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Bulldog
Always the correct part
We know our 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: | 0287610300 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 30.5 LBS |
| CAPACITY: | 20,000 LBS. |
| BALL DIAMETER: | 2.313 IN. |
| MATERIAL: | STEEL |
| HITCH CLASS: | V |
| 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 capacity of the coupler. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com if you are uncertain about ball compatibility.
Yes. All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder. This is a requirement for proper installation and to avoid coupler failure.
All hardware must be torqued to 125 ft. lbs. minimum. Check hardware torque periodically and retighten if necessary. Check for wear on the inner tube if retightening is needed.
Do not exceed 8" maximum extension. Measure coupler extension as the difference between fully retracted and fully extended positions. Couplers with properly installed load bearing pins and square adjustable gooseneck couplers only extend within this range.
Yes. The load bearing pin must be fully inserted through both the inner and outer tubes, and the retaining pin must be installed. Do not tow unless the load bearing pin is fully inserted and retaining pin is installed.
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. Check for interference again after installation is complete.
The Bulldog Gooseneck Coupler is available in four capacity ratings: 20K Round, 25K Round, 25K Square, and 30K Round. The coupler is rated according to SAE J2638. Verify the capacity rating of your specific coupler before use.
No. Do not exceed the lesser of the coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings (including load). Weigh your trailer plus added load before towing to ensure you stay within all applicable weight limits.
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" above the bottom of the outer tube. For non-adjustable couplers, reinforcement must be within 20" above the locking plates. For high load, high mileage, or rough service applications, gussets and banding that tie trailer framing to the coupler are required. Gusset size and welding specifications depend on trailer design and customer requirements and are the responsibility of the trailer manufacturer.
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.
Before towing, perform the following checks: Check vehicle, hitch ball, and coupler for signs of wear or damage. Ensure that the coupler opens, closes, and the handle springs closed when released. Replace bent, broken, or worn parts before using the product. Ensure that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket and the latch is closed. Make sure that the trailer safety chains are properly connected to the towing vehicle and trailer. Make sure that all trailer lighting is hooked up and working properly.
The following procedures should be performed at least annually: Check hardware torque and tighten if necessary. Grease the ball pocket. Oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil. Inspect the retaining pin and replace if necessary. Keep the ball pocket, latch, and handle clean.
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. Keep the ball pocket, latch, and handle clean. Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired in any way.
Yes. The coupler must remain vertical after installation to ensure proper operation. The outer tube must be rigidly attached to the trailer in order for the coupler to support its maximum rated load according to SAE J2638.
No. Avoid heat damage to the coupler during welding. Do not weld over or near any holes or hardware on the coupler. All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder. Weld size and gusseting requirements depend on trailer design and customer requirements.
After assembly and painting, but prior to being used, any enclosed labels must be affixed to the coupler and premask removed.
Cequent Performance Products warrants the coupler to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 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: (a) normal wear and tear; (b) damage through abuse, neglect, misuse, or as a result of any accident or in any other manner; (c) damage from misapplication, overloading, or improper installation; (d) improper maintenance; (e) a product altered in any manner 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 additional information.
The set bolts 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 provided instructions.
This indicates a problem with the coupler operation. Before towing, ensure that the coupler opens, closes, and the handle springs closed when released. Replace bent, broken, or worn parts before using the product. Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired in any way.
Before towing, ensure that the coupler opens and closes properly. If the coupler does not open or close, replace bent, broken, or worn parts before using the product. Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired in any way. Check that the ball pocket, latch, and handle are clean, as debris may interfere with operation.
Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket before closing the locking plate. If the ball is not fully seated, do not proceed with coupling. Ensure that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket and the latch is closed before towing. If the ball will not seat properly, check for damage to the coupler or ball and replace worn or damaged parts.
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 extended and retracted positions before installing. Check for interference again after installation is complete. If interference is found, do not use the coupler. Consult with the trailer manufacturer or installer to resolve the interference issue.
Excessive vibration indicates that the set bolts and nuts are not properly tightened. Tighten the set bolts and nuts to minimize vibrations in the coupler during towing. All hardware must be torqued to 125 ft. lbs. minimum. Check hardware torque periodically and retighten if necessary.
| Part Number | Description | Capacity (lbs.) | Retracted Height (in.) | Adjustment (in.) | Ball Size (in.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round Gooseneck Fixed Coupler | |||||
| 0287690300 | Fixed Base Coupler | 20,000 | 33.0 | - | 2-5/16 |
| Round Gooseneck Adjustable Coupler | |||||
| 0287603000 | Adjustable Gooseneck Coupler, 4.5 in. Diameter x 20 in. Length Outer Tube, 4 in. Diameter x 27.2 in. Inner Tube, with Cast Locking Plates, 3/4 in. Load Bearing Pin, (1) Set bolt, Raw, Labels Applied | 20,000 | 29.20 | 8.0 | 2-5/16 |
| 0287603040 | Adjustable Gooseneck Coupler, 4.5 in. Diameter x 20 in. Length Outer Tube, 4 in. Diameter x 27.2 in. Inner Tube, with Cast Locking Plates, 3/4 in. Load Bearing Pin, (1) Set bolt, Raw, Labels Applied, with Outer Tube Cap | 20,000 | 29.30 | 8.0 | 2-5/16 |
| 0289340317 | Adjustable Gooseneck Coupler, 4.5 in. Diameter x 20 in. Length Outer Tube, 4 in. Diameter x 27.2 in. Inner Tube, with GN24 Coupler Head, 3/4 in. Load Bearing Pin, (1) Set bolt, Primer Gray, Labels Applied | 25,000 | 28.10 | 8.0 | 2-5/16 |
| 0289250300 | Adjustable Gooseneck Coupler, 4.5 in. Diameter x 20 in. Length Outer Tube, 4 in. Diameter x 27.2 in. Inner Tube, with Cast Locking Plates, 3/4 in. Load Bearing Pin, (1) Set bolt, Raw, Labels Applied | 25,000 | 29.30 | 8.0 | 2-5/16 |
| 0289500309 | Adjustable Gooseneck Coupler, 4.5 in. Diameter x 20 in. Length Outer Tube, 4 in. Diameter x 27.2 in. Inner Tube, with Cast Locking Plates, 3/4 in. Load Bearing Pin, (2) Set bolts, Raw, Labels Applied | 30,000 | 29.30 | 8.0 | 2-5/16 |
| Inner Tube Only | |||||
| 0287610300 | Adjustable Gooseneck Coupler, 4 in. Diameter x 27.2 in. Inner Tube Only, with Cast Locking Plates, Labels Applied | 20,000 | - | - | 2-5/16 |
| 0287603070 | Adjustable Gooseneck Coupler, 4 in. Diameter x 27.2 in. Inner Tube Only, with GN24 Coupler Head, Labels Loose | 20,000 | - | - | 2-5/16 |
| Outer Tube Only | |||||
| 0233010300 | Outer Tube Only, 20 in. Length, 4.5 in. Round Tube, with Hole for 3/4 in. Load Bearing Pin, (1) Set Bolt | - | - | - | 2-5/16 |
| 0233010310 | Outer Tube Only, 20 in. Length, 4.5 in. Round Tube, with Hole for 3/4 in. Load Bearing Pin, (2) Set Bolts | - | - | - | 2-5/16 |
| Gooseneck Coupler Head | |||||
| GN24-0200 | Cast Steel Gooseneck Coupler Head, Fits 3 in. or 4 in. Diameter Tubing, Quick and Easy Latching Action Eliminates Need to be in Tow Vehicle for Hook-Up | 24,000 | - | - | 2-5/16 |
| 1542501 | Repair Kit for GN24. Kit Includes Torsion Spring, Coupler Locking Shaft, Curved Handle Assembly, 3/4 in. Shaft Retaining Ring, Centerlock Nut 1/2-13 | - | - | - | 2-5/16 |
| 0287080300 | Gooseneck Coupler Kit, Includes Coupler Assembly, Locking Pin Assembly, Coupler Pin Cover, BULLDOG Label, and Warning Label, 2-5/16 in. Ball Size | - | - | - | 2-5/16 |
| 1220700317 | Pin Kit, Includes Cotter Pin, 3/4 in. x 5-1/2 in. with Finger Loop | - | - | - | 2-5/16 |
| 50029 | Gooseneck Couplers Bolt Kit, Includes (1) Jam Nut, (1) Set Screw and (1) Adjusting Nut | - | - | - | 2-5/16 |
Sam
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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