We (Christian) had done some careful maths (there was spreadsheet involved) and research about vehicle weights and terminology. We knew that weight would be tight on this trip. The weight of all the things we’d need to live in a caravan was starting to add up. We had two options; a Marie Kondo style diet or a GVM upgrade to give us the extra capacity we’d need.
We decided that in the interest of safety, staying legal and keeping our stuff, a GVM Upgrade was the answer. The challenge was that a full second stage manufacturing GVM Upgrade for the new MU-X was non-existent. Pedders had been working towards one for months, but it was not yet available. We bit the bullet and went to buy the alternative 10% upgrade, with new suspension and independent engineering certification from Pedders. We had a quote and everything would be fitted in a few weeks. The finer details were being finalised when the unicorn arrived, Pedders had gotten their full second stage manufacturing GVM Upgrade over the regulatory line!
Pedders Mackay called us to deliver the good news. Would you like to change your order? Yes – book us in. The day after the MU-X got new shoes, it got new suspension, airbags and a GVM Upgrade. We were the first one on the road in Mackay and one of the earliest in Queensland.
The MU-X can now weigh up to 3200kg before we hit trouble, more than enough the keep things legal. We did worry about shattering our spines in the supermarket carpark, but with some good advice we found a happy middle ground. Despite the ride now being a bit firmer, it is still nice and the airbags give a much needed boost when towing. Most importantly, we have cleared one more hurdle before we start our trip.