Mk3 Brakes - Upgrade Needed?

[Travelhome91]

Just returned from a trip to the lake district in our '91 Mk3 camper.
No problem climbing passes (20%, 25%) with the non-turbo 2.5Di, but coming down them, lots of smell/squealing from the brakes.
The van's an auto so even low gear doesn't give full engine braking.
Anybody else have this problem? Has Mr Ford cheaped out on the brakes or am I expecting too much?
Looking for better/bigger discs 'n pads now, as Europe trip on horizon and alpine passes are likely to be worse.

[ake]

Does it have good quality discs and pads on it?
What condition are the drums and shoes in?
When were brakes last overhauled?
Transits have, in my expiriemce always had pretty good brakes, if properly maintained.

Cheap brakes fade fast, also there's the possibility of having contaminated drums reducing the effectiveness.