The Modified Ute and the Load
You have bought a second-hand ute. It has larger wheels than standard, a suspension lift, and a bull bar fitted by the previous owner. The tyres are a size not listed on the tyre placard. You plan to carry a 400 kg load in the tray on a trip, plus two passengers. The ute's compliance plate lists a gross vehicle mass of 3000 kg and the vehicle currently weighs 2100 kg unloaded. You have not checked whether the modifications are approved or whether they affect the load rating. The registration is current. Your licence is a standard car licence.
1. What legal and safety checks must you make before this trip, and why does current registration not settle the question?
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Registration confirms the vehicle is recorded and fees are paid. It does not confirm the vehicle still meets the standards it was registered under. Modifications can take a vehicle outside those standards even while the registration remains current.
Checks needed:
- Tyres. A size not on the placard may be unapproved. Check load and speed ratings and whether the size is permitted in your jurisdiction.
- Suspension lift and wheels. Lifts and oversized wheels change handling, speedometer accuracy, and headlight aim, and usually need approval or certification. Check whether the previous owner had this done and whether you hold the paperwork.
- Bull bar. It must not obscure lights or number plates and must be a type approved for the vehicle.
- Load rating. Work out the numbers: GVM 3000 kg less 2100 kg unloaded leaves 900 kg. A 400 kg load plus two passengers (say 150 kg) plus fuel and accessories is within that figure, but only if the unloaded weight is accurate and the modifications have not reduced the rating. Check the tyre placard and any modification plate.
- Licence. A standard car licence covers this vehicle if it stays within car limits; confirm the loaded weight does not push it into another class.
If any modification is unapproved, fix or certify it before the trip. Do not rely on the fact that it passed a previous inspection.
2. How should the load be arranged and secured, and what changes to your driving does a 400 kg load require?
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Secure the load first. It must be restrained so it cannot shift forward, backward, or sideways under braking or cornering. Use rated straps or tie-downs to the tray's anchor points, check them after the first few kilometres, and cover or contain loose items. An unsecured 400 kg load becomes a projectile in a crash or a hazard on the road.
Arrange the weight low and centred over the rear axle, not hanging off the tailgate. Keep it within the tray and within any rear overhang limits. Distribute it evenly side to side.
Driving changes:
- Braking distance increases. Leave a larger gap.
- Acceleration and overtaking are slower. Allow more room to merge and pass.
- Cornering and steering response change, especially with a lifted suspension.
- Tyre pressures may need adjusting for the load; check the placard and any load guide.
- Headlight aim may need adjusting so you do not dazzle other drivers with a loaded rear end.
Drive to the loaded vehicle's limits, not the unloaded one you are used to.