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Bulldog
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We know our products
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Designed for utility, horse/livestock, cargo, and construction trailer applications, BULLDOG Collar-Lok are the strongest in the industry. The BULLDOG design features th eonly automatic and continuously tight ball fit in the industry. A variety of coupler styles, tongue mounts, and latches allow configurations to match virtually any trailer. Adjustable couplers assure level operation for trailers when pulled by a variety of different vehicles.
| BRAND: | BULLDOG |
| PART NUMBER: | 028463 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 16 LBS |
| CAPACITY: | 12,500 LBS. |
| MODEL NUMBER: | 4B8H |
| BALL DIAMETER: | 2.313 IN. |
| MATERIAL: | STEEL |
| MOUNTING HARDWARE INCLUDED: | NO |
| MOUNTING HOLE DIAMETER: | 2.312 IN. |
| MOUNTING HOLE QUANTITY: | 3 |
| STYLE: | A-FRAME |
| HITCH CLASS: | IV |
| SAFETY CHAINS INCLUDED: | NO |
| COLOR: | GRAY |
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 Bulldog Collar-Lok™ coupler is a trailer tongue coupler that connects a trailer to a towing vehicle via a hitch ball. It is available in three styles (L-Style, H-Style, and M-Style) and four models (2B, 3B, 4B, 5B) with different minimum tongue overlap requirements. The coupler must be rigidly attached to the trailer tongue and is rated according to SAE J684 standard.
Minimum tongue overlap depends on your coupler model: 2B, 4B, and 5B models require 8.5" minimum overlap; 3B model requires 6.5" minimum overlap. One model allows 7" minimum overlap, and another allows 2.5" minimum overlap (tongue may fit over or into coupler). Check your coupler model number to determine the correct requirement.
The 3.0" channel is not included with the coupler and must be purchased separately. The coupler is supplied with a retaining pin and bolts, but the channel must be sourced independently.
Use only the proper ball size for your coupler as indicated on the coupler body. If you are uncertain which size is correct, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
The coupler is supplied with bolts and a retaining pin. The number and size of bolts required must be specified by the trailer manufacturer. Grade 5 bolts with locknuts are required for bolt-on installation.
Yes, if you are using a weld-on coupler, all welding must be performed by an AWS (American Welding Society) certified welder. This is a mandatory requirement stated multiple times in the manual.
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 coupler positions. Ensure the coupler internal stop is butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap.
1. Assure the coupler internal stop is butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap. 2. Weld 3/16" around the interface between coupler and tongue. 3. Ensure no undercut or washout occurs while welding. All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder. After installation, check that coupler operation has not been impaired.
1. Assure the coupler internal stop is butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap before securing. 2. Torque grade 5 bolts with locknuts to appropriate SAE proof load specifications (see torque specs table). 3. Ensure no deformation of the trailer tongue end occurs. The number and size of fasteners required must be specified by the trailer manufacturer.
Torque specifications for grade 5 bolts with locknuts are: 3/8" diameter – 23 ft. lbs.; 1/2" diameter – 55 ft. lbs.; 5/8" diameter – 110 ft. lbs. These are SAE proof load specifications.
Weld 3/16" around the interface between the coupler and tongue. Ensure there is no undercut or washout while welding.
Before towing, perform these checks: 1. Inspect vehicle, channel, hitch, hitch ball, and coupler for signs of wear or damage; verify coupler handle opens and closes freely. 2. Check that hitch ball is fully seated in coupler ball pocket, close coupler, and insert pin behind collar or through latch. 3. Check channel hardware for wear and proper tightness; tighten to appropriate SAE proof load specifications using only grade 5 hardware. 4. Verify trailer safety chains are properly connected to towing vehicle and trailer per SAE J684. 5. Verify all trailer lighting is hooked up and working properly.
Do not exceed the lesser of the mounting bracket, coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings (including load). Refer to stamped markings or decals on the product to obtain the rated capacity. If uncertain, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
No. Do not tow if the ball is not fully seated and/or the coupler is not closed. Always verify that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket before towing.
Always secure the load, vehicle, and trailer by blocking the wheels before latching or unlatching the coupler. Use caution when uncoupling as the tongue may rise suddenly due to negative tongue load.
The following procedures should be performed at least annually: 1. Check welds and mounting bolt torque. 2. Grease the ball pocket. 3. Oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil. 4. Inspect retaining pins and replace if necessary. Keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean at all times.
When parking or storing your trailer, keep the coupler off the ground so dirt and/or other foreign material will not build up in the coupler ball pocket. Keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean.
Grease the ball pocket annually. Oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil annually.
Do not use the coupler. After installing the channel and/or coupler, if coupler operation has been impaired in any way, do not use it. If the coupler and/or channel is deformed or damaged, replace the complete coupler and bracket.
The Bulldog Collar-Lok™ coupler is available in three styles: L-Style, H-Style, and M-Style. Each style has a different mechanism for opening and closing (lever, latch, or pin-based), but all operate on the same principle of securing a hitch ball in the coupler ball pocket.
The retaining pin is a safety device that secures the coupler collar in place after the hitch ball is seated. Do not tow without the pin in place. The pin must be reinserted behind the collar (L-Style and M-Style) or in the latch (H-Style) after closing the coupler cap.
1. Block trailer wheels. 2. Align hitch ball beneath coupler. 3. If coupler is closed, open it by removing the pin and sliding/lifting the collar away from the ball pocket; ensure coupler cap is open. 4. Lower trailer onto hitch ball. 5. Visually check that hitch ball is fully seated in coupler. 6. Close coupler cap carefully; ensure collar springs toward ball pocket and captures cap. 7. Reinsert pin behind collar or in latch. 8. Always secure safety chains to vehicle before towing per SAE J684.
1. Block trailer wheels. 2. Open coupler by removing pin and sliding/lifting collar away from ball pocket; ensure coupler cap is open and holds collar back. 3. Raise trailer from hitch ball.
Cequent Performance Products warrants to the original consumer purchaser that the product will be free from material defects in both material and workmanship for a period of five years, ordinary wear and tear excepted, provided that installation and use of the product is in accordance with product instructions. This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, damage from abuse, neglect, misuse, accident, misapplication, overloading, improper installation (including welds), improper maintenance and repair, or product alteration by anyone other than Cequent. The sole remedy is replacement or refund at Cequent's option. To make a claim, contact Cequent at 47912 Halyard Dr. Suite 100, Plymouth, MI 48170, 1-800-632-3290.
The Bulldog Collar-Lok™ coupler is available in models 2B, 3B, 4B, and 5B with different minimum tongue overlap requirements (2.5", 6.5", 7", or 8.5"). Confirm your coupler model and that your trailer tongue meets the minimum overlap requirement. Contact Cequent at 1-800-632-3290 if you are uncertain about fitment.
No. The 3.0" channel is not included and must be purchased separately. The coupler is supplied with bolts and a retaining pin only.
Yes, if using a weld-on coupler. All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder. Bolt-on models do not require welding but must use grade 5 bolts torqued to SAE proof load specifications.
Use SAE proof load specifications: 3/8" – 23 ft. lbs., 1/2" – 55 ft. lbs., 5/8" – 110 ft. lbs. Use only grade 5 bolts with locknuts.
Check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler, the coupler is closed with the pin in place, channel hardware is tight, safety chains are properly connected per SAE J684, and all trailer lights are working. Do not tow if the ball is not fully seated or coupler is not closed.
Perform maintenance at least annually: check welds and bolt torque, grease the ball pocket, oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil, and inspect retaining pins. Keep the ball pocket clean and store the coupler off the ground.
Minimum overlap varies by model: 2B, 4B, 5B = 8.5"; 3B = 6.5"; other models = 7" or 2.5". Check your coupler model number on the product.
This indicates impaired coupler operation. Do not use the coupler. If the coupler and/or channel is deformed or damaged, replace the complete coupler and bracket. Check for interference from the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, or other accessories that may be preventing free movement.
Possible causes include: (1) the coupler is not fully open—remove the pin and ensure the collar is slid/lifted completely away from the ball pocket and the cap is open; (2) the hitch ball is not aligned directly beneath the coupler—realign the ball; (3) dirt or foreign material is in the ball pocket—clean the ball pocket thoroughly; (4) the coupler is damaged or deformed—replace the complete coupler and bracket. Do not tow until the ball is fully seated.
Possible causes include: (1) the hitch ball is not fully seated in the ball pocket—ensure the ball is fully seated before attempting to close the cap; (2) dirt or foreign material is preventing the collar from moving—clean the ball pocket and collar mechanism; (3) the coupler is damaged or deformed—replace the complete coupler and bracket. Do not force the cap closed, as this may damage the coupler.
Inspect the retaining pin for damage, bending, or wear. If the pin is damaged or worn, replace it. Replacement pins are available through Cequent Performance Products' Customer Service Department at 1-800-632-3290. If the pin is not damaged but is loose, the pin hole may be enlarged or damaged—contact Cequent for guidance on repair or replacement.
Check channel hardware for wear and proper tightness. Tighten all bolts to appropriate SAE proof load specifications: 3/8" – 23 ft. lbs., 1/2" – 55 ft. lbs., 5/8" – 110 ft. lbs. Use only grade 5 bolts. Also check that the coupler internal stop is still butted against the end of the trailer tongue. If bolts are tight and the coupler is still loose, the coupler may be damaged—replace the complete coupler and bracket.
Do not use the coupler. The weld must be inspected and repaired by an AWS certified welder. If the weld cannot be repaired, the complete coupler and bracket must be replaced. Weld failure indicates the coupler cannot support its rated load and is unsafe to use.
| Part Number | Model Number | Capacity (lbs.) | Overall Length (in.) | Latch | Ball Size (in.) | SAE Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 028384 | 2BBH | 5,000 | 16.00 | High Profile | 2 | III |
| 028288 | 2BBL | 5,000 | 16.00 | Low Profile | 2 | III |
| 028386 | 3BBH | 7,000 | 16.00 | High Profile | 2 | IV |
| 028287 | 3BBL | 7,000 | 16.00 | Low Profile | 2 | IV |
| 02828720 | 3BBL | 7,000 | 16.00 | Low Profile | 2 | IV |
| 028463 | 4BBH | 12,500 | 16.50 | High Profile | 2-5/16 | - |
| 028499 | 4BBL | 12,500 | 16.50 | Low Profile | 2-5/16 | - |
Sam
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May 22, 2023
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