Suspension Setup for Payload Help

[chuckburt28]

Hoping for some input from anyone with experience or knowledge with regard to suspension upgrades. I am slowly coming to terms that an overlanding rig including a camper setup like Alu Cab Canopy Camper, GFC, Tune M1, etc will put me over the payload capacity quickly. The hope is to not exceed by far, but I have a few questions for my 2019 Chevy Colorado Z71 in case I decide to keep this and not go bigger:

1. With or without some upgrades, how far over your payload have you gone over your payload limit without any noticeable issues?
2. What upgrades did you install if any?
3. I see very simple upgrades such as Timbren's SES "bump stop" type products that promise to limit sag etc, is this sufficient for backroad type driving with no intention of ever doing serious trails or rock crawling?
4. Would frame reinforcement be necessary? If so what modifications for the frame are available?

 

[Canlib]

I built an Alaskan style camper for my 2019 Z71 diesel and fully loaded with my wife and I on board it is 50 pounds under the gvwr. I replaced the front shocks and rear springs with Old Man Emu so I could run larger Falkland AT tires. I don't rock crawl but I've driven some very rough Forest Service roads with no problem. I don't think bump stop products would do the job and frame mods are not necessary. The Colorado warranty is void with a slide in camper (don't care) and there are lots of pictures on the web of snapped in half Colorado's (mostly Holdens) but most of the campers hung way off the back and my guess is they were going too fast. I love the compact size of the Colorado

 

[Westy]

Keep it light. Consider all mods and weight added. Do you really need a winch bumper? Roof racks, big heavy tires and swing out bumpers etc. Lots of great light weight camper options out there that provide comfort and storage possibilities.
Weight the vehicle before. Weight it after adding camper and building it out.

Consider replacement leaf springs built to fit your needs and load. Pair with some quality shocks that are appropriate and it will function well on and off road and be far more enjoyable to drive.

 

[chuckburt28]

I built an Alaskan style camper for my 2019 Z71 diesel and fully loaded with my wife and I on board it is 50 pounds under the gvwr. I replaced the front shocks and rear springs with Old Man Emu so I could run larger Falkland AT tires. I don't rock crawl but I've driven some very rough Forest Service roads with no problem. I don't think bump stop products would do the job and frame mods are not necessary. The Colorado warranty is void with a slide in camper (don't care) and there are lots of pictures on the web of snapped in half Colorado's (mostly Holdens) but most of the campers hung way off the back and my guess is they were going too fast. I love the compact size of the Colorado

Did you go with the medium or heavy load Old Man Emu set?

 

[Kiwibru]

Good thoughts above. Would also consider frame reinforcements be welded on the rear section of the frame to reduce flex. Definitely want stronger rear springs and more robust shocks so ditch OEM. Good to beef up the whole truck for the added weight. One way to go is to remove the OEM tub, then drop an aluminum tray and canopy on the truck, then add the key ingredients you want. Lots of product out there to choose from and look for positive reviews from end users to help filter your choices.

 

[rruff]

Would also consider frame reinforcements be welded on the rear section of the frame to reduce flex.

That often just makes things worse. Flex and weakness are two different things.