I drive a 2025 RAM 3500, and like a lot of guys who actually use their trucks, mine works double duty.
During the week it’s hauling construction materials—lumber, pallets, tools, the whole deal. On weekends, it’s winter mode: a sled deck loaded with snowmobiles headed for the mountains.
For a while, that combination pushed my truck past the comfort zone of factory suspension. This is the story of what life was like before and after installing the Pacbrake ALPHA air suspension kit with stainless steel air lines and fittings (HP10368-X-J-S)—and why I wouldn’t run a heavy setup without it again.
Before: Squat, Sway, and Winter White-Knuckles
Before air suspension, every load told the same story.
With the sled deck mounted and two snowmobiles on the back, the rear end squatted hard. Add fuel, gear, and passengers, and the headlights were pointing into the trees instead of the road. On the jobsite side, a bed full of construction materials meant the same thing—rear sag, nose-up stance, and compromised handling.
The real problems showed up on the highway and in winter conditions:
- Poor steering feel from weight transferring off the front axle
- Excessive sway when hitting crosswinds or uneven pavement
- Harsh bottoming over bumps and frost heaves
- Reduced confidence on icy roads, especially when braking
I tried living with it. I played the “slow down and hope for the best” game. But once winter towing entered the picture, it was obvious the stock suspension just wasn’t designed for constant heavy hauling.
Why I Chose ALPHA + Stainless
I didn’t want a band-aid. I wanted a solution that would work year-round, handle real weight, and survive Canadian-style winters.
The ALPHA air suspension system checked every box:
- Designed specifically for heavy-duty trucks
- Adjustable for different loads (sled deck vs. construction materials)
- Maintains close to factory ride quality when unloaded ( I can run it at 0 PSI when unloaded)
What really sold me, though, was the stainless steel air lines and fittings. Winter road salt, freezing temps, and debris destroy standard components over time. Stainless meant:
- No corrosion worries
- No cracked plastic lines in deep cold
- Long-term reliability for a truck that never gets a break
Installation & First Impressions
Once installed (which was super easy by the way), the difference was immediate—even before hooking up a load.
The truck sat level, even with weight on the deck. Instead of the suspension being maxed out all the time, the air springs carried the load the way they were meant to.
Dialing in pressure depending on what I was hauling became second nature:
- Light pressure for empty daily driving
- Moderate pressure for construction materials
- Higher pressure for sled deck + machines
Image: Pacbrake's ALPHA XD PRO S HP10368-X-J-S Air Spring Assembly.
After: Level, Stable, and In Control
This is where the system really proved itself.
With the Sled Deck (Weekend Mode)
- No more rear squat—the truck stays level
- Improved steering response, even on snow-covered highways
- Reduced sway, especially in crosswinds
- Confident braking with proper weight distribution
Mountain roads in winter are unpredictable. With the ALPHA system, the truck feels planted instead of stressed.
With Construction Loads (Work Week)
- Consistent ride height, regardless of payload
- Less suspension fatigue over long days
- Smoother ride despite constantly changing loads
The truck no longer feels like it’s working against itself. It just does the job.
The Stainless Steel Advantage in Winter
This deserves its own section.
Winter is brutal on trucks—especially ones that see salt, slush, and constant freeze-thaw cycles. Knowing my air lines and fittings are stainless steel gives me peace of mind every time temperatures drop.
No worrying about:
- Brittle lines cracking
- Corrosion causing leaks
- Air system failures miles from nowhere
It’s an upgrade that is adjustable for every haul and dependable for every mile, which is exactly what a working truck needs.
Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Heavy Haulers
If you’re running a sled deck, hauling construction materials, or doing both like I am, air suspension isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
The Pacbrake ALPHA air suspension with stainless steel lines and fittings transformed my 2025 RAM 3500 from a truck that handled weight to one that’s built for it. The difference in stability, safety, and confidence—especially in winter—is night and day.
From squat to stable, this setup made my truck better at everything I ask it to do.