altering trailer GVM

There are ligitemate ways of doing this while the trailer is still registered, but the hoops and fiddle and the cost.

The physical change are relativly straight forward..as long as the frame is strong enough, replace axle & possibly springs adding a braking system.

It is easier to recompliance it and re register it as a home built trailer with a new VIN plate..oh yeh that is dodgy too.

If you are the type that plays by the letter of the rules, its simpler to sell the thing and buy/build a new one.

cheers

Not sure about the NSW rules but in WA you would just need to install a brake kit and ensure the frame, suspension, axle, tyres, rims & safety chain are good for the GVM you want (up to 2000kg GTM unless you fit break-away brakes). IN WA you would stamp a new compliance plate with the upgraded Tare & ATM using the same VIN and hand the original compliance plate in to the DoT when you have the trailer re-assessed for the increased ATM to get the rego record updated.
Lots cheaper than a new trailer.

I think you would best take it to a blue slip inspection station to discuss the upgrade and confirm the new load rating if the brakes were to be installed. I assume the build of the trailer may be what governs the payload. Springs and axle are good for the load but the chassis would be part of the consideration for the extra load.. Your rego will go from $50 to $150 per year MIchael

Thanks for the replys so far, I will have to look into it a bit more when people come back to work.

One item to look at in addition to chassis, springs and axle size is the tyre rating. It looks as if you are wanting to virtually double the payload and depending what tyres it has you may be required to up grade.
As others have said it may be easier to de-license or let the existing run out, do your upgrades and present it for inspection with a clean slate so to speak.

Cheers
Pop

Hi Trev,

I did exactly what you propose and it was easy.

The camper trailer chassis was already substantial but it had no brakes and just slipper springs.

I had the drawbar modified to come back to the front spring hangers, changed the springs to shackle front and rear and fitted a new braked axle. It already had light truck tyres, so load rating fr the tyres was OK.

I had a blue slip inspection done - he looked at all the work that had been done and also at the tyres and re-rated it at 1240kg. Rgo went from $23.00 to $50.00.

Cheers

Frank

Thanks Pop & Frank, The trailer is up to scratch build wise it's just missing the brakes so it all should work

Trevor