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News - PeddersPedders pumps up Prado with GVM upgradeAussie suspension shop Pedders launches Prado GVM kits, pumping payload by up to 800kg3 Oct 2025 AUSTRALIAN suspension manufacturer Pedders has launched a range of products that increase the gross vehicle mass (GVM) of a 250 Series Toyota LandCruiser Prado up to a maximum of 3900kg.
Pedders claims the kits are aimed at “serious load carriers, off-road adventurers, caravanners and fleet operators”, with GVM upgrades of 2520kg, 3680kg or 3900kg for Prado models built from August 2024 onwards.
As standard, the Prado offers a GVMs ranging from 3100kg to 3200kg depending on the specification, with payload ratings ranging from 580kg to 615kg.
The all-important number for Prado owners is that the upgrades are capable of adding 800kg of additional payload, meaning intrepid explorers can load up their freedom machines with more recovery gear, camping equipment, vehicle protection and luggage.
In real-world terms, this means a base Prado GX with the Pedders 3900kg kit will increase payload from 605kg to 1405kg, based on its kerb weight of 2495kg, significantly improving its load-carrying capacity while remaining ADR compliant.
Speaking with GoAuto, the Pedders R&D team explained that these kits are engineered in Australia, for local conditions, and use parts designed specifically for each vehicle.
“Pedders treats a GVM upgrade as a complete vehicle system, not just a suspension upgrade using existing off-the-shelf parts,” a company spokesperson told GoAuto.
“Being based here means we can tune suspension systems specifically for Australian roads, which are some of the toughest and are unique compared to the rest of the world – corrugations, heat, heavy loads, and long distances all demand suspension that performs differently from overseas setups.
“Our engineering and testing teams develop and validate every system locally to suit these conditions, ensuring the right balance between comfort, control, and durability.
“Each GVM+ program undergoes extensive testing, from simulation and lab validation to thousands of kilometres of real-world evaluation.”
The new Pedders Prado kit includes upgraded foam cell struts and shocks, heavy-duty coil springs, upper control arms, shock spacers, and spring perch supports, with a two-year/40,000km warranty.
“This is a game-changer for Prado owners who want more from their vehicle,” said Pedders chief product officer Rob Davis.
“Whether it’s for towing, touring, or trade, these kits deliver vastly increased payload capacity for the Prado without compromising safety or comfort with the peace of mind of being legally compliant in all states and territories.”
GVM upgrades do not alter gross combination mass (GCM) ratings, meaning that when towing at the Prado’s maximum 3500kg rating, owners with a Pedders upgrade kit will still be left with a fixed ‘GCM-capped’ weight they can legally carry.
For the base-model Prado GX that is around 605kg, calculated by taking the 6600kg GCM and subtracting the tow capacity (3500kg) and the vehicle kerb weight (2495kg).
Where GVM kits still offer towing benefits is in improved weight distribution, enabling owners to carry more onboard, and the enhanced load-carrying characteristics of heavier springs and shocks.  Read more |
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