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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 manufactured by Cequent Performance Products 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 and includes a latch that must be engaged before towing. The coupler is available in A-Frame and Flat-Mount configurations for different trailer types.
This coupler can only be used with 50-degree trailer tongues. Using it with any other tongue angle will result in improper fitment and unsafe operation.
Use only the proper ball size for your coupler as indicated on the coupler body. The correct ball size is marked on the product itself. If you are uncertain which ball size is correct, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or visit www.cequentgroup.com.
A minimum coupler/tongue overlap of 6.5 inches is required. Before securing the coupler, ensure that the coupler internal stop is butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap.
All welding must be performed by an AWS (American Welding Society) certified welder. If you are using the bolt-on installation method, you may perform the bolting yourself using the specified hardware and torque values. However, the purchaser/owner is responsible for ensuring the product is installed according to all instructions.
For bolt-on installations, no drilling is required if your trailer tongue already has the necessary mounting holes. For A-Frame couplers, you use the available mounting holes in the coupler housing. For Flat-Mount couplers, four 5/8" holes are required through the coupler and mount plate. For welded installations, no drilling is needed, but welding is required on both sides and the top of the coupler.
Grade 5 hardware is required for all installations. For Flat-Mount couplers, four 5/8" grade 5 bolts are needed. For Adjustable Height Channel mounting brackets, two 5/8" x 5" grade 5 bolts with locknuts are provided. For A-Frame couplers, the number and size of fasteners must be specified by the trailer manufacturer. All bolts must be tightened to appropriate SAE proof load specifications using locknuts.
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, tighten the four 5/8" bolts to 150 ft. lbs. For Adjustable Height Channel mounting brackets, tighten the two 5/8" x 5" bolts with locknuts to 100–110 ft. lbs.
A 3/16" minimum fillet weld is required on both sides and the top of the coupler. 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 your trailer tongue height is 6 inches or less. If your tongue is taller than 6 inches, gussets are not required. The mounting bracket must be centered on the tongue and remain vertical after installation.
Before installing, 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 positions. Ensure the coupler internal stop will be butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap, and verify that the minimum 6.5" overlap can be achieved. After installation is complete, check for interference again.
If the coupler is to be primed or painted after installation, make sure excess paint/primer buildup is removed from the ball pocket and latching mechanism. Paint buildup in these areas can impair coupler operation.
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 into the ball pocket. 4) If the locking lever is 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. If the ball is not fully seated with the lever closed and latch engaged, do not tow—repeat the steps. 5) Optionally, place a 5/16" pin or lock in the hole provided.
1) Block the trailer wheels. 2) Open the locking lever. While holding the locking lever fully open, raise the trailer off the hitch ball. Note: 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) Inspect the vehicle, mounting bracket, hitch, hitch ball, and coupler for signs of wear or damage. Verify that the coupler handle opens and closes freely. 2) Replace any bent, broken, or worn parts. 3) 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. 4) Check mounting bracket hardware for wear and proper tightness. Replace any bent, broken, or worn hardware and tighten to appropriate SAE proof load specifications using only grade 5 hardware. 5) Ensure trailer safety chains are properly connected to both the towing vehicle and trailer per SAE J684. 6) Verify that all trailer lighting is hooked up and working properly.
Always secure the load, vehicle, and trailer by blocking the 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. Always block the trailer wheels and hold the locking lever fully open while raising the trailer off the hitch ball to prevent injury.
Weigh your trailer plus any added load. Do not exceed the lesser of the weight ratings for the mounting bracket, coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer (including load). Each component has its own weight rating, and you must respect the lowest rating among all components in your towing system.
The following maintenance procedures should be performed at least annually: 1) Check set screw torque. 2) Grease the ball pocket. 3) Oil pivot points with SAE 30 weight 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 do not build up in the ball pocket.
When parking or storing your 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 latch is not engaged, the coupler is not secure and the trailer cannot be towed safely. To verify the latch is engaged, lift up on the back of the locking lever after closing it. If the latch is not engaged, do not tow. Return the locking lever to the open position, reposition the trailer, and repeat the coupling steps.
If the hitch ball is not fully seated in the ball pocket, the coupler cannot secure the trailer safely and you must not tow. The ball must be fully seated with the locking lever in the closed position and the latch engaged. If this condition is not met, open the locking lever, reposition the trailer and hitch ball, and repeat the coupling steps.
A 5/16" diameter pin can be used to hold the locking lever open during coupling or uncoupling. This is optional and helps keep the lever in the open position while you are positioning the trailer. The pin should be removed before closing the locking lever to couple the trailer.
Yes. After coupling the trailer and ensuring the latch is engaged and the ball is fully seated, you can optionally place a 5/16" pin or lock in the hole provided on the locking lever for additional security when the trailer is parked.
If the coupler and/or mounting bracket is deformed or damaged, replace the complete coupler and mounting bracket. Do not attempt to repair a damaged coupler. After installing a new coupler, check to ensure that coupler operation has not been impaired in any way. If coupler operation has been impaired, do not use it.
Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired in any way. After installing the mounting bracket and/or coupler, if coupler operation has been impaired, stop using it immediately. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for assistance or to arrange replacement.
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. When ordering, please specify the product model number.
The Wedge-Latch® Coupler is designed for 50-degree trailer tongues only. Verify your trailer tongue angle before purchasing. The coupler is available in A-Frame and Flat-Mount configurations. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 if you are unsure about compatibility.
For bolt-on installations, you need a wrench or socket set to tighten grade 5 bolts to the specified torque values (3/8"–23 ft. lbs., 1/2"–55 ft. lbs., 5/8"–110 ft. lbs.). For welded installations, an AWS certified welder is required. A torque wrench is recommended to ensure proper tightness.
For standard 5/8" grade 5 bolts, torque to 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 are torqued to 100–110 ft. lbs.
No. Do not tow if the ball is not fully seated or the coupler is not closed. The ball must be fully seated in the ball pocket, the locking lever must be closed, and the latch must be engaged before towing.
Before towing, verify that the hitch ball is fully seated, the locking lever is closed, and the latch is engaged. Check the mounting bracket hardware for tightness and wear. Inspect the coupler, hitch, and ball for damage. Ensure trailer safety chains are properly connected and all trailer lights are working.
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.
A minimum coupler/tongue overlap of 6.5 inches is required. Ensure the coupler internal stop is butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap before securing.
If the locking lever will not close, the hitch ball may not be properly aligned or fully seated in the ball pocket. Open the locking lever fully, reposition the trailer so the hitch ball is directly beneath the coupler, and lower the coupler over the ball until it is fully seated. Then close the locking lever. If the lever still will not close, do not tow and contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290.
If the latch is not engaging, the hitch ball is not fully seated in the ball pocket. Open the locking lever, reposition the trailer, and lower the coupler over the hitch ball again, ensuring the ball is fully seated into the ball pocket. Close the locking lever and verify the latch engages by lifting up on the back of the lever. If the latch still does not engage, do not tow.
If the ball clamp is not below the ball, the ball is not fully seated in the coupler. Do not tow. Open the locking lever, reposition the trailer, and lower the coupler over the hitch ball again until the ball is fully seated and the ball clamp is positioned below the ball. Close the locking lever and verify the latch is engaged.
The coupler handle should open and close freely. If it is stiff or difficult to operate, the ball pocket or mechanism may be dirty or contain foreign material. Clean the ball pocket and mechanism thoroughly. If the handle is still stiff after cleaning, inspect the pivot points and latch mechanism for damage or wear. If damage is found, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for replacement parts or a new coupler.
Check mounting bracket hardware for wear and proper tightness before each towing trip. If bolts are loose, tighten them to the appropriate SAE proof load specifications: 3/8" bolts to 23 ft. lbs., 1/2" bolts to 55 ft. lbs., or 5/8" bolts to 110 ft. lbs. Use only grade 5 hardware. If bolts repeatedly loosen, replace them with new grade 5 bolts and locknuts.
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