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Bulldog
Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
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Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
BULLDOG gooseneck couplers are quick and easy to engage and strong and secure on the road. Our unique, patented, extruded locking plate design and high-strength steel components make BULLDOG gooseneck couplers 65% stronger than similar products.
| BRAND: | BULLDOG |
| PART NUMBER: | 0287600300 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 47 LBS |
| CAPACITY: | 20,000 LBS. |
| BALL DIAMETER: | 2.313 IN. |
| MATERIAL: | STEEL |
| COLOR: | GRAY |
| MOUNTING HARDWARE INCLUDED: | NO |
| 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 coupler requires a 2 5/16" hitch ball rated equal to or greater than the coupler's capacity. If uncertain about the correct rating, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
The maximum extension is 8 inches, measured as the difference between the fully retracted and fully extended positions. Couplers with properly installed load bearing pins and square adjustable gooseneck couplers only extend within this range.
Yes. All welding must be performed by an AWS (American Welding Society) certified welder. This is a mandatory requirement stated in the warnings and installation instructions.
All hardware must be torqued to 125 ft. lbs. minimum. Hardware torque should be checked periodically and retightened if necessary. When retightening, check for wear on the inner tube.
Yes. You must block the trailer wheels before latching or unlatching the coupler. This is required for both coupling and uncoupling procedures.
No. Do not tow unless the load bearing pin is fully inserted through both the inner and outer tubes and the retaining pin is installed. The coupler cannot support its rated load without the load bearing pin fully inserted.
At least annually: check hardware torque, grease the ball pocket, oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil, and inspect the retaining pin and replace if necessary. Keep the ball pocket, latch, and handle clean.
The Bulldog Gooseneck Coupler is a trailer coupling device manufactured by Cequent Performance Products. It is available in four capacity ratings: 20K Round, 25K Round, 25K Square, and 30K Round. The coupler connects a gooseneck trailer to a towing vehicle via a 2 5/16" hitch ball and is rated according to SAE J2638 standards.
The Bulldog Gooseneck Coupler is available in four capacity ratings: 20K Round, 25K Round, 25K Square, and 30K Round. Each model has different components and specifications. Verify your specific model before installation.
Do not exceed the lesser of the coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings (including load). You must weigh your trailer plus added load and ensure it does not exceed any of these component ratings. The coupler's capacity rating is marked on the capacity label affixed to the product.
You must check for interference before and after installation. Before mounting, confirm 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 extended and retracted positions before installing, and check again after installation is complete. Do not use the coupler if operation has been impaired by interference.
The load bearing pin is a component that must be fully inserted through both the inner and outer tubes of the coupler in order for it to support its rated load. If equipped with a load bearing pin, it must be fully inserted and the retaining pin must be installed. Do not tow unless the load bearing pin is fully inserted and the retaining pin is installed.
1) Block trailer wheels. 2) Align hitch ball beneath coupler. 3) Set the locking pin in the open position. 4) Slide the locking plate into the open position and lower the trailer onto the hitch ball. 5) Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler. 6) Slide the locking plate into the closed position. 7) Set the locking pin in the closed position to close the coupler.
1) Block trailer wheels. 2) Set the locking pin in the open position. 3) Slide the locking plate into the open position and raise the trailer from the hitch ball.
Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket. This check should be performed during the coupling procedure after lowering the trailer onto the hitch ball and before sliding the locking plate into the closed position.
Yes. The outer tube must be supported completely by attaching gussets as low as possible to the outer tube. For adjustable couplers, reinforcements must extend down the outer tube to within 3 inches above the bottom of the outer tube. For non-adjustable couplers, reinforcement must be within 20 inches above the locking plates. To reduce stress concentrations in high load, high mileage, or rough service applications, gussets and banding that tie trailer framing to the coupler are required. This modification is the responsibility of the trailer manufacturer.
For adjustable couplers, reinforcements must extend down the outer tube to within 3 inches above the bottom of the outer tube. The coupler must be held rigid and vertical, and must not be damaged by heat during installation.
For non-adjustable couplers, reinforcement must be within 20 inches above the locking plates. The coupler must be held rigid and vertical, and must not be damaged by heat during installation.
No. Avoid heat damage to the coupler during welding, and do not weld over or near any holes or hardware on the coupler. All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder.
Yes. The coupler must remain vertical after installation to ensure proper operation. After installation, check to make sure that coupler operation has not been impaired in any way. Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired.
All hardware must be torqued to 125 ft. lbs. minimum. You should periodically check for proper torque and tighten if necessary. At least annually, check hardware torque as part of regular maintenance. When retightening, check for wear on the inner tube.
Before towing: 1) Check vehicle, hitch ball, and coupler for signs of wear or damage. 2) Ensure the coupler opens, closes, and the handle springs closed when released. 3) Replace bent, broken, or worn parts before using. 4) Ensure the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket and the latch is closed. 5) Make sure trailer safety chains are properly connected to the towing vehicle and trailer. 6) Make sure all trailer lighting is hooked up and working properly.
Never position any body part 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. Do not tow unless the load bearing pin is fully inserted and the retaining pin is installed. Keep the ball pocket, latch, and handle clean.
After installation is complete: 1) Check for interference again in both extended and retracted positions. 2) Verify that the coupler remains vertical. 3) Check to make sure that coupler operation has not been impaired in any way. 4) Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired. 5) After assembly and painting, affix any enclosed labels to the coupler and remove premask.
Keep the ball pocket, latch, and handle clean. At least annually, grease the ball pocket and oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil. Inspect the retaining pin and replace if necessary.
Oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil. This should be done at least annually as part of regular maintenance.
Inspect the retaining pin at least annually and replace if necessary. The retaining pin is a critical component that must be installed for the coupler to support its rated load.
Cequent Performance Products warrants the coupler to be free from defects in material and workmanship for three years under normal use and service, ordinary wear and tear excepted. If the product does not comply with this warranty, Cequent will replace the product without charge within a reasonable time or, at Cequent's option, refund the purchase price. This warranty is not transferable. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, damage from abuse, neglect, misuse, accident, misapplication, overloading, improper installation, improper maintenance, or products altered by anyone other than Cequent.
Use only Cequent Performance Products' parts. Replacement parts are available through Cequent Performance Products' Customer Service Department at 1-800-632-3290. Please specify the product model number. You can also visit www.cequentgroup.com for more information.
Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or visit www.cequentgroup.com. You can also write to 47912 Halyard Dr. Suite 100, Plymouth, MI 48170, USA. For warranty claims, contact the same address and phone number with your product identification and purchase receipt.
Before mounting the coupler: 1) Confirm there will be no interference from the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, and any other mounted accessories while stationary or in motion. 2) Verify the set bolt(s) will face the towing vehicle. 3) Check for interference in extended and retracted positions. 4) Read and understand all installation instructions. 5) Ensure you have an AWS certified welder available, as all welding must be performed by a certified welder.
The set bolt(s) must be facing the towing vehicle. This orientation is required before installing the coupler.
No. The purchaser/owner must not alter or modify the product. The coupler must be installed according to the instructions without modification.
Yes. You must read, understand, and follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer of the product(s) on which this coupler will be installed. You should also read, understand, and follow all coupler instructions before installing and using the product.
This indicates a potential problem with the coupler. Before towing, check that the coupler opens, closes, and the handle springs closed when released. If the handle does not spring closed, replace the coupler or have it inspected by a qualified technician before using it. Do not tow with a coupler that is not functioning properly.
Check the vehicle, hitch ball, and coupler for signs of wear or damage before towing. If you find bent, broken, or worn parts, replace them before using the coupler. Do not tow with a damaged coupler.
After installation, check to make sure that coupler operation has not been impaired in any way. If operation has been impaired, do not use the coupler. Check for interference with the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, or other accessories in both extended and retracted positions. Verify that the coupler remains vertical. If you cannot identify and correct the problem, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290.
Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket during the coupling procedure. If the hitch ball is not fully seated, do not proceed with coupling. Ensure the hitch ball is properly aligned beneath the coupler and lower the trailer slowly until the ball is fully seated. If the ball will not seat properly, check for damage to the ball or coupler and do not tow.
Matt
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
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