Towing brake upgrade for 1500

[SilverDave]

I'm sure this topic has been overplayed, but I have looked through many of the topics and still haven't had my question answered, so here goes. I have a 2014 CC Silverado with a Procharged 5.3 that has an Air Lift bag system with an onboard compressor. Clearly I have some use for this truck outside of mere daily driving. In fact, I tow a small fifth wheel on Florida's relatively flat roads (fully loaded @ 9k and 1,300 pin weight) about 7-8 times per year for local camping trips (less than 200 mi.). I have no complaints with the truck's performance in any way, but it is time to look at changing the brakes, and I would like to upgrade to a reasonably priced high-quality brake system geared towards a towing application. I have tentatively settled on a PowerStop Z36 4 wheel system and wonder if anyone has any experience with them who tows a "heavy" load such as I do.

 

I appreciate any feedback,

David

[greatmizzou]

I installed the powerstop truck tow pads, rotors, and calipers and have no complaints.

 

I think its basically a powdercoated OEM caliper set but its performed pretty good for me

[flyingfool]

EBC street pads might help, but the EBC green stuff is amaizing and fade free...the green pads are noisey when hot and under full load...

 

i think your might want to try modifying the brake bias valve for more rear brake power to help support the overall trailer load.

[SilverDave]

19 hours ago, greatmizzou said:

I installed the powerstop truck tow pads, rotors, and calipers and have no complaints.

 

I think its basically a powdercoated OEM caliper set but its performed pretty good for me

Greatmizzou, thank you for your reply. So, it sounds like you have the Z36 kit. Those rotors are drilled and slotted. Is this the case with yours? How many pistons per caliper does your setup have? Do you tow?

[SilverDave]

18 hours ago, flyingfool said:

EBC street pads might help, but the EBC green stuff is amaizing and fade free...the green pads are noisey when hot and under full load...

 

i think your might want to try modifying the brake bias valve for more rear brake power to help support the overall trailer load.

Flyingfool,  thanks for your reply. I've heard that EBC is a good option. With regards to proportioning, I don't know how much the front versus back brakes (on the truck) distribute on the stock setup, and thus how the system should be modified. It seems to be proportioned well as is. I imagine it is distributed significantly toward the front brakes. I tow a tandem axle that has well-maintained and adequate brakes, and these are controlled by a properly adjusted brake controller. I don't ever get road wince unless I'm doing a panic stop (such as some knucklehead cutting me off). I have access to a good speed shop and will ask them about this. Thank you again for the tip.

 

Did you purchase a full kit or just pads? Do you tow? Note that I'm looking to replace the rotors with the most robust (for the money) setup I can get to fit within an 18" wheel. I want to overdo it, because frankly brakes are important when towing heavy loads.

 

I appreciate the feedback.

[greatmizzou]

6 hours ago, SilverDave said:

Greatmizzou, thank you for your reply. So, it sounds like you have the Z36 kit. Those rotors are drilled and slotted. Is this the case with yours? How many pistons per caliper does your setup have? Do you tow?

This is the setup I got. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00KT5ALBE?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

 

I tow a 7000gvwr trailer but its usually only 4-5000 at most total weight

My calipers and brake lines were toast so I completely replaced everything and they seem good.  My rotors and calipers are still shiny a year and some change later

[Popo1984]

I’ve seen a few people recommend the police package brakes. I believe it was rotors and pads. I think you can get all the parts through rock auto probably even amazon. 

[greatmizzou]

I should add, the powerstop stuff I got, I dont consider an "upgrade".  It seems completely OEM and possibl the brake pads and slotted rotors is non-oem.   There is some debate about effectiveness of slotted rotors for towing but I would assume its well balanced with oem rotors.

 

I would consider an upgrade to be larger or physically different calipers, brakes, etc.   

[aseibel]

59 minutes ago, Popo1984 said:

I’ve seen a few people recommend the police package brakes. I believe it was rotors and pads. I think you can get all the parts through rock auto probably even amazon. 

I was going to say the same thing. If I was going to upgrade, I would explore the Chevy Tahoe PPV brakes. But I don't know any more information about them right now.

[14GMCZ71]

Found these options for brake rotors and pads on RockAuto which specifically list "Police" - looking under my 2014 GMC Sierra 1500:

 

 

RAYBESTOS 580279P Specialty - Police Info Front		$63.79
		Add to Cart
RAYBESTOS 581032P Specialty - Police Info Rear		$67.79
		Add to Cart
ACDELCO 18A1705PV {#18A2715, 19286306, 19310735} Specialty; Police Info Front		$74.79
		Add to Cart
ACDELCO 18A81032PV Specialty; Police Info Rear		$77.79
		Add to Cart

 

 

 

Performance (Improved Stopping Power)
RAYBESTOS SP1707PPH Specialty - Police; Metallic Info Rear		$24.79
		Add to Cart
ACDELCO 17D1707MHPV Specialty; Police, Semi-Metallic; w/Hardware Info Rear		$33.79
		Add to Cart
RAYBESTOS SP1367APPH Specialty - Police; Metallic Info Front; w/ Spreading Fingers Pad Clips		$43.79
		Add to Cart
BENDIX PBD1363 Police; Low-Metallic; Hardware Included Info Front (Only 6 Remaining)		$45.79
		Add to Cart
ACDELCO 17D1367AMHPV Specialty; Police, Semi-Metallic; w/Hardware Info Front; w/ Spreading Fingers Pad Clips		$51.79
		Add to Cart
AKEBONO ASP1363 {Click Info Button for Alternate/OEM Part Numbers} Performance Ceramic Pad w/ Stainless Hardware Info Front; OE Pad Material Is Ceramic		$65.79
		Add to Cart

[mookdoc6]

On 7/21/2019 at 11:13 AM, SilverDave said:

I'm sure this topic has been overplayed, but I have looked through many of the topics and still haven't had my question answered, so here goes. I have a 2014 CC Silverado with a Procharged 5.3 that has an Air Lift bag system with an onboard compressor. Clearly I have some use for this truck outside of mere daily driving. In fact, I tow a small fifth wheel on Florida's relatively flat roads (fully loaded @ 9k and 1,300 pin weight) about 7-8 times per year for local camping trips (less than 200 mi.). I have no complaints with the truck's performance in any way, but it is time to look at changing the brakes, and I would like to upgrade to a reasonably priced high-quality brake system geared towards a towing application. I have tentatively settled on a PowerStop Z36 4 wheel system and wonder if anyone has any experience with them who tows a "heavy" load such as I do.

 

I appreciate any feedback,

David

PUT the Sotted EBC rotors and towing PADS on front.  Put the Slotted and GREEN PADS on REAR~!  You just upgraded with NO FADE...more dust...less life...BUT NO FADE AND EXCELLENT STOPPING WHEN HOT GOING DOWN GRADES....NO FADE!

[flyingfool]

I've tried the ceramics pads before, they're ok, but not as good as aggressive EBC pads. ceramics need time to warm up otherwise they wont stop the truck when cold. a big issue in the city and when your pulling a trailer  first thing in the morning. 

 

 

[DeePa]

Are there any caliper upgrades minus the gmc kit?

 

I can’t find it, but I remember someone looking to upgrade with 2019 up calipers. 

 

I need front rotors something fierce. 62k miles...they’re warped badly. Unsure on the rears. I keep putting it off so i can upgrade but the GM kit is $$$$

[flyingfool]

i would try the 2019 proportioning valve see if that fits or try a K2 denali P.valve.

[Darksky]

I would recommend caution in playing with your proportioning valve unless you’ve got experience in this area.i realize there are adjustable proportioning valves available as well. But, that is not something to be messed with by an inexperienced person. IMHO