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Bulldog
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Complete kit bundle containing all necessary components for your project. Professional-grade components designed for reliable performance and long-lasting durability.
Keywords: BDA256C 0317-30PK bundle kit, complete kit, professional components, industrial kit, BDA256C 0317, Bulldog
Founded in 1920, Bulldog has become the standard for heavy-duty trailer connection hardware in agricultural, military and utility service. The line covers gooseneck hitches and couplers, A-frame and channel-mount trailer couplers with the Wedge-Latch mechanism, and heavy-duty jacks, built for unmatched strength, reliability and safety under demanding loads.
Bulldog was founded in 1920 and has spent more than a century supplying the connection hardware that heavy trailers depend on. Its market has always been the demanding end: agricultural, military and utility applications where a coupler failure is not an inconvenience but a serious incident. The brand summarises its position as Tough and Tested, and it sits within the Horizon Global towing group alongside Reese, Draw-Tite, Fulton, Tekonsha, Bargman and Wesbar.
Gooseneck equipment is the brand's signature. Gooseneck hitches mount in the truck bed over the rear axle, which places the load where the chassis can carry it properly and allows far tighter turning than a receiver hitch permits. Matching gooseneck couplers attach at the trailer end, in round tube and square configurations across the capacity range used by livestock, equipment and flatbed trailers.
The conventional trailer coupler range is built around the Wedge-Latch mechanism, which uses a wedge to take up wear between coupler and ball rather than relying on a fixed clamp that loosens over time. That matters on a trailer accumulating hard miles, where slack in the coupling shows up as noise and shock loading. Couplers are offered in A-frame form for standard tongues and in channel-mount form for straight tongue and fabricated frames, with adjustable channel versions that let a coupler be positioned to suit the tongue height.
Heavy-duty jacks complete the line, sized for the tongue weights that gooseneck and equipment trailers generate. Across the range the emphasis is consistent: forged and heavy-section components, load ratings backed by testing, and hardware specified for agricultural, military and heavy-duty commercial use rather than occasional recreational towing.
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The Wedge-Latch® Coupler can only be used with 50-degree trailer tongues.
A minimum coupler/tongue overlap of 6.5" is required.
The Wedge-Latch® Coupler is a trailer coupler that connects a trailer tongue to a towing vehicle's hitch ball. It features a locking lever mechanism that secures the ball in the coupler's ball pocket. The coupler is available in two configurations: A-Frame (bolted to tongue members) and Flat-Mount (bolted to a mounting plate).
No. The Wedge-Latch® Coupler can only be used with 50-degree trailer tongues. Using it with any other tongue angle will not provide proper fit or safety.
Use only the proper ball for this coupler as indicated on the coupler body. The correct ball size is marked on the coupler itself. If uncertain about which ball size is correct, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
Grade 5 hardware must be used for all bolted installations. The manual specifies that only grade 5 hardware is acceptable.
All welding must be performed by an AWS (American Welding Society) certified welder. This is a requirement, not optional.
A 3/16" minimum fillet weld is required. The coupler must be welded on both sides and the top using this minimum fillet weld size.
The coupler has an internal stop that must be butted (pressed firmly) against the end of the trailer tongue before securing. This ensures maximum overlap between the coupler and tongue, which is critical for proper load support and safety. The minimum required overlap is 6.5".
Yes, you can paint or prime the coupler after installation, but you must remove all excess paint and primer buildup from the ball pocket and latching mechanism. Paint buildup in these areas can impair coupler operation and create a safety hazard.
Torque specifications depend on bolt diameter: 3/8" bolts = 23 ft. lbs.; 1/2" bolts = 55 ft. lbs.; 5/8" bolts = 110 ft. lbs. These are SAE proof load specifications. For A-Frame couplers, the trailer manufacturer must specify the number and size of fasteners required.
A-Frame couplers bolt directly to the trailer tongue members using available mounting holes in the coupler housing. The number and size of fasteners must be specified by the trailer manufacturer. Flat-Mount couplers use four 5/8" grade 5 bolts inserted through the coupler and a separate mount plate, torqued to 150 ft. lbs.
Four (4) 5/8" grade 5 bolts are required. They are inserted through the coupler and mount plate and tightened to 150 ft. lbs.
Gussets are reinforcement brackets. They are required if the trailer tongue height is 6" or less. When gussets are used with the adjustable height channel mounting bracket, a 1/4" minimum fillet weld is required all around.
The adjustable height channel (mounting bracket) is used when tongue height is 6" or less and requires gussets. The bracket must be centered on the tongue and remain vertical after installation. It is secured using two sets of holes: insert two 5/8" x 5" grade 5 bolts through the desired mounting bracket holes and coupler holes, then tighten the lock nuts to 100-110 ft. lbs.
Tighten the lock nuts to 100-110 ft. lbs. Two 5/8" x 5" grade 5 bolts are used.
Before mounting, confirm there will be no interference from the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, or other mounted accessories while stationary or in motion. Check for interference in both open and closed coupler positions before installation. After installation is complete, check for interference again. If coupler operation has been impaired in any way, do not use it.
No. The purchaser/owner must not alter or modify the coupler. Any modifications not performed by Cequent Performance Products and not specified in the instructions will void the warranty and may create safety hazards.
Do not use the coupler. If coupler operation has been impaired in any way after installing the mounting bracket and/or coupler, stop using it immediately. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for assistance.
Do not exceed the lesser of the weight ratings for: mounting bracket, coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer (including load). You must weigh your trailer plus added load and ensure the total does not exceed any of these component ratings. Exceeding weight limits can cause failure and serious injury.
Always block the trailer wheels before latching or unlatching the coupler. This prevents the trailer from rolling and causing injury or property damage.
Use caution when uncoupling because the tongue may rise suddenly due to negative tongue load. This sudden movement can cause injury if you are not prepared for it.
No. Do not tow if the ball is not fully seated and/or the coupler is not closed. Towing with an improperly seated ball or open coupler is extremely dangerous and can result in trailer separation, property damage, serious injury, or death.
1) Block trailer wheels. 2) Align hitch ball beneath coupler. 3) Open coupler locking lever and, while holding it open, lower the coupler over the hitch ball until the ball is fully seated into the ball pocket. 4) If the lever was pinned open, remove the pin. Move the locking lever to the closed position and check that the latch is engaged by lifting up on the back of the lever. Verify the ball is fully seated and the ball clamp is below the ball. 5) Optionally, place a 5/16" pin or lock in the hole shown to secure the lever.
1) Block trailer wheels. 2) Open the locking lever. While holding the locking lever fully open, raise the trailer off the hitch ball. A 5/16" diameter pin can be used to hold the locking lever open. 3) Return the handle to the closed position.
Before towing, perform these checks: 1) Check the vehicle, mounting bracket, hitch, hitch ball, and coupler for signs of wear or damage. 2) Verify the coupler handle opens and closes freely. 3) If the coupler or mounting bracket is deformed or damaged, replace the complete coupler and mounting bracket. 4) Replace any bent, broken, or worn parts. 5) Close the coupler securely, ensuring the hitch ball is fully seated in the ball pocket and the pin is inserted behind the collar or through the latch. 6) Check mounting bracket hardware for wear and proper tightness, and tighten to appropriate SAE proof load specifications using only grade 5 hardware. 7) Verify trailer safety chains are properly connected per SAE J684. 8) Confirm all trailer lighting is hooked up and working.
The following procedures should be performed at least annually: 1) Check set screw torque. 2) Grease the ball pocket. 3) Oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil. 4) Inspect the retaining pin and replace if necessary. Additionally, keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean at all times. When parking or storing the trailer, keep the coupler off the ground so dirt and other foreign material will not build up in the ball pocket.
Keep the coupler off the ground when parking or storing the trailer. This prevents dirt and other foreign material from building up in the coupler ball pocket, which can impair operation.
Oil the pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil. This should be done at least annually as part of regular maintenance.
Never allow installation or use of the coupler by anyone without providing them with these instructions. The person must read, understand, and follow all instructions and warnings before installing or using the product.
No. Do not allow children to play on or around the coupler or the load being supported. The coupler is a heavy-duty towing component and poses serious safety hazards.
No. The operator and bystanders should never position any part of their body under any portion of the coupler or the load being supported. This is a serious safety hazard that can result in serious injury or death.
If the latch is not engaged, the coupler is not properly secured to the hitch ball. Do not tow. Check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the ball pocket and the locking lever is in the closed position. Verify the latch engages by lifting up on the back of the locking lever. If the latch still does not engage, repeat the coupling steps.
If the ball is not fully seated in the ball pocket, the coupler is not properly connected to the hitch ball. Do not tow. The ball must be fully seated for safe towing. Repeat the coupling procedure: open the locking lever, lower the coupler over the hitch ball until it is fully seated, then close and engage the latch.
If the locking lever is not in the closed position, the coupler is not properly secured. Do not tow. Move the locking lever to the closed position and verify the latch is engaged by lifting up on the back of the lever. Ensure the hitch ball is fully seated and the ball clamp is below the ball before towing.
If the ball clamp is not positioned below the ball, the coupler is not properly secured. Do not tow. The ball clamp must be below the ball for proper operation. Repeat the coupling procedure to ensure the ball is fully seated and the clamp is in the correct position.
The coupler is properly coupled and safe to tow when all of the following conditions are met: 1) The hitch ball is fully seated in the ball pocket. 2) The locking lever is in the closed position. 3) The latch is engaged (verified by lifting up on the back of the lever). 4) The ball clamp is positioned below the ball. If any of these conditions is not met, do not tow. Repeat the coupling steps.
The optional hold-open pin is a 5/16" diameter pin that can be used to hold the locking lever open during coupling or uncoupling. It is not required but can be helpful to keep the lever in the open position while you position the coupler over the hitch ball or raise the trailer off the ball.
Yes. Optionally, you can place a 5/16" pin or lock in the hole shown on the coupler to secure the locking lever in the closed position. This is optional but may provide additional security.
The Wedge-Latch® Coupler is covered by a limited warranty of five years from the original consumer purchaser, provided that installation and use are in accordance with the product instructions. The warranty covers defects in material and workmanship, excluding ordinary wear and tear. This warranty is not transferable.
The limited warranty does not cover: (a) normal wear and tear; (b) damage from abuse, neglect, misuse, or accidents; (c) damage from misapplication, overloading, or improper installation, including welds; (d) improper maintenance and repair; and (e) product alterations made by anyone other than Cequent Performance Products, except alterations made pursuant to product instructions and in a workmanlike manner.
To make a warranty claim, contact Cequent Performance Products at 47912 Halyard Dr. Suite 100, Plymouth, MI 48170, or call 1-800-632-3290. Identify the product by model number and follow the claim instructions provided. You must provide the product and your purchase receipt to process the claim. You are responsible for return shipping costs.
Replacement parts are available through Cequent Performance Products' Customer Service Department at 1-800-632-3290. Use only Cequent Performance Products' parts or parts of equal quality for repair. Please specify the product model number when ordering.
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