Influencer I
yep. and the legal ramifications if there's an accident.
But here's a question: Would you be willing to accept Australia-like GVWR enforcement in exchange to gain a path to upgrade a vehicle's GVWR?
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How heavy is your overlanding JKU?
- Thread starter dboy
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But here's a question: Would you be willing to accept Australia-like GVWR enforcement in exchange to gain a path to upgrade a vehicle's GVWR?
Steward I
Would I? Yes, but I'm not the usual SUV driver. I almost didn't survive having my previous car get rear-ended by an SUV.
Influencer I
Advocate I
Weight is enemy number of one of any performance, starting with handling on and off road, up to safety, fuel economy, etc.
There is a lot of talk about legally upgrading GVWR. yes, some countries allow it but even there there are some limits, meaning you can't just add some springs and double the payload.
I know it is expensive, I sold one vehicle because of it, it was my first and I did not had a lot of experience. So used it for one trip and after I realized than when choosing a vehicle is not only an issue of space but GVWR as well . Sold it and got something more appropriate.
Since than I am going at great lengths to keep things light and avoid to have heavy things on top as well. This improved my off road capability a lot, I actually do better than upgraded vehicles ( raised suspension, bigger tires, maybe some custom bumbers that improve attack angles ) that are heavier, while am stock but lighter.
There is a lot of talk about legally upgrading GVWR. yes, some countries allow it but even there there are some limits, meaning you can't just add some springs and double the payload.
I know it is expensive, I sold one vehicle because of it, it was my first and I did not had a lot of experience. So used it for one trip and after I realized than when choosing a vehicle is not only an issue of space but GVWR as well . Sold it and got something more appropriate.
Since than I am going at great lengths to keep things light and avoid to have heavy things on top as well. This improved my off road capability a lot, I actually do better than upgraded vehicles ( raised suspension, bigger tires, maybe some custom bumbers that improve attack angles ) that are heavier, while am stock but lighter.
Enthusiast III
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Would I want more regulation of vehicles? No. While, I'm certainly glad you survived that accident, there's no way in the world to protect us all completely from idiots. All things are trade-offs. A more substantial vehicle = greater fuel usage, etc. To the original question - wow, you need a different vehicle or live a simpler life in the field. My last trip I was overloaded at 5980 - 280# over the stock GVWR. Wrong, but not too bad - it has a significantly upgraded suspension.
donmontalvo
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GVWR matters, especially when the safety of your family relies on your decisions. :)
CAT Scales and GVWR
My west coast overlanding buddies are sticklers for standards. They hammered home the significance of Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). That’s the most your Jeep should weigh, including all…
donmontalvo.com
Member III
I may be wrong but the same exact vehicle will have a higher gvrw and towing # rating outside the US so that leads me to believe vehicles can handle more weight than the US says they can .
GVWR is determined by more than just weight. Breaking surface is a big one. Wheel base another. Just cuz you have a couple extra springs to take the weight doesn't mean you can safely stop in a reasonable distance. If you need to carry that kind of weight regularly then you need more vehicle. Not to mention the extra weight weight takes it's toll on the whole platform. Not just the suspension.
