The Isuzu D-Max GCM is 6000kg on 4x4 models from MY22 and 5950kg on earlier RG 4x4 models. Towing the full 3500kg leaves the loaded ute 2500kg, so a typical dual cab keeps only about 400kg of payload. Most GVM upgrades leave GCM unchanged, but the Lovells 3600kg kit we fit includes a 6200kg GCM in NSW and Victoria.
Dmax GCM is the number that quietly decides how much you can carry when you’re towing. The D-Max will legally pull 3500kg, and it’ll legally weigh 3100kg, but it can’t do both at the same time because the combined total is capped. Here’s how the Isuzu Dmax GCM works, what it means for a caravan or boat, and which upgrades change it. For every kit that suits your ute, see our Isuzu D-Max GVM upgrades.
What Is the GCM of an Isuzu D-Max?
|
D-Max 4x4 |
GCM |
GVM |
Braked towing |
Max towball |
|
RG, 2020 to 2021 |
5950kg |
3100kg |
3500kg |
350kg |
|
RG, MY22 onwards |
6000kg |
3100kg |
3500kg |
350kg |
Isuzu raised the 4x4 GCM by 50kg for MY22. It’s a small change on paper, but every kilo of GCM is a kilo you can use in the ute when you’re towing at the limit.
How Much Payload Is Left When a D-Max Tows 3500kg?
The quickest way to use GCM is to take the trailer weight off it. What’s left is the most your loaded D-Max can weigh.
On a MY22-on D-Max 4x4, 6000kg minus a 3500kg trailer leaves 2500kg for the ute. A D-Max LS-U crew cab chassis with an alloy tray weighs about 2093kg at the kerb, so that leaves about 407kg for the driver, passengers, fuel above kerb, accessories and the towball download. With a 350kg towball load from a heavy van, there’s very little left.
|
Trailer weight |
Max D-Max weight under 6000kg GCM |
What limits you first |
|
3500kg |
2500kg |
GCM |
|
3000kg |
3000kg |
GCM |
|
2900kg |
3100kg |
GCM and GVM together |
|
2500kg |
3500kg |
Factory GVM (3100kg) |
|
2000kg |
4000kg |
Factory GVM (3100kg) |
Once the trailer drops below about 2900kg, the factory GVM becomes your limit instead of GCM, which is where a GVM upgrade starts to pay off.
Does a GVM Upgrade Increase the D-Max GCM?
It depends entirely on which kit you choose. A GVM upgrade raises the legal weight of the D-Max itself, while GCM stays at the factory figure unless the kit has been engineered and approved to change it.
Formula 4x4 3700kg kits (2021 to 2024): These kits raise GVM only, with no GCM increase.
Lovells 3600kg kit with 6200kg GCM: Raises GVM to 3600kg and GCM to 6200kg in NSW and Victoria, for D-Max models from 2019 as listed.
Lovells 3600kg kit with radiator upgrade: Includes a heavy duty radiator, with a 6900kg GCM listed for NSW and Victoria.
With a 6200kg GCM, a D-Max towing 3500kg can weigh up to 2700kg, giving you 200kg more to work with than the factory 6000kg.
Lovells 3600kg kit with 6200kg GCM:
Can You Get a D-Max GCM Upgrade in Your State?
The Lovells GCM ratings we supply apply in NSW and Victoria. Outside those states, the kits still deliver their GVM increase, but the GCM figure may not carry across, so talk to a Fulcrum specialist before you order.
If you’re doing a post-registration GCM upgrade, the Lovells upper control arm kit is compulsory. It adds $1,095 and keeps your wheel alignment and front end geometry correct at the new ride height, while post-registration engineering adds a further $1,265.
Like any Isuzu Dmax GCM upgrade, it needs engineering approval and certification to be legal, and the paperwork stays with the vehicle.
Which D-Max Limit Are You Hitting?
|
Your setup |
Likely limit |
What helps |
|
Heavy van, loaded ute |
GCM |
A Lovells GCM kit in NSW or VIC, a lighter trailer or a lighter ute |
|
Light camper, loaded ute |
GVM |
A 3700kg or 3600kg GVM upgrade |
|
Heavy canopy and drawers |
Rear axle |
A GVM upgrade with higher axle ratings, or moving weight forward |
|
Bull bar, winch and lights |
Front axle |
A GVM upgrade with a higher front axle rating |
The only way to know for sure is to weigh the ute and trailer separately, axle by axle. Our $90 GVM & Towing Assessment does exactly that, with a 100+ point inspection and written report. If GVM rather than GCM is your issue, start with our guide to the D-Max GVM. Our guide to Isuzu D-Max payload capacity shows how that load splits between the axles, and our D-Max GVM upgrade cost guide covers the fitted price of each kit.
FAQs
Looking for more information about the Isuzu D-Max GCM? Below we answer the most commonly asked questions
