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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: | 028442 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 9.55 LBS |
| CAPACITY: | 12,500 LBS. |
| COLOR: | GRAY |
| MODEL NUMBER: | 4B2M |
| MATERIAL: | STEEL |
| BALL DIAMETER: | 2.313 IN. |
| MOUNTING HARDWARE INCLUDED: | NO |
| CHANNEL WIDTH: | 2.25 IN. |
| HITCH CLASS: | V |
| SAFETY CHAINS INCLUDED: | NO |
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 designed to connect 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 must be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and is rated according to SAE J684 standards. The product is supplied with a retaining pin and hardware, though a 3.0" channel is not included.
Minimum tongue overlap varies by model: 2B, 4B, and 5B models require 8.5" minimum overlap; 3B models require 6.5" minimum overlap. For bolt-on installations, the coupler internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap. One model allows 2.5" minimum overlap with the tongue fitting over or into the coupler.
Yes. The manual states that a 3.0" channel is "not included" with the coupler. You must obtain this separately from the trailer manufacturer or supplier.
Use only the proper ball size as indicated on the coupler body. If you are uncertain which ball size is correct for your coupler, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
The coupler is supplied with a retaining pin and bolts. The exact number and size of fasteners required for bolt-on installation must be specified by the trailer manufacturer. Grade 5 bolts with locknuts are required for bolt-on installation.
Yes. All welding must be performed by an AWS (American Welding Society) certified welder. This is stated as a requirement at the beginning of the instructions and repeated in the weld-on instructions section.
Before installation, 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. All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder.
Weld 3/16" around the interface between the coupler and tongue. Ensure the coupler internal stop is butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap. No undercut or washout is permitted while welding. All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder.
Torque grade 5 bolts with locknuts to the following SAE proof load specifications: 3/8" diameter bolts: 23 ft-lbs; 1/2" diameter bolts: 55 ft-lbs; 5/8" diameter bolts: 110 ft-lbs. The exact number and size of fasteners required must be specified by the trailer manufacturer.
The manual does not specify whether factory bolts can be reused. It states that grade 5 bolts with locknuts must be used and that the number and size of fasteners required must be specified by the trailer manufacturer. Contact the trailer manufacturer or Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for guidance on reusing existing fasteners.
The manual does not explicitly state whether drilling is required. It specifies that the number and size of fasteners required must be specified by the trailer manufacturer, and that grade 5 bolts with locknuts must be torqued to appropriate SAE proof load specifications. Contact your trailer manufacturer or Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for specific installation requirements.
The coupler internal stop is a feature on the coupler body that should be positioned flush against the end of the trailer tongue before securing the coupler. This positioning ensures maximum overlap between the coupler and tongue, which is critical for proper load support. No deformation of the trailer tongue end is allowed during this process.
The weight capacity varies by model. 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 for your specific model. 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 in the coupler ball pocket and/or the coupler is not closed. Before towing, visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler, close the coupler, and insert the retaining pin. Do not tow without the pin in place.
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.
After installation, check to make sure that coupler operation has not been impaired in any way. Check for interference again after installation is complete. If coupler operation has been impaired, do not use it. Before towing, check the vehicle, channel, hitch, hitch ball, and coupler for signs of wear or damage and that the coupler handle opens and closes freely.
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 retaining pins and replacing if necessary. Keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean at all times.
Grease the ball pocket. Oil pivot points with SAE 30 weight motor oil. These maintenance steps should be performed at least annually.
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.
Never position any part of your body under any portion of the coupler or the load being supported. Do not allow children to play on or around the coupler or the load being supported. Always secure the load, vehicle, and trailer by blocking wheels before latching or unlatching the coupler.
Before towing, perform the following checks: (1) Check the vehicle, channel, hitch, hitch ball, and coupler for signs of wear or damage and that the coupler handle opens and closes freely. (2) Check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket, close the coupler, and insert the pin behind the collar or through the latch. (3) Check channel hardware for wear and proper tightness; replace bent, broken, or worn hardware and tighten to appropriate SAE proof load specifications using only grade 5 hardware. (4) Make sure trailer safety chains are properly connected to the towing vehicle and trailer according to SAE J684. (5) Make sure all trailer lighting is hooked up and working properly.
To couple: (1) Block trailer wheels. (2) Align hitch ball beneath coupler. (3) If the coupler is closed, open it by removing the pin behind the collar and sliding the collar away from the ball pocket. Be sure the coupler cap is open and holds the collar back. (4) Lower the trailer onto the hitch ball. (5) Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler. (6) After the hitch ball is seated, carefully close the coupler cap. Be sure the collar springs toward the ball pocket and captures the coupler 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.
To uncouple: (1) Block trailer wheels. (2) Open the coupler by removing the pin behind the collar and sliding the collar away from the ball pocket. Be sure the coupler cap is open and holds the collar back. (3) Raise the trailer from the hitch ball.
To couple: (1) Block trailer wheels. (2) Align hitch ball beneath coupler. (3) If the coupler is closed, open it by removing the pin in the latch and lifting the latch. Be sure the coupler cap is open and holds the collar back. (4) Lower the trailer onto the hitch ball. (5) Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler. (6) After the hitch ball is seated, carefully close the coupler cap and lower the latch. Be sure the collar springs toward the ball pocket and captures the coupler 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.
To uncouple: (1) Block trailer wheels. (2) Open the coupler by removing the pin in the latch and lifting the latch. Be sure the coupler cap is open and holds the collar back. (3) Raise the trailer from the hitch ball.
To couple: (1) Block trailer wheels. (2) Align hitch ball beneath coupler. (3) If the coupler is closed, open it by removing the pin behind the collar and sliding the collar away from the ball pocket. Be sure the coupler cap is open and holds the collar back. (4) Lower the trailer onto the hitch ball. (5) Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler. (6) After the hitch ball is seated, carefully close the coupler cap. Be sure the collar springs toward the ball pocket and captures the coupler 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.
To uncouple: (1) Block trailer wheels. (2) Open the coupler by removing the pin behind the collar and sliding the collar away from the ball pocket. Be sure the coupler cap is open and holds the collar back. (3) Raise the trailer from the 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, provided that installation and use of the product is in accordance with product instructions. The 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. If the product does not comply with the warranty, the sole remedy is replacement without charge or refund of the purchase price. This 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 to verify the date of purchase and that you are the original consumer purchaser. You will be responsible for return shipping costs.
No. The 3.0" channel is not included and must be purchased separately.
Use only grade 5 bolts with locknuts, torqued to the appropriate SAE proof load specifications: 3/8" = 23 ft-lbs, 1/2" = 55 ft-lbs, 5/8" = 110 ft-lbs.
No. Do not tow without the retaining pin in place. The pin must be inserted behind the collar (L-Style and M-Style) or in the latch (H-Style) after the coupler cap is closed.
Perform maintenance at least annually: check welds and mounting bolt torque, grease the ball pocket, oil pivot points with SAE 30 weight motor oil, and inspect retaining pins.
Minimum overlap varies by model: 2B, 4B, 5B = 8.5"; 3B = 6.5"; one model allows 2.5" with tongue fitting over or into coupler. Consult your specific model documentation.
Verify the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler, the coupler is closed with the retaining pin in place, the coupler handle opens and closes freely, channel hardware is tight, and safety chains are properly connected per SAE J684.
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 for assistance. If the coupler and/or channel is deformed or damaged, replace the complete coupler and bracket.
Check the vehicle, channel, hitch, hitch ball, and coupler for signs of wear or damage. If the coupler handle does not open and close freely, the coupler and/or channel may be deformed or damaged. Replace the complete coupler and bracket. Do not use the coupler if operation has been impaired.
Do not tow. Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket before closing the coupler cap. If the ball is not fully seated, raise the trailer and realign the hitch ball beneath the coupler, then lower the trailer again. Ensure the ball is fully seated before closing the coupler cap and inserting the retaining pin.
This is normal behavior due to negative tongue load. Use caution when uncoupling. Always block the trailer wheels before uncoupling to prevent the trailer from moving unexpectedly.
| Part Number | Model Number | Capacity (lbs.) | Overall Length (in.) | Latch | Ball Size (in.) | SAE Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 028381 | 2B2H | 5,000 | 10.75 | High Profile | 2 | III |
| 028242 | 2B2M | 5,000 | 10.75 | Pin Style | 2 | III |
| 028461 | 4B2H | 12,500 | 12.75 | High Profile | 2-5/16 | - |
| 028442 | 4B2M | 12,500 | 12.75 | Pin Style | 2-5/16 | - |
| Replacement Parts | ||||||
| 024200 | High Profile Coupler Repair Kit | |||||
| 500354 | Coupler Cap Spring | |||||
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May 22, 2023
