, here's one way to fix it.
I bought a Dexter 56 inch 2000 lb axle, hubs, bearings, spring saddles, U bolts, and plates ($250). Seemed like a good fit; the HF axle was 56-1/4 inches. Unfortunately, the spindles on the Dexter are longer, making for some interference with the springs. I managed to (just) get the axle on by straddling the flange on the spindles with the spring saddles. It is solid, but I would recommend the 58 inch axle to anyone else doing this.
The Dexter axle is cambered, unlike the HF. It should be hung with the camber up, so the wheels toe in at the bottom. To find which side goes down, mount the hubs and set the axle on the driveway. Rock it around - - the axle will settle with the curve down. Mark a line the length of the axle on the top side with a lumber crayon. This line goes down when you hang the axle.
The Dexter is a much more solid axle (thicker, heavier), as are the U bolts and plates. You will need to oval the holes in the Dexter plates, as the HF springs are wider than Dexter planned for and that's the only way to make it fit unless you want to grind away some spring. Ovaling the holes took a couple hours with a file and dremel; not fun. It might actually be easier to make your own plates. You can't reuse the HF U bolts as they are too short. Alongside the Dexter U bolts the HF parts are just plain flimsy, anyway. You don't need to weld the spring saddles unless you have brakes.
Now. lift, shove, torque, swear, bust knuckles, swear some more, put on a little Locktite, and torque some more. You'll know when you're done.
I am pleased with the result. The trailer, already high, now rides about an inch higher, thanks to the beefier axle and thicker spring saddles. The cost of my $270 trailer is now up to about $800, about par with a real trailer if my time is worth nothing. Some things you just have to learn the hard way. Oh, yeah, this isn't about whether HF trailers are any good or not.
