Bulldog 5,000 lbs Collar-Lok Straight Coupler, 2 in. Diameter, 3 in. Channel Width BD028382Bulldog$125.24Out of Stock
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Bulldog
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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: | 028244 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 11.5 LBS |
| CAPACITY: | 5,000 LBS. |
| COLOR: | GRAY |
| MODEL NUMBER: | 2B4M |
| MATERIAL: | STEEL |
| BALL DIAMETER: | 2 IN. |
| MOUNTING HARDWARE INCLUDED: | NO |
| CHANNEL WIDTH: | 3.2 IN. |
| 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) and four models (2B, 3B, 4B, and 5B) with different minimum tongue overlap requirements. The coupler features a collar mechanism that secures the hitch ball in the ball pocket and is held closed by a retaining pin. The product is rated according to SAE J684 standard.
Minimum tongue overlap varies by model: 2B, 4B, and 5B models require 8.5" minimum overlap; 3B model requires 6.5" minimum overlap. One model allows 2.5" minimum overlap with the tongue fitting over or into the coupler. The coupler internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap during installation.
A 3.0" channel is specified in the installation instructions. However, the manual notes that the channel is "not included" with the coupler, so it must be sourced separately. The trailer manufacturer must specify the number and size of fasteners required for the channel.
The manual does not specify which trailers are compatible with each coupler model. Before installation, you must confirm there will be no interference from the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, or any other mounted accessories in both open and closed coupler positions. Check for interference again after installation is complete. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com if you are uncertain about fitment for your specific trailer.
Use only the proper ball size for the coupler as indicated on the coupler body itself. Do not assume the ball size; check the coupler markings. If you are uncertain which ball size is correct, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
The coupler includes a retaining pin. A 3.0" channel (not included) and bolts are shown in the supplied hardware diagram. For bolt-on installation, grade 5 bolts with locknuts are required; the number and size must be specified by the trailer manufacturer. For weld-on installation, no bolts are needed.
The manual does not specify the tools required for installation. For weld-on models, an AWS certified welder is required. For bolt-on models, you will need tools to tighten grade 5 bolts to the specified torque values (3/8" to 23 ft.lbs., 1/2" to 55 ft.lbs., 5/8" to 110 ft.lbs.). Contact the manufacturer or a professional installer for a complete tool list.
Yes, if you are installing a weld-on coupler, 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.
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. Verify the coupler internal stop will butt against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap. Check again after installation is complete to ensure coupler operation has not been impaired.
Weld-on installation requires an AWS certified welder to weld 3/16" around the interface between the coupler and 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.). Both methods require the coupler internal stop to be butted against the trailer tongue end for maximum overlap. Bolt-on installation allows no deformation of the trailer tongue end.
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 closed, open by removing the pin behind the collar and sliding the collar away from the ball pocket. (4) Lower trailer onto hitch ball. (5) Visually check that ball is fully seated. (6) Close the coupler cap carefully, ensuring the collar springs toward the ball pocket and captures the cap. (7) Reinsert the pin behind the collar. (8) Secure safety chains to vehicle per SAE J684. For H-Style couplers, remove the pin in the latch and lift the latch instead of sliding the 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. Ensure the coupler cap is open and holds the collar back. (3) Raise the trailer from the hitch ball. For H-Style couplers, remove the pin in the latch and lift the latch instead of sliding the collar. Use caution when uncoupling as the tongue may rise suddenly due to negative tongue load.
Grade 5 bolts must be torqued 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. These specifications apply to both the coupler mounting bolts and channel hardware. Always use grade 5 hardware only.
Weld 3/16" around the interface between the coupler and trailer tongue. The coupler internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap. No undercut or washout is allowed while welding. All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder.
The manual does not specify the weight capacity for individual coupler models. The coupler is rated according to SAE J684. 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.
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. Always insert the retaining pin behind the collar or through the latch. Do not tow without the pin in place.
Always block the trailer wheels before coupling or uncoupling. Never position any part of your body under the coupler or load. Use caution when uncoupling as the tongue may rise suddenly due to negative tongue load. Always secure safety chains to the towing vehicle and trailer according to SAE J684 before towing. Do not allow children to play on or around the coupler or load.
Before towing, perform the following 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; tighten to appropriate SAE proof load specifications. (6) Verify trailer safety chains are properly connected per SAE J684. (7) Verify all trailer lighting is hooked up and working. If the coupler or channel is deformed or damaged, replace the complete coupler and bracket.
The following 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 weight motor oil. (4) Inspect retaining pins and replace if necessary. 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 foreign material do not build up in the ball pocket.
Grease the ball pocket regularly. Oil pivot points with SAE 30 weight motor oil. These maintenance steps should be performed at least annually. Keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean to prevent dirt and foreign material buildup.
Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired in any way. After installing the channel and/or coupler, check to make sure that coupler operation has not been impaired. If coupler operation is impaired, do not tow. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for assistance. The coupler may need to be replaced.
If the coupler handle does not open and close freely, this indicates a problem with the coupler. Check the vehicle, channel, hitch, hitch ball, and coupler for signs of wear or damage. If the coupler is deformed or damaged, replace the complete coupler and bracket. Do not use the coupler until the problem is resolved.
The coupler is available in four models (2B, 3B, 4B, 5B) with different minimum tongue overlap requirements (2.5", 6.5", 7", or 8.5"). Before installation, confirm no interference exists with the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, or accessories in open and closed positions. Check the coupler body for the correct hitch ball size. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 if uncertain about fitment.
No, the 3.0" channel is not included and must be sourced separately. The coupler includes a retaining pin. For bolt-on installation, grade 5 bolts with locknuts are required; the number and size must be specified by the trailer manufacturer.
Yes, if installing a weld-on coupler, all welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder. For bolt-on models, no welding is required; grade 5 bolts are torqued to SAE proof load specifications instead.
Grade 5 bolts must be torqued to: 3/8" diameter to 23 ft.lbs., 1/2" diameter to 55 ft.lbs., 5/8" diameter to 110 ft.lbs. These SAE proof load specifications apply to both coupler mounting and channel hardware.
No. Do not tow without the retaining pin in place. The pin must be inserted behind the collar (L-Style and M-Style) or through the latch (H-Style) after the hitch ball is fully seated and the coupler cap is closed.
Perform maintenance at least annually: grease the ball pocket and oil pivot points with SAE 30 weight motor oil. Also check welds and mounting bolt torque, and inspect retaining pins for replacement. Keep the ball pocket clean and store the coupler off the ground.
Verify that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket before attempting to close the cap. If the ball is not fully seated, the cap cannot close properly. Ensure the collar springs toward the ball pocket and captures the coupler cap. If the cap still does not close, check for interference from the tow vehicle, tongue, or ground. If interference is present, the coupler position may need adjustment. If the coupler is deformed or damaged, replace the complete coupler and bracket.
Inspect the retaining pin for bending, breaking, or wear. If the pin is damaged, replace it. Ensure the collar (L-Style and M-Style) or latch (H-Style) is positioned correctly so the pin hole aligns properly. If the pin still does not stay in place, the coupler may be deformed or damaged. Do not tow without the pin in place. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 if the problem persists.
Verify that you are using the correct hitch ball size for the coupler. The proper ball size is indicated on the coupler body. If you are using the wrong ball size, replace it with the correct one. If the correct ball size does not fit, the coupler may be deformed or damaged. Do not attempt to force the ball into the pocket. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 if uncertain about the correct ball size or if the coupler appears damaged.
Check that the ball pocket and mechanism are clean and free of dirt or foreign material. If dirt is present, clean the coupler thoroughly. Oil pivot points with SAE 30 weight motor oil. If the coupler is still difficult to operate, check for signs of wear or damage. If the coupler is deformed or damaged, replace the complete coupler and bracket. Do not force the coupler open or closed, as this may cause further damage.
Ann
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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