GB/T 13873-2026 Road vehicles—Cargo trailer test procedure English, Anglais, Englisch, Inglés, えいご
This is a draft translation for reference among interesting stakeholders. The finalized translation (passing through draft translation, self-check, revision and verification) will be delivered upon being ordered.
ICS 13.220.10
CCS H 57
National Standard of the People's Republic of China
GB/T 13873-2026
Replaces GB/T 13873-2015
Road vehicles - Cargo trailer test procedure
道路车辆 货运挂车试验方法
Issue date: 2026-01-28 Implementation date: 2027-02-01
Issued by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China
the Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China
Contents
Foreword
1 Scope
2 Normative References
3 Terms and Definitions
4 Test Vehicle
5 Test Preparation
6 Measurement Methods for Main Structural and Technical Characteristic Parameters
7 Test Method for Strength of the Semi-Trailer Fifth Wheel Coupling Area
8 Test Method for Braking Performance
9 Test Method for Reliability
10 Test Method for Brake Release Time of Pneumatic Braking Trailers
11 Test Method for Safety Performance of Lashing Points
12 Test Method for Lifting Stability of Rear-Tipping Semi-Trailers
Bibliography
Road vehicles — Test methods for freight trailers
1 Scope
This document describes the measurement methods for the main structural and technical characteristic parameters of freight trailers, as well as test methods for the strength of the semi-trailer fifth wheel coupling area, braking performance, reliability, brake release time of pneumatic braking trailers, safety performance of lashing points, and lifting stability of rear-tipping semi-trailers.
This document applies to the testing and inspection of freight trailers operating on roads.
2 Normative References
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
GB/T 3730.1 Motor vehicles, trailers and combination vehicles – Terms and definitions – Part 1: Types
GB/T 3730.2 Road vehicles – Masses – Vocabulary and codes
GB/T 3730.3 Terms and definitions for motor vehicles and trailers – Vehicle dimensions
GB/T 12534 General rules for road test methods of automobiles
GB/T 12538-2023 Road vehicles – Determination of centre of gravity position
GB 12676 Technical requirements and testing methods for braking systems of commercial vehicles and trailers
GB/T 13594 Performance requirements and test methods for anti-lock braking systems of commercial vehicles and trailers
3 Terms and Definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in GB/T 3730.1, GB/T 3730.2, GB/T 3730.3 and the following apply.
3.1
freight trailer
A trailer designed, manufactured, and technically characterized for the transportation of cargo.
3.2
contacting area to the fifth wheel of semi-trailer
The circular area on the semi-trailer, centered on the kingpin, with a diameter of 965 mm.
3.3
test force
Fv
The maximum vertical static load permitted to be transmitted by the semi-trailer to the fifth wheel.
4 Test Vehicle
4.1 All assemblies, components, accessories, and附属 devices (including the spare wheel) of the freight trailer (hereinafter referred to as "trailer") shall be complete and installed in their specified positions according to the design requirements.
4.2 The technical condition of the trailer shall comply with the technical specifications of the manufacturer's product.
4.3 The loading mass of the trailer shall be the rated load or the state achieving the maximum design total mass. The load shall be uniformly distributed within the cargo box or on the platform, or distributed within the loading area according to the technical specifications, and shall be secured according to relevant requirements.
4.4 The trailer shall undergo technical maintenance according to the instruction manual, and detailed records shall be kept. No adjustments or part replacements should be made during the test.
4.5 When conducting tests as part of a combination vehicle, a towing vehicle in good technical condition, with a structural type and performance parameters compatible with the trailer, shall be selected.
5 Test Preparation
5.1 General Inspection
5.1.1 The completeness, external tightness, lubrication status, and sealing condition of all assemblies, components, accessories, and附属 devices of the trailer shall be checked.
5.1.2 The assembly and adjustment quality of the trailer shall be checked. Relevant checks should be carried out with reference to Appendix C of JT/T 316-2022.
5.2 Technical Condition Check
5.2.1 The technical condition check shall be carried out after the general inspection of the trailer is qualified and before the performance test.
5.2.2 The road conditions for the technical condition check shall comply with the provisions of GB/T 12534.
5.2.3 The operation of the trailer's assemblies and components shall be observed during a test run of the combination vehicle of no less than 100 km, at a speed between 50% and 80% of the towing vehicle's maximum speed, maintaining as constant a speed as possible. Particular attention shall be paid to the effectiveness of mechanisms such as steering, braking, coupling, and lighting signals. If any abnormality is found, stop immediately for inspection, identify the cause, and eliminate the abnormality before continuing the check test. All observations shall be recorded in detail.
6 Measurement Methods for Main Structural and Technical Characteristic Parameters
6.1 Measurement of Trailer Mass Parameters
6.1.1 Measuring Equipment
Based on the mass of the trailer being tested, a weighing device (such as a full-vehicle dynamic scale, vehicle axle load scale, wheel load meter, etc.) with an appropriate range and accuracy not lower than 0.5% shall be selected. The scale platform shall be level with the ground at its entry and exit.
6.1.2 Measurement Method for Drawbar Trailers
6.1.2.1 Measurement of Drawbar Trailer Kerb Mass and Axle Loads
The trailer under test is towed by a towing vehicle. Drive slowly onto the scale platform from one direction. Measure the front axle load G’₀₁, trailer kerb mass G’₀, and rear axle load G’₀₂ in sequence. Then, turn around and measure the front axle load G’’₀₁, trailer kerb mass G’’₀, and rear axle load G’’₀₂ from the opposite direction. During measurement, the trailer shall be stationary, disconnected from the towing vehicle, and with brakes released.
6.1.2.2 Measurement of Drawbar Trailer Maximum Total Mass and Maximum Axle Loads
With the drawbar trailer in the maximum total mass state, follow the method in 6.1.2.1 to measure the front axle load G’₁, trailer total mass G’, rear axle load G’₂ in the loaded state, and the corresponding values G’’₁, G’’, G’’₂ from the opposite direction.
6.1.2.3 Calculation of Mass Measurement Results
Calculation of measurement results is shown in Table 1.
6.1.3 Measurement Method for Semi-Trailers
6.1.3.1 Measurement of Semi-Trailer Kerb Mass and Axle Load
The semi-trailer under test is towed by a towing vehicle. Drive slowly onto the scale platform from one direction. Lower the landing gear to disconnect the semi-trailer from the towing vehicle, measure the semi-trailer kerb mass G’ₛ₀. Then, reconnect the semi-trailer, drive the rear axle of the towing vehicle off the scale platform, and measure the semi-trailer axle load G’ₛ₀₂. Subsequently, from the opposite direction, use the same method to measure the semi-trailer kerb mass G’’ₛ₀ and semi-trailer axle load G’’ₛ₀₂. During measurement, the semi-trailer shall be stationary, brakes released, and the landing gear adjusted so that the load-carrying plane of the semi-trailer is horizontal.
6.1.3.2 Measurement of Semi-Trailer Maximum Total Mass and Maximum Axle Load
With the semi-trailer in the maximum total mass state, follow the method in 6.1.3.1 to measure the semi-trailer maximum total mass G’ₛ, maximum axle load G’ₛ₂ in the loaded state, and the corresponding values G’’ₛ, G’’ₛ₂ from the opposite direction.
6.1.3.3 Calculation of Mass Measurement Results
Calculation of measurement results is shown in Table 1.
6.1.4 Measurement Method for Centre Axle Trailers
6.1.4.1 Measurement of Centre Axle Trailer Kerb Mass and Axle Load
The centre axle trailer under test is towed by a towing vehicle. Drive slowly onto the scale platform from one direction. Lower the support device to disconnect the centre axle trailer from the towing vehicle, measure the centre axle trailer kerb mass G’ₐ₀. Then, reconnect the centre axle trailer, drive the rear axle of the towing vehicle off the scale platform, and measure the centre axle trailer axle load G’ₐₛ₀. Subsequently, from the opposite direction, use the same method to measure the centre axle trailer kerb mass G’’ₐ₀ and centre axle trailer axle load G’’ₐₛ₀. During measurement, the centre axle trailer shall be stationary, brakes released, and the support device adjusted so that the load-carrying plane of the centre axle trailer is horizontal.
6.1.4.2 Measurement of Centre Axle Trailer Maximum Total Mass and Maximum Axle Load
Standard
GB/T 13873-2026 Road vehicles—Cargo trailer test procedure (English Version)
GB/T 13873-2026 Road vehicles—Cargo trailer test procedure English, Anglais, Englisch, Inglés, えいご
This is a draft translation for reference among interesting stakeholders. The finalized translation (passing through draft translation, self-check, revision and verification) will be delivered upon being ordered.
ICS 13.220.10
CCS H 57
National Standard of the People's Republic of China
GB/T 13873-2026
Replaces GB/T 13873-2015
Road vehicles - Cargo trailer test procedure
道路车辆 货运挂车试验方法
Issue date: 2026-01-28 Implementation date: 2027-02-01
Issued by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China
the Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China
Contents
Foreword
1 Scope
2 Normative References
3 Terms and Definitions
4 Test Vehicle
5 Test Preparation
6 Measurement Methods for Main Structural and Technical Characteristic Parameters
7 Test Method for Strength of the Semi-Trailer Fifth Wheel Coupling Area
8 Test Method for Braking Performance
9 Test Method for Reliability
10 Test Method for Brake Release Time of Pneumatic Braking Trailers
11 Test Method for Safety Performance of Lashing Points
12 Test Method for Lifting Stability of Rear-Tipping Semi-Trailers
Bibliography
Road vehicles — Test methods for freight trailers
1 Scope
This document describes the measurement methods for the main structural and technical characteristic parameters of freight trailers, as well as test methods for the strength of the semi-trailer fifth wheel coupling area, braking performance, reliability, brake release time of pneumatic braking trailers, safety performance of lashing points, and lifting stability of rear-tipping semi-trailers.
This document applies to the testing and inspection of freight trailers operating on roads.
2 Normative References
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
GB/T 3730.1 Motor vehicles, trailers and combination vehicles – Terms and definitions – Part 1: Types
GB/T 3730.2 Road vehicles – Masses – Vocabulary and codes
GB/T 3730.3 Terms and definitions for motor vehicles and trailers – Vehicle dimensions
GB/T 12534 General rules for road test methods of automobiles
GB/T 12538-2023 Road vehicles – Determination of centre of gravity position
GB 12676 Technical requirements and testing methods for braking systems of commercial vehicles and trailers
GB/T 13594 Performance requirements and test methods for anti-lock braking systems of commercial vehicles and trailers
3 Terms and Definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in GB/T 3730.1, GB/T 3730.2, GB/T 3730.3 and the following apply.
3.1
freight trailer
A trailer designed, manufactured, and technically characterized for the transportation of cargo.
3.2
contacting area to the fifth wheel of semi-trailer
The circular area on the semi-trailer, centered on the kingpin, with a diameter of 965 mm.
3.3
test force
Fv
The maximum vertical static load permitted to be transmitted by the semi-trailer to the fifth wheel.
4 Test Vehicle
4.1 All assemblies, components, accessories, and附属 devices (including the spare wheel) of the freight trailer (hereinafter referred to as "trailer") shall be complete and installed in their specified positions according to the design requirements.
4.2 The technical condition of the trailer shall comply with the technical specifications of the manufacturer's product.
4.3 The loading mass of the trailer shall be the rated load or the state achieving the maximum design total mass. The load shall be uniformly distributed within the cargo box or on the platform, or distributed within the loading area according to the technical specifications, and shall be secured according to relevant requirements.
4.4 The trailer shall undergo technical maintenance according to the instruction manual, and detailed records shall be kept. No adjustments or part replacements should be made during the test.
4.5 When conducting tests as part of a combination vehicle, a towing vehicle in good technical condition, with a structural type and performance parameters compatible with the trailer, shall be selected.
5 Test Preparation
5.1 General Inspection
5.1.1 The completeness, external tightness, lubrication status, and sealing condition of all assemblies, components, accessories, and附属 devices of the trailer shall be checked.
5.1.2 The assembly and adjustment quality of the trailer shall be checked. Relevant checks should be carried out with reference to Appendix C of JT/T 316-2022.
5.2 Technical Condition Check
5.2.1 The technical condition check shall be carried out after the general inspection of the trailer is qualified and before the performance test.
5.2.2 The road conditions for the technical condition check shall comply with the provisions of GB/T 12534.
5.2.3 The operation of the trailer's assemblies and components shall be observed during a test run of the combination vehicle of no less than 100 km, at a speed between 50% and 80% of the towing vehicle's maximum speed, maintaining as constant a speed as possible. Particular attention shall be paid to the effectiveness of mechanisms such as steering, braking, coupling, and lighting signals. If any abnormality is found, stop immediately for inspection, identify the cause, and eliminate the abnormality before continuing the check test. All observations shall be recorded in detail.
6 Measurement Methods for Main Structural and Technical Characteristic Parameters
6.1 Measurement of Trailer Mass Parameters
6.1.1 Measuring Equipment
Based on the mass of the trailer being tested, a weighing device (such as a full-vehicle dynamic scale, vehicle axle load scale, wheel load meter, etc.) with an appropriate range and accuracy not lower than 0.5% shall be selected. The scale platform shall be level with the ground at its entry and exit.
6.1.2 Measurement Method for Drawbar Trailers
6.1.2.1 Measurement of Drawbar Trailer Kerb Mass and Axle Loads
The trailer under test is towed by a towing vehicle. Drive slowly onto the scale platform from one direction. Measure the front axle load G’₀₁, trailer kerb mass G’₀, and rear axle load G’₀₂ in sequence. Then, turn around and measure the front axle load G’’₀₁, trailer kerb mass G’’₀, and rear axle load G’’₀₂ from the opposite direction. During measurement, the trailer shall be stationary, disconnected from the towing vehicle, and with brakes released.
6.1.2.2 Measurement of Drawbar Trailer Maximum Total Mass and Maximum Axle Loads
With the drawbar trailer in the maximum total mass state, follow the method in 6.1.2.1 to measure the front axle load G’₁, trailer total mass G’, rear axle load G’₂ in the loaded state, and the corresponding values G’’₁, G’’, G’’₂ from the opposite direction.
6.1.2.3 Calculation of Mass Measurement Results
Calculation of measurement results is shown in Table 1.
6.1.3 Measurement Method for Semi-Trailers
6.1.3.1 Measurement of Semi-Trailer Kerb Mass and Axle Load
The semi-trailer under test is towed by a towing vehicle. Drive slowly onto the scale platform from one direction. Lower the landing gear to disconnect the semi-trailer from the towing vehicle, measure the semi-trailer kerb mass G’ₛ₀. Then, reconnect the semi-trailer, drive the rear axle of the towing vehicle off the scale platform, and measure the semi-trailer axle load G’ₛ₀₂. Subsequently, from the opposite direction, use the same method to measure the semi-trailer kerb mass G’’ₛ₀ and semi-trailer axle load G’’ₛ₀₂. During measurement, the semi-trailer shall be stationary, brakes released, and the landing gear adjusted so that the load-carrying plane of the semi-trailer is horizontal.
6.1.3.2 Measurement of Semi-Trailer Maximum Total Mass and Maximum Axle Load
With the semi-trailer in the maximum total mass state, follow the method in 6.1.3.1 to measure the semi-trailer maximum total mass G’ₛ, maximum axle load G’ₛ₂ in the loaded state, and the corresponding values G’’ₛ, G’’ₛ₂ from the opposite direction.
6.1.3.3 Calculation of Mass Measurement Results
Calculation of measurement results is shown in Table 1.
6.1.4 Measurement Method for Centre Axle Trailers
6.1.4.1 Measurement of Centre Axle Trailer Kerb Mass and Axle Load
The centre axle trailer under test is towed by a towing vehicle. Drive slowly onto the scale platform from one direction. Lower the support device to disconnect the centre axle trailer from the towing vehicle, measure the centre axle trailer kerb mass G’ₐ₀. Then, reconnect the centre axle trailer, drive the rear axle of the towing vehicle off the scale platform, and measure the centre axle trailer axle load G’ₐₛ₀. Subsequently, from the opposite direction, use the same method to measure the centre axle trailer kerb mass G’’ₐ₀ and centre axle trailer axle load G’’ₐₛ₀. During measurement, the centre axle trailer shall be stationary, brakes released, and the support device adjusted so that the load-carrying plane of the centre axle trailer is horizontal.
6.1.4.2 Measurement of Centre Axle Trailer Maximum Total Mass and Maximum Axle Load
