Choosing Between 5k and 7.5k Air Bags for 2025 GMC Sierra 3500 Denali

Updated 07/25/2026 | Published 07/23/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle

(3280)

$594.90

Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(992)

$800.43

Question:

Will be installing I 2026 3500 GMc Denali 3500. Trying to decide if should get 7500. Will 5000 bags keep me at factory ride when not towing. Haul momentum toy hauler 20k.

asked by: Mike H

Expert Reply:

Hey Mike, welcome back! Both the Firestone Ride-Rite # F2613 rated for 5,000 lbs, and the Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label # F2709 rated for 7,500 lbs will keep you at factory ride height when you aren't towing. All you need to do is run the air bags at the minimum 5 psi.

In most cases, the 5,000 lb load leveling capacity is plenty. Your pin weight won't come close and most people typically aren't hauling so much that they need the higher capacity. Both sets of air bags are compatible with the OEM prep package like we discussed before so that won't be an issue.

Are you planning on installing an air compressor as well?

expert reply by: Robin H

Firestone Ride-Rite
(click to enlarge)

Mike H.

7/24/2026

What about Pacbrake pv25rv . I can run it at 0 psi correct. That is one I am considering. Or is Firestone better.

Robin H.

7/25/2026

@MikeH you can only run them at 0 psi because of the jounce bumper, which you're probably going to feel if you're running them like that. It is a 5 psi minimum For Firestone but you won't notice they're on there like that. Pacbrake as that OEM prep restriction you pointed out before, and Firestone is better anyway so I would stick with them.