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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: | 028384 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 12.55 LBS |
| CAPACITY: | 5,000 LBS. |
| MODEL NUMBER: | 2B8H |
| BALL DIAMETER: | 2 IN. |
| MATERIAL: | STEEL |
| MOUNTING HARDWARE INCLUDED: | NO |
| MOUNTING HOLE DIAMETER: | 2.312 IN. |
| MOUNTING HOLE QUANTITY: | 3 |
| STYLE: | A-FRAME |
| HITCH CLASS: | III |
| 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"; some models allow 7" or 2.5" overlap (tongue may fit over or into coupler). Ensure the coupler internal stop is butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap before securing.
The coupler includes a retaining pin and supplied bolts. A 3.0" channel is not included and must be obtained separately. Only grade 5 hardware must be used for installation.
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. per SAE specifications.
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.
Before towing, verify: vehicle, channel, hitch, ball, and coupler show no 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; trailer safety chains are properly connected per SAE J684; all trailer lighting works. Replace any bent, broken, or worn parts.
Perform 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. When parking or storing, keep the coupler off the ground to prevent dirt and foreign material buildup.
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 multiple models (2B, 3B, 4B, 5B) and styles (L-Style, H-Style, M-Style). The coupler features a collar mechanism that captures and secures the hitch ball, and is rated according to SAE J684 standards. It can be installed via welding (AWS certified welder required) or bolting (grade 5 hardware with proper torque).
Coupler models are identified by minimum tongue overlap requirements: 2B, 4B, and 5B require 8.5" overlap; 3B requires 6.5"; some configurations allow 7" or 2.5" overlap. Measure your trailer tongue length and match it to the model's minimum overlap specification. The coupler internal stop must butt against the end of the trailer tongue. If uncertain about which model fits your trailer, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
Before mounting the coupler, confirm there will be no interference from the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, and any other mounted accessories while stationary or in motion. Check for interference in both open and closed coupler positions before installation. After installation is complete, verify again that no interference exists. If coupler operation has been impaired in any way after installation, do not use it.
Use only the proper ball size for your coupler as indicated on the coupler body. The correct ball size is stamped or marked on the coupler itself. If uncertain which ball size is correct, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com. Never use an incorrect ball size.
The manual does not address battery disconnection. This is a weld-on or bolt-on coupler installation with no electrical components, so battery disconnection is not mentioned as a requirement.
Weld-on installation: The coupler internal stop is butted against the trailer tongue end, 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 proof load specifications (3/8" = 23 ft. lbs., 1/2" = 55 ft. lbs., 5/8" = 110 ft. lbs.). No deformation of the trailer tongue end is allowed. The trailer manufacturer must specify the number and size of fasteners required.
Apply a 3/16" weld around the entire interface between the coupler and trailer tongue. Ensure the coupler internal stop is butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap before welding. Do not create undercut or washout while welding. All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder. The coupler must be rigidly attached to the trailer to support its maximum rated load per SAE J684.
For weld-on models, professional installation by an AWS certified welder is required. For bolt-on models, the manual does not explicitly state whether professional installation is required, but proper torque application and alignment are critical. The coupler must be rigidly attached to the trailer to support its maximum rated load per SAE J684. If you are uncertain about your ability to install the coupler correctly, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290.
The manual does not specify which tools are required for bolt-on installation. You will need tools to torque bolts to the specified SAE proof load values (3/8" = 23 ft. lbs., 1/2" = 55 ft. lbs., 5/8" = 110 ft. lbs.), such as a torque wrench. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for detailed tool recommendations.
The manual does not mention drilling as part of the installation process for either weld-on or bolt-on models. For bolt-on installation, the trailer manufacturer must specify the number and size of fasteners required, which may imply pre-drilled holes, but the manual does not confirm this.
Channel hardware should be tightened to 75–100 ft. lbs. according to SAE specifications. Use only grade 5 hardware. Check channel hardware for wear and proper tightness before towing, and replace any bent, broken, or worn hardware.
Do not exceed the lesser of the mounting bracket, coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings (including load). Refer to the stamped markings or decals on the product to obtain the rated capacity. Weigh your trailer plus added load before towing. If uncertain about the capacity, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
The coupling procedure varies by coupler style. For L-Style and M-Style couplers: (1) Block trailer wheels; (2) Align hitch ball beneath coupler; (3) If coupler is closed, open it by removing the pin behind the collar 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 check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler; (6) Carefully close the coupler cap, ensuring the collar springs toward the ball pocket and captures the cap; (7) Reinsert the pin behind the collar—do not tow without the pin in place; (8) Always secure safety chains to the vehicle before towing per SAE J684. For H-Style couplers, the procedure is similar but uses a latch instead of a collar.
The uncoupling procedure varies by coupler style. For L-Style and M-Style couplers: (1) Block trailer wheels; (2) Open the coupler by removing the pin behind the collar and sliding the collar away from the ball pocket, ensuring the coupler cap is open and holds the collar back; (3) Raise the trailer from the hitch ball. For H-Style couplers: (1) Block trailer wheels; (2) Open the coupler by removing the pin in the latch and lifting the latch, 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.
Always block trailer wheels before coupling or uncoupling. Never position any part of your body under the coupler or the load being supported. Do not allow children to play on or around the coupler or load. Use caution when uncoupling as the tongue may rise suddenly due to negative tongue load. Always secure the load, vehicle, and trailer (by blocking wheels) before latching or unlatching the coupler. Always secure safety chains to the towing vehicle before towing per SAE J684.
Before towing, verify: (1) The hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket; (2) The coupler is closed and the retaining pin is inserted behind the collar or through the latch; (3) The vehicle, channel, hitch, ball, and coupler show no signs of wear or damage; (4) The coupler handle opens and closes freely; (5) Channel hardware is tight and not bent, broken, or worn; (6) Trailer safety chains are properly connected to the towing vehicle and trailer per SAE J684; (7) All trailer lighting is hooked up and working properly. Do not tow if the ball is not fully seated or the coupler is not closed.
After installation is complete: (1) Check for interference between the coupler and the tow vehicle, trailer tongue, ground, and any other mounted accessories 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 that all welds (if applicable) are sound and all bolts are properly torqued. Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired.
Maintenance 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. Additionally, keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean at all times. When parking or storing your trailer, keep the coupler off the ground to prevent dirt and foreign material buildup.
Keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean at all times. Perform the following annually: (1) Grease the ball pocket; (2) Oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil. When parking or storing your trailer, keep the coupler off the ground to prevent dirt and foreign material buildup in the coupler ball pocket.
Perform the following inspections at least annually: (1) Check welds for integrity and mounting bolt torque; (2) Inspect retaining pins and replace if necessary; (3) Check the ball pocket and mechanism for cleanliness and foreign material; (4) Verify that the coupler handle opens and closes freely; (5) Look for signs of wear or damage on the coupler, channel, and hardware.
If the coupler handle does not open and close freely, this indicates a problem with coupler operation. Do not use the coupler. Check for dirt, debris, or foreign material in the ball pocket and mechanism, and clean thoroughly. If the problem persists after cleaning, the coupler may be damaged or deformed and should be replaced. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for replacement parts or service.
If the coupler and/or channel is deformed or damaged, replace the complete coupler and bracket. Do not attempt to repair a damaged coupler. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 to order replacement parts. Specify the product model number when ordering.
If the hitch ball is not fully seated in the coupler ball pocket, do not tow. Verify that you are using the correct ball size for your coupler (as indicated on the coupler body). Ensure the coupler is fully open before lowering the trailer onto the ball. Lower the trailer slowly and check visually that the ball is fully seated. If the ball still does not seat properly, the coupler or ball may be damaged or the wrong size. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for assistance.
If the retaining pin does not stay in place, inspect it for damage or wear. If the pin is bent, broken, or worn, replace it. Inspect the pin holes in the coupler collar or latch to ensure they are not damaged or enlarged. If the holes are damaged, the coupler may need to be replaced. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for replacement pins or service.
If channel hardware bolts are loose, tighten them immediately to the appropriate SAE proof load specifications: 3/8" diameter = 23 ft. lbs., 1/2" diameter = 55 ft. lbs., 5/8" diameter = 110 ft. lbs. Use only grade 5 hardware. If bolts repeatedly loosen, inspect them for damage and replace if necessary. Check the mounting surface for cracks or deformation. Do not tow until all bolts are properly tightened.
If welds are cracked, broken, or show signs of damage, do not use the coupler. The coupler must be rigidly attached to the trailer to support its maximum rated load per SAE J684. Damaged welds compromise the structural integrity of the coupler. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 to order a replacement coupler. Do not attempt to repair welds yourself unless you are an AWS certified welder.
Clean the ball pocket and mechanism thoroughly. Remove any dirt, debris, or foreign material that may have accumulated. Keep the coupler off the ground when parking or storing your trailer to prevent dirt and foreign material from building up in the ball pocket. If the coupler operation is impaired after cleaning, do not use it. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for service or replacement.
| 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 | - |
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