hi guys,I’m taking a tri axle trailer for test next week,do I take empty,part loaded or fully loaded,cheers 
It will need to be loaded, so the brakes operate properly.
Take it empty it’ll pass on locks unless the brakes a utter crap.
Ours usually go loaded . I did take one for a retest once , that was unladen tho . the tester did say it would still failed even if it was loaded .
So on balance I would say loaded 
I’m not a mechanic tho 
Ours will always go empty.
Own Account Driver:
Take it empty it’ll pass on locks unless the brakes a utter crap.
This, cant remember the last time i tested a loaded trailer
Take it empty and they put the weights in if need be…
seth 70:
Take it empty and they put the weights in if need be…
Got to put your own weights on now if you need them, if it fails without then you take it home and bring it back weighted
chaversdad:
seth 70:
Take it empty and they put the weights in if need be…Got to put your own weights on now if you need them, if it fails without then you take it home and bring it back weighted
I didnt know that m8,last time i went they had blocks of concrete if it needed weight on it,cheers for that 
I know trailers got to be loaded for tractor unit test and for brake test,but someone told me if its just trailer it locks out better empty
Uncleskid:
I know trailers got to be loaded for tractor unit test and for brake test,but someone told me if its just trailer it locks out better empty
Yes, empty will be easier for it to lock out on and also on the park brake as the air pressure won’t make any difference to the park brake so the less weight on the axles the easier it will lock out.
Part loaded is a definite no, no. You will have to achieve the same performance as loaded and the brakes won’t be operating at full pressure as there won’t be enough weight to open the load sensing valve to full tank pressure.
It’s not completely clear cut but on balance it is always best, and less hassle, to go empty and see where you are but, it is swings and roundabouts and not always the case. The problems are firstly, if you take it empty the brakes can, in a way, be too good and it can actually fail if it’s deemed to lock up too quickly. Secondly, trailers that have a high unladen weight (10T+ usually) the extra weight is enough for the rollers to keep gripping and turning the wheels but the load sensing valve won’t be fully open so you’re not getting full brake pressure either.
Wot ? don’t they belt down the road, slam the brakes on and see if the tapley meter moves anymore ? My gawd, how times have changed.
peterm:
Wot ? don’t they belt down the road, slam the brakes on and see if the tapley meter moves anymore ? My gawd, how times have changed.
They used to have a gradient ramp to test the parking brake on 4x4 trucks at one of the test centres I used to go to.
Ours go in empty.
In fact one numpty took one in loaded (due to being lazy) and they refused it and he had to take it back empty.
Thanks for the info chaps looks like empty is the winner
Take it empty or it will fail. Simple as that.
Must go empty as anything on it it will be tested to max Gross train weight.
If it goes empty it will be tested to max total axle weight.and an imposed weight will be applied and you pay for the load to be put on it.
No way they will try a trailer brakes with a TAW of 24 tonnes without load applied .
Its got to pull at least 50% of its gross weight on service and 16% on park.
Better to take it loaded.
What the hell is the point of testing a trailer with a 24 tonne axle rating at 7 tonne unladen weight.They want to know if it will stop with a load on it.
Here’s an idea
Ring the testing station and ask them.
joe royal:
Here’s an ideaRing the testing station and ask them.
Why do that when there are experts on here. 
joe royal:
Here’s an ideaRing the testing station and ask them.
They might give informal advice but suspect in instances, like tri-axle semi, where there is a concession to present unladen they will just say it’s at the presenter’s discretion.