Overview
ISO 13052:2013 - Road vehicles - Trailers up to 3,5 t - Requirements for jockey wheels and drawbar supports - defines safety, marking, testing and design requirements for jockey wheels and drawbar support devices used to support the nose weight of single-axle rigid drawbar trailers with a technically permissible maximum laden mass ≤ 3.5 t. The standard targets components that stabilize an uncoupled trailer, ensure safe handling during mounting/unmounting, and resist loads imposed by the trailer’s nose mass.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and definitions: Clear definitions for jockey wheel, drawbar support device, nose mass/weight, lifting force, strut, clamping system, coupling head and drawbar eyes.
- Marking: Each jockey wheel and drawbar support must be permanently marked with the manufacturer’s identification and the load lifting capacity on a non-removable component.
- Strength and testing:
- Test load requirement: Test load = 2 × permitted load lifting capacity.
- Lifting force is calculated from the trailer’s maximum permissible static vertical mass (nose mass) and geometric distances between axle, jockey wheel and coupling point (P, x, y) as specified in the standard’s diagram.
- Test procedure parameters: secure mounting, maximum lifting height, unfavourable wheel position, and observation periods (no slipping under load).
- Acceptance: no actuation/slipping under test load and no visible damage after test.
- Operating force limits: Actuating force for clamping/operating handle shall not exceed 250 N and must reliably block the strut under nose weight.
- Clearances and ground height:
- Minimum ground clearance of 150 mm for drawbar support/jockey wheel components when trailer is coupled and in driving position.
- Jockey wheels should allow raising the coupling height to at least 550 mm where specified.
- Design and safety features:
- Guards to prevent contact with ground if strut loosens.
- Anti-separation measures for telescopic struts.
- Removable parts (handles, cranks) must be secured to prevent loss.
- Mounting, operating and maintenance instructions: Manufacturer manuals must cover intended use, handling, wear criteria and maintenance.
Applications and who uses this standard
ISO 13052 is used by:
- Trailer and caravan manufacturers (OEMs) for component design and compliance.
- Jockey wheel and drawbar support designers and suppliers for product specification and testing.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies for conformity assessment.
- Fleet operators, maintenance teams and purchase managers for safe selection and upkeep of trailer support devices.
- Regulatory and homologation authorities referencing nose weight and coupling safety.
Keywords: ISO 13052, jockey wheels, drawbar supports, trailers up to 3.5 t, nose weight, load lifting capacity, trailer safety.
Related standards
- ISO 3833 - Road vehicles - Types - Terms and definitions
- EN 349 - Safety of machinery - Minimum gaps
- Directive 97/27 and UN ECE R55 - mechanical coupling and nose weight provisions