Folks. I have a 2018 5.0 f150 without tow package but a 6900# package and added integrated brake controller. I now have 40k on the truck with 10k of that towing 5400 lbs [trailer when fully loaded]. I am wanting to replace the brake pads - rotors look fine. Do you have a suggestion as to kind when towing? I see a lot about them when not towing and Ford does not make a heavy duty, at least I think they don't, for this f150. Any suggestions?

 

If the current pads have worked fine to this point buy OEM replacements.

 

I think the 'fleet' version is more heavy duty, might look into those. Also called 'blue' I think.

 

Compared to the brake systems of the 90's and 00's, these are better than HD upgrades starting out. You can improve if you like, but the oem pads are up to the task of just about anything most of us will put them through. I did the Mt Washington Auto Road, 7.6 miles with an average 12% grade, with four adults and gear for a week of camping, on oem pads in my 2015. Brakes were more than sufficient to make the descent, which likes to point out vehicles that need better brakes.

 

These are the severe duty pads that should fit your truck.
Motorcraft 8L3Z-2V001-C Front Super Duty Brake Pads
Motorcraft GU2Z-2V200-G Rear Super Duty Brake Pads

 

So I think that the brakes on the F150 are pretty good... I had a 2002 Tundra that I drove until 2020 and while it was a superb truck, the brakes were not great... Getting into my 2020 F150, I think it stops like a champ...

My question is, what is the advantage of the severe duty brakes?

 

I can't comment on Ford pads specifically, but different lining materials will have different qualities. So on my Kenworth I have a variety of shoes I can choose from, and they each have varying levels of lining life, resistance to fade, maximum operating temps they'll tolerate, etc. The better, longer lasting shoes will typically be harder on the drums, but that generally doesn't matter since most guys throw on new drums when they replace the shoes anyhow...

 

Severe duty pads will be more tolerant to heat and thus more resistant to fade. This could be useful for someone that tows heavy down long and steep grades that needs a lot of brake application to keep speeds in check.
I believe these are semi-metallic pads and originals are ceramic. You will probably notice a significant increase in brake dust on your wheels going to these severe duty pads.

 

I tow fairly light about 50% of the time. And am happy with OEM pads that were delivered with the truck.

Ford parts counter handed me SuperDuty pads three years ago for replacements. You will not notice more brake dust build up.

When first installed I noticed an instantaneous lag before bite, but only with light pedal application. There is zero fade for heavily loaded hard stops. And these stop fast.

SuperDuty pads *may* wear rotors faster, I can’t tell. My rotors are OK at almost 180k miles.

2011 XLT Screw 4x4 3.5l 3:55LS

 

I stand corrected and that is very good news.