Nasty noises w/ towing

[denverbikeguy]

Sometimes when I tow, I can hear a sort of grinding noise when the truck stops; today I didn't hear it at all with the trailer on, but as soon as I dropped it at home and left I could hear it just driving normally; the brakes seemed "grabbier" than normal too.

I've put new pads on the front, the back looks fine, and it only happens when I have the trailer back there to heat things up more (I'm guessing). The trailer does have functioning brakes, so it's not like I'm trying to stop 4-5k lbs with just the truck.

Any ideas on what this is? It does go away after a while, almost like it just needs to cool back off. But I don't think even with hot brakes I should be hearing noises like this.

[MEvang]

Did you have this problem before you replaced the pads? What brand/ type pad did you use? Have you ever cleaned the rear brakes?
Mike

[sequoiasoon]

Back brakes probably need to be adjusted. Do you use the parking brake regularly?

The back brakes are grabbing more when you tow and that is what you are noticing. The Tundra's have the load proportioning valve which when there is weight in the bed or trailer on hitch, the valve opens more and allows more pressure to the rears. Do a search on the rear valve and you can get a lot more info. Think of it as the rears are getting bedded in almost everytime you tow if not adjusted properly normally. Regular parking brake use is critical to keep them adjusted.

[denverbikeguy]

I never use the parking brake, but I will start now!