scottfer

Hi, my name is Scott and I am new here. I have also become a new proud owner of a 2011 Silverado Crew Cab, Z71, LTZ, 4 X 4, 5.3L with 28000 miles. I have been a longtime Ford owner and my 1999 F150 had to go once I discovered the deal on this sharp looking Chevy. Along with the truck from the same seller came a camper. The weight of the camper dry is 9 pounds under my max trailer weight as per the owners manual. With me in the truck the combined weight is exactly what the owners manual says I can be at which is GCWR 12200. I have a weight distribution hitch which keeps me under the max tounge weight, the truck has the Z82 towing package but a 3.08 gear. I confirmed that by the GU4 code in the glove box. In the owners manual it also lists the max trailer weight and GCWR if the truck has a 3.42 gear. Those weights would bring me down to approx 80% of max load dry. I will probably be close to 90-95% once my better half and the two dogs load up to go. We will probably be hauling about 8-10 times a year mostly about 20 miles from home, with a couple trips being 200-300 miles away.
Im just not comfortable hauling at 110% of the rated max weight and risking damage to my truck powertrain. Can I regear? and resolve this that easily? Any suggestions would be appreciated, Thanks