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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: | 028499 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 13.65 LBS |
| CAPACITY: | 12,500 LBS. |
| MODEL NUMBER: | 4B8L |
| BALL DIAMETER: | 2.313 IN. |
| MATERIAL: | STEEL |
| MOUNTING HARDWARE INCLUDED: | NO |
| STYLE: | A-FRAME |
| HITCH CLASS: | V |
| SAFETY CHAINS INCLUDED: | NO |
| COLOR: | SILVER |
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 available in L-Style, H-Style, and M-Style configurations. It connects a trailer to a towing vehicle via a hitch ball. The coupler features a collar mechanism that secures the ball in the ball pocket and is held in place with a retaining pin. It is rated according to SAE J684 standard.
Three coupler models are available: 2B, 4B, and 5B (minimum 8.5" tongue overlap); 3B (minimum 6.5" overlap); and a model with 7" minimum overlap. One model allows 2.5" minimum overlap with the tongue fitting over or into the coupler. Consult your coupler documentation to identify your specific model.
The coupler includes a retaining pin and supplied bolts. The 3.0" channel is not included and must be obtained separately. Grade 5 bolts with locknuts are required for bolt-on installation. The number and size of fasteners required must be specified by the trailer manufacturer.
For weld-on installation, all welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder. For bolt-on installation, the manual does not explicitly require professional installation, but the coupler must be rigidly attached to the trailer and installed according to all instructions. Improper installation may result in coupler failure.
The manual does not specify whether drilling is required. For bolt-on installation, fastener holes must be present or created as specified by the trailer manufacturer. For weld-on installation, no drilling is mentioned. Consult the trailer manufacturer for specific hole requirements.
Torque grade 5 bolts with locknuts to the following SAE proofload specifications: 3/8" diameter – 23 ft-lbs; 1/2" diameter – 55 ft-lbs; 5/8" diameter – 110 ft-lbs. Channel hardware should be tightened to appropriate SAE proofload specifications and checked for proper tightness before towing.
Before towing, check: vehicle, channel, hitch, hitch ball and coupler for wear or damage; coupler handle opens and closes freely; hitch ball is fully seated in coupler ball pocket; coupler is closed with pin inserted; channel hardware is tight and not bent or worn; trailer safety chains are properly connected per SAE J684; all trailer lighting is hooked up and working. Do not tow if ball is not fully seated or coupler is not closed.
Perform the following procedures at least annually: check welds and mounting bolt torque; grease the ball pocket; oil pivot points with SAE 30 weight motor oil; inspect retaining pins and replace if necessary. Keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean. When parking or storing the trailer, keep the coupler off the ground to prevent dirt and foreign material buildup.
Cequent Performance Products provides a limited five-year warranty to the original consumer purchaser. The product is warranted to be free from material defects in material and workmanship, excluding ordinary wear and tear, provided installation and use comply with product instructions. The warranty does not cover normal wear, abuse, neglect, misuse, accidents, misapplication, overloading, improper installation (including welds), improper maintenance, or product alterations by anyone other than Cequent. The sole remedy is replacement or refund at Cequent's option. The warranty is not transferable.
Contact Cequent Performance Products at: 47912 Halyard Dr. Suite 100, Plymouth, MI 48170; phone 1-800-632-3290; or www.cequentgroup.com. For warranty claims, identify the product by model number and provide your purchase receipt. For replacement parts, specify the product model number. You are responsible for return shipping costs.
The proper ball size is indicated on the coupler body. Use only the ball size specified for your coupler model. If uncertain which ball size is correct, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
No. You must use only the proper ball for the coupler as indicated on the coupler body. Using an incorrect ball size may result in coupler failure and safety hazards. If uncertain about the correct ball size, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
Weld-on installation: The coupler internal stop is butted against the end of the trailer tongue, and a 3/16" weld is applied around the interface between coupler and tongue with no undercut or washout. All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder. Bolt-on installation: The coupler internal stop is butted against the trailer tongue end, and grade 5 bolts with locknuts are torqued to SAE proofload specifications with no deformation of the tongue end allowed. The number and size of fasteners must be specified by the trailer manufacturer.
Minimum tongue overlap is the required length of the trailer tongue that must extend into or under the coupler for proper installation. Different coupler models have different minimum overlap requirements: 2.5", 6.5", 7", or 8.5" depending on the model. The coupler internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue to achieve maximum overlap. Proper overlap ensures the coupler can support its maximum rated load according to SAE J684.
The 3.0" channel is a mounting component used with the coupler. It is not included with the coupler and must be obtained separately. The channel must be properly installed and its hardware checked for wear and tightness before towing. Channel hardware should be tightened to appropriate SAE proofload specifications.
The coupler internal stop is a feature inside the coupler that should be positioned firmly against the end of the trailer tongue before the coupler is secured (either welded or bolted). This positioning ensures maximum overlap between the coupler and tongue, which is necessary for the coupler to support its maximum rated load according to SAE J684 standards.
When performing the 3/16" weld around the interface between the coupler and tongue, the weld must be continuous and uniform without undercut (a groove or depression along the weld edge) or washout (erosion or thinning of the base metal). These defects weaken the weld and can cause coupler failure. All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder to ensure proper technique.
When bolting the coupler to the trailer tongue, the tongue end must remain straight and undamaged. The bolts must be torqued to the proper SAE proofload specifications without bending, crushing, or otherwise deforming the tongue end. Deformation would compromise the structural integrity of the connection and the coupler's ability to support its rated load.
Yes. Before mounting the coupler, confirm 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 before installing. After installation is complete, check for interference again. If interference is found, the coupler cannot be used safely.
Do not use the coupler. After installing the channel and/or coupler, if coupler operation has been impaired in any way, the coupler must not be used. Check that the coupler handle opens and closes freely and that the coupler can be properly opened and closed. If operation is impaired, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for assistance.
The torque specifications vary by bolt diameter: 3/8" diameter bolts are torqued to 23 ft-lbs; 1/2" diameter bolts to 55 ft-lbs; and 5/8" diameter bolts to 110 ft-lbs. These are SAE proofload specifications for grade 5 bolts with locknuts. Use the correct torque value for the bolt size specified by your trailer manufacturer.
Yes. The manual specifies that only grade 5 bolts with locknuts must be used for bolt-on coupler installation. Grade 5 bolts have the strength required to safely secure the coupler to the trailer tongue. Do not substitute with lower-grade fasteners.
Check channel hardware for wear and proper tightness before each towing trip. Additionally, as part of annual maintenance, check welds and mounting bolt torque. Tighten hardware to appropriate SAE proofload specifications if any looseness is found.
Do not exceed the lesser of the mounting bracket, coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings (including load). Never exceed the maximum rated capacity. Refer to the 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.
Block the trailer wheels to prevent movement. Align the hitch ball beneath the coupler. If the coupler is closed, open it by removing the retaining pin and sliding the collar away from the ball pocket, ensuring the coupler cap is open and holds the collar back. Then lower the trailer onto the hitch ball.
Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket. The ball should be completely inside the pocket with no gaps. After the ball is seated, carefully close the coupler cap and ensure the collar springs toward the ball pocket and captures the coupler cap. Then reinsert the retaining pin.
No. Do not tow without the retaining pin in place. The pin must be reinserted behind the collar (L-Style and M-Style) or in the latch (H-Style) after the coupler cap is closed and the ball is fully seated. The pin is essential for securing the coupler and preventing accidental opening during towing.
Always secure safety chains to the towing vehicle before towing according to SAE J684 standards. Make sure the trailer safety chains are properly connected to both the towing vehicle and the trailer. Safety chains provide a backup connection in case the coupler fails.
Block the trailer wheels to prevent movement. Then open the coupler by removing the retaining pin and sliding the collar away from the ball pocket (L-Style and M-Style) or by removing the pin in the latch and lifting the latch (H-Style). Ensure the coupler cap is open and holds the collar back. Finally, raise the trailer from the hitch ball.
Use caution when uncoupling as the tongue may rise suddenly due to negative tongue load. This sudden movement could cause injury or property damage. Always block the trailer wheels before uncoupling and be prepared for the tongue to move upward.
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 the trailer and load present serious hazards to children.
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 could result in severe injury or death.
As part of annual maintenance, grease the ball pocket. The manual indicates that grease should be applied to the ball pocket area, but specific grease type or application method is not detailed. Keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean to ensure proper operation.
Oil pivot points with SAE 30 weight motor oil. This should be done at least annually as part of routine maintenance. SAE 30 weight oil provides the proper viscosity for lubricating the moving parts of the coupler.
Inspect retaining pins at least annually and replace if necessary. A bent or worn pin may not properly secure the coupler, creating a safety hazard. Always use a replacement pin of the same size and type.
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. Keeping the coupler elevated prevents contamination and helps maintain proper operation.
During annual maintenance, check welds for signs of damage, cracking, or separation. If welds are damaged or compromised, the coupler must be replaced. Do not attempt to repair welds yourself; contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for replacement.
Maintenance procedures should be performed at least annually. These include: checking welds and mounting bolt torque; greasing the ball pocket; oiling pivot points with SAE 30 weight motor oil; and inspecting and replacing retaining pins if necessary. Additionally, check channel hardware for wear and tightness before each towing trip.
Keep the ball pocket and mechanism free of dirt, grease buildup, and foreign material. A clean ball pocket ensures the hitch ball seats properly and the coupler operates smoothly. When parking or storing the trailer, keep the coupler off the ground to prevent dirt accumulation. Periodically wipe out the ball pocket and inspect it for debris.
After installation is complete, verify that: the coupler operation has not been impaired in any way; there is no interference from the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, or other accessories in both open and closed positions; the coupler handle opens and closes freely; and the coupler is rigidly attached to the trailer. If any problems are found, do not use the coupler.
The coupler must be firmly and securely fastened to the trailer tongue so it cannot move, flex, or shift. For weld-on installation, this means a continuous, high-quality weld with no defects. For bolt-on installation, this means all bolts are torqued to the proper SAE proofload specifications and remain tight. A rigid attachment is necessary for the coupler to support its maximum rated load according to SAE J684.
SAE J684 is a standard established by the Society of Automotive Engineers that specifies requirements for trailer couplers and safety chains. The Bulldog Collar-Lok™ coupler is rated according to this standard, which ensures it meets minimum safety and performance requirements for towing.
No. The purchaser/owner must not alter or modify the product in any way. Modifications can compromise the structural integrity and safety of the coupler and will void the warranty. Use the coupler only as designed and installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Use only Cequent Performance Products' parts or parts of equal quality for repair and replacement. Replacement parts are available through Cequent Performance Products' Customer Service Department at 1-800-632-3290. Please specify the product model number when ordering.
Three coupler styles are available: L-Style (with a lever mechanism), H-Style (with a latch mechanism), and M-Style (with a lever mechanism). All three styles operate similarly but have different handle designs. The L-Style and M-Style use a pin behind the collar, while the H-Style uses a pin in the latch.
The three coupler styles are distinguished by their handle design: L-Style has a lever that slides; H-Style has a latch that lifts; M-Style has a lever that slides. Examine your coupler's handle mechanism to identify which style you have. The model number is also stamped or labeled on the coupler body.
L-Style and M-Style: Remove the pin behind the collar and slide the collar away from the ball pocket to open. H-Style: Remove the pin in the latch and lift the latch to open. All three styles require the coupler cap to be open and the collar to be held back. After the ball is seated, close the cap and reinsert the pin. The basic coupling and uncoupling sequence is the same for all styles.
If the coupler handle does not open and close freely, the coupler operation may be impaired. Do not use the coupler. Check for dirt, debris, or corrosion in the pivot points and ball pocket. Clean the mechanism thoroughly. If the handle still does not move freely after cleaning, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for assistance or replacement.
If the hitch ball is not fully seated in the coupler ball pocket, the coupler cannot be safely used. Possible causes include: incorrect ball size (verify the ball size matches the coupler specification), dirt or debris in the ball pocket (clean the pocket thoroughly), or a damaged coupler or ball. Do not tow until the ball is fully seated. If cleaning does not resolve the issue, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290.
If the collar does not spring toward the ball pocket and capture the coupler cap, the coupler operation is impaired. This may be caused by: dirt or debris in the mechanism, a bent or damaged collar, or a damaged spring. Clean the mechanism thoroughly. If the collar still does not operate properly after cleaning, do not use the coupler. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for replacement.
If the retaining pin is loose or falls out, the coupler collar may open accidentally during towing, creating a serious safety hazard. Inspect the pin for bending or wear and replace if necessary. Ensure the pin is fully inserted and seated in the collar or latch. If the pin hole is damaged or enlarged, the coupler must be replaced. Do not tow without the pin securely in place.
Loose bolts indicate the coupler is not rigidly attached to the trailer. Stop using the coupler immediately. Retorque all bolts to the appropriate SAE proofload specifications: 3/8" – 23 ft-lbs; 1/2" – 55 ft-lbs; 5/8" – 110 ft-lbs. Check bolts again before each towing trip and as part of annual maintenance. If bolts repeatedly loosen, use new bolts with locknuts or contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290.
If the coupler interferes with any part of the tow vehicle, trailer tongue, ground, or other accessories in either open or closed position, the coupler cannot be safely used. Do not tow. The coupler may be installed incorrectly or the trailer may not be compatible with this coupler model. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for assistance or consider a different coupler model.
A cracked or separated weld is a critical safety failure. Do not use the coupler. The coupler must be replaced. Do not attempt to repair the weld yourself. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 to order a replacement coupler. If the weld failed shortly after installation, the original welding may have been performed incorrectly; ensure any future welding is performed by an AWS certified welder.
Keep the ball pocket clean by wiping out dirt and debris regularly. For grease buildup, use a clean cloth or soft brush to remove excess grease. Do not use harsh solvents that may damage the coupler. After cleaning, apply fresh grease to the ball pocket as part of annual maintenance. Keeping the coupler off the ground when parked or stored prevents dirt accumulation.
| 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
Ordered online. Shipment arrived on time and with all the correct parts. Great customer service and friendly staff. Also, pricing was great!
May 22, 2023
