Can You Get an N70 Hilux GVM Upgrade?

Yes, the 2005 to 2015 N70 Hilux (KUN26 and GGN25) can be upgraded to a 3300kg GVM with a certified Lovells kit, up from about 2710kg to 2780kg on most 4x4 dual cabs. It’s a state compliance upgrade that isn’t available in Queensland, and it costs $7,365 fitted plus $1,265 for post-registration engineering.

The N70 Hilux is still doing serious work across Australia, on farms, trade sites and touring routes. The trouble is its factory payload was set for a lighter era of accessories, and a modern bull bar, canopy and fridge setup can push an N70 over its limit quickly. An N70 Hilux GVM upgrade fixes that legally, and it’s one of the certified GVM upgrades we supply and fit.

What Is the Factory GVM and Towing Capacity of an N70 Hilux?

N70 Hilux GVM and towing figures vary across the 2005 to 2015 production run, so check your compliance plate. These are typical figures for N70 Hilux 4x4 models:

How much can an N70 Hilux tow?

N70 Hilux towing capacity is 2250kg to 2500kg braked on most 4x4 models, depending on year and variant. With a GCM as low as 4600kg on early models, a loaded ute can’t always tow its full rated capacity, so weigh both the vehicle and trailer.

N70 Hilux GVM Upgrade: The 3300kg Lovells Kit

The N70 Hilux GVM upgrade we fit is the 3300kg Lovells GVM Upgrade Kit for the Toyota Hilux KUN26 and GGN25, built for 2005 to 2015 models.

•             Upgraded GVM: 3300kg, an increase of roughly 520kg to 590kg on most 4x4 dual cabs.

•             Compliance path: This is a state compliance upgrade, and as your N70 is already registered, it’s certified as a post-registration upgrade with an engineer’s sign-off and modification plate.

•             Availability: The kit isn’t available for vehicles in Queensland.

•             Testing: Lovells kits are track tested and road tested under the supervision of a certified automotive engineering signatory.

•             Optional upper control arm kit: Improves wheel alignment and suspension geometry at the new ride height, and is compulsory with a post-registration GCM upgrade.

What to Check Before Upgrading an Older Hilux

Before any Hilux KUN26 GVM upgrade, remember the vehicle could be anywhere from ten to more than twenty years old, so it pays to check its condition before adding a certified load rating. When you book with Fulcrum, our technicians look at:

•             Suspension bushes and mounts: Worn bushes, shackles and spring hangers affect how a new kit sits and drives.

•             Chassis condition: Rust, cracks or previous repairs around spring hangers and the rear of the chassis need attention first.

•             Steering and front end: Ball joints, tie rod ends and control arm bushes all take more load after an upgrade.

•             Brakes: More weight means more work for the brakes, so pads, rotors and drums should be in good shape.

•             Tyres: Your tyres need a load rating suited to the upgraded axle loads.

Our free suspension check is a good starting point, and a full GVM & Towing Assessment for $90 adds a 4 point weight check and GVM and GCM assessment.

What If You Live in Queensland?

The Lovells 3300kg N70 kit isn’t available in Queensland. If you’re in Queensland and looking for a GVM upgrade, N70 Hilux options are limited, so talk to your local Fulcrum Service Centre about where your N70 sits on weight and what’s possible for your vehicle. Fitting heavier springs on their own won’t change your legal GVM, but a matched suspension upgrade can still improve how your Hilux carries and controls a load that’s within its factory limits.

Why Upgrade an N70 Rather Than Replace It?

Plenty of N70 owners know their Hilux inside out, trust its 1KD diesel or 4.0 litre V6, and don’t want a new ute repayment. A certified Hilux N70 GVM upgrade gives an older ute legal room for the gear it already carries, plus fresh springs and shocks that control that load properly. You get less rear sag, better vehicle sway control and steadier braking with a full tray, for far less than the price of a new vehicle.

N70 Toyota Hilux GVM Upgrade FAQs

Looking for more information about GVM upgrades for the 2005 to 2015 N70 Toyota Hilux? Below we answer the most commonly asked questions.

Keep your N70 Hilux working legally with a certified Lovells upgrade from our GVM upgrades range, fitted at your nearest Fulcrum Service Centre.