Are there any options for increasing Hauling (not towing) capacity of the 1500?
I have an '05 2WD, and much to my chagrin, I've found that 1700lbs isn't enough for all the truck tasks I'd like to do with my ride.

Speaking of which, if I'm interpereting the info on the door sticker correctly, I can haul 1700lbs safely correct? (2WD, 2005, SL, Regular Cab)

This is the third time I need to haul a 2000lb pallet of brick, and am a bit sick of having to pay for delivery on such items when I have a perfectly good truck of my own.

-Mettius

 

If you do this often, it may be a good idea to invest in a rear airbag helper setup.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...p;autoview=sku

 

Airbags, stiffer springs and maybe shocks, potentialy re-gear it to save stress on the drivetrain.......all cost $$$ though, could potential end up with my by paying less and get a small trailer ??

 

Air bags would be ideal but helper springs work just as good and run about $50 at the local auto parts place. Had some 1000 lb helpers on my Jeep and they were fantastic. They will stiffen the ride when your truck is empty though. You can try air shocks but be aware the shock perches were not made to bear a lot of weight and they could break.
Strange, in my 05 I had 50, 40ish lb sacks of white rock and all it did was level the truck and make it ride like a Caddilac (not really but dang it rode good with all that weight). Are you spreading your load over the axle or putting it all on the rear of the truck? I'm guessing with a skid it's all concentrated on the rear....

 

I agree with the trailer idea. It's cheaper than new shocks, airbags, and springs.......waaaaaaay cheaper then re-gearing. Just my 2 cents.......

 

Don't forget brakes.

Braking capacity down a 6% grade in 95 degree weather at rated load
is the main limitation that engineers face
when deciding how much load to rate a pickup at
not spring capacity, or frame strength.

 

Air bag assist is the best. Change the PSI and keep the smoother ride when not hauling anything compared to the stiffer add-a-leaf helper springs.