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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 Heavy Duty Couplers are the strongest in the industry. The BULLDOG design features the only 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.
| BRAND: | BULLDOG |
| PART NUMBER: | 028381 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 8.55 LBS |
| CAPACITY: | 5,000 LBS. |
| COLOR: | GRAY |
| MODEL NUMBER: | 2B2H |
| MATERIAL: | STEEL |
| BALL DIAMETER: | 2 IN. |
| MOUNTING HARDWARE INCLUDED: | NO |
| CHANNEL WIDTH: | 1.75 IN. I.D. ROUND |
| 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 three styles: L-Style, H-Style, and M-Style. The coupler uses a collar mechanism to capture and secure the hitch ball, and is rated according to SAE J684 standards. It is designed to support a maximum rated load as specified on the product's stamped markings or decals.
The manual describes four coupler models: 2B, 3B, 4B, and 5B. Each model has different minimum tongue overlap requirements: 2B, 4B, and 5B require 8.5" minimum overlap; 3B requires 6.5" minimum overlap. The couplers are also available in three operating styles: L-Style (with lever and pin), H-Style (with latch and pin), and M-Style (with pin). Consult the product markings or contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 to determine which model suits your trailer.
Minimum tongue overlap depends on your coupler model. Models 2B, 4B, and 5B require a minimum of 8.5" overlap. Model 3B requires 6.5" minimum overlap. For some configurations, the tongue may fit over or into the coupler with a minimum of 2.5" overlap, or 7" overlap depending on the specific model variant. Ensure the coupler internal stop is butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap before securing.
No. The manual specifies that a 3.0" channel is not included with the coupler. You must obtain a channel separately. The coupler is supplied with a retaining pin and bolts, but the channel must be sourced from the trailer manufacturer or separately.
You must use only the proper ball size for your specific coupler as indicated on the coupler body. The correct ball size is marked on the coupler itself. If you are uncertain which ball size is correct, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or visit www.cequentgroup.com. Using an incorrect ball size may result in coupler failure.
The coupler is supplied with bolts and a retaining pin. The specific number and size of bolts must be specified by the trailer manufacturer. Grade 5 bolts with locknuts are required for bolt-on installation. A 3.0" channel is not included and must be obtained separately.
The manual does not specify which tools are required for installation. For weld-on installation, an AWS certified welder must perform all welding. For bolt-on installation, you will need tools to tighten bolts to the specified torque values (3/8" bolts to 23 ft-lbs, 1/2" bolts to 55 ft-lbs, 5/8" bolts to 110 ft-lbs). Contact the trailer manufacturer or Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for specific tool requirements.
For weld-on installation, yes—all welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder. For bolt-on installation, the manual does not explicitly state whether professional installation is required, but it does require that the coupler be rigidly attached to the trailer and that installation follow all instructions exactly. The number and size of fasteners required must be specified by the trailer manufacturer. If you are uncertain about your ability to install it correctly, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290.
Before installing the coupler, 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 the open and closed positions of the coupler before installation. After installation is complete, check for interference again. If any interference is found, do not use the coupler.
Weld-on installation requires an AWS certified welder to weld 3/16" around the interface between the coupler and trailer tongue with no undercut or washout. Bolt-on installation uses grade 5 bolts with locknuts torqued to SAE proof load specifications (3/8" to 23 ft-lbs, 1/2" to 55 ft-lbs, 5/8" to 110 ft-lbs). For both methods, the coupler internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap. The number and size of fasteners for bolt-on installation must be specified by the trailer manufacturer.
Assure that the coupler internal stop is butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap before securing. This applies to both weld-on and bolt-on installations. The minimum tongue overlap varies by model: 2B, 4B, and 5B require 8.5"; 3B requires 6.5"; some configurations allow 7" or 2.5" depending on whether the tongue fits over or into the coupler.
No. The purchaser/owner must not alter or modify the product. For bolt-on installation, no deformation of the trailer tongue end is allowed. If the coupler and/or channel is deformed or damaged, the complete coupler and bracket must be replaced. Any modifications must be made in accordance with the product instructions and in a workmanlike manner.
Torque grade 5 bolts with locknuts to the following SAE proof load specifications: 3/8" diameter bolts to 23 ft-lbs; 1/2" diameter bolts to 55 ft-lbs; 5/8" diameter bolts to 110 ft-lbs. The number and size of fasteners required must be specified by the trailer manufacturer.
If using a weld-on coupler, weld 3/16" around the interface between the coupler and tongue. No undercut or washout is allowed while welding. All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder. The coupler internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap.
The rated capacity is stamped on the product or shown on decals. Do not exceed the lesser of the mounting bracket, coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings (including load). Never exceed the maximum rated capacity. Weigh your trailer plus added load before towing. If uncertain about the rated capacity, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
Always block trailer wheels before coupling or uncoupling. When uncoupling, use caution as the tongue may rise suddenly due to negative tongue load. Never position any part of your body under the product or load. Do not allow children to play on or around the product or load. Always secure safety chains to the towing vehicle before towing according to SAE J684.
No. Do not tow if the ball is not fully seated and/or the coupler is not closed. Before towing, 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. Visually verify that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler before each tow.
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. After installation, check to make sure that coupler operation has not been impaired. If the coupler and/or channel is deformed or damaged, replace the complete coupler and bracket.
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.
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 your trailer, keep the coupler off the ground so dirt and/or other foreign material will not build up in the coupler ball pocket.
Check welds and mounting bolt torque at least annually as part of routine maintenance. Additionally, before each towing, check channel hardware for wear and proper tightness. Replace bent, broken, or worn hardware and tighten to appropriate SAE proof load specifications (3/8" to 23 ft-lbs, 1/2" to 55 ft-lbs, 5/8" to 110 ft-lbs).
Grease the ball pocket at least annually. Oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil at least annually. Keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean. When parking or storing your trailer, keep the coupler off the ground to prevent dirt and foreign material from building up in the ball pocket.
If the coupler handle does not open and close freely, this indicates a problem. 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 realign the hitch ball beneath the coupler. Lower the trailer carefully onto the hitch ball and verify that it is fully seated before closing the coupler and inserting the pin. If the ball will not seat properly, check for interference or damage to the coupler or ball.
Ensure that the collar springs toward the ball pocket and captures the coupler cap. If the cap does not close, check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler. Verify that the coupler is not deformed or damaged. If the coupler is damaged, replace the complete coupler and bracket. Do not tow if the coupler is not fully closed.
The coupler is available in models 2B, 3B, 4B, and 5B with different minimum tongue overlap requirements (2.5" to 8.5" depending on model). Confirm your trailer's tongue length and coupler model before purchasing. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com to verify fitment.
The coupler is supplied with bolts and a retaining pin. You must obtain a 3.0" channel separately. Grade 5 bolts with locknuts are required; the number and size must be specified by the trailer manufacturer. For weld-on installation, an AWS certified welder is required.
Torque grade 5 bolts to: 3/8" diameter to 23 ft-lbs; 1/2" diameter to 55 ft-lbs; 5/8" diameter to 110 ft-lbs. Use locknuts and tighten to SAE proof load specifications.
No. Do not tow if the ball is not fully seated and/or the coupler is not closed. Always verify that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket before closing the coupler and inserting the retaining pin.
Block the trailer wheels. Align the hitch ball beneath the coupler. Open the coupler by removing the pin and sliding the collar away from the ball pocket. Lower the trailer onto the hitch ball and verify it is fully seated. Close the coupler cap and reinsert the pin. Do not tow without the pin in place.
This indicates that the coupler mechanism is not functioning properly. Check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket. Verify that the coupler is not deformed or damaged. 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.
Inspect the retaining pin and replace it if necessary. Perform this inspection at least annually as part of routine maintenance. If the pin is damaged or worn, obtain a replacement through Cequent Performance Products' Customer Service Department at 1-800-632-3290. Specify your product model number.
Keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean. Remove any dirt or foreign material from the ball pocket. 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. Grease the ball pocket at least annually as part of routine maintenance.
Check channel hardware for wear and proper tightness before each towing. Tighten bolts to the appropriate SAE proof load specifications: 3/8" diameter to 23 ft-lbs, 1/2" diameter to 55 ft-lbs, 5/8" diameter to 110 ft-lbs. Use only grade 5 hardware. Replace bent, broken, or worn hardware. Also check welds and mounting bolt torque at least annually.
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| 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
