We have a 2002 2500HD Chevy gasser (496) that will be our towing vehicle. We have decided that a 30-32' travel trailer meets our needs, and keeps the weight reasonable, at around 10k loaded. The truck only has about 30,000 on the clock at the moment, but I plan to do a lot of preventive stuff before we leave. One of those items is a complete brake job, replacing anything remotely suspect.
What are you folks running for brake pads? I have seen everything from the el-cheapos, for $14.99 a wheel, to $100+ for "carbon metallic". I am keeping my fingers crossed that the OEM rotors last through our planned one year journey around the country. We are estimating 15-20k of driving. The Chinese rotors and drums I have been swapping out on my other rigs work OK, but I am not trusting them with heavy weight towing, in those applications.
Your thoughts, and better yet, real world experiences on this are appreciated.
Regards, Kyle
The Bear II said
02:29 PM Feb 3, 2015
X2 Metallic pads....
I was a hydraulic controller fan until I tried a ramp up electronic controller. I find that it works just as well as the hydraulic controllers I've had.
The Junkman said
03:24 PM Feb 3, 2015
I prefer OEM pads.. always. On everything.
Quality rotors and drums can be had by advanced auto, or napa or Ac delco... I would be ok with those.. Not the cheapo .. cheap cheap ones.
-- Edited by The Junkman on Tuesday 3rd of February 2015 03:26:39 PM
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
10:14 AM Feb 4, 2015
More pricey than stock but I ran PowerSlot Rotors and EBC Green Stuff pads. On the front we would get 30k miles or so, on the back about 60k. Very good performance with them. It took about a day to get everything seated properly and to quit squealing, but when you mash the pedal you stop.
lindy said
06:37 PM Feb 4, 2015
If and when you do replace the pads, DO NOT try and go cheap-o and not replace the rotors. Replacing just the pads usually ends up with a brake pulsing issue because the new pads do not properly set themselves with the old rotors.
Cummins12V98 said
09:23 AM Feb 5, 2015
With 30K I am sure your rotors will be fine to turn. They will be better quality than most of the junk out there. NAPA Severe Duty pads, factory OE, or Hawk SD pads all are good choice. I would go with Hawk. Ceramics are NOT for pickups!
Vagabond said
02:05 PM Feb 5, 2015
Thanks for the advice, folks. I'll be putting OEM or better pads on it, for sure. I will see how the rotors look when the time comes. a SLIGHT turn of a couple thousandths would be fine, but I don't want to thin them more than that. If I need new rotors, I'll check NAPA (Never Any Parts Available), for OEM quality replacements. It's getting insanely hard to find stuff not made in China. Our local Costco carries Snap-On tools now. Made in China :( Never thought I'd see that day.
Regards, Kyle
We have a 2002 2500HD Chevy gasser (496) that will be our towing vehicle. We have decided that a 30-32' travel trailer meets our needs, and keeps the weight reasonable, at around 10k loaded. The truck only has about 30,000 on the clock at the moment, but I plan to do a lot of preventive stuff before we leave. One of those items is a complete brake job, replacing anything remotely suspect.
What are you folks running for brake pads? I have seen everything from the el-cheapos, for $14.99 a wheel, to $100+ for "carbon metallic". I am keeping my fingers crossed that the OEM rotors last through our planned one year journey around the country. We are estimating 15-20k of driving. The Chinese rotors and drums I have been swapping out on my other rigs work OK, but I am not trusting them with heavy weight towing, in those applications.
Your thoughts, and better yet, real world experiences on this are appreciated.
Regards, Kyle
I was a hydraulic controller fan until I tried a ramp up electronic controller. I find that it works just as well as the hydraulic controllers I've had.
I prefer OEM pads.. always. On everything.
Quality rotors and drums can be had by advanced auto, or napa or Ac delco... I would be ok with those.. Not the cheapo .. cheap cheap ones.
-- Edited by The Junkman on Tuesday 3rd of February 2015 03:26:39 PM
Regards, Kyle