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You won't find a coupler that's faster or easier to use than the BULLDOG square gooseeneck. Its user-friendly design makes hookup and release swift and secure.
| BRAND: | BULLDOG |
| PART NUMBER: | 0288660300 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 42 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 trailer coupling device that connects 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 load bearing pin that must be fully inserted through both inner and outer tubes to support the rated load, and locking plates with a locking 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 coupler model, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or visit www.cequentgroup.com.
No. You must use only a 2 5/16" ball rated equal to or greater than the capacity of the coupler. Using a different size ball will not allow proper coupling and may result in failure.
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. Do not exceed this limit.
All hardware must be torqued to 125 ft. lbs. minimum. This includes set bolts and nuts. Periodically check for proper torque and tighten if necessary. Check for wear on the inner tube if retightening is needed.
The manual requires that all welding be performed by an AWS certified welder and that the coupler be installed according to the provided instructions. The manual does not explicitly state whether professional installation is required, but the welding requirement and complexity of gusset installation suggest professional assistance is necessary. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for installation recommendations.
The manual does not mention battery disconnection. The coupler is a mechanical device with no electrical components, so battery disconnection is not required.
The manual does not specify whether drilling is required. Installation involves welding the coupler to the trailer frame with gussets for reinforcement. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or consult with an AWS certified welder for specific installation details for your trailer.
Yes. The coupler must be welded to the trailer frame. All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder. Avoid heat damage to the coupler during welding, and do not weld over or near any holes or hardware on the coupler. The outer tube must be rigidly attached to the trailer to support the maximum rated load.
Gussets are reinforcement plates that must be welded to support the outer tube of the coupler. 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 outer tube must be completely supported by gussets positioned as low as possible to the outer tube. Gussets are required for the coupler to support its maximum rated load according to SAE J2638.
Yes. To reduce stress concentrations in high-load, high-mileage, or rough-service applications, gussets and banding that tie the trailer framing to the coupler are required. This modification is the responsibility of the trailer manufacturer. Consult with your trailer manufacturer or an AWS certified welder about your specific application.
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. The set bolts must be facing the towing vehicle.
The coupler must remain vertical after installation to ensure proper operation. The set bolts must be facing the towing vehicle. Weld size, gusseting requirements, coupler height, and orientation are dependent on trailer design and customer requirements.
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 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.
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.
Always block the trailer wheels before latching or unlatching the coupler. Secure the load, vehicle, and trailer before latching or unlatching. 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 load.
Weigh your trailer plus added load. Do not exceed the lesser of the coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings (including load). The coupler is available in four capacity ratings: 20K Round, 25K Round, 25K Square, and 30K Round. Verify your coupler's specific capacity rating on the capacity label affixed to the coupler.
Before towing, perform the following checks: 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) Ensure trailer safety chains are properly connected to the towing vehicle and trailer. 6) Ensure all trailer lighting is hooked up and working properly.
After installation is complete, check to make sure that coupler operation has not been impaired in any way. Verify that the coupler opens, closes, and the handle springs closed when released. Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired. After assembly and painting, but prior to being used, any enclosed labels must be affixed to the coupler and premask removed.
The following procedures should be performed at least annually: 1) Check hardware torque and tighten if necessary. 2) Grease the ball pocket. 3) Oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil. 4) Inspect the retaining pin and replace if necessary. Keep the ball pocket, latch, and handle clean.
Periodically check for proper torque and tighten if necessary. At minimum, check hardware torque at least annually as part of the recommended maintenance procedures. Check for wear on the inner tube if retightening is needed.
Oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil. This should be done at least annually as part of the recommended maintenance procedures.
Grease the ball pocket. This should be done at least annually as part of the recommended maintenance procedures. Keep the ball pocket clean.
Inspect the retaining pin at least annually. Replace it if necessary. The retaining pin must be installed for the coupler to support its rated load and for safe towing.
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.
To make a warranty claim, contact Cequent Performance Products at 47912 Halyard Dr. Suite 100, Plymouth, MI 48170, or call 1-800-632-3290. Identify the product and follow the instructions provided. You will be responsible for shipping costs to Cequent. Retain your purchase receipt to verify the date of purchase, as this must be produced to honor the warranty claim.
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 industry standard for gooseneck couplers. This standard ensures the coupler meets specific safety and performance requirements. 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.
Vibration in the coupler during towing indicates loose hardware. Tighten the set bolts and nuts to minimize vibrations. All hardware must be torqued to 125 ft. lbs. minimum. Check the torque on all hardware and retighten if necessary. If vibration persists after retightening, inspect for wear on the inner tube and contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290.
A handle that does not spring closed when released 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 contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for repair or replacement options. Do not tow with a coupler that does not operate properly.
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 rated equal to or greater than the coupler capacity. If the ball still does not seat properly, the coupler or ball may be damaged. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290.
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 the coupler does not open, close, or operate smoothly, or if the handle does not spring closed, do not tow. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for repair or replacement.
| Part Number | Description | Capacity (lbs.) | Retracted Height (in.) | Extended Height (in.) | Adjustment (in.) | Ball Size (in.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0289600300 | Adjustable Gooseneck Coupler, 4.5 in. x 20 in. Length Square Outer Tube, 4 in. x 30.75 in. Square Inner Tube, with Cast Locking Plates, 3/4 in. Load Bearing Bolt, [1] Set Bolt, Raw, Labels Applied | 25,000 | 32.00 | 40.00 | 8.00 | 2-5/16 |
| 028900 | Adjustable Gooseneck Coupler, 4.5 in. x 20 in. Length Square Outer Tube, 4 in. x 30.75 in. Square Inner Tube, with Cast Locking Plates, 3/4 in. Load Bearing Bolt, [2] Set Bolts, Raw, Labels Applied | 30,000 | 32.00 | 39.00 | 7.00 | 2-5/16 |
| 0289800300 | Topwind Crank Adjustable Gooseneck Coupler, 4.5 in. x 20 in. Length Square Outer Tube, 4 in. x 30.75 in. Square Inner Tube, with Cast Locking Plates, 3/4 in. Load Bearing Bolt, [1] Set Bolt, Raw, Labels Applied | 25,000 | - | - | - | 2-5/16 |
| 0288660300 | Adjustable Gooseneck Coupler, 4.0 in. x 30.75 in. Square Inner Tube Only, with Cast Locking Plates, Raw, Labels Applied | 25,000 | - | - | - | 2-5/16 |
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George
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
