RAM 1500 Bighorn with GVM Upgrade
RAM 1500 Bighorn with GVM Upgrade: Built for Towing, Touring and Everyday Work
When it comes to American pickup trucks in Australia, the RAM 1500 Bighorn has earned a reputation as one of the most versatile vehicles on the road. Comfortable enough for daily driving, capable enough for towing large caravans and trailers, and tough enough for demanding work duties, the RAM 1500 is a favourite among tradies, business owners and touring enthusiasts alike.
Recently, the team at CTO Industries had the opportunity to upgrade Jason's RAM 1500 Bighorn from J-Jet Automotive. The brief was simple: improve the vehicle's ride quality, increase load carrying capability and make it better suited to everyday use without compromising comfort.
The result was a practical and engineered package featuring a certified GVM upgrade, premium suspension components and a complete alignment and road test to ensure the vehicle performed exactly as intended.
Why Upgrade a RAM 1500 Bighorn?
The RAM 1500 Bighorn is already a highly capable platform, but many owners quickly discover that once accessories, tools, passengers, towing equipment and touring gear are added, available payload can become limited.
This is especially true for:
- Caravan owners
- Tradespeople carrying tools and equipment
- Business operators
- Off-road touring enthusiasts
- Recreational users towing boats and trailers
A professionally engineered GVM upgrade allows owners to legally carry more weight while maintaining safety, compliance and vehicle performance.
For Jason's RAM, the goal wasn't to create an extreme build. Instead, the focus was on improving:
- Ride quality
- Vehicle stance
- Load carrying capacity
- Towing performance
- Suspension control
- Everyday drivability
This is exactly the type of upgrade package CTO Industries specialises in.
The Vehicle
Jason's RAM 1500 Bighorn arrived at the workshop already fitted with a tray setup and used regularly for business operations.
The vehicle needed additional support in the rear suspension, better control through varying load conditions and increased legal carrying capacity.
Rather than installing a large lift kit or heavily modifying the truck, CTO Industries focused on creating a balanced package that would improve functionality while retaining the comfort RAM owners love.
Components Installed
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Suspension
Image: This is an image of Fox 2.0 Performance Series Suspension Installed on RAM 1500 Bighorn
One of the highlights of this build was the installation of the renowned FOX Factory Suspension Australia 2.0 Performance Series suspension package.
FOX suspension has become one of the most respected names in off-road performance worldwide, delivering superior ride quality and control across a wide range of driving conditions.
Benefits of FOX 2.0 Performance Series
- Improved ride comfort
- Better bump absorption
- Increased vehicle stability
- Reduced body roll
- Improved steering feel
- Greater suspension control when towing
- Enhanced off-road capability
The system installed on this RAM provides approximately 0-2 inches of lift, creating a more balanced stance without dramatically altering the vehicle's geometry.
Whether driving on Melbourne freeways, country highways or corrugated tracks, the FOX suspension package significantly improves vehicle control.
Raised Rear Springs
To complement the FOX suspension package, CTO Industries installed upgraded rear springs.
Rear spring upgrades are particularly beneficial for RAM 1500 owners because much of the vehicle's working load is carried over the rear axle.
Benefits include:
- Reduced rear-end sag
- Improved towing stability
- Better load distribution
- Increased comfort under load
- More predictable handling
For business owners like Jason, this means the vehicle remains level and controlled regardless of whether it's carrying tools, equipment or towing a trailer.
The result is a truck that performs more consistently across a wider range of operating conditions.
Certified RAM 1500 GVM Upgrade
Perhaps the most important aspect of this build was the certified Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) upgrade.
A GVM upgrade legally increases the maximum weight a vehicle can carry.
For many RAM owners, a GVM upgrade becomes essential once they begin adding:
- Toolboxes
- Trays
- Canopies
- Tow bars
- Recovery equipment
- Camping gear
- Long-range fuel tanks
- Passengers and luggage
Without a GVM upgrade, these additions can quickly consume available payload.
Upgraded Vehicle Ratings
This RAM 1500 Bighorn was upgraded to:
New GVM
3860kg
Front Axle Rating
1860kg
Rear Axle Rating
2000kg
These increased ratings provide greater flexibility for work and recreational use while maintaining full engineering compliance.
Why GVM Upgrades Matter
Many vehicle owners focus on towing capacity, but payload is often the more critical figure.
When towing, everything added to the vehicle counts toward GVM, including:
- Tow ball weight
- Passengers
- Fuel
- Accessories
- Cargo
- Recovery gear
A properly engineered GVM upgrade helps ensure the vehicle remains within legal operating limits.
Benefits include:
- Increased legal payload
- Improved compliance
- Better suspension performance
- Reduced vehicle stress
- Enhanced safety
- Improved towing confidence
For touring and towing enthusiasts, a GVM upgrade often becomes one of the most valuable modifications they can make.
Professional Installation Matters
One of the biggest mistakes vehicle owners make is assuming suspension upgrades alone automatically increase vehicle carrying capacity.
They do not.
Only an approved and certified GVM upgrade can legally increase a vehicle's GVM rating.
This is why choosing experienced American truck specialists such as CTO Industries is so important.
The team understands:
- Australian compliance requirements
- Engineering approvals
- Suspension design
- Vehicle dynamics
- Weight distribution
- American truck platforms
Every upgrade is completed using proven components and tested systems designed specifically for Australian conditions.
Wheel Alignment and Road Testing
Once the suspension and GVM components were installed, the vehicle underwent a full wheel alignment and road test.
This final stage is critical.
Suspension upgrades can alter:
- Camber angles
- Caster settings
- Toe alignment
- Steering feel
Proper alignment ensures:
- Even tyre wear
- Improved handling
- Better steering response
- Maximum tyre life
- Improved fuel economy
The road test also allows technicians to verify ride quality, suspension performance and overall vehicle behaviour before handing the keys back to the customer.
This attention to detail is what separates a professional build from a simple parts installation.
The End Result
The finished RAM 1500 Bighorn now delivers:
✅ Certified 3860kg GVM
✅ Increased front axle capacity
✅ Increased rear axle capacity
✅ Improved ride quality
✅ Better towing performance
✅ Enhanced load carrying capability
✅ Improved suspension control
✅ More comfortable daily driving
✅ Better overall vehicle stance
Most importantly, the truck remains practical, comfortable and reliable for everyday use.
This isn't a show build.
It's a purpose-built upgrade package designed to make the vehicle work better in real-world conditions.
Why RAM 1500 Owners Choose CTO Industries
Over the years, CTO Industries has become one of Australia's leading specialists in American truck upgrades.
From RAM 1500s through to RAM 2500s, Silverado 1500s, Silverado 2500s and GMC platforms, the team has developed extensive experience delivering engineered solutions that actually improve vehicle performance.
Services include:
- GVM upgrades
- Suspension upgrades
- Lift kits
- Wheel and tyre packages
- Airbag systems
- Towing solutions
- American truck accessories
- Touring setups
- Performance upgrades
Every build is tailored to the owner's requirements rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Whether you're towing a large caravan around Australia or simply looking to improve everyday comfort, CTO Industries can design a package to suit your needs.
Looking for a RAM 1500 GVM Upgrade?
If you're considering a RAM 1500 GVM upgrade, suspension upgrade or complete touring setup, the team at CTO Industries can help.
Their experience with American trucks means you'll receive advice based on real-world use, engineering compliance and proven performance.
For more information contact:
1300 647 547
Build Your Adventure.