Towing puts much more strain on your vehicle’s brakes. For this reason, you will want to ensure your truck is using the right rotors for towing and hauling.
This is because the right brake rotors for towing will ensure your safety and that of the additional load.
Unfortunately, finding the best rotors can be difficult as they seem to look the same. Not to mention, there are so many options available on the market to choose from.
But don’t worry because this guide details everything you need to know about the best brake rotors for towing, including:
- How to choose the right rotor
- Frequently asked questions
- Our best picks
Table of Contents
Best Rotors for Towing – Comparison Table
The best towing brake rotors depend on what type of vehicle you’re driving and what you will be towing. Below are some of the top best options compared.
| Rank | Product Name | Brand | Weight |
| 1 | Detroit Axle – Drilled & Slotted Front Brake Rotors | Detroit Axle | 27.8 pounds |
| 2 | EBC Brakes 3GD Series Dimpled and Slotted Sport Rotor | EBC Brakes | 36.5 pounds |
| 3 | Power Stop Front & Rear Z36 Truck and Tow Brake Kit with Calipers | Power Stop | 5 pounds |
| 4 | Power Stop Rear Carbon Fiber Brake Pads with Drilled & Slotted Brake Rotors Kit | Power Stop | 47.8 pounds |
| 5 | ACDelco Advantage Coated Front Disc Brake Rotor | ACDelco | 25.9 pounds |
| 6 | Detroit Axle – Front Drilled and Slotted Brake Rotors 2pc Set | Detroit Axle | 25.6 pounds |
| 7 | SCITOO Brakes Rotors 2pcs Front Discs Brakes Kit fit for Ford F-150 | SCITOO | 46 pounds |
| 8 | Toyota Disc Rear Brake Rotor | Toyota | 18.67 pounds |
| 9 | ACDelco Silver Rear Disc Brake Rotor | ACDelco | 21.9 pounds |
| 10 | Centric Premium Brake Rotor | Centric | 14.9 pounds |
Best Brake Rotors for Towing Reviewed:
1. Detroit Axle 13.03” Drilled & Slotted Front Rotors
Detroit Axle is well known for producing quality OE and new aftermarket brake rotors. And this specific model is one of their best units for towing when it comes to providing superior stopping power.
As the name suggests, these rotors are drilled and slotted. Basically, the drill holes allow for optimal cooling, thereby improving the kit’s performance. The slots, on the other hand, ensure smooth braking by keeping gas and debris away.
But you know what the best part is? This unit is coated with zinc dichromate plating for long-lasting protection from rust and corrosion. Consequently, this enables you to work in pretty much any environment.
Pros
- Delivers up to 20% more braking power
- Backed by a 10-year warranty
- Made to exceed OEM specifications
- Constructed from a durable ceramic material
- Compatible with different 2000 – 2005 Ford F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, super duty models
Cons
- Kit includes only front rotors
2. EBC Brakes GD7237 3GD Series
Looking for a high-quality rotor that will make towing easier? This EBC Brakes GD7237 3GD Series is a suitable choice and is ideal rotors for truck and SUV use.
What really stands out about this kit is its wide aperture slots. These slots are designed to allow maximum airflow into the braking contact area. Consequently, this helps minimize temperatures, thereby preventing brake fade, especially under load.
What’s more? You will be pleased to know that the rotor is dimple drilled to avoid stress cracks. More so, it features 3 slot venting, which ensures reduced air noise during heavy braking. Also, the venting helps remove debris and dust from the braking zone for superior stopping power.
Pros
- Gold anodized EBC finish for rust protection
- Brakes run up to 200 degrees cooler
- Dimpled and slotted
- Built for long-lasting performance
- Perfect fit for many towing vehicles
Cons
- Quite expensive for a single rotor
- Dimples make the pads wear down quickly
3. Power Stop KC1782-36 Truck and Tow Brake Kit
If you are looking for a complete brake kit for your vehicle, this Power Stop KC1782-36 is a solid option. This is because the set comes with rotors, ceramic brake pads, and calipers.
As far as the rotors are concerned, they are cast using the finest G3000 metallurgy. This makes them ideal for trucks that haul extra weight, tow, or drive through mountainous terrain. Also, they are made with strict OE tolerances to ensure easy installation without any modification.
Additionally, each unit is equipped with precision drilled holes for superior rotor cooling. As a result, this helps to keep the brake temperatures down, especially during extreme driving conditions. Also, they come with rounded slots to ensure smooth braking.
Pros
- Silver zinc dichromate coating to prevent rust
- Designed to handle the stress of towing
- Great heat dissipation
- Offers severe-duty stopping power
- Dust and noise-free brake pads
Cons
- Not the best kit if you just want to upgrade the rotors alone
4. Power Stop K6562 Z23 Brake Rotors Kit
Here is yet another affordable brake kit from Power Stop that comprises carbon fiber brake pads and rotors. The best part about the kit is that it boasts high-quality components designed to provide superior braking power.
More importantly, the rotors feature precision drill holes and rounded slots for increased braking power. The drill holes help keep temperatures down, while the slots are for removing gas and debris from the surface.
As if that’s not enough, each unit is plated with silver zinc dichromate to prevent rust and corrosion. This helps extend the life of the rotors while also giving your vehicle’s wheels a clean look.
Pros
- Easy bolt-on installation
- Dust and noise-free braking performance
- Includes high-quality stainless-steel hardware
- Affordable solution
- Drilled and slotted for efficient cooling
Cons
- Brake pads are not very long-lasting
- Tend to wear in grooved cycles
5. ACDelco 18A1705AC Coated Disc Brake Rotor
This product gets high marks for durability and reliable braking power. Apparently, each rotor is manufactured to stringent tolerances and thoroughly tested for safety and quality. And for your peace of mind, the device is backed by a12 month limited and unlimited mile warranty.
What’s more? You will be happy to know that the rotor boasts robotic-applied and baked-on coating to minimize brake pulsation. The coating also offers superior rust protection against harsh elements like corrosive sprays, rain, and snow.
But here is the best; the rotor is manufactured with multiple alloys to ensure efficient performance and heat dissipation. This makes it easy to break even when the temperatures are extreme.
Pros
- Non-directional ground finish for durability
- No machining needed to install
- Provide quality at an affordable price
- Rounded radius for extra strength
- Mill-balanced for correct rotor function
Cons
- Rear rotor not included
6. Detroit Axle 12.99” Drilled & Slotted Rotors
This Detroit Axle 12.99” kit tops several lists as one of the perfect rotors for towing thanks to its premium quality. Similar to other products from this manufacturer, this kit is built to OEM standards to ensure superior stopping performance.
However, the best part about these rotors is that they drilled and slotted. The drill holes help increase brake power by ensuring efficient heat dissipations. Slots, on the other hand, allow the expulsion of moisture and gases for improved towing performance.
Additionally, the kit comes with a zinc dichromate plating to prevent rust and corrosion. Consequently, this helps ensure long-lasting durability.
Pros
- 10-year warranted
- Provides up to 20% improved braking power
- Fits a wide range of towing vehicles
- Made to meet or exceed OEM standards
- Easy to install
Cons
- May experience premature wear
- Cannot be resurfaced
7. SCITOO Brakes Rotors
Yet another premium brake kit that can handle the added stress of towing or hauling. This kit has been thoroughly tested to ensure excellent balance and resistance. As such, you will be able to enjoy fast and stable braking without noise and dust.
Additionally, the rotors are equipped with rounded diamond slots to keep them cool, thereby preventing premature warping. More importantly, each unit boasts beveled drilled holes for maximum heat dissipation.
Worth mentioning is that brake systems are coated with silver zinc plating to protect them from rust and corrosion. The plating also provides a killer look behind your vehicle’s open wheels.
Pros
- Easy installation without any modification
- Up to 35% quieter braking
- Dust-free and reduced brake fade
- Cross-drilled for extra stopping power
- OE guaranteed fitment for most vehicles
Cons
- Can wear unevenly
8. Toyota 43512-04052 Brake Rotor
Toyota is a popular and respectable car manufacturer. However, they do also make high-quality car accessories, including brake pads and rotors. With this particular product, it is perfect if you’re going to be doing a lot of towing.
But what really stands out about the rotor is that it is built to meet OEM specifications. This simply means it is not an after-market product. Therefore, you won’t have a problem with fitment, and installation should be easy.
What’s more? It is worth mentioning that the device is backed by a manufacturer warranty for your peace of mind. As such, you can rest easy knowing that the product is quality assured and its durability is guaranteed.
Pros
- Vented for maximum airflow and cooling
- Powder coating for rust protection
- Noise and vibration-free
- Excellent OEM quality and fitment
- Competitively priced
Cons
- Only fits a six-lug nut wheel
- Relatively heavy
9. ACDelco Silver 18A1412A Rear Rotor
Looking for reliable braking power? This brake rotor might fit your budget as it is equipped with a specific vane configuration to ensure superior stopping power. It does this by keeping the kit running cool and maximizing airflow.
You will also be pleased to know that this kit is made with multiple alloys for efficient heat dissipation. More importantly, it is vented to ensure the rotor stays cool much longer, thereby preventing faster pad wear.
And you know what the best part is? Well, the device is mill-balanced to ensure proper function without any extra weights. More so, it is quality-validated for the right metallurgy and correct thickness, which helps extend the rotor’s life.
Pros
- Made of premium and durable materials
- Reduced brake fade
- Excellent stopping power for heavy towed vehicles
- Increases the life of the pads
- Efficient at keeping temperatures down
Cons
- Lacks rust protection coating
- Not a perfect fit for many vehicles
10. Centric 120.40072 Premium Rotor
Need the top truck rotors for towing? This Centric 120.40072 Premium Rotor could be a good choice for you. This is because it boasts a solid design to ensure unsurpassed efficiency, superior durability, and stability.
The best part is that the kit is powder-coated to prevent rust and corrosion, which can sometimes freeze the wheel. This makes it ideal for people that live in areas that get heavily salted in the winter.
More importantly, each unit features a cross-hatching design for improved stopping power when hauling. The design also helps minimize warping, squealing, any vibration, and grooving in the rotor. Consequently, this helps prolong the life of the device.
Pros
- Better durability and stopping power
- No noise, brake fade, or vibration
- Wears the pads more evenly
- Powder coating gives the wheels a clean look
- Excellent quality for the price
Cons
- Not very efficient at dissipating heat
- Powder coating is not durable
Read More: High Quality Brake Rotors for Ford F150
Buying Guide – Things to Consider When Buying the Perfect Brake Rotors for Towing
Towing requires specialized brake performance rotors that can endure high loads with ease. However, not all rotors are equal, especially when it comes to quality and durability.
For this reason, you need to know what factors to consider when choosing the right brake rotors for towing. Some of these include:
Type of Rotor
There are two major types of rotors available to choose from, including smooth, drilled, and slotted. Of course, the best one comes down to personal preference.
However, the most common types of rotors for towing are drilled and slotted. This is because they provide the benefits of both slotted and cross-drilled units.
Generally, drilled and slotted rotors are known to keep the temperatures down during braking. Also, the slots provide an escape route for gases and debris that build-up on the surface. This helps ensure better brake pad bite and consistent stops.
Smooth rotors, on the other hand, are best suited for normal driving conditions. Compared to their drilled and slotted counterparts, they are not prone to cracking. However, they are not efficient at dissipating heat.
Coated vs. Uncoated
As the name suggests, coated rotors have an extra layer along their exterior surface. The layer also covers all the configuration vanes and internal passages. This is designed to protect the rotor from rust and corrosion, thereby ensuring the disc lasts longer.
Additionally, the coating gives your vehicle’s wheels a clean look. The most common and durable types of coating, include silver-zinc dichromate and zinc dichromate.
When it comes to uncoated discs, they feature a bare unprotected exterior that is prone to rust and corrosion. These types of rotors are known to be cost-effective but they are less durable compared to their coated counterparts.
Compatibility
Next up, you will need to consider the brake’s compatibility with your truck. The last thing you want is to buy a product only to find out that it’s not a perfect fit. So, make sure to check the specifications of the product to be sure they will fit into your vehicle.
Front or Rear
Additionally, you should confirm whether the brakes are manufactured specifically for the front or the rear of your vehicle. After all, rotors hardly wear down at the same time.
In most cases, the front discs are the first to wear out. For this reason, some manufacturers will prefer to sell just the front rotors as a pair. On the other hand, some brands provide only the rear units.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Towing Brake Rotors
Want to know more about brake pads and rotors for towing? Check out these top questions that people frequently ask.
Q: What are the best rotors for towing?
A: It depends on many factors, including your needs, what you are driving, and what you are towing. However, all the products that we have covered in this article are some of the best on the market.
Q: Are drilled and slotted rotors better for towing?
A: Yes. However, OEM drilled and slotted units perform better during heavy hauling and towing than their aftermarket counterparts.
Q: Who makes the best quality rotors?
A: Well, there are so many reputable brands of rotors. However, Detroit Axle, Bosch, Power Stop, EBC, and ACDelco are well known to make high-quality and reliable brakes.
Q: When is the right time to replace my towing brake rotors?
A: The time varies depending on how often and where you tow. Also, you will want to watch out for signs like vibration sounds or squealing noises. But generally, they should last between 35,000-70,000 miles.
Our Top Pick Rotors for Towing
Overall, the Detroit Axle 13.03” Drilled & Slotted Front Rotors is the best truck rotors for towing. This is because they are designed to provide up to 20% superior braking power than standard units. More importantly, they are drilled and slotted, backed by a 10-year warranty, and boast rust protection plating.
Conclusion
Brake rotors may not be an exciting purchase, but they are an essential component. And now that you know the ins and outs of the best brake rotors for towing, you can get started. Just make sure to choose ones that are compatible with your vehicle.