Good suggestions for beefy brake pads?

Looks like my new camper might need some better pads, have been getting some shaking when they get too hot on I70. Haven't weighed myself yet but I will soon, I think my pads might just be a bit old, probably stock? Not sure.

Any suggestions for high quality pads to upgrade to? Trying to avoid a big brake kit, but I might consider it if this keeps up. Usually not an issue unless there's a ton of stop and go like today.

 

Check out the Power Stop Z36 brake kit. I run it myself with zero issues. Perfect for heavy loads, and it’ll handle those hot I-70 drives like a champ! https://www.powerstop.com/product/power-stop-z36-brake-kit/

 

My repair shop suggested I get NAPA rotors and pads. Heavy duty, promised lifetime warranty.

 

I'll put in a pitch for Performance Friction pads. I pair them with ATE rotors. Disclaimer: I have done this on other cars with great results, but not yet on my Tacoma.

My late brother used Performance Friction pads on his SCCA showroom stock Saab and then recommended them to me. I installed them on my Dodge diesel and that put an end to the smoking and overheating (of the brakes) matter.

 

Does the trailer have its own brakes?

 

Akebono (Lexus OEM) pads are a direct fit and recommended to me by my independent Toyota/Lexus Japanese shop.

I was at he the limit for rotors and I was not happy when towing my small camper in the mountains withe my cap on the truck and full gear load.

Made a world of of difference. Stops better that when it was new but a long shot.

That could be a good option for you to try.

 

Are you using a brake controller?

 

That is a most excellent question! If the trailer does not have brakes, they should be added. If the trailer has brakes, are they correctly adjusted and is the brake controller's "gain" setting set to the correct sensitivity?

Dexter and maybe a couple of others make self-adjusting trailer brakes. They adjust with forward motion, unlike the self-adjusting brakes on automobiles. I installed them on a heavy work trailer when I rebuilt the hubs. The OEM brakes were manual adjusting and miserably difficult to access the adjustments. So they were always set too loose. The self-adjusting trailer brakes were a revelation! They cost more up front, but the confidence in being able to stop without overloading the tow vehicle's brakes is excellent. A little off-topic, but maybe useful.

 

Not even sure that is a trailer. OP please clarify, slide in camper or trailer?

 

maybe you are towing/carrying too much

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...is-it-compatible-with-3rd-gen-tacomas.688469/

 

I'm about 50% pad material. First I have heard of akebono. They offer two types for the tacoma, both ceramic. Any idea which ones you went with?

 

I'm not sure. We had a discussion on the shop floor, the Akebonos being firmer (harder compound) and I said go for it. Four years ago they cost $109. Why not try the least expensive of those listed? He recommended the stock Toyota pads for the rear drums.
Also, he found that the rears were not self adjusting correctly and in dire need of cleaning. This can cause the front brakes to do more work and overheat them. So, check the rears, too.

 

FWIW, I think there is also a Tundra 17-inch swap or mod I saw recently.

All things told, towing in the Sierra, I am looking to trailer brakes and 17 inch discs in front eventually.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/brake-upgrade-stoptech-rotors-trd-performance-pads.523829/

 

Looks like a travel trailer from the pic.
Definitely check those trailer brakes!

 

you should do the Lexus 460/t4R big brake upgrade: new rotors, calipers, dust shields.

 

It's a contractor topper, not a trailer! Custom bed platform built inside.

 

I was looking at these! You like em pretty good! Any warranty on rotors? And do I need to change out my. Calipers or can I keep it stock? The price without calipers is pretty good honestly, I'm impressed.

 

Have a link to any specific ones? Will totally check it out.