Brake Rotors Guide
Best Brake Rotors for the
2011 – 2018 Ram 1500: Every Rotor Compared
A complete comparison of brake rotors for the 2011-2018 Ram 1500 — covering 4th-gen trucks with 3.6L Pentastar V6, 4.7L V8, and 5.7L Hemi. Budget to premium options from PowerStop and EBC. Stopping power, noise, pricing, and fitment notes. The 2019–2022 Ram 1500 Classic shares brake specs with 2011–2018 — many products fit both.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Brand / Rotor | Rotor Style | Stopping Power | Noise | Performance Over Stock | Fits | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerStop Evolution Geomet | Blank | Moderate | — | Minimal | Ram 1500 11-18 front |
|
SHOP → |
| PowerStop Semi-Coated Front | Blank | Good | Noticeable | Good | Ram 1500 11-18 front |
|
SHOP → |
| PowerStop Semi-Coated Rear | Blank | Good | Noticeable | Good | Ram 1500 11-18 rear |
|
SHOP → |
| PowerStop Evolution D&S | Drilled & Slotted | Good | — | Moderate | Ram 1500 11-18 front |
|
SHOP → |
| EBC GD Drilled & Slotted Rear | Drilled & Slotted | Very Good | Very Quiet | Very Good | Ram 1500 11-18 rear |
|
SHOP → |
| EBC S14 Pad & Rotor Kit | Blank | Very Good | — | Good | Ram 1500 11-18 front |
|
SHOP → |
Important
What to Know Before You Buy
2019–2022 Ram 1500 Classic
The 2019–2022 Ram 1500 Classic uses the same brake architecture as 2011–2018. Many rotors in this guide fit both. The 2019+ DT (new body) Ram 1500 uses different specs — verify fitment for your exact year.
Rotor Style: Slotted vs Drilled vs Blank
Slotted rotors resist heat better for towing. Drilled rotors aid gas venting but can crack under severe use. Blank rotors are quietest for daily driving.
Coating & Corrosion
Coated rotors resist rust on hats and vanes. PowerStop Geomet and semi-coated options offer good corrosion resistance for trucks that see salt or wet climates.
Pad & Rotor Kits
PowerStop and EBC offer kits that include rotors and pads for a complete brake refresh. Rotors-only options let you reuse existing pads or pair with your choice.
PowerStop Evolution Geomet Coated Rotor (FRONT): Dodge Durango / Ram 1500 (02-24)
The PowerStop Evolution Geomet Coated Rotor is the most affordable option in this guide. Geomet coating resists rust on the hat and vanes. Fits 2011–2018 Ram 1500 front (shared fitment with Durango and Chrysler Aspen). Direct OE replacement.
Sold individually — order quantity 2 for both sides. OE-level performance; ideal for daily drivers who want coated rotors without premium pricing.
Pros
- Lowest price in this guide
- Geomet coating for corrosion resistance
- Wide fitment (Ram 1500 11-18, 19-22 Classic)
Cons
- OE-level performance
- Front only
PowerStop Semi-Coated Rotor Kit (FRONT): Ram 1500 2011-18 / 19-22 Classic
The PowerStop Semi-Coated Rotor Kit includes front rotors and ceramic brake pads for a complete brake refresh. Semi-coated rotors resist rust on the hat and vanes. Ideal for Ram 1500 owners who want a one-stop solution.
Fits 2011–2018 Ram 1500 and 2019–2022 Ram 1500 Classic front. Kit includes rotors, pads, and hardware. Ceramic pads for low dust.
Pros
- Complete kit (rotors + pads)
- Semi-coated rotors
- Ceramic pads for low dust
Cons
- Front only
PowerStop Rear Semi-Coated Rotor Kit: Ram 1500 2011-18 / 19-22 Classic
The PowerStop Rear Semi-Coated Rotor Kit includes rear rotors and ceramic brake pads. Pair with the front kit for a complete F&R brake refresh. Semi-coated rotors resist rust.
Fits 2011–2018 Ram 1500 and 2019–2022 Ram 1500 Classic rear. Kit includes rotors, pads, and hardware.
Pros
- Complete rear kit
- Semi-coated rotors
- Pairs with front kit
Cons
- Rear only
PowerStop Evolution Drilled & Slotted Rotors (FRONT): Ram 1500 2011-18
The PowerStop Evolution Drilled & Slotted Rotors combine cross-drilling and slotting for improved gas venting and heat dissipation. Sold as a pair. Fits 2011–2018 Ram 1500 front (shared fitment with Durango and Chrysler Aspen).
Drilled rotors can crack under severe track use; best for street and light towing. Geomet coating resists rust.
Pros
- Drilled & slotted for gas venting
- Sporty look; coated
- Sold as pair
Cons
- Drilled rotors can crack under severe use
- Front only
EBC GD Drilled & Slotted Rear Brake Rotors: Ram 1500 2011-2018 (Also Fits 2019 Classic)
The EBC GD Drilled & Slotted Rear Brake Rotors combine slots and cross-drilling for maximum gas venting. Thermic Black coating resists rust. Sold as a pair. Ram 1500-specific fitment for 2011–2018 and 2019 Classic.
Best performance rear option in this guide. Pair with PowerStop Evolution D&S front or EBC S14 front for a complete upgrade.
Pros
- Highest rear performance in this guide
- Thermic Black coating
- EBC reputation; very quiet
Cons
- Rear only
- Premium price
EBC S14 Brake Pad & Rotor Kit (FRONT): Ram 1500 2011-18
EBC’s S14 Brake Pad and Rotor Kit includes front rotors and S14 compound pads for a complete brake refresh. S14 offers improved performance over stock. Fits 2011–2018 Ram 1500 and 2019–2022 Ram 1500 Classic front.
Kit includes rotors and S14 pads. Best performance-over-stock among the kits in this guide. Pair with EBC GD rear for a complete upgrade.
Pros
- S14 compound for improved performance
- Complete front kit
- EBC reputation
Cons
- Front only
Fitment Reference
Which Rotors Fit Your Vehicle?
| Vehicle / Trim | PowerStop Geomet | PowerStop Semi F | PowerStop Semi R | PowerStop D&S | EBC GD Rear | EBC S14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 2011–2018 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ram 1500 Classic 2019–2022 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
✓ = Confirmed • Ram 1500 Classic (2019–2022) shares brake specs with 2011–2018
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Slotted vs drilled vs blank rotors: which is best for my use?
Blank rotors are quietest and most durable for daily driving. Slotted rotors resist heat better for towing. Drilled rotors aid gas venting and look sporty but can crack under severe use. For most Ram 1500 owners who tow, slotted or blank is the best choice.
Do coated rotors last longer?
Coating on the hat and vanes resists rust, which can extend the appearance life of the rotor. The pad swept area wears through the coating after bedding. Coated rotors are especially valuable in wet or salt climates.
When should I replace my brake rotors?
Replace rotors when they reach minimum thickness (stamped on the rotor), are heavily scored, or show signs of warping (pulsation when braking). Many owners replace rotors when replacing pads for a fresh start.
Will aftermarket rotors void my warranty?
Modifying brakes may affect warranty coverage if a brake-related failure occurs. The Magnuson-Moss warranty act limits manufacturers from voiding unrelated warranties. Check with your dealer if concerned.
I have a 2019+ Ram 1500 (new body). Do these rotors fit?
The 2019+ DT (new body) Ram 1500 uses different brake specs than 2011–2018 and the 2019–2022 Ram 1500 Classic. The rotors in this guide fit 2011–2018 and 2019–2022 Classic only. For 2019+ DT, check product listings for Ram 1500 2019–2024 (DT) fitment.
Ready to Upgrade Your Ram 1500 Brakes?
Compare all rotors above, pick the right fit for your model year, and order with confidence. Need help? Contact us.
