Originally Posted by dualresponse

" In my head it was just a bike I go a long way while on whilst carrying my gear!I "

My problem is when I add all the stuff I want, the bike is too heavy to get me any real distance.

I get it. I get wanting suspension on the front.

My place- Washboard is everywhere. I have found no suspension forks/stems that have been able to really match the washboard. I've tried a bunch, and even revalved forks and such. No perfect solution. I finally converted to a surly ogre fork Rigid, suspension corrected. Lots of good attachment points. Even though it's a heavy fork, it was far lighter than suspension forks, and the bike just worked better. With a fully loaded front end, there's going to be too much unsprung weight to oscillate with washboard at any speed anyway. The fun factor went up with the ogre, and the weight and complexity down, but whatever works for you.

Also, the types of bumps I love to hit on my mtb (with suspension) are the types of bumps I try to avoid to reduce stress on loaded racks/bags/rims. It's about finding the smoothest line, with fewest pinchflat hazards as possible.

I think experimenting with your current bike is the best idea to hone in on new ideas before committing time/money to new stuff.
Good luck.