Shudder after towing mystery

Background: I got my 2007’s front brake pads replaced and the rotors ground about 1k gentle miles ago.

Today I towed a 2500lb load about 30 miles without issue and unhitched in gravel to run an errand.

IMMEDIATELY after leaving without the trailer, I noticed vibration on the right side of the truck and slowly drove the 3 mile trip. I thought it was the country road at first but it was too rhythmic. I’ve had brake shudder in other cars, but this was when I was accelerating as well as coasting.

Once arriving, I went around to each wheel and the front passenger side smelled like burning brakes. Nothing seemed out of place and no debris was lodged against the rotor. Drove back home and it was GONE. Was it a rock jammed in the calipers or something?

What was that? And more importantly, will it come back when I’m towing a larger load down a grade?

 

Sounds like you have seized up brake caliper piston(s).

 

I have a friend who owns a repair shop that told me years ago he will not turn rotors on brake jobs.
Only does new pads and rotors. Says way too many call backs for vibration over the years.
Also rotors are so inexpensive these days it's not worth the hassle.
It was his dads shop before him and been in business for 30 years so I respect his opinion.

 

This^^^

 

Thanks for the replies- if the rotor were ground incorrectly, I think I’d get constant shudder when braking-

The seized caliper piston sounds good- and I guess they freed up to give a smooth ride. Thanks @landphil