ramtec wrote:The VIN plate on my 1996 Transit Cab Chassis states axle group 1 limit is 1500 kg and axle group 2 limit is 2600 kg
GVM is only 3500kg which is 600 kg lower than the combined axle groups
Question: Can I upgrade the GVM to 4100 kg provided I do not exceed the axle group loads ?
In theory....yes.
Complete the appropriate paperwork, send it to DVLA, they'll send you a new registration document with the increased GVM, change the details the M.O.T. station need & you'll then need to obtain a new Vin plate that shows the new GVM.
I don't have a data sheet for a 1996 model chassis cab, but the 2600kg rear axle is not compatible with T350 suspension, so it will have been built with T420 rear suspension, so no modifications needed.
In practise....later models have a higher front axle loading, your 1500kg will be easy to overload using a 'uniformly distributed load'....so you may well be stuck with a maximum limit of around 3800~3900kg GVM.
There are plenty of coachbuilt motorhomes in the UK that have had a GVM increase....who does the registration documents in Aus?....I've chimed into more than one 'Outback Caravan Forum' & read posts about uprating a Landcruiser to 3900kg, so it can't be that hard.