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How we chose: we compared manufacturer specifications, friction materials, included hardware, warranty terms and owner feedback. We did not run our own lab tests. Read each full review for details.
Towing a trailer or carrying a full load adds a lot of weight that your brakes must stop. That weight turns into heat, and heat is what makes ordinary pads fade. The right pad helps, but it is only one part of safe towing.
Our picks at a glance
- Best for frequent towing: Power Stop Z36 Truck & Tow
- Best for trucks that rarely tow: Bendix Premium Copper Free
- Best when rotors are worn too: a Power Stop Z36 truck brake kit
1. Power Stop Z36 Truck & Tow
This carbon-fiber ceramic pad is made for severe duty. Power Stop says it has a 17% higher friction level than original pads, and it is designed to resist fade when hot. It comes with stainless hardware and brake grease. The main downside is a short warranty when the pads are bought on their own. Read our full Z36 review or check fitment on Amazon.
2. Bendix Premium Copper Free
If your truck tows only a few times a year, a quiet, OE-style pad can be the better daily choice. Bendix Premium pads are among Amazon's best sellers for GM and Ram trucks, with four-layer noise shims and copper-free ceramic friction. They are not built for heavy towing every week. Read our Bendix Premium review or check fitment on Amazon.
3. A Z36 brake kit if your rotors are worn
New pads on worn or grooved rotors will not stop at their best. Power Stop also sells Z36 pads as part of truck brake kits with matching rotors, which is the simplest fix when both parts are worn. Find a Z36 kit for your truck on Amazon.
What matters more than the pad
- Trailer brakes: if your trailer has its own brakes, make sure the brake controller is set up and adjusted correctly. Rules on when trailer brakes are required vary by state and country.
- Brake fluid: brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point. Change it at the interval in your owner's manual, especially if you tow.
- Use lower gears downhill: let the engine and transmission help slow you on long descents instead of riding the brakes.
- Check rotors and hardware: sticking slide pins or worn rotors cause uneven wear and heat.
FAQ
Are ceramic pads OK for towing?
Yes, if they are built for it. Severe-duty ceramic pads like the Z36 add carbon fiber for heat resistance. A comfort-focused ceramic pad is better for trucks that seldom tow.
Should I upgrade front and rear pads?
Replace pads in axle pairs and keep front and rear balanced. If you upgrade to a severe-duty pad, do the front at minimum, and ideally both axles.
Safety note: brakes are safety parts. If you are not sure how to do the job, have a qualified mechanic do it.