Towing brake pads/rotors for F250 pick up

[jims5600]

A buddy of mine tows a horse trailer with a 2003 Ford F250 diesel pickup truck. He says that
it is losing brake ability while stopping on a long decline. He can't recall what was used before
on the last brake job. He is getting real anxious about the brake performance. I do not know
the total weight of his rig,but his horse trailer is a heavy 30 footer plus a large horse.
Can anyone lead us in the right direction please?
Thanks

 

[totegoat]

Exhaust brakes are worth the money on diesels.

 

[Dave1027]

Has your buddy considered the issue might be with the trailer's brakes and not the pickup?

 

[skyactiv]

If he's asking you what to buy, he's obviously not mechanically inclined.
Brakes in good working order on that trailer should slow the truck down.

Someone should inspect the brakes on his trailer and make sure the brake controller and brakes on the truck are in good order, too.
It seems there are far, far too many people that overlook proper maintenance and repair on trailers.

So don't suggest what parts and gloss over the real issue could be the trailer.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

The trailer has brakes too! Make sure they are in good shape

For the truck, consider either Hawk LTS, EBC Greenstuff 6000, or EBC Extra Duty pads. Pair them with coated rotors.

 

[Chris142]

Sounds like he is riding the brakes and overheating them

 

[totegoat]

Sounds like he is riding the brakes and overheating them

Maybe not downshifting either.

 

[Chris142]

Maybe not downshifting either.

Or just plain coming down a hill too fast.

 

[totegoat]

The trailer has brakes too! Make sure they are in good shape

For the truck, consider either Hawk LTS, EBC Greenstuff 6000, or EBC Extra Duty pads. Pair them with coated rotors.

Wondering if you have driven a vehicle with an engine or exhaust brake?

 

[SwampSurvivor]

I've towed down a 14% grade without trailer brakes and has no issues on my 2001.

My guess is there's a caliper or two not working... Known issues on the 99 to 04

 

[meep]

Agreed on all - definitely check out the trailer brakes. Are they surge? Electric? Electric/hydraulic? The wiring on these things gets beat to heck and the systems themselves are crude at best. a good controller is worth the money. Prodigy P3 was my favorite aftermarket model.

raybestos element3 pads are my favorite, but truthfully the vehicle should not require excellent pads to meet spec. Also consider brake booster or booster pump issues if he’s getting a stiff pedal.

 

[wlk]

I like Wagner Severe Duty for towing. Also definitely get the trailer brakes inspected

 

[JWC86]

Great answers so far. If he actually gets all the other stuff sorted out I would recommend “Power Stop Z36” rotors and pads