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Towing is the hardest job your F-150’s brakes will ever do. A heavy trailer adds weight and heat, and heat is what wears pads out and causes brake fade, that sinking-pedal feeling on a long downhill. Pads built for towing use friction materials that hold up better when they get hot.
Below are the pads worth buying if you tow or haul regularly, plus what to check before you order.
Fitment check: always confirm fit for your exact year, cab, drivetrain (2WD/4WD), and trim using the product listing’s fitment tool or your VIN before ordering.
Quick Picks
| Pick | Type | Best For | Noise / Dust | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Stop Z36 Truck & Tow | Carbon-fiber ceramic | Best overall for towing | Low | $$ |
| Hawk SuperDuty | Performance compound | Heaviest loads, most bite | Higher | $$ |
| Motorcraft (Ford OEM) | OEM | Factory feel, light towing | Low | $ |
| Akebono Performance Ceramic | Ceramic | Quiet daily driver, occasional towing | Very low | $$ |
| Power Stop Z36 Pads + Rotors Kit | Kit | Doing pads and rotors together | Low | $$–$$$ |
1. Power Stop Z36 Truck & Tow — Best Overall
The Z36 is built specifically for trucks that tow and haul. Its carbon-fiber ceramic compound is designed to resist fade under heat while staying quieter and cleaner than a typical semi-metallic pad. For most F-150 owners who pull a camper, boat, or work trailer, this is the one to get.
2. Hawk SuperDuty — Most Stopping Power
Hawk SuperDuty pads bite harder than most street pads and are made for heavy, repeated stops. The trade-off is more noise and dust. Choose these if you’re near your truck’s tow rating often or tow in mountains.
Check Hawk SuperDuty fitment on Amazon
3. Motorcraft — OEM Replacement
Motorcraft is Ford’s own parts brand. If your truck stopped well from the factory and you only tow occasionally, matching the original pads is a safe, affordable choice.
Check Motorcraft pads on Amazon
4. Akebono Performance Ceramic — Quietest Option
Akebono is known for quiet, low-dust ceramic pads. It’s a great pick for an F-150 that’s mainly a daily driver and tows lightly a few times a year. If you tow heavy, go with the Z36 instead.
Check Akebono fitment on Amazon
5. Power Stop Z36 Kit — Pads and Rotors Together
If your rotors have a lip, are below minimum thickness, or the pedal pulses when you brake, replace them with the pads. Power Stop sells the Z36 as a matched kit with rotors and hardware, which is often cheaper than buying the parts separately.
Ceramic vs. Semi-Metallic for Towing
Ceramic pads are quiet, clean, and easy on rotors. Modern truck-specific ceramics like the Z36 handle towing heat well. Semi-metallic and performance compounds grip harder when very hot but make more noise and dust and wear rotors faster. For most owners, a towing-rated ceramic is the right balance. If you tow heavy in the mountains, step up to a more aggressive compound. Our brake pad buying guide explains the differences in more detail.
Match Pads to Your Generation
Brake parts differ between the 2015–2020 F-150 and the 2021-and-newer truck, and even within a generation some trucks have larger brakes depending on the payload or towing package. Use your VIN or the fitment tool on the listing. Don’t go by year alone.
Towing Brake Tips
- Bed in new pads following the manufacturer’s instructions: a series of moderate stops to transfer an even layer of pad material onto the rotors. It prevents vibration and noise later.
- Set your trailer brake controller correctly so the trailer does its share of the stopping.
- Downshift on long grades instead of riding the brakes. The F-150’s tow/haul mode helps here.
- Flush the brake fluid on schedule. Old fluid absorbs moisture and boils sooner under towing heat.
FAQ
How long do F-150 brake pads last when towing?
It varies widely with load, terrain, and driving style. Regular towers should inspect pads at every oil change or tire rotation rather than waiting for a squeal.
Should I replace rotors with pads?
Replace rotors if they’re below minimum thickness, warped (pedal pulsing), or heavily grooved. Otherwise good rotors can be reused with new pads.