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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: | 028242 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 8.3 LBS |
| CAPACITY: | 5,000 LBS. |
| COLOR: | GRAY |
| MODEL NUMBER: | 2B2M |
| MATERIAL: | STEEL |
| BALL DIAMETER: | 2 IN. |
| MOUNTING HARDWARE INCLUDED: | NO |
| CHANNEL WIDTH: | 2.25 IN. |
| HITCH CLASS: | III |
| 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 that connects a trailer to a towing vehicle via a hitch ball. It is available in models 2B, 3B, 4B, and 5B, each with different minimum tongue overlap requirements. The coupler must be either welded or bolted to the trailer tongue and is rated according to SAE J684.
Model 2B, 4B, and 5B require a minimum tongue overlap of 8.5". Model 3B requires 6.5" minimum overlap. One model allows 7" minimum overlap, and another allows 2.5" minimum overlap (tongue may fit over or into coupler). The coupler internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap.
The coupler comes with a retaining pin and supplied bolts. A 3.0" channel is required but not included. For bolt-on installation, grade 5 bolts with locknuts are required; the number and size must be specified by the trailer manufacturer.
The coupler is available in both weld-on and bolt-on versions. Weld-on requires a 3/16" weld around the interface between coupler and tongue, performed by an AWS certified welder. Bolt-on uses grade 5 bolts with locknuts torqued to SAE proof load specifications.
Torque grade 5 bolts with locknuts to the following SAE proof load specifications: 3/8" diameter – 23 ft. lbs.; 1/2" diameter – 55 ft. lbs.; 5/8" diameter – 110 ft. lbs.
Yes. All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder. This is a mandatory requirement stated multiple times in the manual. If using a weld-on coupler, weld 3/16" around the interface between coupler and tongue with no undercut or washout.
Do not exceed the lesser of the mounting bracket, coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings (including load). Refer to 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.
Before towing, check: (1) vehicle, channel, hitch, hitch ball and coupler for signs of wear or damage; (2) coupler handle opens and closes freely; (3) hitch ball is fully seated in coupler ball pocket; (4) coupler is closed and pin is inserted; (5) channel hardware for wear and proper tightness; (6) trailer safety chains are properly connected per SAE J684; (7) all trailer lighting is hooked up and working.
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, keep the coupler off the ground to prevent dirt and foreign material buildup.
The product is identified as F3290 (Rev E-4718). It is available in four models: 2B, 3B, 4B, and 5B, each with different minimum tongue overlap specifications.
No. You must use only the proper ball for the coupler as indicated on the coupler body. If uncertain which ball size is correct, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
Yes. Before mounting the coupler, confirm that 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 positions before installing, and check again after installation is complete.
Weld 3/16" around the interface between the coupler and tongue. There must be no undercut or washout while welding. The coupler internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap.
The minimum tongue overlap for model 2B is 8.5". The coupler internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue to achieve maximum overlap.
The minimum tongue overlap for model 3B is 6.5". The coupler internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue to achieve maximum overlap.
The minimum tongue overlap for models 4B and 5B is 8.5". The coupler internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue to achieve maximum overlap.
Yes, for one model variant. The minimum tongue overlap is 2.5", and the tongue may fit over or into the coupler. However, the coupler internal stop must still be butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap.
One model variant requires a minimum tongue overlap of 7". The coupler internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue to achieve maximum overlap.
A 3.0" channel is required for bolt-on installation. The channel is not included with the coupler and must be obtained separately.
No. No deformation of the trailer tongue end is allowed when bolting on the coupler. The coupler internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap before securing with bolts.
The number and size of fasteners required must be specified by the trailer manufacturer. You should contact your trailer manufacturer to determine the correct bolt specifications for your specific trailer.
Torque 3/8" diameter grade 5 bolts with locknuts to 23 ft. lbs. according to SAE proof load specifications.
Torque 1/2" diameter grade 5 bolts with locknuts to 55 ft. lbs. according to SAE proof load specifications.
Torque 5/8" diameter grade 5 bolts with locknuts to 110 ft. lbs. according to SAE proof load specifications.
You must use only grade 5 bolts with locknuts. Grade 5 bolts must be torqued to the appropriate SAE proof load specifications: 3/8" – 23 ft. lbs., 1/2" – 55 ft. lbs., 5/8" – 110 ft. lbs.
Block the trailer wheels. Align the hitch ball beneath the coupler. If the coupler is closed, open it by removing the pin 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.
Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket. After the ball is seated, carefully close the coupler cap. Ensure the collar springs toward the ball pocket and captures the coupler cap. Then reinsert the pin. Do not tow without the pin in place.
The manual shows three coupler styles with different locking mechanisms. L-Style and M-Style couplers use a pin behind the collar and a lever or collar mechanism. H-Style couplers use a pin in a latch mechanism. All operate similarly: block wheels, align the ball, open the coupler, lower the trailer, check ball seating, close the cap, and reinsert the pin before towing.
Block the trailer wheels. Open the coupler by removing the pin (either behind the collar or in the latch, depending on coupler style) and sliding the collar away from the ball pocket or lifting the latch. Ensure the coupler cap is open and holds the collar back. Then raise the trailer from the hitch ball.
Always secure safety chains to the towing vehicle before towing according to SAE J684. Do not tow if the ball is not fully seated and/or the coupler is not closed. Do not tow without the retaining pin in place.
Use caution when uncoupling as the tongue may rise suddenly due to negative tongue load. Always block the trailer wheels before uncoupling.
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.
Maintenance should be performed at least annually. This includes checking welds and mounting bolt torque, greasing the ball pocket, oiling pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil, and inspecting retaining pins for replacement if necessary.
Oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil. This should be done at least annually as part of routine maintenance.
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 at all times.
Check channel hardware for wear and proper tightness. Replace any bent, broken, or worn hardware. Tighten hardware to appropriate SAE proof load specifications (3/8" – 23 ft. lbs., 1/2" – 55 ft. lbs., 5/8" – 110 ft. lbs.). Use only grade 5 hardware.
The manual requires checking welds and mounting bolt torque at least annually as part of routine maintenance. Ensure bolts are torqued to the appropriate SAE proof load specifications: 3/8" – 23 ft. lbs., 1/2" – 55 ft. lbs., 5/8" – 110 ft. lbs.
The Bulldog Collar-Lok™ coupler is rated according to SAE J684. This standard applies to the coupler's design, capacity, and safety requirements.
Yes. Operator and bystanders should never position any part of their 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 the wheels before latching or unlatching the coupler. This prevents unexpected movement during the coupling or uncoupling process.
No. The purchaser/owner must not alter or modify the product. Any modifications made other than those specified in the product instructions and performed in a workmanlike manner will void the warranty.
The Bulldog Collar-Lok™ coupler comes with a Limited Five Year Warranty. Cequent Performance Products warrants the product will be free from material defects in both material and workmanship for five years, ordinary wear and tear excepted, provided installation and use are in accordance with product instructions. The warranty is not transferable and covers only the original consumer purchaser.
The warranty does not cover: (a) normal wear and tear; (b) damage through abuse, neglect, misuse, or accidents; (c) damage from misapplication, overloading, or improper installation including welds; (d) improper maintenance and repair; (e) product alteration by anyone other than Cequent, except alterations made pursuant to product instructions in a workmanlike manner.
Contact Cequent Performance Products at 47912 Halyard Dr. Suite 100, Plymouth, MI 48170, 1-800-632-3290. Identify the product by model number and follow the claim instructions provided. You must provide the product and purchase receipt. You are responsible for return shipping costs. The warranty is only valid for the original consumer purchaser.
Replacement parts are available through Cequent Performance Products' Customer Service Department at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com. Use only Cequent Performance Products' parts or parts of equal quality for repair. Please specify the product model number when ordering.
Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com. The proper ball size is indicated on the coupler body. Using the wrong ball size can result in improper coupling and unsafe towing.
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. Never exceed the maximum rated capacity.
This indicates a problem with coupler operation. 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 use the coupler if its operation has been impaired in any way.
Do not tow. Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket. If the ball is not fully seated, raise the trailer and reposition the hitch ball beneath the coupler. Lower the trailer again and verify full seating before closing the coupler cap and inserting the pin.
Ensure the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket. The collar must spring toward the ball pocket and capture the coupler cap. If the cap still will not close, check for debris in the ball pocket or damage to the coupler. Clean the ball pocket and mechanism. If the coupler is deformed or damaged, replace the complete coupler and bracket.
Inspect retaining pins and replace if necessary. Do not tow without the pin in place. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com to obtain a replacement pin.
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. If debris has accumulated, clean the ball pocket and mechanism thoroughly before towing. Perform annual maintenance including greasing the ball pocket.
Check channel hardware for wear and proper tightness. Tighten bolts to the appropriate SAE proof load specifications: 3/8" – 23 ft. lbs., 1/2" – 55 ft. lbs., 5/8" – 110 ft. lbs. Use only grade 5 bolts with locknuts. Replace any bent, broken, or worn hardware. Perform this check before each towing and at least annually as part of routine maintenance.
| 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 | |||||
George
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
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