A fire apparatus includes a chassis, axles coupled to the chassis, a turntable rotatably coupled to the chassis, and an aerial ladder assembly pivotably coupled the turntable. The aerial ladder assembly includes a first ladder section extending longitudinally, a second ladder section extending longitudinally, and a support slidably coupling the second ladder section to the first ladder section such that the first ladder section supports the second ladder section. The support facilitates longitudinal movement of the second ladder section relative to the first ladder section between an extended position and a retracted position. The support is pivotably coupled to the first ladder section.

An upper component has a top and an inner side with a lower free end and has an outer side with a lower free end. A lower component has a bottom and an inner side with an upper free end and has an outer side with an upper free end. The lower free ends are coupled to the upper free ends respectively forming a cylindrical configuration with a chamber there within. A support beam within the chamber extends vertically with an upper end adjacent to the top and a lower end adjacent to the bottom.