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Bulldog
Always the correct part
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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: | 028287 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 12.25 LBS |
| CAPACITY: | 7,000 LBS. |
| MODEL NUMBER: | 3B8L |
| 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: | 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 multiple models (2B, 3B, 4B, 5B) and styles (L, H, M). The coupler uses a collar mechanism with a pin or latch to secure the hitch ball in the ball pocket. It is rated according to SAE J684 standard for trailer safety.
Minimum tongue overlap varies by model: 2B, 4B, and 5B models require 8.5 inches; 3B model requires 6.5 inches; and one model variant allows 7 inches. One configuration allows 2.5 inches minimum overlap, with the tongue able to fit over or into the coupler. The coupler internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap.
Yes. The manual shows a 3.0" channel is required but is not included with the coupler. You must obtain this separately. The channel is necessary for proper installation and support of the coupler on the trailer tongue.
You must use only the proper ball size indicated on the coupler body itself. Do not assume the size. If you are uncertain which ball size is correct for your specific coupler model, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
Yes. All welding must be performed by an AWS (American Welding Society) certified welder. This is a mandatory requirement stated multiple times in the manual. Improper welding can result in coupler failure and safety hazards.
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. The coupler must be rigidly attached to the trailer to support its maximum rated load according to SAE J684.
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 table). 3. Allow no deformation of the trailer tongue end. The number and size of fasteners required must be specified by the trailer manufacturer.
Torque grade 5 bolts with locknuts as follows: 3/8" diameter bolts: 23 ft-lbs; 1/2" diameter bolts: 55 ft-lbs; 5/8" diameter bolts: 110 ft-lbs. These are SAE proof load specifications. Use only grade 5 hardware.
Before installation, 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. After installation is complete, check for interference again. The coupler must be rigidly attached to the trailer to support its maximum rated load.
Do not exceed the lesser of the mounting bracket, coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings (including load). The maximum rated capacity is stamped or shown on decals on the product itself. If uncertain about the capacity, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
No. Do not tow if the ball is not fully seated in the coupler ball pocket and/or the coupler is not closed. Always visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler before towing.
Block the trailer wheels before coupling. Align the hitch ball beneath the coupler. If the coupler is closed, open it by removing the pin (or latch pin, depending on style) and sliding the collar away from the ball pocket. Ensure the coupler cap is open and holds the collar back. Then lower the trailer onto the hitch ball.
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; ensure the coupler cap is open. 4. Lower the trailer onto the hitch ball. 5. Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated. 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 according to SAE J684.
1. Block trailer wheels. 2. Align hitch ball beneath coupler. 3. If coupler is closed, open it by removing the pin in the latch and lifting the latch; ensure the coupler cap is open. 4. Lower the trailer onto the hitch ball. 5. Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated. 6. Carefully close the coupler cap and lower the latch, ensuring the collar springs toward the ball pocket and captures the cap. 7. Reinsert the pin in the latch. Do not tow without the pin in place. 8. Always secure safety chains to the vehicle before towing according to SAE J684.
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; ensure the coupler cap is open. 4. Lower the trailer onto the hitch ball. 5. Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated. 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 according to SAE J684.
1. Block trailer wheels. 2. Open the coupler by removing the pin behind the collar and sliding the collar away from the ball pocket. Ensure the coupler cap is open and holds the collar back. 3. Raise the trailer from the hitch ball.
1. Block trailer wheels. 2. Open the coupler by removing the pin in the latch and lifting the latch. Ensure the coupler cap is open and holds the collar back. 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 the trailer wheels before uncoupling, and ensure the coupler cap is open and holds the collar back before raising the trailer from the hitch ball.
Before towing, perform these checks: 1. Check the vehicle, channel, hitch, hitch ball, and coupler for signs of wear or damage. 2. Verify the coupler handle opens and closes freely. 3. Check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket. 4. Close the coupler and insert the pin behind the collar or through the latch. 5. Check channel hardware for wear and proper tightness; replace bent, broken, or worn hardware. 6. Tighten hardware to appropriate SAE proof load specifications using only grade 5 hardware. 7. Verify trailer safety chains are properly connected to the towing vehicle and trailer according to SAE J684. 8. Verify all trailer lighting is hooked up and working properly.
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. 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.
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 will not build up in the coupler ball pocket. Grease the ball pocket and oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil at least 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. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for replacement parts.
Cequent Performance Products warrants the coupler to be free from material defects in both material and workmanship for five years from the original purchase date, ordinary wear and tear excepted, provided installation and use are in accordance with the product instructions. The warranty is limited to the original consumer purchaser only and is not transferable. If the product does not comply with this warranty, the sole remedy is replacement without charge or refund of the purchase price at the manufacturer's option.
The limited five-year warranty does not cover: (a) normal wear and tear; (b) damage through abuse, neglect, misuse, or accident; (c) damage from misapplication, overloading, or improper installation, including welds; (d) improper maintenance and repair; and (e) product alteration in any manner by anyone other than the manufacturer, except alterations made pursuant to product instructions and in a workmanlike manner.
No. The 3.0" channel is not included and must be purchased separately.
Yes. All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder. This is mandatory.
Torque 1/2" grade 5 bolts with locknuts to 55 ft-lbs according to SAE proof load specifications.
No. Do not tow without the pin in place. The pin must be reinserted behind the collar (L/M styles) or in the latch (H style) after closing the coupler.
At least annually: check welds and mounting bolt torque, grease the ball pocket, oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil, and inspect retaining pins.
Verify the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler, the coupler is closed, the retaining pin is in place, safety chains are connected, and all trailer lights are working.
8.5 inches minimum tongue overlap is required for 2B, 4B, and 5B models.
This indicates a problem with the coupler. Before towing, 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 tow with a coupler that does not operate freely, as this indicates impaired operation.
Do not tow. Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket. If it is not fully seated after lowering the trailer onto the ball, stop and investigate. Possible causes include: the ball size does not match the coupler (verify the correct ball size is marked on the coupler body), the coupler is not fully open, or there is debris in the ball pocket. Clean the ball pocket if necessary and ensure the coupler is fully open before attempting to couple again.
Keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean. Remove any dirt or foreign material from the ball pocket. If the coupler is stored or parked, keep it off the ground to prevent dirt and other foreign material from building up in the ball pocket. At least annually, grease the ball pocket as part of routine maintenance.
Do not use the coupler. If the coupler and/or channel is deformed or damaged, replace the complete coupler and bracket. Deformation or damage indicates the coupler cannot safely support its rated load. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 to order replacement parts, specifying the product model number.
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| 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
The staff was able to quickly assist me with locating the correct product I needed. Shipping was really fast. Item arrived in 2 days. Will be using TowUniverse again!!
May 22, 2023
