2000# Dexter Torflex axle on HF leafs? Anyone done this?

[Prubah]

2000# Dexter Torflex axle on HF 4x8 leafs? Anyone done this?. Looking to build a fairly inexpensive proof of concept weekender.
Looking into using a Harbor Freight 4x8 1800# trailer for first offroad teardrop build.
Finished trailer will be more like 5x7 with wheelwells. Tire will be on side of 4x8. 8' lenth will be cut down to get the 37.5% from back design.
Looking into mounting the Torflex axle on or under the supplied Leafs to gain some ground clearance and push axle further back in the trailer. There will be ballast weight under trailer front and rear of axle to even out load as needed. 4x8 1/2" plywood construction to keep weight down. Also looking for ideas to help against lightning as this will be plywood. Maybe skin in aluminum paint or actual aluminum.

 

[Haf-E]

Sounds like a crazy idea - the torflex already includes suspension and would result in the leaf springs twisting badly in order for it to work - the offset "arms" would put a lot of strain on the leaf springs and frame.

I say just pull the leafs and put on the torflex axle and some reasonably sized tires that match the tow vehicle so you don't have to carry an additional spare - which reduces weight at conserves space.

1/2 plywood isn't really lightweight - look on the web for trailers called "foamies" for real light weight builds - they use styrofoam board and then cover it with a canvas that is then painted - some turn out very nice looking actually. Super light weight. Putting aluminum on the more horizontal surfaces is a good idea as they tend to weather more and get dirt baked in.

I hope the "ballast weight" isn't something additional added but is more like storage or water tank? keeping it as light as possible is essential when working with the HF trailers...

 

[Prubah]

I say just pull the leafs and put on the torflex axle and some reasonably sized tires that match the tow vehicle so you don't have to carry an additional spare - which reduces weight at conserves space.

I hope the "ballast weight" isn't something additional added but is more like storage or water tank? keeping it as light as possible is essential when working with the HF trailers...

Exactly what I have planned with tires. Looking to have 33/12.50/15 tires. so the trailer wheel/tires will be same as my JKR. Not sure yet on wheels. if I'm staying stock at 17" or putting on 15" that work.
Ballast weight will be in the form of water/fuel and will be adjustable forward/aft of the axle and as low as safely possible.
I've built a number of Ice shacks over the years and know that the base will be 1/2" most likely 5/8" Ply. The sides may be 1/4"ply outside/ 1/8" inside sandwiching board insulation. I've used luan for iceshacks and WILL NEVER use luan for anything that will be exposed to the outdoors.. Yes, I will be sealing all wood, ALL wood with epoxy, but LUAN is junk. I also know that in such a small space as a 4x8 or 5x7 box, insulation can be overkill. I'm thinking 1/2"ply on walls and roof. It's structural and if needed I can always glue in Mylar and carpet.
My best iceshacks were framed in clear white cedar 2'oc and vinyl sided outside and clothed inside. 7x8x6 house was pretty damn light. (not using vinyl siding for a teardrop. )