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Thanks for all the info. I stumbled onto this great site, doing a general search on axle placements (I'm not yet that computer literate). I appreciate all your advise. Flatbeds are new to me, but I've built a couple of all aluminum single axle utility trailers, I use for work (sort of like a pick up truck box with a lift up lit and folddown tailgate) . Both have the Dexter Torflex axles, with electric brakes. The one I've had for eight years, the other now for two. I use one of the trailers daily, as a contractor to haul my tools, supplies as well as debry to the dump. I've never had any trouble with either trailer. I like the torflex axles, I find them smoother, less bouncy then leave springs. I chose all aluminum because it weights less then half of the same steel trailer (less for the vehicle to tow)and you don't have to paint it. Unless you want it to look pretty, aluminum does get dull and blah looking especially from winter salt conditions. I used only stainless steel hardware and fasteners, and your right, you have to use a special paste, plastic or rubber between the stainless and aluminum. It prevents the electrolytic reaction, that rotts out the aluminum. Since stainless steel still has a steel component, it will have a reaction with the aluminum (further promoted by salt and water) but not as bad as regular steel. This at least as per my friend Dieter, who is an expert custom stainless steel and aluminum fabricator. As I said flatbeds are new to me, but a John Deere dealer close by me uses a custom build all aluminum 16' flatbed to haul their equipment around. It has two 5000 lbs capacity axles and they've been using it for over six years, with out any structural problem. Except they've had problems breaking of the welded on shackle mounts for the leave springs, when ever they carry the max. capacity. Now they limit the load to 7000 lbs, which seems to have solved the problem. I figured using the Torflex axle, which bolt on, I shouldn't have a problem. To build with aluminum is definately more expensive, but I think it's worth it over a long life use of the equipment. The weight savings are substancial that relates into better fuel milage, and in my case being able to use a ligther duty vehicle (which is also less to purchase). As well there is less maintenance since you don't have to worry about rust and with it painting and repainting etc. Any further advise or experiences???
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