Recently bought a 2024 1500 AT4 3.0 Duramax. I debated bumping to the 2500 but half tons generally ride better out of the box and are generally good for the range of things I will do with it such as moderate towing/hauling. I also didn't see a need to drop another 10-15k.

With regard to payload capacity, mine is sitting at 1470 max on the data plate. With the addition of an air spring kit can I squeak out the extra couple hundred pound difference between the AT4 and the base payload on a standard truck which is around 1790 and maintain a decent ride? I understand that nothing can change the official rating on the data plate. That being said, my understanding is the derating of the payload and towing is mainly due to the upgraded suspension on the AT4 vs the standard suspension? My Colorado ZR2 has a similar rating for the off-road suspension taking it from the standard config of about 7500 lbs towing down to 5000 for current ZR2 config. I would expect that the axle is the same unless someone upgraded to the max tow package which includes a heavier axle. Unless I'm missing something?

Our goal is to haul our trailer with UTV, plus have a small bed camper in the truck. Currently doing the math for how big we can go with the bed camper and weighing options.