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Bulldog
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Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
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| BRAND: | BULLDOG |
| PART NUMBER: | 0289580300 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 57.5 LBS |
| CAPACITY: | 25,000 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 Bulldog Gooseneck Coupler is a hitch coupler designed to connect a gooseneck trailer to a towing vehicle via a 2 5/16" hitch ball. It is available in four capacity ratings: 20K Round, 25K Round, 25K Square, and 30K Round. The coupler features a ball pocket, locking plates, and a load bearing pin to secure the connection.
The coupler requires a 2 5/16" hitch ball rated equal to or greater than the capacity of the coupler. If you are uncertain about the correct ball rating for your specific coupler model, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or visit www.cequentgroup.com.
No. The manual explicitly states to use only a 2 5/16" ball rated equal to or greater than the capacity of the coupler. Using a smaller ball is not permitted.
The Bulldog Gooseneck Coupler is available in four models: 20K Round, 25K Round, 25K Square, and 30K Round. The numbers indicate the weight capacity in thousands of pounds, and the shape indicates whether the coupler has a round or square ball pocket.
The maximum extension is 8 inches, measured as the difference between the fully retracted and fully extended positions. Do not exceed this limit. 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 manual and is critical for safe installation.
The outer tube must be completely supported 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. The coupler must be held rigid and vertical, and must not be damaged by heat during welding.
Yes. 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 installation. Check for interference again after installation is complete.
All hardware must be torqued to 125 ft. lbs. minimum. Periodically check for proper torque and tighten if necessary. Check for wear on the inner tube if retightening is needed.
The load bearing pin is a component that must be fully inserted through both the inner and outer tubes in order for the coupler 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.
Follow these steps: 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.
Follow these steps: 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.
Yes. Always block trailer wheels before latching or unlatching the coupler. This is a critical safety requirement.
Weigh your trailer plus added load. Do not exceed the lesser of the coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings (including load). Each component has a maximum capacity, and you must stay within the lowest rating of all components in your towing system.
No. Do not allow children to play on or around the coupler or the load being supported. This is a safety hazard.
No. The operator and bystanders should never position any body part under any portion of the coupler or the load being supported. This is a serious safety hazard.
No. The purchaser/owner must not alter or modify the product. The coupler must be installed and used exactly as designed.
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. If the coupler is not vertical, it will not function correctly.
Before towing, perform the following checks: 1) Check vehicle, hitch ball, and coupler for signs of wear or damage. 2) Ensure that the coupler opens, closes, and the handle springs closed when released. 3) Replace bent, broken, or worn parts before using the product. 4) Ensure that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket and the latch is closed. 5) Make sure that trailer safety chains are properly connected to the towing vehicle and trailer. 6) Make sure that all trailer lighting is hooked up and working properly.
Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket. This check should be performed both during coupling and before towing.
The following procedures should be performed at least annually: 1) Check hardware torque. 2) Grease ball pocket. 3) Oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil. 4) Inspect retaining pin and replace if necessary. Keep the ball pocket, latch, and handle clean.
Maintenance procedures should be performed at least annually. These include checking hardware torque, greasing the ball pocket, oiling pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil, and inspecting the retaining pin.
Oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil. This should be done at least annually as part of routine maintenance.
Inspect the retaining pin at least annually and replace it if necessary. A worn retaining pin should not be used, as it is critical for securing the load bearing pin.
Keep the ball pocket, latch, and handle clean. This should be done regularly to ensure proper operation and prevent wear.
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. To make a claim, contact Cequent at 47912 Halyard Dr. Suite 100, Plymouth, MI 48170, 1-800-632-3290. You must retain your purchase receipt to verify the date of purchase.
The warranty does not cover: (a) normal wear and tear; (b) damage through abuse, neglect, misuse, or as a result of any accident; (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 more information.
The Bulldog Gooseneck Coupler is rated according to SAE J2638, which is the standard for gooseneck couplers.
After assembly and painting, but prior to being used, any enclosed labels must be affixed to the coupler and premask removed. This ensures that all safety and capacity information is visible to users.
The set bolts must be facing the towing vehicle. This is a critical orientation requirement for proper installation.
Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired in any way. After installation, check to make sure that coupler operation has not been affected. If operation is impaired, the coupler must be repaired or replaced before use.
Gussets are required for all installations to support the coupler's rated load. For adjustable couplers, reinforcements must extend 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. Additionally, 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.
Vibration during towing is typically caused by loose hardware. Tighten the set bolts and nuts to minimize vibrations. All hardware must be torqued to 125 ft. lbs. minimum. Periodically check for proper torque and tighten if necessary. Check for wear on the inner tube if retightening is needed.
This indicates a problem with the coupler mechanism. Before towing, ensure 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 repaired by a qualified technician before using it.
If the hitch ball is not fully seated in the coupler ball pocket, do not tow. Ensure that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket and the latch is closed before towing. Check that the hitch ball is the correct size (2 5/16") and is not damaged. If the ball pocket is damaged or worn, the coupler may need to be replaced.
If the latch will not close, do not tow. Check for signs of wear or damage to the coupler. Ensure that the hitch ball is fully seated in the ball pocket and is not damaged. Clean the ball pocket and latch mechanism to remove any debris. If the latch is bent, broken, or worn, replace the coupler or have it repaired before using it.
Do not tow. The load bearing pin must be fully inserted through both the inner and outer tubes, and the retaining pin must be installed in order for the coupler to support its rated load. If the load bearing pin cannot be fully inserted, check for obstructions or damage. Do not tow unless the load bearing pin is fully inserted and the retaining pin is installed.
| Part Number | Description | Capacity (lbs.) | Retracted Height (in.) | Extended Height (in.) | Adjustment (in.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0289580300 | King Pin Adjustable Gooseneck Coupler, 4.5 in. Diameter x 20 in. Length Outer Tube, 4 in. Diameter x 22.2 in. Inner Tube. 3/4 in. Load Bearing Pin. (2) Set Bolts, Raw, Labels Loose | 25,000 | 23.30 | 31.30 | 8.00 |
| 0289580300 | King Pin Adjustable Gooseneck Coupler, 4.5 in. x 20 in. Length Square Outer Tube, 4 in. x 22.75 in. Square Inner Tube, 3/4 in. Load Bearing Bolt, (2) Set Bolts, Raw, Labels Loose | 30,000 | 23.30 | 31.30 | 8.00 |
| Inner Tube Only | |||||
| 0289640300 | King Pin Adjustable Gooseneck Coupler, 4 in. Diameter x 22.2 in. Inner Tube Only, Raw, Labels Loose | 25,000 | 23.30 | 31.30 | 8.00 |
| 0289650300 | King Pin Adjustable Gooseneck Coupler, 4 in. x 22.75 in. Square Inner Tube Only, Raw, Labels Loose | 30,000 | 29.30 | 31.30 | 9.00 |
Sam
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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