GM Admits Fudging Payload Ratings

LarryJM wrote:

You can't just raise the GVWR w/o VERY EXPENSIVE and time consuming Brake certification testing so that a different FMVSS door sticker is allowed.

Larry

Brake certification testing is neither expensive nor time consuming really. It's as simple as loading a vehicle to the metrics outlined in FMVSS 105 and verifying that the vehicle adheres to the standards outlined in the regulation. The manufacturer does everything themselves on their own proving grounds. There's no approval process from the NHTSA, no inspector that shows up to verify testing protocols, or even any paperwork or forms that need to be submitted showing that the component complies. A manufacturer could certify a brake package for a GVWR in a few minutes if they wanted to. It seems that almost every component in the HD pickups is purposely overbuilt. This is how they can magically raise the GVWR without changing any of the components. If a manufacturer wants to up the GVWR to 11,000 and they know that the truck already has 14,000 GVWR brakes on it, then it's as easy as printing new stickers. They don't even have to "recertify" the truck.