The HD option would be a GREAT acquisition for any larger trailer. Your brochure weight of 960 will climb to well over 1,000 lb. when the trailer is loaded and when you add the weight of passengers, cargo and optional equipment you'll likely find yourself pushing up against even the huge payload available in the HD Payload option. When I travel on a longer trip my 1140 lb. tongue weight along with 500 lb. of passengers plus a,000 lb. of cargo of various kinds uses MOST of my 2,600 lb. capacity. You don't HAVE to add the payload package but without it you're going to have to spend a lot more time thinking about what you can take with you and what must be left behind or transferred to the trailer. I prefer the freedom to consider it a "non issue". DO be aware however, adding the payload package WILL effect how the truck rides when you're NOT towing anything. The ride is somewhat harsher (not uncomfortable) but you know you're in a truck instead of feeling like the family sedan.
Good luck / Skip
Good luck / Skip