Dexter Torflex #8

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Dexter Torflex #8

Postby Carter » Sat Nov 28, 2009 10:35 am

Anyone used or considered using a Dexter Torflex #8 for a lightweight build? With a capacity of 1100# it seems like a good choice. It also uses the same bearings, hubs and brackets as the 2200# version so it should be quite durable. I believe it has a 1.75 square tube in place of the 2.25 on the #9. Problem is most people probably end up heavier than they plan and you would have to really watch your weight.

Jim
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Postby High Desert » Sat Nov 28, 2009 11:13 am

funny you should mention that Jim. I've been playing with lots of ideas on my first build plan to make it light as possible and was just looking at those axles online yesterday. Seems like the ideal axle as long as a person stays light. No overkill and should ride nice.

Then again, I haven't been wrong yet today, so I may be now lol. Would like to here from someone who has used one for confirmation.
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Postby dwgriff1 » Sat Nov 28, 2009 1:50 pm

Mine is a Dexter 8 and it is sprung for 800 pounds. Works well.

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Postby Carter » Sat Nov 28, 2009 3:05 pm

There you go Shaun, Dave used one and even de-rated it.

Dave, I see 580# in your album. I believe it but wouldn't trust myself to build the chassis out of wood. Good for you, I like different.

Jim
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Postby teardrop_focus » Sun Nov 29, 2009 12:41 am

Carter

Anyone used or considered using a Dexter Torflex #8 for a lightweight build?


Yes. I should add here that I have not yet built my teardrop...

I was on the phone with Dexter Axle tech/engineer Duane Belisle last July... and although I did not have all the information he asked for (wheel offset, etc), he emailed me a PDF'd Dexter Pro Spec spec sheet for a #8 torsion axle.

Looking at it I see he's listed the "Rubber Capacity" at 1000 lbs. I did mention that my teardrop, when fully loaded, will be going down the road at 900 lbs and not one pound more.

:pipe:



In related news, I recall a recent discussion in another thread here, somewhere, on the effective spring rate when using a torsion axle.. and when using leaf springs, too, some people mistakenly think that a number relating to effective spring rate will translate to a stronger axle (incorrect)...

When one gets it wrong (too high a rate) it can mean the difference in not only the trailer's ride quality but also the quality of one's breakfast. For example, a man I do not wish to embarass in any way, shape or form has PM'd me an update on the use of his lightweight teardrop:

From a friendly PM

The only thing I would have done different is use a lighter wt [spring "rate"] axle. I cant keep eggs in the cooler.


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Postby dwgriff1 » Sun Nov 29, 2009 12:06 pm

Dave, I see 580# in your album. I believe it but wouldn't trust myself to build the chassis out of wood. Good for you, I like different.


On this forum, wood is underrated

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