Auto Parts: 2005 grand caravan breaks, 2005 grand caravan, grand caravan

Question
I have a 2005 grand caravan.  I am replacing the front break pads about once every year.  I have had a problem with the right front caliper hanging up and replaced it.  I have replaced the right front rotor as a result of the bed caliper and had the left front turned.  The vehicles shakes when stopping and it still is very hard on break pads.  I am at a loss.  The break system is not that complicated and yet I am still unable to figure out why a set of pads will only last a little over a year (range approximately 15 to 20 K per set of pads)

Answer
Some vehicles are inherently hard on brake pads.  Driving style can be a factor as well (i.e. riding the brake pedal - some people don't even realize they do it).

Carrying heavy loads, driving on hilly terrain, all these can be factors for wearing out brake pads.

Before you replaced the whole caliper, did you ever take the slide pins out, clean them up, regrease, and re-install?  

If your vehicle shakes when you press the brake pedal, you've got a warped rotor.  No need usually to replace the whole rotor, just have the rotor re-surfaced.