Bulldog 7,000 lbs Collar-Lok Straight Coupler, 2 in. Diameter, 3 in. Channel Width BD028387Bulldog$169.99Out of Stock
View productAsk a Question About This Product
Our in-house experts typically reply within one business day.
Our in-house experts typically reply within one business day.
Bulldog
Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
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: | 028243 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 11.351 LBS |
| CAPACITY: | 7,000 LBS. |
| COLOR: | GRAY |
| MODEL NUMBER: | 3B4M |
| MATERIAL: | STEEL |
| BALL DIAMETER: | 2 IN. |
| MOUNTING HARDWARE INCLUDED: | NO |
| CHANNEL WIDTH: | 3 IN. |
| HITCH CLASS: | IV |
| 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.
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-94945 Years
The manual specifies four models: 2B, 4B, and 5B require 8.5" minimum tongue overlap; 3B requires 6.5" minimum tongue overlap. One model (not numbered in the manual) requires 7" minimum overlap, and another requires 2.5" (tongue may fit over or into coupler). Confirm your trailer model before purchasing to ensure correct fit.
The coupler includes a retaining pin and supplied bolts. A 3.0" channel is not included and must be obtained separately. For bolt-on installation, grade 5 bolts with locknuts are required; the number and size must be specified by the trailer manufacturer.
Both options are available. Weld-on couplers must be welded 3/16" around the interface between coupler and tongue by an AWS certified welder with no undercut or washout. Bolt-on couplers use grade 5 bolts with locknuts torqued to SAE proof load specifications. 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 = 23 ft·lbs; 1/2" diameter = 55 ft·lbs; 5/8" diameter = 110 ft·lbs. Channel hardware should be tightened to 75–100 ft·lbs. Refer to the torque specification table in the manual.
Before towing, verify: (1) vehicle, channel, hitch, ball, and coupler show no wear or damage; (2) coupler handle opens and closes freely; (3) hitch ball is fully seated in coupler ball pocket and coupler is closed with pin in place; (4) channel hardware is tight and not bent or worn; (5) safety chains are properly connected per SAE J684; (6) all trailer lighting is hooked up and working. Do not tow if the ball is not fully seated or coupler is not closed.
Perform the following 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. When parking or storing, keep the coupler off the ground to prevent dirt and foreign material buildup.
The Bulldog Collar-Lok coupler is a trailer tongue coupler manufactured by Cequent Performance Products. It is designed to couple a trailer to a towing vehicle via a hitch ball. The coupler is available in multiple models (2B, 3B, 4B, 5B) and styles (L-Style, H-Style, M-Style) with different tongue overlap requirements. It is rated according to SAE J684 safety standards.
SAE J684 is the safety standard to which this product is rated. It establishes requirements for trailer couplers, including load capacity, safety chain attachment, and operational safety. The coupler must be installed and used according to SAE J684 requirements, including proper safety chain connection and operation procedures.
The correct model depends on your trailer's tongue length and design. Models 2B, 4B, and 5B require 8.5" minimum tongue overlap; model 3B requires 6.5" minimum overlap. One model requires 7" minimum overlap, and another allows 2.5" minimum (tongue may fit over or into coupler). Consult your trailer manufacturer or the coupler documentation to confirm which model matches your trailer specifications.
The minimum tongue overlap for models 2B, 4B, and 5B is 8.5". The coupler internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue to achieve maximum overlap. Failure to meet this requirement may result in coupler failure.
The minimum tongue overlap for the 3B model is 6.5". The coupler internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue to achieve maximum overlap.
One Bulldog Collar-Lok model 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.
One Bulldog Collar-Lok model allows a minimum tongue overlap of 2.5", with the tongue able to fit over or into the coupler. Confirm this is the correct model for your trailer before installation.
No. The 3.0" channel is not included and must be obtained separately. The coupler is supplied with bolts and a retaining pin, but the channel must be sourced independently.
Use only grade 5 bolts with locknuts. The number and size of fasteners required must be specified by the trailer manufacturer. Torque the bolts to the appropriate SAE proof load specifications: 3/8" = 23 ft·lbs, 1/2" = 55 ft·lbs, 5/8" = 110 ft·lbs.
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 will be butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap. All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder. After installation, verify that coupler operation has not been impaired.
Yes, if you are installing a weld-on coupler. All welding must be performed by an AWS (American Welding Society) certified welder. If you are installing a bolt-on coupler, welding is not required, but grade 5 bolts with locknuts must be torqued to SAE proof load specifications.
The manual does not specify whether drilling is required for bolt-on installation. 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 specific drilling requirements for your trailer.
No. The manual explicitly states "No deformation of trailer tongue end allowed" during bolt-on installation. The coupler internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap without any deformation. If the tongue is deformed, the installation is not compliant with the instructions.
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 before welding. All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder.
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.
Tighten channel hardware to 75–100 ft·lbs. Use only grade 5 hardware. Check channel hardware for wear and proper tightness before towing, and replace any bent, broken, or worn hardware.
The weight capacity is stamped on the coupler body or on decals attached to the product. Do not exceed the lesser of the weight ratings for the mounting bracket, coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer (including load). If you are uncertain about the capacity, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
Use only the proper ball size for the coupler as indicated on the coupler body. If you are uncertain which ball size is correct, 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 block the trailer wheels before latching or unlatching the coupler. Use caution when uncoupling as the tongue may rise suddenly due to negative tongue load. Always secure load, vehicle, and trailer (by blocking wheels) before coupling or uncoupling.
Safety chains must be properly connected to both the towing vehicle and trailer according to SAE J684 standards. Always secure safety chains to the vehicle before towing. Refer to SAE J684 for specific safety chain attachment requirements.
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. Never exceed the maximum rated capacity of the coupler. Do not tow if the ball is not fully seated or the coupler is not closed. Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired in any way.
After installation is complete, check for interference again in both open and closed positions. Verify that coupler operation has not been impaired in any way. If coupler operation has been impaired, do not use it. Ensure the coupler is rigidly attached to the trailer so it can support its maximum rated load according to SAE J684.
Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket. The ball should be completely inserted into the pocket before closing the coupler cap. Do not tow if the ball is not fully seated.
Perform the following maintenance procedures 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.
Use SAE 30 weight motor oil to oil the pivot points. This should be done at least annually as part of regular maintenance.
Keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean at all times. When parking or storing your 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 at least annually.
Yes. Check the welds at least annually as part of regular maintenance. If you notice any damage to the welds, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for repair or replacement options.
Inspect the retaining pin at least annually and replace it if necessary. The retaining pin is essential for safe operation—do not tow without the pin in place. Replacement pins are available through Cequent Performance Products' Customer Service Department at 1-800-632-3290.
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 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 ball is seated, carefully close the coupler cap. Ensure 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.
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. 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 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 ball is seated, carefully close the coupler cap and lower the latch. Ensure 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.
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.
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.
No. The purchaser/owner must not alter or modify the product in any way. The coupler must be installed and used only as specified in the instructions. Any modification not authorized by Cequent Performance Products may void the warranty and result in coupler failure.
Cequent Performance Products warrants the coupler to be free from material defects in both material and workmanship for five years from the date of purchase, ordinary wear and tear excepted, provided installation and use are in accordance with the 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, or product alteration. This warranty is not transferable. For warranty claims, contact Cequent Performance Products at 47912 Halyard Dr. Suite 100, Plymouth, MI 48170, 1-800-632-3290.
Contact Cequent Performance Products at: Phone: 1-800-632-3290; Website: www.cequentgroup.com; Mailing Address: 47912 Halyard Dr. Suite 100, Plymouth, MI 48170, USA. When contacting, specify the product model number. Replacement parts are available through the Customer Service Department.
If the coupler handle does not open and close freely, the coupler operation is impaired. Do not use the coupler. Check for dirt, debris, or damage in the mechanism. If cleaning does not resolve the issue, the coupler must be replaced. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for a replacement coupler and bracket.
If the coupler and/or channel is deformed or damaged, do not use it. Replace the complete coupler and bracket. Do not attempt to repair a deformed coupler. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 to order a replacement.
Do not tow. The ball must be fully seated in the coupler ball pocket before towing. Visually verify that the ball is completely inserted into the pocket. If the ball does not seat fully, check for dirt or debris in the ball pocket and clean it. Verify that you are using the correct ball size for the coupler (as indicated on the coupler body). If the ball still does not seat, the coupler may be damaged and should be replaced.
Ensure the collar springs toward the ball pocket and captures the coupler cap. If the cap does not close, check for dirt or debris in the mechanism and clean it. Verify that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler. If the cap still does not close, the coupler may be damaged. Do not tow. Replace the complete coupler and bracket.
Do not tow without the retaining pin in place. The pin is essential for locking the coupler closed and preventing accidental uncoupling during towing. Inspect the pin at least annually and replace it if damaged or lost. Replacement pins are available through Cequent Performance Products' Customer Service Department at 1-800-632-3290. Specify the product model number when ordering.
Tighten the 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. Check channel hardware for wear and proper tightness before towing. If bolts repeatedly loosen, replace them with new grade 5 bolts and locknuts, and ensure they are torqued to the correct specification.
Do not use the coupler if the welds are damaged or cracked. The coupler must be rigidly attached to the trailer to support its maximum rated load. Damaged welds compromise the structural integrity of the coupler. Replace the complete coupler and bracket. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for a replacement. Do not attempt to repair welds yourself.
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. Ensure the towing vehicle is properly positioned and stable before opening the coupler. Raise the trailer slowly and carefully from the hitch ball.
| Part Number | Model Number | Capacity (lbs.) | Overall Length (in.) | Latch | Ball Size (in.) | SAE Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 028382 | 2B4H | 5,000 | 16.25 | High Profile | 2 | III |
| 028444 | 2B4M | 5,000 | 16.25 | Pin Style | 2 | III |
| 028387 | 3B4H | 7,000 | 16.25 | High Profile | 2 | IV |
| 028243 | 3B4M | 7,000 | 16.25 | Pin Style | 2 | IV |
| 028462 | 4B4H | 12,500 | 16.50 | High Profile | 2-5/16 | V |
| 028444 | 4B4M | 12,500 | 16.50 | Pin Style | 2-5/16 | V |
| Replacement Parts | ||||||
| 024200 | High Profile Coupler Repair Kit | |||||
| 500354 | Coupler Cap Spring | |||||
On Sale Today
Original price was $130.00. Current price is $93.12.You save $36.88 (28%)
Free Shipping
Ships free on all orders
Authorized Dealer
FREE ShippingFREE SHIPPING
Estimated delivery Tue, Aug 11 - Fri, Aug 14
Order before 2 PM EST Monday–Friday for same-day processing
Guaranteed safe & secure checkout
Ann
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