)
2. Safari snorkel
3. ARB Base Rack (for rooftop tent and awning)
4. Dual battery system (inc solar)
5. ARB Rear drawers
6. GME UHF
7. Compressor
8. etc

If I make the above mods as is, then all packed up, I'll most likely be over the Kakadu's GVM.

I'm sure you all know, but upgrading the GVM on the Kakadu isn't possible unless you replace the rear airbag suspension with coil springs etc.

I've found a place in Melbourne that is willing to do a GVM upgrade for my Kakadu including a two-inch lift. I know the on-road ride quality won't be as good, but it will be better off-road. I could use lighter mod alternatives to the above, but I guess the GVM upgrade would be my first preference.

My question is - is it worth it to get the GVM upgrade done, or just chase lighter mod options? I've attached a screenshot of the quote for reference.

Many thanks!

[JM42 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close JM42]

I had the GVM in my Kakadu upgraded a few years ago by getting it tested & signed off by an approved engineer here in NSW. Not certain of the latest GVM rules in all states, but I believe that in NSW you are not able to upgrade the GVM once the vehicle the vehicle is first registered.

[Grinbot Member Find all posts View Profile Close Grinbot]

If you carry more than the manufacturer's GVM ("GVM upgraded" or not), then it is a given that you've increased the chances of things breaking, tyre issues, and the chances of an accident.

Also, the manufacturer is less likely to help you out with an out-of-warranty or in-warranty claim in such a situation.

But... you might rightly choose to have a GVM upgrade anyway, because in the end, everything is a trade off.

I don't have a GVM upgrade (yet!) and I think I am close to GVM when fully loaded. It takes some creativity and investment in light weight gear to stay under with a family of four, but I enjoy the challenge . If I had a GVM upgrade, on the other hand, no doubt I would be carrying 200 Kg extra weight.

So to your question, "is it worth it to get the GVM upgrade done, or just chase lighter mod options?", if I was you, and given you have a Kakadu, I would try and chase the lighter options.