Going over Gross weight on 1500

[SUPERCHARGE]

Hey guys, need some advice from the pros here. I'm trying to make something work, SAFELY!. I have a 2002 GMC sierra 1500 4x4, extended cab with a 5.3l engine. I acquired some time ago a truck camper weighing about 1575lb which is built to sit on the bed of the truck. Normal Payload I calculated I could put on this truck is about 1600lb. But with myself and other stuff on board, i'm probably adding an extra 450-550lb max. I acquired some heavy duty helper springs which make the springs work beautifully, and tires capable of handling much more than I need. The setup is comfortable, truck pulls hard and stops well.

 

I've been running the setup for 2 months around a few trips, love it, like having a decent size camper with much more decent fuel economy than anyone can get. About 16-17mpg I'm soon planning on going on really long work related trips where this setup will serve me greatly.

 

As comfortable as the setup is, I am going over gross weight by an estimated 400-500lb. I don't want to upgrade to a 2500 series since the only engines available are horrendous of fuel. The truck is built to pull a hell of a lot more, so drivetrain and braking are not a prob and have zero struggle. The springs and tires are upgraded and work perfectly. But what worries me are the frame and Axle. Is the frame on a 1500 series built significantly weaker than a 2500 or is my frame not going to be a weak link in this setup? Although the whole truck's gross weight is over, the gross weight than can be handled on the axles seem to be within Gross weight range, but barely on the rear axle . Any stronger rear axles I can upgrade to while keeping the same drive ratio?

[chupe442]

Am thinking that with what you have done to beef up the suspension and tires will more than exceed that 500lbs that you feel you are over. Go out and have some fun! IMO