Tow Vehicle Brake System Upgrades

[Apalinto]

Greeting to all.

Brake lining is getting low on my TV. Need to get new pads. Question for the group, is it better to resurface my OEM rotors and buy upgraded pads or install new rotors (specifically for towing duty, but not OEM)?

My TV is a 2006 Ford F-350 Super Duty with 90K miles. Rotors have never been resurfaced. I am having no issues currently (other than lining is getting low) and I tow a Cougar 315RLS approx. 11,000 lbs.

The upgraded rotors are drilled and slotted. OEM rotors are serviceable.

[chuckster57]

I never liked turning rotors. Most parts stores aren’t that versed in how to do it right so I tell my customers to replace. Lots of discussions on the WWW about slotted/drilled/cryo treated. I haven’t had anybody tell me they can tell a significant difference to justify the cost.

Properly adjusted trailer brakes and the stock OEM parts should be plenty. JMO YMMV

[Apalinto]

Thanks Chuckster57. These are also my feelings on the matter. I really trust my shop and they never try to push anything on me, so I am thinking stay with OEM and replace my pads.

[travelin texans]

In my opinion the OEM are just fine, don't think you'd notice any difference towing, not towing you might. If you want the pretty slotted rotors go for it, but to me it's an unnecessary expense.
If your trailer brakes are adjusted properly & the truck controller is set correctly you will notice the rv slowing the tv just a bit to save the tv from doing all the braking.

[Apalinto]

Thanks travelin texans. I agree with you and I really dial my trailer brake controller. At this point, going to stick with OEM rotors.

[sourdough]

I have to agree with the group. Don't think you can go wrong with the OEM parts. As far as having rotors turned; used to be turning drums, then rotors was more or less "an art" done by pros that knew what the were doing. The last time I had them done I questioned whether the guy doing the work knew a rotor from a driveshaft.

[Apalinto]

Thanks sourdough. Always value your opinion. My rotors feel pretty good and I am not experiencing and wobbling or pulsing, so I'm sticking with OEM. The rear rotors on my year F-350 have a very elongated hub so those will likely only get a light sanding since most rotor turners can't fit it anyway. Cheers!

[Fishsizzle]

I agree, turning them is a lost art. And most rotors are thinner I believe than back in the day.

AC Delco rotors are rated very well. I’ve put a few sets on my rigs (all FOMOCO) and have been happy with them. I’ve used EBC pads in the past, but never saw a big improvement, so I use the ceramic infused ones now.

[notanlines]

If there are no signs of the rotors being overheated (very slight cracking on the surface) I wholeheartedly agree with all three above. I have always believed that the slotted rotors are simply a "Kentucky go-faster" that naïve individuals (Go ahead, roast me. I can take it) will fall for like a sailor falls for Sophia Loren. Okay, one of the Kardashians then....

[Northofu1]

I have always used rotors for 3 pad changes, then did a complete change of calipers/ rotors/ pads/ flex lines, and changed fluid (things get rusty up here). I was a highway commuter and drove at least 50K KM's per year. I can't remember the last car I had that had drums, was either the 1979 Datsun B210, or the '73 Mustang. I miss the Datsun lol

[Frank G]

For clarification;

OEM= Ford Rotors
Aftermarket= Auto Parts Store Chinese rotors

Don't be fooled

[Badbart56]

Originally Posted by Frank G

For clarification;

OEM= Ford Rotors
Aftermarket= Auto Parts Store Chinese rotors

Don't be fooled

That's correct.

[fnnut]

As you have read newer vehicles have thinner rotors. Personally I replace with oem When they warp or bad due to ware. Oem pads are always a good choice. Check out rock auto website. They carrry oem parts and have been far less expensive for me

[Crackerjack]

You have too much invested not to change the rotors. Turning the old ones is a non-starter in my opinion.