How to Create Add-On Vehicles for GTA 5 - Modder Guide 2026

23 Feb 13:06

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How to Create Add-On Vehicles for GTA 5 - Modder Guide 2026 for GTA 5

Create Add-On Vehicles for GTA 5 - Complete Modding Guide

Creating add-on vehicles for GTA 5 allows you to add entirely new cars, trucks, and bikes without replacing existing ones. This 2026 guide walks you through the entire process from 3D model to playable DLC pack.

Required Tools

Tool	Purpose	Required?
OpenIV	File editing, model import/export	Yes
Zmodeler 3	3D model conversion and editing	Yes
3ds Max / Blender	3D modeling (optional for custom models)	Optional
Photoshop / GIMP	Texture editing (.ytd files)	Yes
Text Editor	Editing .meta configuration files	Yes

DLC Folder Structure

Every add-on vehicle needs a proper DLC folder layout:

dlcpacks/[dlcname]/
├── content.xml
└── dlc.rpf/
    ├── x64/
    │   ├── levels/gta5/vehicles.rpf/
    │   │   ├── [vehicle].yft    (3D model)
    │   │   └── [vehicle].ytd    (textures)
    │   └── data/
    │       └── handling.meta
    └── common/data/
        ├── vehicles.meta
        ├── carvariations.meta
        └── carcols.meta

Step-by-Step Process

Prepare the 3D model — Convert your model to GTA 5 format (.yft) using Zmodeler 3. Set up LODs, collision mesh, and vehicle bones
Create textures — Export/create a .ytd texture dictionary with livery, interior, and detail textures
Configure vehicles.meta — Define vehicle name, type, class, model info, and dashboard type
Set up handling.meta — Configure physics: mass, drive force, braking, suspension, and traction
Edit carvariations.meta — Define color combinations, wheel types, and extras
Edit carcols.meta — Set available paint colors, livery count, and light settings
Create content.xml — Register your DLC pack with the game
Build dlc.rpf — Pack everything into an RPF archive using OpenIV
Register in dlclist.xml — Add your DLC path to update/update.rpf/common/data/dlclist.xml
Test in-game — Spawn using trainer or native call to verify everything works

Key vehicles.meta Settings

Parameter	Description	Example
`modelName`	Model file name (.yft)	`mycar`
`handlingId`	Links to handling.meta entry	`MYCAR`
`gameName`	Display name (GXT entry)	`MYCAR`
`vehicleClass`	In-game category	`VC_SUPER`
`type`	Vehicle type	`VEHICLE_TYPE_CAR`

Common Issues and Fixes

Vehicle invisible — Check .yft model hierarchy and LOD setup in Zmodeler
Game crash on spawn — Verify content.xml paths and dlclist.xml entry
No textures — Ensure .ytd name matches modelName in vehicles.meta
Handling issues — Double-check handlingId matches between vehicles.meta and handling.meta
Missing wheels — Set correct wheel type in carvariations.meta