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Bulldog
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Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality 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: | 028655 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 16.1 LBS |
| CAPACITY: | 15,000 LBS. |
| MODEL NUMBER: | 5B8L |
| BALL DIAMETER: | 2.313 IN. |
| MATERIAL: | STEEL |
| MOUNTING HARDWARE INCLUDED: | NO |
| STYLE: | A-FRAME |
| HITCH CLASS: | V |
| 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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Minimum tongue overlap varies by model: 2B, 4B, and 5B models require 8.5"; 3B model requires 6.5"; and one configuration allows 7" overlap. One model allows 2.5" overlap with the tongue fitting over or into the coupler. The coupler internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap.
The coupler includes a retaining pin. A 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 must be specified by the trailer manufacturer.
Yes. All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder. The coupler internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue, and a 3/16" weld must be applied around the interface between coupler and tongue with no undercut or washout.
Torque grade 5 bolts with locknuts to SAE proof load 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 75–100 ft·lbs.
Before towing, verify: the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket; the coupler is closed and the retaining pin is in place; the coupler handle opens and closes freely; the coupler and channel show no signs of deformation or damage; channel hardware is tight and not worn; the hitch ball matches the coupler body marking; and safety chains are properly connected per SAE J684.
At least annually: check welds and mounting bolt torque; grease the ball pocket; oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil; inspect retaining pins and replace if necessary. Keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean at all times, and when parking or storing the trailer, keep the coupler off the ground to prevent dirt buildup.
The Bulldog Collar-Lok coupler is a trailer tongue coupler that connects a trailer to a towing vehicle via a hitch ball. It features a collar mechanism that locks the ball in place and a retaining pin for safety. The coupler is rated according to SAE J684 and is available in multiple models (2B, 3B, 4B, 5B) with different tongue overlap requirements.
Cequent Performance Products provides a limited five-year warranty covering material and workmanship defects, excluding normal wear and tear. The warranty applies only to the original consumer purchaser and does not cover damage from abuse, neglect, misuse, accidents, overloading, improper installation, improper maintenance, or product alteration. Warranty claims must include the product model number and original purchase receipt.
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 installation, and check again after installation is complete. If interference is found, do not use the coupler.
Use only the proper ball size indicated on the coupler body. If you are uncertain which ball is correct, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com. Using an incorrect ball size can result in coupler failure and unsafe towing.
The maximum rated capacity is stamped on the coupler body or shown on decals. Never exceed the lesser of the mounting bracket, coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings (including load). Weigh your trailer plus added load before towing. If you are uncertain of the capacity, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
Weld-on installation: the coupler internal stop is butted against the trailer tongue end, and a 3/16" weld is applied around the interface with no undercut or washout. This must be performed by an AWS certified welder. Bolt-on installation: the coupler internal stop is butted against the tongue end, and grade 5 bolts with locknuts are torqued to SAE proof load specifications. The number and size of bolts must be specified by the trailer manufacturer.
The coupler internal stop is a feature inside the coupler that should be positioned flush against the end of the trailer tongue before welding or bolting. This ensures maximum overlap between the coupler and tongue, which is critical for the coupler to support its maximum rated load according to SAE J684.
For bolt-on installation, no deformation of the trailer tongue end is allowed. The coupler internal stop must be butted against the tongue end, and bolts are torqued to secure it. For weld-on installation, the coupler is welded to the tongue. The number and size of fasteners required must be specified by the trailer manufacturer. Do not alter or modify the product itself.
Tighten channel hardware to 75–100 ft·lbs. Use only grade 5 hardware. Check channel hardware for wear and proper tightness before towing, and replace any bent, broken, or worn hardware.
1. Block the trailer wheels. 2. Align the hitch ball beneath the coupler. 3. 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. 4. Lower the trailer onto the hitch ball. 5. Visually verify the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler. 6. Close the coupler cap carefully, ensuring the collar springs toward the ball pocket and captures the cap. 7. Reinsert the retaining pin. 8. Secure safety chains to the towing vehicle per SAE J684. Do not tow without the pin in place.
1. Block the trailer wheels. 2. Open the coupler by removing the retaining pin and sliding the collar away from the ball pocket, ensuring the coupler cap is open. 3. Raise the trailer from the hitch ball. Use caution when uncoupling as the tongue may rise suddenly due to negative tongue load.
Keeping the ball pocket and mechanism clean prevents dirt and foreign material from building up, which can impair coupler operation. When parking or storing the trailer, keep the coupler off the ground. If coupler operation has been impaired in any way after installation, do not use it. Perform annual maintenance including greasing the ball pocket and oiling pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil.
The retaining pin is a safety device that locks the coupler collar in place after the hitch ball is seated. It must be inserted behind the collar (L-Style and M-Style) or through the latch (H-Style) after closing the coupler. Do not tow without the retaining pin in place, as it prevents the coupler from opening during towing.
No. Do not tow if the ball is not fully seated and/or the coupler is not closed. Before towing, visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket, the coupler is closed, and the retaining pin is in place.
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.
Use SAE 30 wt. motor oil on pivot points. This should be done at least annually as part of routine maintenance.
When parking or storing the trailer, keep the coupler off the ground so dirt and/or other foreign material will not build up in the coupler ball pocket. This helps maintain coupler operation and extends the life of the mechanism.
Always block the trailer wheels before latching or unlatching the coupler. Use caution when uncoupling as the tongue may rise suddenly due to negative tongue load. Never position any part of your body under the product or the load being supported. Do not allow children to play on or around the product or load.
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. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com for assistance.
After installation is complete: (1) Check for interference again in both open and closed positions. (2) Verify that coupler operation has not been impaired in any way. (3) Ensure the coupler is rigidly attached to the trailer. (4) Check that the coupler handle opens and closes freely. (5) Verify channel hardware is tight and not worn. If any issues are found, do not use the coupler.
Use only grade 5 bolts with locknuts. The number and size of fasteners required must be specified by the trailer manufacturer. Torque the bolts to the appropriate SAE proof load specifications: 3/8" = 23 ft·lbs, 1/2" = 55 ft·lbs, 5/8" = 110 ft·lbs.
A 3.0" channel is referenced in the installation diagrams but is noted as "not included." Whether a channel is required depends on your specific trailer configuration and the coupler model. Consult the trailer manufacturer or contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for guidance on whether a channel is necessary for your installation.
Three coupler styles are shown: L-Style (with lever), H-Style (with latch), and M-Style (with pin). All three operate similarly: the collar is removed to open the coupler, the hitch ball is lowered into the ball pocket, and the collar is closed and secured with a retaining pin. The specific style available may depend on the model (2B, 3B, 4B, or 5B).
Yes. Always secure safety chains to the towing vehicle and trailer before towing according to SAE J684. Safety chains are a critical backup in case the coupler becomes disconnected.
Make sure that all trailer lighting is hooked up and working properly before towing. This is part of the pre-towing safety checklist.
SAE J684 is a standard for trailer couplers and safety chains. The Bulldog Collar-Lok coupler is rated according to SAE J684, which establishes requirements for coupler design, capacity, and safety. Safety chains must be connected according to SAE J684 standards.
If the coupler handle does not open and close freely, the coupler may be damaged or deformed. Check the coupler for signs of wear or damage. If the coupler and/or channel is deformed or damaged, replace the complete coupler and bracket. Do not attempt to use a damaged coupler, as it will not operate safely.
If the hitch ball is not fully seated, do not tow. Open the coupler completely by removing the retaining pin and sliding the collar fully away from the ball pocket. Ensure the coupler cap is open. Lower the trailer again, aligning the hitch ball directly beneath the coupler. Visually verify that the ball is fully seated in the ball pocket before closing the coupler and reinserting the pin.
If the collar does not spring toward the ball pocket and capture the coupler cap, the coupler mechanism may be damaged or the collar may be stuck. Do not tow. Check the coupler for dirt, debris, or damage. Clean the ball pocket and mechanism. If the problem persists, the coupler operation has been impaired and the coupler should not be used. Replace the complete coupler and bracket.
Clean the ball pocket and mechanism. When parking or storing the trailer, keep the coupler off the ground to prevent dirt and foreign material from building up. If dirt has accumulated and cleaning does not restore proper operation, the coupler operation may be impaired. Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired in any way.
This is normal behavior caused by negative tongue load. Use caution when uncoupling. Always block the trailer wheels before uncoupling to prevent the trailer from moving unexpectedly. Ensure the coupler is fully open and the collar is slid away from the ball pocket before raising the trailer from the hitch ball.
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