Best Towing Brake Pads – Reviews and Buying Guide

You need more than standard brake pads when it comes to towing boats, caravans, or trailers. That’s where towing brake pads come in handy. They are designed to handle the additional weight and stopping power required to handle the task.

However, the real challenge lies in picking the best towing brake pads. We have identified three main factors that help in making an informed decision.

• Heat: Look for brake pads formulated with heat-resistant materials like ceramic or semi-metallic compounds. These materials ensure your brakes don’t overheat, reducing fade and maintaining optimal stopping power.
• Power: Stopping power is essential, but so is noise-free operation. Consider a balance between stopping performance and noise reduction.
• Compatibility: Ensure your chosen pads are designed for your vehicle and towing capacity. This guarantees optimal performance and a safe fit within your braking system.

Top 8 Towing Brake Pads Table

Top 8 Towing Brake Pads Review

Bosch, a top brand in the market, offers the BC905 QuietCast Brake Pads for those in need of reliable towing brake pads. Made from superior ceramic material, these brake pads operate quietly thanks to a rubber core multilayer shim that also strengthens them and reduces noise.

The brand uses an advanced aerospace alloy in a copper-free ceramic and semi-metallic mix, meeting the 2025 Copper Free law. These pads have protective layers to increase the lifespan of both the pad and rotor, and they come with slots and chamfers for a perfect fit and top quality. The BC905 QuietCast pads deliver excellent performance. The set also comes with a hardware kit and synthetic lubricant, making installation easy.

Best Features:

• Made of ceramic material

• Quiet operation with rubber core shim

• Advanced aerospace alloy for compliance with 2025 Copper Free legislation

• Protective transfer layer for extended pad and rotor life

Pros:

• Widely compatible with select Infiniti and Nissan models

• Utilizes advanced aerospace-grade alloy for enhanced durability

•  Completely copper-free design to meet regulatory standards

• Comes with a hardware kit and synthetic lubricant for easy installation

Cons:

• May not be suitable for certain vehicle models

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When it comes to finding dependable towing brake pads, the 17D1707CH Brake Pad from ACDelco is a top choice, second only to Bosch’s offering. This product has undergone thorough testing to meet SAE J2784 standards, which means it’s been checked for how well it stops a vehicle, and its levels of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), as well as how long it lasts. These brake pads are made from a mix of ceramic, semi-metallic, and organic materials, ensuring they provide steady braking power for their entire life.

The way the brake material is fused directly to the pad means the parts stay together strongly, and the addition of high-quality shims, slots, and chamfers reduces noise and vibration. They’re designed to fit a wide variety of vehicles, including those made by General Motors, ensuring they match the vehicle’s original specifications for shape, design, and functionality.  

Best Features:

• Ceramic, semi-metallic, and organic formulas for safety and reliability

• Premium shims, slots, and chamfers for reduced noise and vibration

• Integrally molded friction material for bond integrity

• Manufactured to meet specifications for fit, form, and function

• Universally compatible with a wide range of vehicles

Pros:

• Tested to SAE J2784 standards for braking effectiveness

• Premium construction ensures safety and reliability

• Fits most makes and models, including General Motors vehicles

• Provides OE-quality performance at an aftermarket price

Cons:

• A bit expensive model compared to others

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If you need to replace your car’s towing brakes quickly and at a good price, we suggest Wagner’s ZD924. These brake pads are made to match original equipment standards, offering steady and even braking for their whole life. They’re designed specifically for each car, reducing noise and vibrations. They also last longer and ensure smooth braking.

The package often comes with high-quality stainless-steel parts and the right lubricant for a full brake job. Wagner’s QuickStop ZD924 has brake pads for every type of vehicle, guaranteeing reliable use for different brands and models. Plus, these brake pads are environmentally friendly with a zero copper formula, yet still provide excellent braking power.

Best Features:

• OE fit and form design for consistent braking performance

• Application-specific materials for enhanced durability

• Premium stainless-steel hardware and OE-style lubricant included

• Zero copper formulation for environmental sustainability

• Crafted with durable QS-Ceramic material

• Suitable for all vehicle types

Pros:

• Engineered to precise OE standards for reliable performance

• Reduces noise-causing vibration for a smoother braking experience

• Includes premium hardware and lubricant for easy installation

• Zero copper formulation for environmental friendliness

• The most affordable choice for towing brake pads

Cons:

• The brake pad squeaking might be louder or squawky.

• Lacks braking power compared to other options.

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Akebono is a well-known brand that makes braking systems and accessories. Their ACT787 ProACT brake pads are a great option, especially for heavy-duty applications. These pads, marked with the engineering number ACT564, are a top upgrade from standard semi-metallic, organic, and low-metallic brake pads. They are made to reduce noise, vibration, and roughness, offering a very quiet brake with great performance from the start, without needing a break-in period.

These brake pads are made with a special ceramic mix that matches specific vehicles, ensuring steady braking for their whole life. They are also gentle on rotors, helping them last longer and ensuring smooth stops. Thanks to Akebono’s thorough research and development, these brake pads are of the highest quality and performance, making them a perfect choice for drivers who want the best.

Best Features:

• The vehicle-optimized ceramic design for superior performance

• Ultra-quiet operation with minimal noise and vibration

• Superior initial effectiveness with no required break-in period

• Rotor-friendly design for longer rotor life

Pros:

• Provides the ultimate upgrade for OE brake pads

• Offers ultra-quiet operation for a serene driving experience

• Superior initial effectiveness ensures immediate braking power

• Semi-metallic design for a low wear rating

• Exceptional braking effectiveness

Cons:

• Not as affordable as some other alternatives on the market

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Motorcraft is highly regarded for its quality and performance, making it a popular choice among customers. Its BRSD756 front brake pads have earned a spot on our list for their compatibility and excellent performance with passenger cars.

Made from ceramic material, the BRSD756 pads are very durable and dependable, especially for towing. They are designed to fit a wide range of vehicle models perfectly, giving users confidence in their choice. Additionally, these brake pads have a protective coating that stops them from corroding, allowing them to last longer even in tough weather.

Best Features:

• Premium ceramic material for enhanced durability

• OE design level for optimal compatibility

• Protective coating to prevent corrosion

• Designed for front position, suitable for passenger cars

• Severe-duty construction for towing applications

• Trusted brand reputation for quality and reliability

Pros:

• Excellent quality and performance

• Seamless compatibility with OEM parts

• Reliable braking performance, even under towing conditions

• Minimal dust and noise for a comfortable driving experience

Cons:

• Limited compatibility, designed for front position only

• Some users report noise issues under certain conditions

• A bit high noise levels, especially during towing operations

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For those seeking carbon-ceramic brake pads, then the Power Stop Front Z26-1405 Z26 can be the best pick. These pads epitomize excellence, combining advanced materials and innovative design to deliver unparalleled stopping power and reliability. Crafted by Power Stop, a leading name in brake upgrade kits, this set is specifically engineered for the front auto part position, catering to a range of car models including Cadillac CTS, Chevy Camaro, Dodge Challenger, Charger, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Featuring a carbon-fiber ceramic composition, these brake pads offer the best of both worlds: the strength of carbon fiber and the heat resistance of ceramic. Thermal scorched for rapid break-in and chamfered for noise-free braking, they provide superior performance under demanding towing conditions. The inclusion of premium stainless steel shims ensures noise-free operation, enhancing driving comfort and confidence.

Best Features:

• Carbon-fiber ceramic construction for superior strength and heat resistance

• Thermal scorched surface for fast break-in

• Chamfered slots for noise-free braking

• Premium stainless steel shims for reduced noise and vibration

• Designed for the front auto part position, compatible with various car models

• Ideal for high-performance street drivers demanding shorter stops under demanding conditions

Pros:

• Exceptional stopping power, perfect for towing applications

• A low-dust formulation for cleaner wheels

• Noise-free braking enhances driving comfort

• Easy installation with included hardware kit

Cons:

• Fitment and compatibility issues

• Not suitable for track use according to manufacturer recommendation

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The Hawk HB302Y.700 Brake Pad is a superior choice for those seeking top-tier braking performance tailored to light truck and SUV applications. Crafted by Hawk, a renowned name in high-performance brake pads, these LTS (Light Truck and SUV) pads are engineered to deliver exceptional stopping power, fade resistance, and rotor life, ensuring optimal braking performance under all conditions.

Constructed from high-quality ceramic material, these brake pads offer superior durability and heat dissipation, making them ideal for heavier vehicles with larger brake systems. The Ferro-Carbon formulation provides consistent braking performance without noise or dust, enhancing driving comfort and safety. Whether you’re towing heavy loads or navigating challenging terrain, these pads offer improved braking over OE standards, providing peace of mind and confidence on the road.

Best Features:

• LTS (Light Truck and SUV) brake compound for superior fade resistance

• Excellent pad and rotor life for extended durability

• Ferro-Carbon formulation for improved braking performance

• Ceramic material construction for enhanced heat dissipation

• Ideal for light trucks, SUVs, and vans with larger brake systems

• Ensures better braking performance than OE brake pads

Pros:

• Superior stopping power and fade resistance

• Extended rotor life for enhanced reliability

• Consistent braking performance without noise or dust

• Perfect fitment for various vehicle models

Cons:

• Higher cost compared to some other options

• Limited compatibility with certain vehicle models and a bit noisy.

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Brembo is the final brand we recommend for the best towing brake pad sets. It’s a well-known company for car accessories. Their P83066N Brake Pad Set is made from high-quality ceramic, which reduces wear and dust, keeping your wheels clean with less maintenance needed. The design of these pads cuts down on vibration and noise when you brake, making your drive smoother and quieter. 

They are made to fit perfectly for CHANGAN, LEXUS, MITSUBISHI, MITSUBISHI (GAC), TOYOTA, and other similar vehicles, according to original equipment (OE) standards. Installing these pads is straightforward, thanks to the hardware that comes with them. Brembo’s commitment to OE-quality standards means these pads are more durable and last longer than other brands. 

Best Features:

• Premium ceramic construction ensures reduced friction wear and dust emission

• Chamfered and slotted design enhances braking comfort

• Designed to meet OE specifications for precise fitment

• Easy installation facilitated by included hardware

• OE-equivalent performance and reliability

• Noise-free and dust-free braking for an enhanced driving experience

Pros:

• Superior braking performance and comfort

• Reduced wheel maintenance with minimized dust emission

• Long-lasting durability for extended service life

• Easy installation process suitable for DIY enthusiasts

Cons:

• Might wear quickly compared to OEM pads

• Higher noise levels, with occasional squeaking or vibration

• Not an affordable option.

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Buying Guide For The Best Towing Brake Pads

When it comes to towing heavy loads, having reliable brake pads is essential for ensuring safety and control on the road. Selecting the best towing brake pads requires careful consideration of several key factors to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Here are some important factors to keep in mind when choosing towing brake pads:

1. Brake Pad Material

The material composition of the brake pads plays a crucial role in their performance and longevity. Look for brake pads made from high-quality materials such as ceramic, carbon fiber, or semi-metallic compounds, as they offer superior traction, durability, and minimal wear rating. Ceramic brake pads offer excellent stopping power, low dust emission, and minimal noise at an affordable rate, making them ideal for towing applications.

2. Compatibility

Ensure that the brake pads you choose are compatible with your vehicle’s make, model, and towing capacity. Opt for brake pads specifically designed for towing applications, as they are engineered to withstand the increased heat and friction generated when towing heavy loads.

3. Durability and Longevity

Towing brake pads should be durable enough to withstand the rigors of towing without wearing out prematurely. Look for brake pads with a high wear rating and excellent heat dissipation properties to ensure long-term reliability and performance.

4. Noise and Vibration

Towing brake pads should provide smooth and quiet braking performance, especially when towing heavy loads. Unwanted braking noise can be both irritating and indicative of underlying issues. Choose brake pads with chamfered edges and slotted designs to minimize noise, friction, and vibration during braking. Additionally, regularly cleaning brake pads can help mitigate noise caused by dust and dirt accumulation, ensuring a quieter and more comfortable driving experience.

5. Braking Performance

Ultimately, the effectiveness of towing brake pads comes down to their braking performance. Look for brake pads that offer consistent and reliable braking performance under various towing conditions. Consider customer reviews and expert recommendations to gauge the braking performance of different brake pad options.

6. Heat Dissipation Property

Braking generates substantial heat, necessitating brake pads with efficient heat dissipation properties. Look for towing brake pads capable of swiftly dissipating heat to prevent permanent deformation. Ceramic brake pads are known for their resilience to heat-induced damage, ensuring reliable performance even under extreme braking conditions.

7. Coefficient of Friction

The coefficient of friction between brake pads and wheels directly impacts braking performance. Optimal friction levels facilitate reliable traction, resulting in shorter braking distances and reduced risk of slippage, especially in heavy-duty vehicles. Strike a balance between high friction levels for enhanced stopping power and minimal wear and tear on brake pad material to ensure long-lasting performance.

8. Price and Value

While price shouldn’t be the sole determining factor, it’s essential to consider the overall value offered by towing brake pads. Compare prices across different brands and models, taking into account factors such as material quality, durability, and performance. Choose brake pads that offer the best balance of price and value for your specific towing needs.

Verdict: By considering these key factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing the best towing brake pads for your vehicle. Remember to prioritize safety, performance, and reliability to ensure a smooth and secure towing experience on the road.

Conclusion

Selecting the best towing brake pads for your vehicle is a critical decision that can significantly impact safety, performance, and overall driving experience, particularly when towing heavy loads. Whether you opt for ceramic, carbon fiber, or metallic towing brake pads, prioritizing quality, compatibility, and reliability is paramount. Regular maintenance and adherence to manufacturer recommendations will ensure optimal performance and longevity of your towing brake system. We hope our article (top-rated towing brake pads and buying guide) helped you in making a proper buying decision.

Towing Brake Pads -FAQs

1. Which brake pads are ideal for towing applications?

Ans: The suitability of towing brake pads varies depending on factors such as vehicle type, weight, and required stopping force. For optimal performance, select brake pads that offer the appropriate friction level and stopping power for your vehicle. A blend of carbon fiber and ceramic material is often considered the best option for towing brake pads due to its balanced characteristics and enhanced durability.

2. What are the main differences between metallic and ceramic towing brake pads?

Ans: Metallic or carbon fiber towing brake pads differ significantly from standard ceramic options. Carbon fiber pads typically feature an organic structure, offering increased stopping power compared to the synthetic design of ceramic pads. However, carbon fiber pads may exhibit higher wear ratings, requiring more frequent replacement. Ceramic towing brake pads, on the other hand, offer reliable performance with lower wear rates, making them suitable for routine use in various vehicles.

3. Which towing brake pads offer the greatest reliability?

Ans: In terms of reliability, brake pads with a low wear rating are preferred for longevity. Ceramic towing brake pads are renowned for their extended durability, reducing the frequency of replacements. These pads are particularly suitable for standard vehicles and routine applications. However, for heavier vehicles, ceramic pads may lack Are ceramic towing brake pads suitable for all types of vehicles? sufficient stopping power in certain scenarios, necessitating careful consideration of braking requirements.

4. Are ceramic towing brake pads suitable for all types of vehicles?

Ans: Ceramic towing brake pads offer versatile performance and are compatible with various vehicle types, including trucks, SUVs, and RVs. However, it’s essential to ensure that the specific ceramic pads you choose are designed for your vehicle’s make and model to guarantee proper fitment and optimal performance.

5. Do towing brake pads require any special maintenance or care?

Ans: Towing brake pads typically don’t require any special maintenance beyond regular inspections and replacements as needed. However, it’s advisable to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding brake pad maintenance and service intervals. Additionally, keeping the brake system clean and free of debris can help maintain optimal performance and longevity.

6. Can towing brake pads improve overall braking performance when towing heavy loads?

Ans: Yes, high-quality towing brake pads can significantly enhance overall braking performance, especially when towing heavy loads. These pads are specifically designed to withstand increased temperatures and provide reliable stopping power under demanding towing conditions. Choosing the right towing brake pads tailored to your vehicle and towing requirements can enhance safety and control while towing.

7. How can I determine the compatibility of towing brake pads with my vehicle?

Ans: To ensure compatibility, it’s crucial to verify that the towing brake pads you select are designed for your vehicle’s make, model, and year. You can consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or utilize online resources and compatibility tools provided by brake pad manufacturers or retailers. Additionally, seeking guidance from automotive professionals or experienced mechanics can help ensure you choose the right towing brake pads for your vehicle.

Share Your Experience:

Have you recently upgraded your towing brake pads or encountered challenges during the selection process? We invite you to share your experiences, insights, or concerns regarding the selection, installation, or usage of towing brake pads in the comments section below. Our team will resolve the queries promptly and help you with the proper selection and usage.