The stock braking system seems to do fine for most people, even those with bigger tires. But what about those of us that are towing?

My pads are ready for replacement and the stock brakes have been fine for me too but I really haven't tested them on anything like what I have coming up. In the next couple of months I've got trips planned for Yosemite and Lake Tahoe where I'll be pulling the trailer to some higher elevations and then coming back down some pretty steep roads. I'm probably more concerned with the brakes overheating than the stopping ability they have. For this reason, I'm considering a slotted and/or bigger rotor that comes with the complete upgrade kits that are available from various manufacturers. I'm just not sure it's something I need to worry about.

I'd be curious about what some of you other Jeep RVers have experienced with this kind of towing and braking. Any of you feel or felt the need for better brakes while coming down a long, steep hill?

 

I live about 10 miles away from Tahoe, so I drive and trailer in the Sierras everyday. Basically, I don't use my brakes much. When going down a long hill, it's more important to start out slow and keep the transmission in a lower gear. Let the engine's compression do some of the breaking for you, and let everyone go by you.

Also, when I do have to use the brakes, I use them firmly for short bursts. It's better to slow from 60 to 40mph in a short time, then let the brakes cool as you slowly gain speed back. If you ride the brakes trying to keep at 50mph the whole time, they will overheat, glaze and then boil your fluid.

Not sure of how heavy your trailer is, but if it's 2500-3500 lbs I would want dedicated trailer brakes.

If your pads are worn, EBC makes some nice compounds. If they are okay, I would bleed out some fluid and see what it looks like. The main cause of downhill brake failure is boiled fluid, which will cause your pedal to drop to the floor. If your fluid is old and dirty, flush and re-bleed. Brake fluid is hydroscopic, so it absorbs water easily. Water in the fluid will lower your boiling point dramatically.

Have fun on your trip!

 

I would highly recomend using a Big brake system with a well balanced rear brake setup. With towing and down hill grades you do not wanna test your stock brake capabilities. Its a pre ventitive insurance to up grade. I know Vince with the black 2door and Sprintex S/C is running some sort of Big Brake Kit on his JK. He seems to love it and highly recomends it. I will PM him and ask him what system hes running. I too am in the process of finding a BBK with the right front and rear Brake system being balanced and of Hi Quality....

 

Using the lower gears and only occassionally using the brakes to bring MPH and RPMS down is the way I've always done it. And yes, I have a good brake controller and it has handled my 3,500# trailer fine so far. I'm just thinking ahead for some of these longer decents that I'll be driving soon. We came down from Big Bear Lake (8,000 elev.) last weekend and did fine. We only had 2 miles of 11% grade and 5 miles of 16% grade and the rest was fairly mild. My first inclination is to simply replace the pads with some high quality, aftermarket ones. But I can't help but wonder if the upgraded systems would be worth the extra money in the way of stopping power, reduced heat, and reliablity. Basically "insurance" for me and my family while we travel thoughout beautiful California.

 

Drove through Rocky Mountain National park last summer with a travel retailer close to 3500 pounds. No problems driving with a manual transmission and stock brakes. Also traveled from Denver and Vail. Trailer had good brakes as well as a good brake controller. Leaving for Yosemete this Saturday from Michigan.

 

Travel trailer

 

fwiw I did new pads and rotors all the way around and kept the stock calipers.... its a LOT better than stock. got cross drilled and slotted plus pads for 290$

 

Can't beat the summer at Yosemite and Lake Tahoe. If you're going to be there early July, you should join some of us Socal guys for the Rubicon. Here is the link for the run.

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/soca...ly-9th-223072/

I don't do any towing, but I have a really heavy jeep with oversize tires, and I drive that thing everywhere, including up north. If you have the funds for it, I'd go for a complete upgrade. I've been running the slotted big brakes from Roadrace Motorsport for a while now and the difference is night and day. They've saved me from a few potential accidents and I have no doubt you'll enjoy them for the extra weight you'll be pulling.

 

That's a great price! Where'd you find the pads and rotors?


We'll be there the week before your run, otherwise that would have been awesome.