GM 1500HD Payload question

[Foodplot]

I've got a '99 Silverado 2500 (later 2500 LD or 1500 HD, I think). Same engine and axle ratio as yours.
I've had 3500+ lb in the back several times. With E range tires on the back inflated to 80 psi, never had a problem. Have had that payload in addition to a trailer (with its own brakes) as well. Still no problem.

[workinallthetime]

I guess non of you guys have sen the vid of the 3/4 truck getting loaded with gravel and the bed sides blowing off the truck, its pretty funny. big wheel loaded dumps into a bed and pop goes the bed sides. with that said look at the door and see what it will handle over the rear axle, delivery charge may be a whole lot less than the cost of repair if your over loaded.

[Highbeam]

Wow, your empty weight is light. Allthough you do have 2wd and perhaps a regular cab which makes it more reasonable. I would certainly stop somewhere and weigh each axle of the empty truck. Now look at the door jamb sticker and compare the GVWR to the sum of both empty axles for payload capacity. Then compare the individual axle ratings to the measured empty axle weights. Be sure that after loading the max payload in the bed that you do not exceed the individual axle ratings.

If not, then load it up and don't think twice about it. Your truck is designed to operate within those ratings in all weather conditions over all roads and at the posted speed limits.

Congratulations on setting up your truck to be a capable hauler. All too often folks (myself included) buy a 3/4 ton truck and then load it with a crew cab, 4wd, diesel engine, auto tranny, bedliner, heated leather, etc. and use up all of the GVWR for the empty truck. A nicely equipped mini truck can carry 1500 lbs of cargo but many of the big fancy crew cab diesels you see on the road can't even legally haul 1500. My full sized truck has a GVWR of 6200 and an empty weight of 5800.