4cyl Access Cab, strange burning rubber smell from wheelwell when breaking a lot downhill?

Hi everyone,

I first noticed this strange burning rubber smell when breaking down a dirt road on a mountain for a couple miles, I noticed it again when breaking down the canyon road from Big Bear, and a 3rd time on a different dirt road downhill. In the span of 2 years I've upgraded my tires to MTs, upgraded my rotors and changed out my break pads. My truck is also on the heavier side, I have a campershell, roofrack, bikerack and other gear. The smell seems to be coming from the front wheelwell, but I have no clue what its from. The smell is strong too, nothing faint about it. It can be smelled in the cabin while driving.

Has this happened to anyone else?

UPDATE: I'm an idiot and haven't been engine breaking. Thanks everyone

 

Do you ride your brakes all the way downhill?

 

your brake pads are hot and...burning. try engine braking on long grades.

 

"breaking down a dirt road on a mountain for a couple miles" - Yikes; you are generating a ton of friction / heat when doing this! There are all sorts of soft components down there that could be getting a bit warm from all the heat you are creating. As stated by others; put her in low gear and let the engine help regulate your speed on the long downhills.

 

Make heat, make aromas.