[sourdough]

Back into it a bit;

1385lb. payload. Currently the occupants (with child) at 450 so allow 500 (growth). Weight distribution hitch 120. Trailer gvw 8800 x 13% = 1144. So 500 + 120 + 1144 = 1764. Add the additional gear that you WILL have in the truck, say at least 150 = 1914 minimum required payload.

After that trying to "make it work" is just trying to minimize a bad situation IMO. Now, do you think you will add 2560 lbs. of cargo in that trailer? I don't know and I doubt you do either until you start using it. All that "extra" space seems to somehow get taken up over time. HOW do you use it, what do you like to take??

The Cougar line is a step up from the Bullet line. The trailer itself is built heavier and in this case what you are looking at is about 5' longer at 30' and 2500lbs. heavier than what you have....a lot of trailer for a 1/2 ton - a lot of tail to swing that dog.

I try to err on the conservative (safe) side. Since I've done it I won't say it can't be done. I can say although "doable" it wasn't nearly as much fun as it should have been. An HD truck fixed that. In the end you will have to crunch the numbers using YOUR reality and knowledge but give yourself plenty of safety cushion - especially with a little one.