GarageCalc Count the tow ball load once
For an ordinary coupled combination without a weight-distribution device, add the measured hitched vehicle axle loads to the trailer axle loads. Alternatively, add the loaded vehicle mass before hitching to the entire loaded trailer mass before hitching. Keep people, fuel, water and cargo the same between measurements.
The ball load transfers part of the trailer's mass onto the vehicle. It increases the hitched vehicle mass; it does not create extra combined mass. Do not add the whole trailer to a vehicle measurement that already includes that ball load.
A fictional worked example
These are assumed values to show the arithmetic, not specifications for a particular vehicle. Suppose the loaded vehicle weighs 2,600 kg before hitching, the loaded trailer weighs 3,000 kg unhitched, and its measured ball load is 300 kg.
| Measurement | Calculation | Mass |
|---|---|---|
| Hitched vehicle | 2,600 + 300 | 2,900 kg |
| Trailer axles | 3,000 - 300 | 2,700 kg |
| Combined, using axle loads | 2,900 + 2,700 | 5,600 kg |
| Combined, using unhitched masses | 2,600 + 3,000 | 5,600 kg |
With an assumed 3,200 kg GVM and 6,000 kg GCM, the margins would be 300 kg against GVM and 400 kg against GCM. Those margins do not establish compliance with axle, hitch, tyre, brake or trailer limits.
Documented vehicle examples
Each row below describes only the named configuration and source scope. GVM, braked towing and GCM are separate limits. The table does not say that all three can be reached together.
| Vehicle and configuration | Source scope | GVM (kg) | Braked (kg) | GCM (kg) | Original source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Ranger XLT 3.0L V6 turbo diesel 4x4 double-cab pickup | AU guide checked 2026-10-25 | 3,280 | 3,500 | 6,400 | Ford Australia Ranger towing weight tables |
| Ford Ranger Raptor 3.0L twin-turbo petrol 4x4 double-cab pickup | AU guide checked 2026-10-25 | 3,130 | 2,500 | 5,370 | Ford Australia Ranger towing weight tables |
| Toyota LandCruiser 300 GX 3.3L V6 twin-turbo diesel | October 2021 specification | 3,280 | 3,500 | 6,750 | Toyota Australia LandCruiser 300 October 2021 specification (dealer-hosted copy) |
| Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series Single-cab WorkMate 2.8L diesel | October 2025 specification | 3,510 | 3,500 | 7,010 | Toyota Australia LandCruiser 70 October 2025 specification table |
| Ford Everest Sport 3.0L V6 turbo diesel 4WD 10AT | 2023 AU guide | 3,150 | 3,500 | 6,250 | Ford Australia 2023 Everest towing tables |
| Isuzu D-MAX BLADE 3.0L 4x4 automatic | 25.5MY | 3,100 | 3,500 | 6,000 | Isuzu UTE Australia 25.5MY D-MAX specifications |
| Mitsubishi Triton GLX+ dual-cab 4WD automatic | 26MY | 3,200 | 3,500 | 6,250 | Mitsubishi Motors Australia 26MY Triton brochure |
| Mazda BT-50 Dual-cab 4x2 XS pickup automatic, 2.2L diesel | AU calculator checked 2026-10-25 | 3,000 | 3,500 | 5,850 | Mazda Australia BT-50 payload calculator |
| Nissan Navara D23 SL pickup 4x4 automatic | MY24 | 3,150 | 3,500 | 5,910 | Nissan Australia MY24 Navara dual-cab specification sheet |
| Isuzu MU-X 3.0L 4x4 automatic | 25.5MY | 2,800 | 3,500 | 5,900 | Isuzu UTE Australia 25.5MY MU-X specifications |
Check your combination
Use the caravan towing calculator for four entered mass limits, then obtain weighbridge axle measurements and check the remaining requirements. A brochure maximum does not replace the specification matching your build.
Definitions and modification guidance: Transport WA GVM and GCM FAQs. Towing equipment and loaded-mass requirements: NSW Government towing guidance. Checked October 25, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is GCM the same as GVM plus towing capacity?
No. GCM is a separate combined-mass limit. Also, the hitched vehicle mass already includes tow ball load: adding that vehicle mass to the entire trailer mass would count the ball load twice.
Does a GVM upgrade automatically increase GCM?
No. Use the approved modification documents and the requirements of your registration authority. A higher GVM alone does not establish a higher GCM or towing rating.
Where do I find the correct GCM?
Use the manufacturer specification or manual matching the exact vehicle and any approved modification documents. Do not calculate a missing GCM by adding GVM and the advertised towing capacity.