Hello, Welcome to LoadSafe New Zealand, New Zealand’s specialist for upgrading GVM’s and axle weight limits.
LoadSafe NZ has partnered with a leading European Vehicle Consultancy to bring European TÜV approved documentation that enables vehicles such as Motorhomes, Vans, Horseboxes and Cab / Chassis, to be re-rated to a higher Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) with increased axle weights to New Zealanders.
We are also suppliers of the world class VB-AirSuspension from the Netherlands. VB-AirSuspension not only manufacturer air suspensions, but cover the range from helper coil springs right through to complete retrofit Full Air suspension units. All suspensions are TÜV type approved for each vehicle type they are designed for, to ensure your continuing safety. Check our Available Models and Shop pages to see what’s available for which vehicle model, or check with us.
Is your Motorhome or Light Commercial Vehicle overweight? ie exceeding its Gross Vehicle Mass and / or allowable axle(s) weight limit. Not sure, either way, you have found the right website to visit. Don’t wait to find out you are overweight and parked up on the side of the road having to unload before you can continue, or having an expensive fine to pay. Being overweight is dangerous, plus your insurance company may decline your claim as it was not being operated within compliance of the relevant legislation.
Operating overweight has a direct effect on safety & comfort. Lack of knowledge of the vehicle load capacity is often the cause for this overloading. In many instances the vehicle is packed without realising the consequences.
By re-rating your vehicle, it will be safer at these higher weights as additional suspension components will be fitted to support the extra weight. Advantages of fitting air suspension and re-rating your vehicle are
- Improved safety
- Enhanced ride comfort
- More payload
- Upgraded axle loads
Do you know your weights? Are you running over weight? (If you don’t know what your legal maximums are, read this page on chassis rating plates)
Do you need more Payload?
Do you want to be safe?
If any of these apply to you, the vehicles we can Up-Rate are listed in the Vehicles menu above. More vehicles will be added in the future.
To enable your vehicle to be re-rated we will need information from you. As we assess each vehicle individually, please complete the form available in the link below and email it to us along with the photos and weights as requested. Each vehicle will be assessed against our database of approvals to determine the maximum weights possible for your vehicle. All axle components ie, Axle, Suspension, Rims and Tyres need to have a sufficient rating to cover the new weights. The final rating for each axle will be the lessor component rating of the four items listed above. You may need to replace your rims and tyres for higher rated items to achieve the best outcome. Speak to us for options available.
Note, if your GVM is increasing from 3500 kg or less to over 3500 kg, your vehicle will now require COF inspections every 6 months.
LoadSafe recently supplied and fitted semi air units to the rear of our 7.4 m heavy chassis Fiat Ducato motorhome. Reason for fitting was to give greater rear end clearance - and the results are fantastic. Not only do we have no clearance issues now, the vehicle travels with almost no rattling thanks to the adjustable pressures available - even over corrugated roads. We are really delighted with the system and Bruce was quick in responses. I highly recommend Bruce and Load Safe.
Loadsafe have upgraded our Auto-Trail Tracker FB motorhome from GVM 3650 kgs to 4000 kgs as we were running 330kgs over with all our gear onboard including water etc. From the time we contacted Bruce at Loadsafe he was a pleasure to deal with and his correspondence was excellent which made the whole process of upgrading our vehicle stress free. I can highly recommend Bruce for his wealth of knowledge and his efficiency with all the bookwork and certifications. Thank you Bruce. David and Gale.
Loadsafe supplied the VB semi air kit for our Fiat Ducato maxi based, Mobilvetta Kea motorhome. Bruce supplied the kit very promptly and did all the paperwork to upgrade our GVM from 4400 kg to 4600 kg. The kit was fitted in Christchurch by Diesel services and they arranged certification. The motorhome ride is much improved.
while I didn't need to upgrade the GVM on our Burstner Lyseo 727. I did want the try to improve the ride of my Fiat Ducato. Bruce responded within hours to my initial query and suggested ways to do this. We followed his advice and first added air suspension to the rear axle. and subsequently replaced the front springs and shock absorbers. Money very well spent with the ride now comparable to a medium size SUV. Thanks Bruce, thrilled with the result.
We purchased an A class motorhome with only 40,000kms on it, but it was terrible to drive. It handled like a pig and felt every bump in the road- it was just exhausting. Bruce fitted airbags to the rear and new Koni shocks with heavy duty springs to the front. Not only does it now sit level it is a completely different vehicle to drive. Bruce made the whole process easy, his advice was spot on and I would recommend him to anyone that has any issues with weight or handling.
Roller Team 747 from a WOF on 3500kgs to a COF on 4000kgs. When I rocked up to the VTNZ in Whangarei brandishing the paperwork forwarded by Bruce 2 weeks later, they couldn't find fault with anything and I drove away with a COF 2 hours later. Mixed feelings about a COF but at least I am legal. Insurance means nothing unless you are legal. Now I can leave home with ebikes, a full tank of water and all her shoes 🙂
Bruce made the process of upgrading our Benimar Tessoro 487 an absolute dream. He supplied the parts and suggested a company in Nelson to fit them.
Loadsafe NZ have upgraded our Autotrail Imala to increase weight capacity to 4000kgs as when at 3500kgs we always ran overweight. We are extremely happy with the results. The ride is smoother and the peace of mind we are legal is fantastic. Bruce gave us excellent advice and his communication skills were fantastic and job completed smoothly along with paperwork to ensure a smooth transition to COF.
We wanted to increase the GVM of our Fiat Ducato Autotrail so that we could carry the gear we wanted without the worry of being overweight. Bruce at Loadsafe recommended fitting VB Semi Air to the rear axle, increasing our GVM to 4000 Kgs. The modification also provides a much smoother and quieter ride which is a very pleasant bonus. Bruce was excellent to deal with and his workmanship is very good. The paperwork provided allowed us to change from WOF to COF, as required without any problems.
Web search revealed few air suspension providers and I have chosen LOAD SAFE. I was impressed by the web site and that continued in contact with Bruce before and during the installation on my PEUGEOT/ BAILEY AUTOGRAPH. Now it carries more, rides smoother and handles better. Bruce’s commitment to customer satisfaction with high level of expertise completed installation and all certification in a day, while I was enjoying super breakfast. Top of the class pro, thanks.
Bruce was very helpful when I made my initial enquiries on our Tessoro 494 and even fitted us in ahead of the scheduled time. The fitting went smooth and easy and the COF issuing went smoothly as well so now I can load up to 4100kg. I was always going to be overweight otherwise. Thanks Bruce. Highly recommend your service
We recently upgraded our Benimar Tessoro 463 suspension through Bruce, to increase our load rating from 3500kg to 4100kg. We consequently operate under a CoF. Now we have peace of mind regarding our loading knowing we're not exceeding our weight limit thereby jeopardising our insurance. Bruce was great throughout and regularly communicated with us during a long Covid delayed process. We would recommend his services to other motorhomers who are considering an upgrade from WoF to CoF.
Bruce upgraded our 2021 Ford Transit Benimar from 3500 to 4100 kgs. The process was easy and thorough, although due to overseas supplier issues (NOT Loadsafe's fault) it took a bit longer than initially anticipated. Very happy with the result, knowing we're all within the legal limits.
Bruce fitted 16inch rims and airbags to increase our GVM from 3500kg to 4000kg on our 2019 Autoroller 747. I was a little apprehensive about submitting the paperwork to VTNZ but it all went through like clockwork and all of a sudden, we're on a COF and hitting the highways! The improvement in suspension is subtle but valuable, especially when cornering.
From my first contact with Bruce, the information he provided was a great help to me to go ahead and have the necessary modifications done to my Fiat Ducato Dethleffs 7057DBM to allow the increase in GVM from 3500 to 4000kg. All necessary compliances he had approved by NZTA and were forwarded to me for upgrade to COF without problems. A pleasure to deal with Bruce and LoadSafe.
I recently upgraded my Tessoro 494 GVM from 3500KGS to 4100 GVM and it was a very easy process working with Bruce at LoadSafe. Everything from my first contact with him to my last, was straight forward and clear .The job was done in the time specified and when the paperwork was couriered to me it was an easy process at VTNZ to upgrade to a COF. I have no hesitation in recommending Bruce at LoadSafe, in fact I have already recommended him to quite a few fellow motorhomers.
I would like to thank Bruce for the excellent job he has done in upgrading my Fiat Ducato motorhome to a 4000kg. As a novice he has lead me through the process to achieve a higher weight capacity and the result is exceptional. The motorhome has a much better ride and now I am able to tow a small vehicle as well. An added bonus has been the ability to level the rear wheels. I would not hesitate to recommend LoadSafe to any future clients. Thanks Bruce
LoadSafe recently fitted airbag suspension to our Burstner Aviano motorhome allowing us to increase the load capacity to 3850 kg. It has given a smoother quieter, drive. Bruce was a great help in deciding what we could/should do, and with his standard of workmanship. We thoroughly recommend LoadSafe.
Recently upgraded by Ford Transit Benimar from 3500 to 4100. Bruce was both helpful and professional and ensured the whole process went smoothly. Loadsafe supplied the upgrade kit to their recommended installer in Christchurch. Costs were exactly as estimated and I'm very satisfied with the completed job.
Amazingly professional service right from the first consultation through to completed job. We had our Fiat Ducato Sinfonia upgraded for extra weight capacity - the back axle. The Motorhome travels so much better now, less road noise which was a surprise and a more comfortable ride. We don’t use our ramps for levelling now, just pump up the back. The paperwork Bruce supplied ensured there was no trouble at VTNZ. Really recommend Bruce at LoadSafe. Very happy with the job.
LoadSafe recently upgraded our Fiat Ducato GVM to 4800kg and Rear Axle weight to 2700kg. The whole process was painless. Bruce kept us informed of the delays as well as updates regarding delivery of the kit (Covid supply chain issues). A quick trip to Tauranga and the job was done in half a day. HVEC inspection was done at the time. The necessary paperwork arrived, and we registered the upgrade with VTNZ. Very efficient service. I'm glad to say we are now legally within our weight restrictions!
Our Burstner Ixeo 286 was overweight and is on a COF. When I researched what to do I consistently came upon LoadSafe. Rang Bruce and was impressed with the discussion so booked in. I’m very happy with the result. Being able to adjust each side separately is a bonus for levelling and emptying grey water. No longer bottom when going out our drive. And the ride is much smoother. The best thing is that we are now legal. I was expecting some issues at VTNZ Chch but it was very simple, took 10 Mins.
Delighted with the results achieved by Bruce at Loadsafe. Autotrail Imala 730 gone from 3,500kg to 4,000kg and WOF to COF without any problems. I feel whole process has been worth the effort, now on the road feeling safer, legal and able to use the motorhome to its full potential, and cream on the cake insurance company happy.
Very happy that we chose Bruce to upgrade the GVM on our Tessoro 463 to 4100kg. Being legal brings a great piece of mind and as a bonus we think it handles better also. Also good that we only required the rear semi air suspension and didn't need to change wheels or tyres. A simple process both with Loadsafe and VTNZ
Very helpful, very efficient, great communication, and the air suspension works as expected. Thank you.
Just excellent the whole process. Bruce was lovely to deal with from inception to completion.
I was pleased with the efficiency of Bruce from Loadsafe with the installation of the airbag suspension system to my Benimar Tessoro 463. With the weight limit being rated at 3500kg meant it was never going to be legal on a wof because it would always overweight once loaded. I now have peace of mind when on the road. Bruce made the process easy to follow and was an easy change over from a WOF to a COF through NZTA/VTNZ. Thanks
Bruce recently upgraded our Auto Trail Apache 634 from 3650GVM to 4000GVM We were very pleased with the professional job he made of installing the necessary air bags to our rear suspension and we are now legal on the road to travel with no worries regarding payload. Thoroughly recommend Loadsafe - thank you Bruce for a job will done - Graham M
Thanks Bruce, for your time and patience answering my questions, and of course, for the very professional job you did upgrading my Chausson 747GA (Fiat Ducato) to 4,000 GVM. Worth every penny to now have plenty of payload capacity as well as a smoother ride.
I cannot recommend Bruce highly enough. He was extremely helpful when I asked the stupid questions. My experience from start to finish, Bruce was always professional throughout the entire job. Communication and delivery on what we had agreed to be done was completed at a very high standard.
I cannot thank Bruce enough for his prompt advice and guidance throughout, to upgrade our Fiat Ducato Carado T449, GVM of 4000kg with rear axle increase to 2240kg. Living in Christchurch Bruce provided us with local contacts for the install, submitting the resulting paperwork to NZTA for the new chassis rating. The ride is greatly improved as has handling. Well worth the effort overall, not to mention peace of mind in travel and insurance considerations. Thoroughly recommend LoadSafe.
It was a very smooth painless process. A trip to Tauranga (always a nice place to visit), the change over to the uprated rims the previous day, then on to Bruce the next day for the upgrade of the air suspension. Also, the follow up process of submitting the LT400 to the local testing station for the GVM to be upgraded to 4000kg also went smoothly.
Bruce recently upgraded the rear suspension on our Benimar Mileo, with his air assist product. The reason was to increase the GVM to 4000 kgs, but the benefit didn't end there. Our motorhome immediately became a lot quieter, somehow the rattles disappeared. and the ride was more comfortable. From start to finish Bruce was a great guy to deal with and we have no hesitation in recommending both Bruce and his product.
Bruce did a great job with installing air bags to our Fiat. It’s a totally different MH to drive now so much safer & no worries with overloading. Would recommend Bruce to anyone.
Thank you Bruce for a job very well done. Bruce recently upgraded the rear suspension on our Burstner Lyseo. We are very pleased with result and its great to know we now have a greater GVM and a quite noticeably better ride. The communication was always prompt and everything was made very clear from the start. Would have no hesitation in recommending Loadsafe to other motor-homers. Thanks Bruce
I was advised that Bruce was the ‘go to’ guy when it came to RV suspension issues. Needless to say - Bruce was a fountain of knowledge and knew exactly how to remedy the front suspension on my 2016 Fiat Ducato Jayco Optimum. Replacement heavy duty springs supplied and installed by Bruce transformed our ride and driving experience!! Would definitely recommend LoadSafe to any RV’er with ride or loading issues.
We were absolutely thrilled with the efficiency of Bruce with the installation of the airbag suspension system to our Fiat Carado. He made the process easy for us to follow. We wanted to take more Toys with us so the up grade allows us to take the extra weight. It was an easy change over from a WOF to a COF through NZTA/VTNZ. Of course the ride has improved as well. If you want to up grade your vehicle we highly recommend Bruce to do this for you. Thanks Bruce. Peter and Jenny, Marton
We own a Frankia i740+ motorhome and I wanted to install semi air suspension. I contacted Bruce at Load Safe and he was very obliging and helpful. We now have a VB semi air suspension air bag system on the rear axle of our Mercedes Sprinter. The vehicle handles much better on the road being a lot more stable. We are now in the process of upgrading the GVM from 5000 kg to 5500kg.
Bruce recently install air suspension on the rear axle of our Benimar 282. It didn’t need the GMV upgrading as we are already rated at 4400kg. We have found that the suspension gives a lot smoother ride and it’s great for assisting in the levelling the MH when parked on a bit of a slope. We are very pleased with the result and the professional and friendly way in which Bruce carried out the work.
When we recently purchased our Adria 700 Motorhome we were fortunate to be advised that we'd need to get Air Bags fitted & were given Bruce at Loadsafe's contact details . We duly arranged fitment & Bruce got the job completed , including paperwork , in less than 6 hours . Very good service , top class workmanship & a marked improvement in the handling of our Motorhome . I would have no hesitation in recommending LoadSafe for the solving of the overloading problem.
Bruce was so helpful when we discovered that our Benimar Mileo 294 weighed in at 3650 Kg With very little payload and provided the solution to increase to 4000kg He also discovered our towbar was not safe and needed to be removed Thanks Bruce
We were concerned that our Ford Transit could become overweight. A visit to the local weigh station confirmed this was the case. I searched for companies capable of GVM increases and came up with LoadSafe. I spoke with Bruce who was very helpful explaining that semi-air suspension would be necessary. We decided to go with his recommendation and subsequently had it installed. We are now rated at 4,100kg. We fully appreciate Bruce's helpful advice and professional installation.
Our Burstner Elegance i890 was manufactured with a GVM of 5000kg. COF weights indicated we were close to maximum. We contacted Bruce at LoadSafe and he provided us with three options which would enable our vehicle to achieve 5500kg GVM. Bruce not only imported the certified parts required but also the documentation that provided a smooth transaction to achieve our objective. An excellent and prompt service which I recommend to other motorhome owners in a similar situation. Thanks Bruce
We bought our McLoiuis Fusion 373 in May and even on a 3650kg COF the GVM was right on the limit with only two person and our gear. Thankfully Bruce came to the rescue during what were difficult times and now we have a 4,000kg GVM. Bruce is an absolute professional. Thank you Bruce
After going over a weighbridge we discovered our Rollerteam Pegaso 740 had exceeded our GVM & the rear axle was on the manufacturers weight limit. Bruce provided great advice & service when fitting upgraded Air Suspension & certification to increase our payload by 500kgs. Comfort in knowing we are not now overloaded & the ride is a marked improvement. Smoother & more stable. Thanks Bruce, job well done
After finding that our Benimar Tessoro 463 had a very limited payload we investigated options on increasing it. Got referred to Bruce Sutton at Loadsafe NZ. Bruce recommended installing air suspension and Bruce arranged the kit for us. This enabled us to increase our GVM from 3500 to 4100. Although we had to change from a WOF to a COF we feel much more comfortable with our payload and compliance. Bruce is very knowledgeable with the process and helpful in every aspect.
Bruce is great to deal with. Have a Corado T449 which was always overweight, fitted air bags to rear axle and uprated wheels. GVM has now gone from 3500kgs to 4000kgs and handling has improved, also as a bonus nice to be able to lift one side at rear for emptying waste tank. Thanks Bruce for a very professional job.
Bruce was very professional to deal with in installing VB semi air suspension in our Fiat Ducato Benimar Mileo 294 motorhome to allow our GVM to be increased to 4000kg and rear axle weight up to 2250kg. Maybe more importantly the motorhome handles more smoothly, balanced and safely on the road. I can thoroughly recommended the services of LoadSafe for quality work at reasonable price. Jim
Great to be legal on the road. Now 4000kg so got decent payload. No problems at VTNZ & got my hubodometer exemption within hours. Very professional service, recommended.
We had original air suspension fitted to our twin rear axle Fiat Ducato Motorhome with an original GVM of 5000 Kgs. Each COF we were marginal on Max weight. Following discussions with Bruce via email, soon determined that our GVM could be increased to 5500 Kgs, with the fitting of an upgraded handbrake lever, which Bruce, was able to supply promptly and was soon fitted. A really great service was provided by Loadsafe, which exceeded my expectations. Well done Bruce.
Very pleased to have used Bruce at Loadsafe to upgrade the weight limit on our Auto Trail Tracker. Being rated at 3500 we were always overweight. With Bruce's guidance the procedure went very smoothly. VTNZ accepted the heavier weight at 4000 without any queries. The ride is improved. We now have peace of mind when on the road. Albie
What a great guy to deal with. Up rated our 294 Benimar to 4000kg with rear airbags and new front springs. Travels way better . Thanks Bruce, job well done
Thanks Bruce for your clear recommendations regarding the GVM up rating for our Fiat/ Benimar motorhome. The recommendation to replace the front spring set, at the same time as the rear air bag installation, has been a major revelation. The ride and handling is so much improved. All the documentation was accepted without question at the Napier VTNZ. We have already recommended the services of Loadsafe to others. Brent
Bruce sorted our Airbag/GVM upgrade to our Ducato - the best part was only spending 5 minutes at VTNZ to collect a new loading cert (Bruce had supplied all the correct paperwork !)
We had our Carado T449 upgraded from 3500 to 4000kg, with rear axle to 2250kg. Bruce was a real rock even helping the (third party) inspector to see the light.
Absolutely best money spent on our Motorhome Bruce is great to deal with and being able to increase rear axle to 2250kg & GVW to 4000kg now means we will not be overloaded ...Easy to fit and sure adds stability to the Motorhome
Had our Benimar 294 upgraded to 4000kg all went very well we now have a gvm of 4000kg. Bruce is good to work with and would highly recommend LoadSafe. (Benimar Mileo 294. GVM increased to 4000 kg, rear axle increased to 2240 kg.)
During a recent trip around the South Island I am impressed with the stability and comfort of the airbags. The increased GVM has enabled us to take the toys without the worry about being overloaded. Thanks Bruce. (RollerTeam 740, GVM increased to 4000kg, rear axle increased to 2240kg)
Have been very impressed with your service completing the GVM increase, and look forward to recommending your services to other friends etc.
Whilst researching the dilemma of our overweight motorhome I came across the LoadSafe website and rang Bruce for a chat. I found him knowledgeable and assisted us to make the decision to fit Full Air Suspension which would provide another 500kgs to our GVM. We knew there would be other benefits, but under estimated how smooth the ride would actually be. What used to be rattles have gone. Well worth the money and Bruce was there for any questions during the installation which we did ourselves.
Just travelled Mount Maunganui to Taupo, most comfortable pressure 2.5, far superior handling then before, hence travelling faster, thanks for all work and advice. Another very happy customer.
Just picked up motorhome with (air)bags at 2 bar. Driving comfort is significantly better!
I have got the airbags fitted to our motorhome and yes I believe it is money well spent, seems to ride a lot softer although not loaded up properly yet, I have no doubt that it will be about 150% better.Thank you very much for getting them to me so quickly