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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: | 0289500300 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 53.3 LBS |
| CAPACITY: | 30,000 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 coupler's capacity. If uncertain about the correct rating, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
The coupler is available in four configurations: 20K Round, 25K Round, 25K Square, and 30K Round. Each has a rated capacity that must not be exceeded when combined with the trailer, load, vehicle, and hitch ball.
The manual does not specify whether drilling is required. Installation involves welding the outer tube to the trailer frame with gusseting reinforcement. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for specific installation requirements for your trailer.
All hardware must be torqued to 125 ft. lbs. minimum. Hardware torque must be checked periodically and retightened if necessary. Check for wear on the inner tube if retightening is needed.
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.
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.
Before towing, check the vehicle, hitch ball, and coupler for signs of wear or damage. Ensure the coupler opens, closes, and the handle springs closed when released. Verify the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket and the latch is closed. Confirm trailer safety chains are properly connected and all trailer lighting is hooked up and working.
Maintenance procedures should be performed 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.
The Bulldog Gooseneck Coupler is a towing coupler designed for gooseneck trailers. It connects a trailer to a towing vehicle via a 2 5/16" hitch ball. The coupler is available in four capacity ratings (20K Round, 25K Round, 25K Square, and 30K Round) and features a load bearing pin system for secure coupling. It is rated according to SAE J2638 standards.
The Bulldog Gooseneck Coupler is manufactured by Cequent Performance Products, Inc. The company is located at 47912 Halyard Dr. Suite 100, Plymouth, MI 48170. Customer service is available at 1-800-632-3290 or 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 smaller ball will not allow proper coupling and may result in failure. If uncertain about the correct ball rating, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290.
The coupler is available in four capacity ratings: 20K Round, 25K Round, 25K Square, and 30K Round. The actual weight limit is the lesser of the coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings, including the load. You must weigh your trailer plus added load and ensure it does not exceed the lowest rated capacity of any component in the towing system.
Yes. All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder. The outer tube must be welded to the trailer frame with gusseting reinforcement to support the coupler's rated load. Improper welding can result in coupler failure.
Gusseting provides structural reinforcement to support the coupler's rated load. 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. In high-load, high-mileage, or rough-service applications, additional banding that ties the trailer framing to the coupler is required.
Yes. Before mounting the coupler, confirm 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 the extended and retracted positions before installation. Check again after installation is complete. The set bolts must be facing the towing vehicle.
Follow these steps: 1) Block the trailer wheels. 2) Align the hitch ball beneath the 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 the 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.
The load bearing pin is a critical component that must be fully inserted through both the inner and outer tubes of the coupler. When properly installed, the load bearing pin allows the coupler to support its rated load according to SAE J2638 standards. The retaining pin must also be installed to secure the load bearing pin in place. Do not tow unless the load bearing pin is fully inserted and the retaining pin is installed.
Yes. The coupler must remain vertical after installation to ensure proper operation. If the coupler is not vertical, its operation may be impaired and it should not be used.
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. Improper welding can damage the coupler and impair its operation.
No. The purchaser/owner must not alter or modify the product. The coupler must be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Modifications may impair the coupler's operation and void the warranty.
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. Always secure the load, vehicle, and trailer by blocking the wheels before latching or unlatching the coupler. Weigh your trailer plus added load and do not exceed the lesser of the coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings. Keep the ball pocket, latch, and handle clean.
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 the handle does not spring closed when released, or if any other operation is impaired, do not tow with it. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for assistance.
After installation is complete, verify that the coupler remains vertical. Check for interference again in both extended and retracted positions. Ensure that coupler operation has not been impaired in any way—the coupler should open, close, and the handle should spring closed when released. After assembly and painting, affix any enclosed labels to the coupler and remove the premask. Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired.
Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket. The ball should be completely inserted into the pocket with no gaps. If the ball is not fully seated, the coupling is not secure and you should not tow.
At least annually, perform the following maintenance: check hardware torque (all hardware must be torqued to 125 ft. lbs. minimum), 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 at all times.
Use SAE 30 wt. motor oil to oil the pivot points. Grease should be used on the ball pocket. Do not use other lubricants as they may not provide adequate protection.
Hardware torque should be checked periodically and tightened if necessary. At minimum, hardware torque should be checked during the annual maintenance procedure. All hardware must be torqued to 125 ft. lbs. minimum. When retightening, check for wear on the inner tube.
Inspect the retaining pin at least annually as part of the maintenance procedure. Replace the retaining pin if it shows signs of wear or damage. A damaged retaining pin may not properly secure the load bearing pin, which could result in coupler failure.
Replacement parts are available through Cequent Performance Products' Customer Service Department. Use only Cequent Performance Products' parts or equivalent quality parts. To order replacement parts, contact Cequent at 1-800-632-3290 and specify the product model number. Visit www.cequentgroup.com for additional information.
Cequent Performance Products warrants the coupler to be free from defects in material and workmanship for three years from the date of retail purchase 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, accidents, 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.
This indicates the coupler's operation has been impaired. Do not use the coupler. Before towing, the handle must spring closed when released. Check the coupler for damage, bent parts, or debris that may be preventing normal operation. If the handle is bent or broken, it must be replaced before using the coupler. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for replacement parts or assistance.
This indicates the coupler's operation has been impaired. Do not use the coupler. Check that the locking pin and locking plates move freely and are not bent or damaged. Keep the ball pocket, latch, and handle clean—debris may be preventing proper operation. If parts are bent or broken, they must be replaced. If cleaning does not resolve the issue, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290.
Do not tow if the hitch ball is not fully seated in the coupler ball pocket. Stop and recouple. Ensure the locking plate is in the open position and the trailer is lowered completely onto the hitch ball. Visually verify that the ball is fully inserted into the pocket with no gaps. If the ball still does not seat properly, check that the hitch ball is the correct size (2 5/16") and rated for the coupler's capacity. If the ball pocket is damaged or deformed, the coupler must be replaced.
Excessive vibration indicates the set bolts and jam nuts may be loose. Stop towing and check the hardware torque. All hardware must be torqued to 125 ft. lbs. minimum. Tighten any loose bolts and nuts to the specified torque. When retightening, check for wear on the inner tube. If the coupler continues to vibrate after retightening, there may be damage to the coupler or trailer frame. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290.
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 for the coupler to support its rated load. Ensure the load bearing pin is pushed completely through both tubes until it cannot be inserted further. Install the retaining pin to secure the load bearing pin in place. If the pin cannot be fully inserted, there may be damage or misalignment. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290.
Stop using the coupler immediately. Before installation, interference must be checked in both extended and retracted positions. After installation, interference must be checked again. If interference is present, the coupler height, orientation, or gusseting may need adjustment. This is dependent on trailer design and customer requirements. Contact an AWS certified welder or the trailer manufacturer to adjust the coupler position. Do not tow with the coupler if interference is present.
Keep the ball pocket clean to ensure proper operation and prevent wear. Clean the ball pocket by removing any dirt, debris, or corrosion. Use a wire brush or similar tool to clean the pocket. After cleaning, grease the ball pocket as part of the annual maintenance procedure. If the ball pocket is severely corroded or damaged, it may need to be replaced. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for replacement parts.
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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