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Bulldog
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Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
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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 is a trailer coupling device that connects a trailer tongue to a towing vehicle's hitch ball. It features a locking lever mechanism that secures the ball in the ball pocket. The coupler is available in two mounting styles: A-Frame (bolted to tongue members) and Flat-Mount (bolted to a mounting plate). It is designed for use with 50-degree trailer tongues only.
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.
A minimum coupler/tongue overlap of 6.5 inches is required. The coupler internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap before securing.
The manual specifies that the coupler is designed for 50-degree trailer tongues and provides two mounting options: A-Frame (for couplers bolted to tongue members) and Flat-Mount (for couplers bolted to a mounting plate). The number and size of fasteners for A-Frame installation must be specified by the trailer manufacturer. For specific compatibility with your trailer, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
Grade 5 hardware is required for all installations. For Flat-Mount couplers, four (4) 5/8" grade 5 bolts are required. For A-Frame couplers, the number and size of fasteners must be specified by the trailer manufacturer. For Adjustable Height Channel mounting brackets with tongue heights of 6" or less, two (2) 5/8" x 5" grade 5 bolts are required. All bolts must be used with locknuts. Do not use any other grade of hardware.
Yes. All welding must be performed by an AWS (American Welding Society) certified welder. This is a mandatory requirement stated multiple times in the manual and is critical for safe coupler operation.
Before installation, confirm that there will be no interference from the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, or any other mounted accessories while stationary or in motion. Check for interference in both open and closed coupler positions. Verify that the coupler internal stop can be butted against the end of the trailer tongue to achieve the required 6.5" minimum overlap. After installation, check again for interference and verify that coupler operation has not been impaired.
1. Block the trailer wheels. 2. Align the hitch ball beneath the coupler. 3. Open the coupler locking lever and, while holding it fully open, lower the coupler over the hitch ball until the ball is fully seated in the ball pocket. 4. If the locking lever was pinned open, remove the pin. Move the locking lever to the closed position. Check that the latch is engaged by lifting up on the back of the locking lever. Verify that the hitch ball is fully seated and the ball clamp is below the ball. 5. Optionally, place a 5/16" pin or lock in the hole provided. Do not tow if the ball is not fully seated with the lever closed and latch engaged.
1. Block the 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.
For bolted installations (A-Frame and Flat-Mount), the coupler uses existing mounting holes in the coupler housing and trailer tongue or mounting plate. The manual does not specify whether additional drilling is required, as this depends on the specific trailer configuration and whether a mounting bracket is used. For welded installations, no drilling is required, but welding by an AWS certified welder is mandatory. Consult your trailer manufacturer or Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for specific drilling requirements for your trailer.
Torque specifications for grade 5 bolts are: 3/8" diameter – 23 ft. lbs.; 1/2" diameter – 55 ft. lbs.; 5/8" diameter – 110 ft. lbs. For Flat-Mount couplers, the four 5/8" bolts are torqued to 150 ft. lbs. For Adjustable Height Channel mounting brackets, the two 5/8" x 5" bolts with locknuts are torqued to 100–110 ft. lbs. All bolts must be torqued to appropriate SAE proof load specifications.
A 3/16" minimum fillet weld is required. Weld on both sides and the top of the coupler as shown in the installation diagram. For Adjustable Height Channel mounting brackets, a 1/4" minimum fillet weld is required all around. All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder.
Gussets are required if the trailer tongue height is 6 inches or less. The manual does not specify whether gussets are required for tongue heights greater than 6 inches. Consult your trailer manufacturer or Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for guidance on your specific installation.
Use only the proper ball size for this coupler as indicated on the coupler body. The correct ball size is marked on the coupler itself. If you are uncertain about the correct ball size, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
Do not exceed the lesser of the weight ratings for the mounting bracket, coupler, hitch, vehicle, hitch ball, or trailer (including load). You must weigh your trailer plus any added load and verify that the total does not exceed any of these component ratings. Each component has its own weight capacity, and you must respect the lowest rating.
No. Do not tow if the ball is not fully seated and/or the coupler is not closed. Before towing, verify that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket and the locking lever is in the closed position with the latch engaged. Lifting up on the back of the locking lever should confirm that the latch is engaged.
Always block the trailer wheels before latching or unlatching the coupler. This prevents the trailer from moving unexpectedly during the coupling or uncoupling process.
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.
Never position any part of your body under any portion of the coupler or the load being supported. Do not allow children to play on or around the coupler or the load. Operator and bystanders must stay clear of the coupler and trailer at all times, especially during coupling and uncoupling operations.
After installation, verify that coupler operation has not been impaired in any way. Check for interference again in both open and closed positions. If the coupler is to be primed or painted after installation, make sure excess paint or primer buildup is removed from the ball pocket and latching mechanism. Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired.
Before towing, perform the following checks: 1. Inspect the vehicle, mounting bracket, hitch, hitch ball, and coupler for signs of wear or damage. 2. Verify that the coupler handle opens and closes freely. 3. Ensure the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket and the pin is inserted behind the collar or through the latch. 4. Check mounting bracket hardware for wear and proper tightness; tighten to appropriate SAE proof load specifications using grade 5 hardware only. 5. Verify that trailer safety chains are properly connected to the towing vehicle and trailer according to SAE J684. 6. Confirm that all trailer lighting is hooked up and working properly. If the coupler or mounting bracket is deformed or damaged, replace the complete coupler and mounting bracket.
The following maintenance procedures should be performed at least annually: check set screw torque, grease the ball pocket, oil pivot points with SAE 30 weight motor oil, and 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 coupler ball pocket.
Use SAE 30 weight motor oil to lubricate the pivot points. Grease should be applied to the ball pocket. The manual does not specify a particular grease type beyond general greasing.
When parking or storing the trailer, keep the coupler off the ground so dirt and other foreign material will not build up in the coupler ball pocket. Keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean at all times.
If the coupler is to be primed or painted after installation, make sure excess paint or primer buildup is removed from the ball pocket and latching mechanism. Paint buildup in these areas can impair coupler operation.
The Wedge-Latch® Coupler is designed for 50-degree trailer tongues only. It is available in A-Frame and Flat-Mount configurations. For specific compatibility with your trailer, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
Grade 5 hardware is required for all installations. Use only grade 5 bolts and locknuts; no other grade is acceptable.
For standard grade 5 bolts, torque 5/8" bolts to 110 ft. lbs. For Flat-Mount couplers, torque the four 5/8" bolts to 150 ft. lbs. For Adjustable Height Channel mounting brackets, torque the two 5/8" x 5" bolts to 100–110 ft. lbs.
No. Do not tow if the latch is not engaged, the ball is not fully seated, or the coupler is not closed. Verify engagement by lifting up on the back of the locking lever before towing.
Perform maintenance at least annually: check set screw torque, grease the ball pocket, oil pivot points with SAE 30 weight motor oil, and inspect the retaining pin. Keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean at all times.
If the coupler handle does not open and close freely, this indicates a problem with coupler operation. Do not use the coupler. Check the vehicle, mounting bracket, hitch, hitch ball, and coupler for signs of wear or damage. If the coupler is deformed or damaged, replace the complete coupler and mounting bracket. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for assistance.
If the hitch ball does not fully seat in the coupler ball pocket with the locking lever in the closed position and the latch engaged, do not tow. Repeat the coupling steps: block the trailer wheels, align the hitch ball beneath the coupler, open the locking lever fully, lower the coupler over the hitch ball until the ball is fully seated, close the locking lever, and verify that the latch is engaged by lifting up on the back of the lever. If the ball still does not seat properly, check that you are using the correct ball size for the coupler (as marked on the coupler body) and verify that the coupler has not been damaged.
If coupler operation has been impaired in any way after installation, do not use the coupler. Check for interference from the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, or mounted accessories in both open and closed positions. Verify that the coupler internal stop is properly butted against the end of the trailer tongue. If the coupler is deformed or damaged, replace the complete coupler and mounting bracket. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for technical support.
Check mounting bracket hardware for wear and proper tightness before each towing trip. If hardware is loose, tighten it to the appropriate SAE proof load specifications: 3/8" bolts to 23 ft. lbs., 1/2" bolts to 55 ft. lbs., and 5/8" bolts to 110 ft. lbs. (or 150 ft. lbs. for Flat-Mount couplers). If hardware is bent, broken, or worn, replace it with grade 5 hardware of the same size. Do not use any other grade of hardware.
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May 22, 2023
