brake upgrade

[Flying J]

2 years of pulling a 5000lb trailer around the country, (Detroit to Seattle, Detroit to Key West x3, Michigan UP x4).
I feel that my 2023 Max Tow could use so bigger brakes.
What is the big bang for the buck?
2K+ for Willwood System or Yellow Pads? New rotors, calipers?
Too many options without enough knowledge.
Help!

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[MPMB]

Braking power is a function of friction. Increasing friction increases braking power. However, friction creates heat, so the only way to increase braking power without creating excessive heat is to go up in size of rotors, which also means pads and calipers. This would be the most effective method. And most expensive. 6-piston calipers and more apply more even pressure to the pads compared to the 2-piston calipers, improving the pad life and hopefully better stopping performance.

Without going into research mode on parts, if you could find thicker rotors the same diameter, you could theoretically get away with just adding cooling to the brakes. Simple 2.5"-3" hose and scoops to direct air right onto the rotor surface. Thicker rotors can hold more heat (aka friction), but too much heat is bad, so cooling preserves the brakes for longer life. This would be the cheapest option.

Rotors with slots on the braking surface = good. Those slots vent braking gas and dust.
Rotors with drilled divots or holes on the braking surface = what's the point?

Surface area = stopping power. Having holes in the surface area defeats the purpose of having bigger brakes in the first place. A lesser-known issue is that if the holes aren't drilled correctly, microscopic cracks in the surface can develop into "oh f**k!" cracks during important brake usage. IMO, if you use drilled rotors, they're for the rear only, and you better have a good reason for them. I won't use them.

Also, the best brakes in the world won't do you any good if your tires suck.

My 2 cents.

 

[Hootbro]

In my opinion, if running 35's or less, the Power Stop Z36 rotors and brake pad kit is what I would be investing in.

If running 37's and above, I would be looking at Teraflex Delta Big Brake kit.

 

[bleda2002]

I'd try some yellow stuff pads or the power stop pads first, if that doesn't work check out the teraflex Delta big brake kit, they use tundra brake pads and are well reviewed. Towing a 5k pound trailer if your brakes are giving you problems I'd be looking for better trailer brakes too.

 

[Freems]

You might check into high quality stainless steel braided brake lines. Almost no line expansion compared to the stock rubber ones.
Also do you have an in dash break controller for your trailer? if not I would put one in. It made a huge difference on mine pulling my 18’ haul trailer and my boat as well.

 

[Tim]

In my opinion, if running 35's or less, the Power Stop Z36 rotors and brake pad kit is what I would be investing in.

If running 37's and above, I would be looking at Teraflex Delta Big Brake kit.

This is the most concise response to this question I have read. I had 35s for the last 50,000 miles with the Power Stop rotors and pads on the front (stock brakes in the rear) and the stopping power was better than when I had the stock 33s. I'm getting 37s put on today and my rear brakes are about shot (99k miles on them). I've been searching and reading and have been in a state of paralysis by analysis. Now that I am getting 37s and will be adding some skid plates, etc. I will most likely go with the Teraflex Delta kit and stainless braided hoses. The only issue is cost. Terraflex sure is proud of their brakes...

 

[Hootbro]

I will most likely go with the Teraflex Delta kit and stainless braided hoses. The only issue is cost. Terraflex sure is proud of their brakes...

When I had my JK, I ran their Big Brake kit and was impressed with it. Well thought out and high quality.

 

[ChrisNLA]

You might check into high quality stainless steel braided brake lines. Almost no line expansion compared to the stock rubber ones.
Also do you have an in dash break controller for your trailer? if not I would put one in. It made a huge difference on mine pulling my 18’ haul trailer and my boat as well.

I did stainless braided lines on my old Chevy truck many years ago and it made a noticeable difference. I don't know if its a to the ground improvement but it made the pedal feel more confident.

 

[Badunit]

2 years of pulling a 5000lb trailer around the country, (Detroit to Seattle, Detroit to Key West x3, Michigan UP x4).
I feel that my 2023 Max Tow could use so bigger brakes.

Does your 5000lb trailer have brakes? Can it?

 

[Flying J]

Does your 5000lb trailer have brakes? Can it?

Yes. The trailer has brakes and a controller.
We have driven in hilly and mountainous areas. Rockies, Cascades, Appalachians I can lock up the trailer brakes if not careful. I also have to deal with crazy drivers stopping fast to make a turn at the last second!
I would feel safer with a bit more braking power.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I'd try some yellow stuff pads or the power stop pads first, if that doesn't work check out the teraflex Delta big brake kit, they use tundra brake pads and are well reviewed. Towing a 5k pound trailer if your brakes are giving you problems I'd be looking for better trailer brakes too.

Right. The truck brakes are mostly for the truck. The trailer brakes do the trailer. I've never had a problem because I let the trailer brakes handle it so the truck doesn't and use manual mode on the trans if needed.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

In my opinion, if running 35's or less, the Power Stop Z36 rotors and brake pad kit is what I would be investing in.

If running 37's and above, I would be looking at Teraflex Delta Big Brake kit.

People forget the larger tires also make the brakes work harder. It's more leverage - the tires have the advantage like a longer lever. Brakes lose advantage as tire diameter increases.

 

[Vtur]

People forget the larger tires also make the brakes work harder. It's more leverage - the tires have the advantage like a longer lever. Brakes lose advantage as tire diameter increases.

This ^^^.

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