Dave, you were right to go directly to the statute; I just posted the first thing that popped up on a google search and it was obviously flawed! (BTW, had a problem opening your link but here's one that takes you right to the section in question:
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/.../0316.261.html) I agree with your interpretation of the 40% rule; it makes a lot more sense if applied to trailers under 3000 lbs. w/o brakes. I originally ordered my trailer w/o brakes because didn't use When I originally installed brakes on my trailer about 15 years ago, it made a huge difference in stopping distance! Sort of like there was nothing back there!
Since I don't dunk the trailer, I originally followed the dealers advice and installed 11" drum brakes, since they have more swept area than the disk brakes. They were very powerful brakes, but not self adjusting, so after I put some miles on them it became a real PIA to keep them adjusted evenly. One side would always grab first and jerk truck to one side, and they were always dragging & making a lot of racket at low speed, so after an inner grease seal blew out and contaminated the linings, I switched over to disks, which eliminated all of those problems! (If anyone wants a cheap set of drum brakes for 6000 lb axle and 6-lug wheels, send me a PM!)
Jorge, didn't mean to offend . . . after seeing all the research and restoration you've done to your MA, it's obvious you're a sharp guy that knows what he's doing! Looking forward to hearing about first launch and shakedown run! And thanks to you, DonV and Capt. Chuck for broaching the subject of trailer brakes . . . it's an important safety issue that merits a good discussion! Denny