For all the towing gurus out there. I am getting ready do a brake job on my "03 F350 7.3L PS, and I also tow a 34' fifth wheel when my family and I go camping. The trailer is 12K lbs GVWR, but we never load it to max capacity. In any case, I tow up and down mountains out where I am and I was wondering if there is a brake pad and rotor that anyone can suggest to use for better stopping while towing? My trailer is equipped with brakes but I just want to know that my truck is equipped with a good brake and/or rotor which I can count on and not just for towing.

Thanks in advance!

 

I would say that the stock brakes on your pickup would be able to stop that trailer if you had trailer brake failure. If you're brakes need replaced the only advice I have is just to buy good pads from NAPA. If you really want performance brakes I'm sure there are things out there. But I really don't think it's necessary.

 

Check out Performance Frictions pads, they make good stuff, Mike

 

I use Quiet-Stop brake pads and I've had really good luck with them. I noticed the difference over stock. I would like to upgrade the rotors but the price is amazingly high. I'll wait on those just now

 

I recommend the following...and did purchase from our FTE sponsor (listed).
http://www.buybrakes.com/

Powerslot brake rotors (front and rear)
HAWK brake pads (front and rear)

Now...the difference in stopping is absolutely amazing. The brake pedal feel is GREAT...and no more fade from hot brakes.

Hope this helps...

biz

 

Do you mean Power "Stop" rotors as opposed to Powerslot? I cannot find Powerslot on their website?

 

YES. It appears that the name has changed. See URL for more info...

StopTech Sport Rotors


biz

 

So which is better for towing duty.. regular, slotted, slotted and drilled.. with hawk pads. on the buybrakes.com site they have a good selection of items.

 

To piggyback on to this, I have a 2006 f150 which I tow at near capacity with, and want to upgrade the brakes. I am looking for advice for those who have bought and used better brakes than factory, what are you using?

 

From what I've read, you don't want to use cross-drilled rotors on a truck when it's used for towing. My experience with ceramic pads is that they produce less brake dust at the expense of lower braking performance. I've had good luck with Bosch brake components on my other vehicles.

If your OEM rotors/pads served you well and aren't unreasonably expensive then stick with that.

 

I've had good luck with stock rotors and Performance Friction Carbon Metalic pads on my last two DRW trucks. I don't recommend anything NAPA or Wagner from personal experience.

Denny

 

IMHO...either regular or slotted. But slotted and drilled should be avoided, because they tend to crack.


biz