In an earlier post I mentioned my concerns about going over the Trailblazer’s GVM limit of 2840 kg. Before we even packed the car properly, we were already sitting at 2710 kg — that’s with most of the upgrades done, a full tank of diesel, and two passengers. Throw in another 80 kg for the camper trailer and suddenly we’re way too close for comfort.
I parked the problem for a bit while we ticked off other jobs and headed off on our shakedown trip to Agnes. The car performed beautifully in every situation, but the trip did highlight two things:
- the Engel draws noticeably more power when running as a freezer, and
- the Trailblazer turns into a sauna when locked up in the midday sun. So the thinking cap went on.
The car came with the original Holden low‑profile roof racks, and I’d been wondering how to mount MaxTrax and maybe an awning. So, I dropped into the Ironman store at Virginia. Super helpful crew — they showed me a set of new racks and a Deltawing 270° freestanding awning. That’s a future buy (and another 50 kg), but the real win came when I mentioned my GVM worries.
They told me they use an engineer who can issue an LS11 – GVM Rating and Axle Load Rating (Design Certification). In simple terms, that’s the engineering approval that legally increases your GVM. In my case, it would give me an extra 10%.
I grabbed his number, gave him a call — and bonus — he could also certify the long‑range fuel tank upgrade. Total cost: $330.
Booked him on the spot. LS11 approved. Compliance plate fitted. The Trailblazer now has a 3100 kg GVM. That should be enough… or it better be.
He also gave some good advice about the seat removal. Because we’ve taken out five of the seven seats, he said we could get that certified too — but if we ever reinstall them, we’d need another certification. His unofficial advice: if the seats are only removed temporarily for the lap, no one should give us grief. Fingers crossed he’s right.
On the storage front, we’ve now sorted the middle section of the Trailblazer with Bunnings tubs — two 60 L and three 40 L boxes. If we can’t make do with another 240 L of storage, then we’ve definitely lost the plot (photos below).
And one final thought: it still amazes me that you can get significant upgrades approved on a vehicle without the engineer ever seeing who did the work or how it was done. The system works… but it does make you wonder.
PPS. On previous posts I had mentioned where my love had come to travel on the road – We have been cleaning up and found some photos of my dad’s early modes of travel – enjoy.
Leave a comment