I have to say that changing much other than your suspension is overkill. The D44's are fine, the oem tires are fine (they're rated load is 2405lbs@50lbs, no matter how much you stuff into the Jeep your not going to approach 9,420lbs which is nearly 2X the curb weight of the JKU), the frame is fine, the brakes are fine... Not an issue for a little more camping gear.
Want to handle the weight without the squat? Change out the springs and shocks and what else needs it. There are other options but I sure love my AEV suspension.
As for weight, my JKU has the AEV bumpers with a 37" BFG hanging off the rear tire carrier, a winch in front, corner gaurds, the heavier hard top and hard doors installed for most of the time I've owned it, a roof rack mounted to the hard top (Garvin Track Rack,) and also the 5.7VVT Hemi and a small, about eighteen Guinness (15oz cans) 12v Engel fridge. The cargo area has a Bestop box mounted, the lighter duty version. Through hunting season the Jeep stays full and fuller with my son's and my deer or duck/goose hunting gear or both when seasons overlap. I've used a 50lb hitch hauler mounted alternatively in the front and the rear to haul 400lbs of corn at a shot and a few deer. I also mounted a shortened UWS tool box in a UWS hitch hauler in the front reciever for a couple of months and it was used to carry an assortment of gear including a deep cycle battery and charger for some mobile decoys, shot game, beer, food.... When its time to go hunting, the Jeep carries me, ussually my son and always both of our labs, which weigh in at about 65lbs and 75lbs.
I sometimes tow a trailer weighing about 2000lbs with the load in the Jeep.
Does the Jeep ride lower with those heavy loads? Yes. Does it squat? No. Did the springs sag? No. Was handling and ride affected by the loads? No, though on one occasion with a load of 500lbs of corn in a rear mounted, 50lb or so UWS hitch hauler, a ton of gear in the cargo area and the two dogs in the rear seat, the steering was noticably lighter also, the Jeep rides a just little better with a heavy load. After waterfowl seasons ended January 29th I unloaded the Jeep, it regained maybe an inch or so of height.
JK brakes work fine with a heavy load, even with 37" tires.
Now that said, its a good idea to carry all that you need but not more than you need. If nothing else, unsticking a lighter Jeep is easier than a heavy one and your milage will be better too. The smaller bottles of dawn and laundry detergent (Geez, I want to go campimg with you!), etc are a good idea. Ditch the chain, almost anything a chain can do can be done with a lighter strap...
If you do go with AEV's suspension, you'll have better than oem ride, handling, cornering and braking too. (AEV's system significantly reduced front end dive on braking, it also addresses roll center issues which allow for flatter cornering without much body roll and their included - with the premium system - high steer kit fixes some oem geometry issues as well.)
After the instal, just load up and go have fun!
JPK
