Buzzcut1 wrote:
Couple of things. First fill it with fuel and go to a cat scale and see what you really weigh per axle. Second you true limiting factor is the tires and rims as you don't want to exceed the max load rating of those components.
Realistically the only way you can carry more load is different wheels and tires which is why folks go to 19.5 wheels and commercial tires. you won't exceed the mfg axle spec but you will exceed the GWVR and GAWR which is based on OEM tires and wheels.
Excellent advice.
There will be many posts telling you that you cannot increase payload, while they are correct some common since can be applied to your SRW 2500HD and you can safely and legally exceed the GVWR.
The axle is an AAM11.5 rated at 10,912 lbs by AAM for SRW or DRW. IIRC the GM DRW RAWR is 9,350 so stay under that.
19.5's will maximize safety and payload but may not be necessary, which is why scaling the truck is important. A 285/75R6 will get you 7,500lbs worth of tire, if the wheels will support it.
Airbags and a rear anti-sway bar will help support the additional load.
wcjeep wrote:
There are E rated tires that approach 3500lbs +/-. Usually going bigger which then compromises stopping ability. 19.5" tires/rims are stronger but sacrifice sand ability. Before adding a leaf check out Torklift Stable Loads. Add Stable loads before airbags. The airbags may not be necessary. Airbags tend to unload the suspension.
Do 2500HD's have upper overloads? If not I wouldn't run the overloads, they make the springs bend in ways they where not designed, far worse that airbags removing some weight. There is a reason that torklift adds a warranty to the springs..
If airbags are properly used they help distribute the load to an additional point on the frame and still keep plenty of weight on the suspension. Letting the OEM suspension sag 1-2" from empty seems to be the best for roll control, load stability, and suspension movement. It also keeps a fair amount of weight on the OE springs.
