The solution for owners/managers of Toyota Landcruiser 200 Series Wagon vehicles who have a need to tow to 4000kg (up from 3500kg standard Braked Towing Capacity), while at the same time meeting the practical and documentary compliance requirements of Work Safety, Police Licensing, Insurance, Lessors and Fleet Managers. This kit is complianced by Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government and comes complete with a secondary manufacturers compliance plate. (Australian Compliance ONLY).
Federal Compliance BTC Upgrades can only be fitted to vehicles prior to registration and to vehicles fitted with a Lovells 3800kg GVM Upgrade.
BTC Upgrade Compliance Plate Approval Numbers:
Lovells Toyota Landcruiser LC200 GVM Upgrade kits have been tested and approved for Full Volume Second Stage Manufacture to comply with ADR35/05 ESC (Electronic Stability Control) Sine with Dwell verification.
Important Information Regarding BTC Upgrades
Stage 1 Kit- Recommended for towing 3500kg-3700kg Apparatus.
Stage 2 Kit- Recommended for towing 3500kg-4000kg Apparatus.
GVM and BTC Explained
Note that The GCM (Gross Combined Mass) doesn”t form part of a Lovells GVM or BTC Upgrade or noted in our DIT Approval for Second Stage of Manufacture. It is basically governed by the new GVM of the vehicle and the maximum braked towing capacity (BTC).
The Original Equipment maximum braked towing capacity for example on the LC200 is 3500kg. This doesn’t increase nor decrease when our GVM Upgrade is fitted, it remains at 3500kg. The new vehicle GVM becomes 3800kg (LC200) as noted in Lovells SSM (Second Stage of Manufacture for GVM Upgrade).
The factor that comes into play is the ball weight of the towed apparatus. Whatever the ball weight is, must be subtracted from the vehicles GVM. Therefore, the vehicle can still tow up to OE 3500kg. If the ball weight is 200kg, the vehicle’s maximum GVM (with a Lovells GVM Upgrade kit fitted) will now be 3600kg for the LC200.
GCM is not noted or listed as part of our Approval. Whereas, when a Lovells BTC Upgrade is fitted, the vehicle can then tow up to 4000kg. Yet, if the ball weight remains at 200kg, the vehicle’s maximum GVM (with a Lovells GVM Upgrade kit fitted) will still be 3600kg for the LC200).
NOTE: Lovells BTC Upgrades can be supplied under State Compliance (for already registered vehicles) and the vehicle individually engineered for the State of registration. Includes State engineering certificate or certification plate.
Why Do Vehicles Require BTC (Braked Towing Capacity) Upgrades?
Solution
USING LOVELLS SPRINGS BTC UPGRADE KIT, (APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT of INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT, REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT and LOCAL GOVERNMENT, Compliance Plate Approval No. 40257) HELPS AVOID THESE PROBLEMS.
Officially sanctioned BTC Kit provides:
What Components Come in the BTC Upgrade Kit?
Kit includes the following (Federal Compliance):
| TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 200 SERIES | |||
| UZJ, VDJ200 Wagon (Petrol and Diesel) – 11/07 on Coil/Coil | |||
| BTC UPGRADE KIT – Federal Compiance | |||
| *** BRAKED TOWING CAPACITY UPGRADE *** | |||
| KIT COMPONENTS – STAGE 1 (SOLD AS KIT ONLY) | |||
| Item | Part No. | Qty/ Vehicle | Description |
| 1 | BTCU001-T-1 | 1 | HEAVY DUTY FABRICATED HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE HITCH (Rated to 4T) |
| 2 | BTCU001-H-1 | 1 | HEAVY DUTY PREMIUM AUTO COUPLER HITCH (Rated to 5T) |
| 3 | 1 | FEDERAL COMPLIANCE PLATE FOR BTC UPGRADE | |
| 4 | 1 | OWNERS MANUAL (BTC Upgrade Modified Vehicle – for glove compartment) | |
| 5 | 1 | BTC UPGRADE FITTING INSTRUCTIONS | |
| 6 | 3 | Decals | |
| 7 | 1 | Fitting Instructions | |
| KIT COMPONENTS – STAGE 2 (SOLD AS KIT ONLY) | |||
| Item | Part No. | Qty/ Vehicle | Description |
| 1 | BTCU001-T-2 | 1 | HEAVY DUTY FABRICATED HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE HITCH (Rated to 4T). Consists of a 95mm height adjustable drop shank and 1200lb WDH System. |
| 2 | BTCU001-H-2 | 1 | HEAVY DUTY PREMIUM AUTO COUPLER HITCH (Rated to 5T). Consists of an Offroad Hitch and matching Tow Pillar. |
| 3 | 1 | FEDERAL COMPLIANCE PLATE FOR BTC UPGRADE | |
| 4 | 1 | OWNERS MANUAL (BTC Upgrade Modified Vehicle – for glove compartment) | |
| 5 | 1 | BTC UPGRADE FITTING INSTRUCTIONS | |
| 6 | 3 | Decals | |
| 7 | 1 | Fitting Instructions | |
| BTC UPGRADE KITS | |||
| Kit Type | Part No. | Qty/ Vehicle | Kit Description |
| BTC | TOYTOW001-BTC-ST-1 | 1 | BTC UPGRADE KIT – STAGE 1 |
| BTC | TOYTOW001-BTC-ST-2 | 1 | BTC UPGRADE KIT – STAGE 2 |
OR if the vehicle is registered, the kit comes complete with State Compliance Plate/Documents and Engineering Inspection.
Who Can Fit Lovells BTC Upgrade Kits?
Because the Kit is approved on the basis of Lovells Springs being a Second Stage Manufacturer, and the responsibility ultimately lying with Lovells, only Lovells Springs Authorised Fitters (Production Facilities) are approved to fit this Kit. All BTC Upgrade Kit’s are supplied with detailed fitting instructions and appropriate documentation.
Who Would Require a BTC Upgrade for Their Vehicle?
This kit will suit any vehicle owner/operator who has a need to tow greater loads. This includes Government Departments, Mining Companies, Farmers, Tradesmen, large and small businesses, especially individuals loading their vans for travelling and touring.
What Documents Are Required to Ensure You Are Complying With the Approval?
There is a specific BTC Upgrade Kit Order Form (Federal Compliance Order Form and State Compliance Order Form) which must be filled out by the specified Lovells Authorised Fitter or End User per vehicle to be modified. Lovells will cross check the vehicle VIN at point of BTC Upgrade Order to ensure we have DIT records of the vehicle being fitted and complied with a Lovells 3800kg GVM Upgrade. If Lovells do not have records of the VIN, a BTC Upgrade cannot be supplied or fitted. On completion of the BTC Upgrade Kit being fitted by the Lovells Authorised Fitter, a Federal or State Compliance Check List must be filled out and retained by the Fitter and Lovells for future reference. Procedures such as these ensure requirements of Lovells being a second stage manufacturer are being fulfilled.
When Should a BTC Upgrade Kit Be Fitted?
FEDERAL COMPLIANCE: New vehicles (Tow Vehicle/LC200 Landcruiser) must be fitted prior to registration. They are simply then registered with a revised BTC as per the new compliance plate.
The Towed apparatus does not need to be brand new, yet must be in roadworthy condition. Towed apparatus compliance to 4T is the customers responsibility, contact your Original Manufacturer to arrange towed apparatus increase compliance.
Vehicles which are already registered cannot be fitted with a kit under this Federal Approval.
STATE COMPLIANCE: BTC Upgrades can be fitted to already registered vehicles in NSW, ACT, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Northern Territory and Western Australia only, and after modification, will have to be inspected by a Lovells nominated State Engineering Signatory. Extra Cost for Inspection and documents will be incurred. Cost is dependent on State and the vehicle can only be complied/inspected in the State which it is registered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GCM Upgraded?
GCM (Gross Combined Mass) is used by vehicle manufacturers in sales brochures noting the combination of GVM and BTC. Note that The GCM (Gross Combined Mass) doesn’t form part of a Lovells GVM or BTC Upgrade or noted in our DIT Approval for Second Stage of Manufacture.
It is basically governed by the new GVM of the vehicle and the maximum braked towing capacity.
The Original Equipment maximum braked towing capacity for example on the LC200 is 3500kg. This doesn’t increase nor decrease when our GVM Upgrade is fitted, it remains at 3500kg.
The new vehicle GVM becomes 3800kg (LC200) as noted in Lovells SSM (Second Stage of Manufacture for GVM Upgrade). The factor that comes into play is the ball weight of the towed apparatus. Whatever the ball weight is, must be subtracted from the vehicles GVM.
Therefore, the vehicle can still tow up to OE 3500kg. If the ball weight is 200kg, the vehicle’s maximum GVM (with a Lovells GVM Upgrade kit fitted) will now be 3600kg for the LC200. GCM is not noted or listed as part of our Approval.
Whereas, when a Lovells BTC Upgrade is fitted, the vehicle can then tow up to 4000kg. Yet, if the ball weight remains at 200kg, the vehicle’s maximum GVM (with a Lovells GVM Upgrade kit fitted) will still be 3600kg for the LC200).
However, the BTC Upgrade Kit contains a Compliance Plate which notes a GCM of 7800kg to assist with simplifying the upgraded capacities.
Can a Lovells BTC Upgrade be complied if a competitors GVM Upgrade is fitted to the vehicle?
No. The Lovells BTC Upgrade can only be complied if a Lovells GVM Upgrade is fitted to the vehicle. This is due to all test data, dynamic testing and ADR compliance has been gained with Lovells parts and design parameters.
Can a Lovells BTC Upgrade Kit be fitted to aftermarket tow bars/wheel carrier extension bars?
No. The Lovells BTC Upgrade tongue/hitch receiver/drop shank can only be attached to the Toyota OE Towbar and is not compliant for aftermarket tow bars. This is due to the load testing and compliance being carried out on a Standard LC200 Chassis and tow bar.
Can you use another brand hitch receiver/drop shank/Hitch system or Weight Distribution System other than the Lovells kit parts?
No. The Lovells BTC Upgrade can only be complied if Lovells approved/sanctioned BTC Upgrade parts are utilized. This is due to all test data, load testing, dynamic testing and ADR compliance has been gained with Lovells parts and design parameters.
What is the approximate cost for State Compliance (post registration inspection and documents for the Lovells BTC Upgrade?
Can you fit a Lovells GVM Upgrade and Lovells BTC Upgrade yourself or can your local mechanic fit the kits?
No. Both kits must be fitted and plated by a Lovells Authorised Fitter. A list of Lovells Authorised Fitters can be found at www.lovellsauto.com.au
GVM Upgrade Fitters are registered as a Production Facility with the Federal Dept of Transport and Infrastructure and linked to our Approvals. They have supplied quality systems documents and are audited every 12 months. They all undergo intensive training for fitting and testing procedures and hold stock of parts to qualify for fitting status. They are signed into legally binding Fitters Agreements.
Can the Lovells GVM Upgrade and BTC Upgrade Kits be fitted to LC200 with KDSS?
Yes. Our Fitting Instructions come with full detail for our Fitters on how to adjust and reset KDSS. Some vehicles trim perfectly, whereas, some require trimming with D/S strut spacers.
Is the GVM and BTC Upgrade legal in all States and Territories?
Yes. Rest assured, Dept of Transport have the final say on all Second Stage manufacturers and we cover everything and more as required by the ADRs.
To remain compliant, any wheel and tyre combo is fine to use on your LC200 as long as the rims have an Australian Standard reference and the tyres must have a load index of 116 or greater.
To remain legal under VSB14 (which is a National Code), tyre height gain cannot exceed 50mm (over original equipment tyres).
Key Advantages to Fitting a Lovells BTC Upgrade- Summary
