The Best Brake Pads for Towing to Ensure Braking Effectiveness

Buying a trailer or a fifth wheel isn’t enough to make sure of a seamless camping experience. You also have to accompany the vehicle with several accessories for different purposes, such as RV awning shade for avoiding direct sun, RV steps for getting in and out of the vehicle easily etc.

One such accessory is the best brake pads for towing your RV. Trailer riders often overlook these and end up putting their lives at risk. If nothing else, weak or improper brake pads can surely destroy your camping journey. That is why you need to pick the most suitable alternative. Only then can you remain safe during the RV ride.

• Material: The material all comes down to semi metallic vs ceramic brake pads for towing. Most brake pads in this list use ceramic because it is strong and works more quietly than semi-metallic ones. Other brake pads in the market use fibers to form an organic type of product, which doesn’t last very long.
• Stopping Performance: Top-rated brake pads and rotors have exceptional stopping power to improve braking performance and in turn, provide confidence on the road. It’s because they have more brake torque and high friction coefficients. To ensure excellent stopping power, make sure that the backing plates are appropriately attached to the vehicle.
• Noise: It would be annoying to hear that screeching sound each time you hit the brakes. For this reason, you’ll need quiet towing brake pads as much as possible. The quiet models in our reviews are made of ceramic and have excellent insulation.
• Other Features: The friction material can tell you how much brake dust the pads can produce. Generally, ceramic products have the least brake dust, but the same can also be possible for a semi-metallic brake pad, as long as it’s high-quality.

Having vents on the rotor is a good brake upgrade for towing because it reduces the accumulation of heat.

Here I have brought the top twelve options so that you can easily choose from them. Let’s dig into the information and find the top-tier one for your vehicle.

Top 7 Brake Pad For Towing Reviews

These reviews are based on my personalized research and testing of the pads. Therefore, I have incorporated all the details and peculiarities I found during my experience with them.

1. Power Stop K2069-36 Z36 Front Brake

What is the first factor you check when buying brake pads and rotors for towing your trailer? Well, most people look here for the manufacturer. It is easier to trust the productions of renowned brands than to go for a new one. That is the reason for Power Stop brought in another brake pads rotors kit in this list. If there is a thing I can tell you about the brake pad, it will be that you won’t ever regret opting for them.

These brakes can conveniently handle heavier loads with their carbon fiber ceramic built. One noticeable thing about this brake pad is that the low brake dust feature of these has been verified by authentic 3rd party tests, making it much more reliable. The kit also includes lubricant and stainless steel hardware components. Just like all other parts, the grease is made of high-temperature ceramic. So it will remain intact for a long time.

Another exciting factor here is the drills and slots present in the rotor, which don’t let the brakes heat up. Hence, you can take your vehicle on rough terrains without any worries. These slots can also come in handy at the time of cleaning, as removing mud or debris becomes easier with them.

Even though the rotors are made of iron, they have zinc plating. This helps in keeping problems like rust and corrosion away. Plus, everything remains in good shape for longer.

2. ACDelco Gold 17D1707CH Brake Pad

If your RV brake pads show several warning signs like squealing noise or more brake dust than usual, you should get the brakes changed as soon as possible. Only then can you remain secure during the rides. ACDelco is an excellent option to consider at these times. The brake pad offers several benefits despite looking like a plain and simple model.

For starters, I was impressed with the product’s high-performance. They were able to tolerate the extreme weights of the vehicle and provided smooth braking. The manufacturer uses ceramic, semi-metallic, and organic formulas to function appropriately regardless of where you utilize them.

You can also find a frictional material molded on the brake backing plate. This feature helps in bond integrity. Apart from that, it offers quiet, vibrationless, and soft braking with top-notch chamfers, shims, and slots. Plus, brake dust production is almost unnoticeable. I have to say that the brake pad proves to be efficient in all aspects.

The manufacturer adds grease and other hardware parts to make the installation process more convenient. This reduces your efforts, as you don’t have to look for the remaining components separately. All the pieces are of premium quality, and they are long lasting, like the brake itself.

3. Power Stop Z36-1680 Front Brake Pads

With continuous use of your RV, your brakes tend to get in bad shape. They not only make weird noises but are also unsafe to ride with. These are the situations when you have to replace them with a new set of pads for braking. Power Stop is a tested and trusted name in the domain, that is producing the top-tier brake pads for heavy towing since 1995. Plus, they provide their customers with efficient pads at reasonable prices.

The carbon-fiber ceramic makes the brake pad heat resistant. Thus, you can easily tow your heavy fifth wheel in high-temperature without worrying about the brakes. They are also corrosion and rust resistant, which means they will remain sound for a long time.

What makes these Z36-1680 different from other alternatives is that these pads are made from a carbon fiber ceramic material, and come with a complete kit. The material helps in supporting the vehicle with more brake torque, giving exceptional stopping power. It also keeps the brake noise levels down. So the overall process becomes smoother and quieter.

On the other hand, its kit includes stainless steel hardware kit, along with brake grease. I found the brake pads’ installation process to be extremely convenient and if you are familiar with installing braking pads, it won’t take you more than an hour to do the task.

4. Beefed Up Front and Rear Brake Pad Kit

If I had to describe these brake pads in two words, it would be durable and efficient. Beefed Up offers a complete kit that includes front pads, rear pads, installation hardware, and grease. So you don’t have to waste time, effort, or money in purchasing everything separately. The brand follows the motto, “quality over quantity,” and I think they abide by it well.

The first characteristic that seemed amazing to me was fade resistance. The brake pads offer better resistance towards fading than almost all other brake pads on this list. This characteristic makes it perfect for you if you often take your vehicle on hilly terrains or any other rough location.

As the name implies, these are made from a premium ceramic compound. And this compound is known to enhance durability and performance of the pads. They also function well under heat, pressure, wear etc.

The front and rear ceramic brake pads have exceptional braking power and last longer than many high-quality options. Plus, you get all these features at a much lower price. Hence, there is nothing to stress about when you pick this brake pad.

5. Power Stop K3167-36 Brake Kit

This is yet another brake pad from the Z36 range of Power Stop, which is known for heavy duty brake pads for towing. The technology is created to handle almost all road conditions with its carbon fiber ceramic design. Thus, you can enjoy a smooth and safe ride without stressing about any unnecessary noises or fails. Plus, you always get superior braking power.

I liked how the manufacturer uses high-quality stainless steel shims in this. It helps in the ejection of excessive heat, keeping the system cool. The provided rotor also has drills and slots, which remove the friction heat produced due to constant braking. This will be a great option if you want brake pads for towing F150. The brakes will manage the vehicle properly, and the rotor design will keep out dust and dirt.

In the case of F150, you won’t even require any modifications. Both brakes and rotors will fit properly in their places. Therefore, you can save the modification costs that are generally quite expensive.

Some other features of the kit include low brake dust (verified by 3rd party tests), high-temperature lubricant, installation hardware and consistent performance. All these traits show that from the installation process to years of usage, you won’t face any issues with the brakes.

6. ACDelco Gold 17D1367ACH Brake Pad

Extreme brake dust or continuous irritating noise from brakes can ruin the entire experience of riding the vehicle. However, it is more annoying if these issues don’t go away even after you replace the worn-out brakes. That is why you should select the brake pads that solve these problems. This is where ACDelco Gold 17D1367ACH comes into the role because it has been appropriately tested for all these factors.

Other issues like premature wear, noise, and brake pulsation are avoided with a stamped backing plate as well. Moreover, in order to offer a smoother functioning of brakes, premium chamfers, slots, and shims are provided along with this product. To add to its quality, it gets designed with ceramic, semi-metallic, and organic formulas.

Not to forget, the product includes classic ACDelco Gold friction material, which is molded on the backing plate. This contributes to the bond’s integrity. All the additional hardware components and grease are present in the kit, making your work easier.

These brakes can comfortably get you through intense tasks of towing and last longer than several other options. Thus, you won’t have to stress about getting them replaced anytime soon. Another interesting feature I found in these was that they stop your vehicle smoothly but efficiently. Pads don’t even produce excessive brake dust as well.

7. Power Stop K6268-36 Brake Kit

Do you need brakes for F150 towing? If yes, then you can’t miss out on this alternative. Well, the name Power Stop is enough to bring in the trust and reliability factors. But the list of features doesn’t stop here. Most experts prefer the K6268-36 Z36 as it offers stable and robust braking without impacting the vehicle’s drivability. So you get a smooth overall experience.

I love how the brand has included everything in this kit that you will need while replacing the brakes, such as rotors, brake pads, hardware, and lube. You don’t have to purchase anything individually. Further, the rotors are drilled and slotted, which keeps the brakes cool. Thus, there won’t be any overheating problems.

The brake pads are made from carbon fiber ceramic material that strengthens the product and makes it suitable for heavier loads. Heat dissipation is also high with the premium stainless steel dual layer shims. They produce little to no noise so that your ride remains peaceful.

The feature that I found most amazing was the brake’s corrosion resistance. It remains intact even after prolonged usage. If you want to remain stress-free from your brake’s side, this will be the most suitable option for you.

What To Know Before Buying Brake Pads For Towing

Even before you begin looking for brake pads, you must know a few things. These will make the entire concept of brake pad replacement clearer to you. Hence, you will be able to pick the most suitable alternative according to your vehicle’s requirements.

Types Of Brake Pads for Towing

Typically, any vehicle braking system has three major parts: brake rotors, calipers, pads. Where brake rotors’ function is to turn the wheels, brake calipers, on the other hand, create friction to stop the wheels. Now, these components alone aren’t much efficient for heavy applications like towing. That is why brake pads are used.

Brake pads increase the overall braking efficiency and reduce the wear and tear of the system. As they play multiple roles, you must pick only the correct brake pad. And to do that, you should first know their different types.

Brake pads can be divided into three categories based on the material used to design them.

• Semi-Metallic Brake Pads

Semi-metallic pads consist of substances like copper, steel, iron, and composite alloys. They can be used in almost every weather condition without worrying about performance. You will find fine metallic fibers in the better quality brake, while the lower quality brake has coarse metal portions.

One of the significant benefits of this quality brake is the cooling effect provided by the metal’s high heat conductivity. However, they can be a little bit noisy. Considering their performance, these brake pads aren’t much expensive.

• Ceramic Brake Pads

Unlike the previous material, these are made from just two substances: ceramic and copper fibers. The ceramic used here is too dense and durable compared to the one used in pottery. Copper fibers get inserted into it to obtain better heat conductivity and coefficient of friction. But it can’t match the level of heat conduction offered by semi-metallic brake pads. Therefore, they are also prone to more wear and tear.

These are still considered the top-rated brake pad material for towing as they cause little to no noise and brake dust. Plus, it provides much more reliable stopping power. That is the reason why most people prefer these brake pads. And talking about the price, they are comparatively more expensive than the previous option.

• Organic Brake Pads

These brake pads consist of a wide range of substances that get combined with fibers by using resin. They are mostly used for everyday purposes and not for extensive applications. The primary advantage of using them is that the brakes will be less prone to wear and tear with Organic brake pads.

People don’t prefer these as they aren’t much of a high-performance brake and offer a shorter life. But they can be great for you if you want to go for a cheaper alternative.

Comparing Multiple Materials Of Braking Pads

Even though you know the material now, you may still end up making a mistake while picking one of them. Most brake pad buyers get confused between semi-metallic and ceramic pads.

Semi-Metallic:

• Short lifespan
• Produces more and coarse brake dust
• Performs better due to heat conductivity
• Create excessive noise during braking
• Works great in extreme temperatures

Ceramic:

• Last Longer
• Produces less and lighter brake dust
• Acts weaker due to less heat conductivity
• Functions much quietly
• Are suitable for almost all temperatures

Brake Pads For Towing Buying Guide

The material of the brake pads isn’t a sufficient factor alone to determine the most suitable alternative. You need to consider various other aspects of the product to know whether or not they will be a good fit for you. A few crucial ones are:

1. Stopping Power

You will come across three terms here: weight, velocity, and coefficient of friction. If your vehicle is massive and moves with higher speed, you need a high friction coefficient to make sure proper stopping of the wheels. But it shouldn’t be too high. Otherwise, the wheels will get locked by braking. So you need to look for reliable and moderate stopping power even for heavier vehicles.

2. Brake Dust

Two major things that cause brake dust are:

• Brake rotors wearing by brake pads
• Friction material’s carbonization during the usual temperatures

This dust can cause various problems in your vehicle’s braking system and wear it sooner. That is why experts recommend cleaning the brake dust every once in a while. However, you also need to check whether or not the brake pads consist of a low dust production feature. It will ensure that the system doesn’t get damaged if you forget to clean it once or twice.

3. Noise

Almost all brakes make noises when you operate them. But some of them are comparatively quieter than the others. This is because of the factors like:

• Lining: This part comes in direct contact with the rotor. Usually, riveted pads lining is used for minimal noise. And this riveted pads lining works quite effectively.
• Shim: Brake shims that are made from good material tend to make less noise as compared to the ones that are designed from low-quality materials.
• Shape: The brake pads’ shape doesn’t affect the noise directly. But if the form fits appropriately on the system, it will cause less vibration. Hence, less noise.

4. Backing Plate

The backing plate is the most vital component of any braking system because it helps keep everything together. If you don’t look for a proper backing plate, your brake pads will get into a bad shape earlier than intended. Plus, the incorrect product will cause unnecessary noises while operating the brakes. Therefore, you have to ensure that the plate is thick on the edges.

Along with that, the attachment method of the backing plates must be appropriate for your vehicle. Else you won’t get smooth stopping power on any kind of terrain.

5. Vehicle Model

Not all brake pads can fit perfectly in your vehicle. And when you opt for the wrong brake pads, they end up creating trouble for you. That is why you need to carefully check if the chosen alternative is compatible with the vehicle’s model. Otherwise, you can’t get any of the benefits mentioned above.

For example, you can go for R1Concepts Ceramic Brakes if you want brake pads for towing ram 2500 diesel. But the same product won’t work for an F150. Therefore, you can’t ignore the compatibility factor.

6. Budget

While this isn’t the primary basis of your decision, it can play a vital role in it. Some of the brake pads are cheap, but they need replacement earlier than the others. Thus, their overall cost is high in the long run. On the other hand, a few brake pads can have a high buying price, but they perform well in the long term. So they prove to be cheaper.

To make the correct choice, you need to check each factor carefully.

If you need more information about RV hitching and towing, we have a list of top-tier trailer hitch lock for your reference. Furthermore, check out the top-quality scooter racks for RV guides if you like.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do brake pads for towing work?

RVs can’t be stopped with general brakes due to their heavyweight. That is where brake pads come into the role. You must have seen brake rotors attached to the wheels’ axles that help slow down your RV. Brake pads get clamped to these rotors. These components are used for two essential functions:

• Applying more pressure to the rotors
• Initiating friction

With these two things, the brake pads can provide a controlled or screeching halt. Hence, they are a primary part of the braking system of your trailer or fifth wheel.

However, these components also produce brake dust due to constant friction production. You need to clean this dust off the system, or it will damage all other parts.

Who makes the most trusted brake pads for towing?

When you talk about the most suitable or the most reliable brake pads for towing, a few names that come on top are:

• Power Stop: They are known for their heavy duty brakes since 1995. Since then, the brand has maintained its image and the quality of its brake pads or other brake components.
• Hawk Performance: They stand out in the list due to their several years of experience with the industrial, aerospace, automotive, military, and motorsports domains.
• Motorcraft: Being a part of the Ford brand, this name already gains a lot of people’s trust compared to other manufacturers.
• Bosch: They are known for their high-quality pads that are delivered all over the world.

What are the top-rated rotors and brake pads for towing?

Towing is a massive job, and it requires power stop brake kits of high strength. Else the brakes won’t be able to handle your RV, and you will get stuck in a dangerous situation. You need to consider various factors to pick the best rotors and brake pads for towing the vehicle. Some of the crucial ones are:

• Compatibility with the vehicle
• Stopping power
• Manufacturer
• Price
• Other features

As I said, you need brake pads and rotors of high strength for towing. So you can’t just pick a pair of brake pads and call it the most suitable option. For example, Power Stop K6405 Z36 are excellent brake pads for towing ram 3500. However, they won’t function the same on other vehicle models, and you will have to opt for another Power Stop brake kit. That is why these aspects must be appropriately examined to see which suits you best.

Are ceramic brakes good for towing?

Usually, ceramic brakes are considered suitable for towing purposes due to their features, such as:

• Durability
• Less brake dust production
• Free of noise
• Fitness for all temperatures

Plus, these are lightweight brake pads that let the brakes function correctly. Despite having so many benefits, these brakes don’t prove to be suitable for extreme jobs. So you should consider this factor before opting for them.

Are drilled and slotted rotors good for towing?

Rotors are the component that gets attached to the wheel’s axles and initiate the slowing process. But applications like towing can put excessive pressure on rotors. Hence, the chances of overheating and brake failure are higher in these tasks. This is where drills and slots come into the role.

If you select drilled and slotted rotors for your vehicle, you won’t have to stress about the system heating up due to massive jobs. The slots and drills let the air out from the brakes and keep them cool. This also reduces the odds of failure. However, you should also consider their drawbacks like:

• Expensive
• Requires high maintenance
• Noisy
• Dusty

So yes, they are an excellent option for towing, but the cons must be taken into account, as well, before deciding.

How long do brake pads for towing last?

The life of brake pads for towing depends on their quality. If you want your chosen brake pad to go smooth for longer, you need to pick a high-quality product. Apart from this, factors like performance, maintenance, usage, and manufacturer determine the towing brake pads’ lifespan. The less you use them, and the more you maintain them, the longer they will run.

How do you set up and use brake pads for heavy towing?

It is vital to install the brake pads correctly so that you can obtain the most benefits from them. For this, you will have to get pieces of equipment like a jack, wrench, c-clamps, tire iron or breaker bar, and new brake. Also, make sure that your ring rests on a flat surface.

Once you ensure all these things, you can follow this guide:

• Step 1: Use the breaker bar or tire iron to loosen up the wheels’ nuts. This will require some additional effort, so be prepared for that. You can keep the removed parts in a box or plate to avoid misplacing them.
• Step 2: Use the jack to elevate the vehicle to some height. This will help in easy reach, and you will be able to put on the brake pads more comfortably.
• Step 3: You will find the already present brake pads inside the caliper. Then you can remove all the parts that you want to replace and put the new brakes in their place with the help of high strength adhesive.
• Step 4: After having the help from high strength adhesive, carefully close the caliper and put back the wheels. Finally, tighten up their nuts and remove the jack.

You can see that these are easy to install, and your work gets done in these four simple steps.

If you are replacing the brake pads for the first time, don’t hesitate to take help from some professionals. You can also look for relevant videos or guides to see how exactly the task is done.

What kind of brakes do most heavy duty trucks use?

Air brakes and metallic brake pads are most suitable for heavy-duty truck applications because they have a durable construction to carry much weight.

Even when exposed to high heat from stopping constantly, these brake kits for trucks won’t lose power. More importantly, semi-metallic pads have a low dust production to avoid affecting braking performance.

What type of brake pads lasts the longest?

Ceramic brake pads last the longest because they’re the firmest material, preventing damage in the long run. They’re heat-resistant and produce the least amount of brake dust. As a result, they preserve the rotor’s protective coating for longer use.

How thick should truck brake pads be?

The thickness varies depending on your chosen brakes on a truck. If your vehicle uses hydraulic or electric brakes, the brake pads should be at least 1.6mm. Disc brakes need thicker pads of at least 3.2mm to absorb more shock and friction from heavy vehicles.

To be on the safe side, use thicker brake pads measuring 8-12mm. Make sure that you follow the ideal thickness because using otherwise will reduce the stopping power of the vehicle. Also, the pads will get too hot and wear away.

What are the most suitable brake pads for towing F350?

With a curb weight of 6,764 lbs, the best brake pads for towing light trucks like the F350 is something with an effective stopping performance and sturdy rotor to withstand high-pressure conditions.

A high-quality ceramic brake pad fits the job, but make sure that you don’t use the vehicle in cold winter. Otherwise, a semi-metallic type will do.

In my experience, Wagner ThermoQuiet and HAWK pads are quite effective.

What are the top-tier brake pads for towing Silverado 1500?

A Silverado 1500 is a light-duty pickup truck that usually needs front and rear brake pads. The material can either be ceramic or semi-metallic, depending on what weather you’re planning to use the vehicle in.

For normal temperatures, the durability of ceramic is appealing, but extreme weather conditions call for semi-metallic brake pads like those from Auto Extra Friction.

What are the top-rated brake pads for Toyota Highlander?

For SUVs like the Toyota Highlander, the top-quality brake pads are ceramic because they have the lowest brake dust profile. The car brakes of this type of vehicle model are fragile, so you don’t want any metallic particles to ruin them.

Conclusion

By now, you must have understood the usage and significance of brake pads in your fifth wheel braking system. So you should keep checking the condition of your brake pads and rotors to avoid any sudden problems. A few other signs like performance issues, excessive dust than usual, and irritating noise can also indicate that it’s time to bring new brake pads.

Never ignore these signs. Else your brakes will break, and you will have to deal with unfortunate situations. Moreover, remember that you must only pick the best brake pads for towing, as the more suitable the brake pads, the more benefits you can obtain.

Philip Lopez

Okay, so I’m Philip Lopez. I join Riverside Trailer as an editor, where I will be doing research for both content and reviews. I contribute to studies aimed at understanding the most typical problems encountered by RVers on the road. I also keep up with the newest RVing gadget innovations so that I can promptly evaluate and recommend the best options.