I have a 2001 F-150, that I will be using to tow a large enclosed cargo trailer about 3-6x's per week. The weather is So Cal hot & I will be going up & down the pass, Cajon Pass. I am unsure what front brake pads to use & if I should change my rotors too. The pads I am considering are PowerStop, Wagner's ThermoQuiet, Monroe's Total Solution Dynamics, Bendix & Raybestos...which type/model from each, unsure.
I'm clueless about the rotors...should I change them & which brand do I use. I keep reading about Napa's Premium. I am ordering through Rock Auto or Auto Tech Warehouse unless someone can point me elsewhere.

Thanks in advance!

 

The trailer should have brakes on both axles. Make sure those work and are adjusted properly. You shouldn't be relying solely on the truck to stop the trailer. IMO, if you feel the need for more stopping power on the truck with a trailer it is time to look into the trailer brakes.

Every time I have towed with properly set up trailer brakes it is no different stopping than without the trailer.

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Thank you Chris...I agree re:trailer brakes. I am doing suspension & brake work on my truck cuz I have to, not because of the trailer. Any suggestions on brand & rotors?

 

Plain blank rotors. Don't waste the money on drilled or slotted. You reduce the mass of the rotor by doing that and also reduce pad contact area.

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Do you have a suggestion on brand of pads & rotors...or are any of the pad brands I mentioned of equal quality?

 

I would find a brand name for a good price on rock auto for rotors. Nothing sticks out.

I've been very happy with hawk lts and hawk SD brake pads.

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Thank you...I will check out the Hawk brand.

 

A lot of weekend road racers upgrade to Hawks. Decent price and good performance

 

I just went with the Wagner ThermoQuiets and the factory rotors......works just fine

 

I also have the Hawk pads. Good stopping power and minimal brake dust.

 

Thanks for this question, I'm in same situation, want to do front brakes on my '02.

 

So any opinions on...
Perfect Stop (Wagners)
Power Stop Z36-679
Wagners SX679
Monroe DX679

 

Just did mine about a month ago. Went to Napa and said. Need rotors and pads. Front and rear. I forget the total cost. The highest warrentee packaged parts. Upon installation i noticed the rear pads are shaped different. had to go back to napa and he tore the shelf apart looking for the right ones. Appears the rear pads were changed in design at some point and the computer systems were not updated.. I wouldn't order the parts, I would take the parts to the counter to compare, Just saying. If you order them you might regret it

I haul firewood around all the time with it. If the trailer brakes are working fine you won't have an issue at all with either brand you buy. I just had a thought, I need to find that reciept so i don't go through this again with the rear pads.

 

The Hawk SD pads are the best thing going. I researched and installed them after going through too many Motorcraft pads that encountered brake fade on hills and while towing. Since installing the Hawk SD pads my braking is vastly improved and no fading has happened. They also last a heck of a long time and won't warp rotors are commonly as OE pads. They use a carbon based formula that is used in the mining industry on those giant TEREX dump trucks where the rotors glow bright red when in use. The only thing to be considered is they need a special break in that must be followed correctly to get them started for a long service life. It's the opposite of break-in for OE pads. Once done you'll be amazed by thee difference in stopping power and no brake fade! I've had them on for at least 5 years with no warped rotors and plenty of life left in them still.

This is what you want using new OE MC rotors. SuperDuty Brake Pads | Hawk Performance

Do some googling to find the best price. I highly recommend them!