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Bulldog
Always the correct part
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Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
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: | 028900 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 80 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. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com if you are uncertain about the correct rating.
The manual shows four models: 20K Round, 25K Round, 25K Square, and 30K Round. The manual does not provide specific part numbers for each capacity variant.
The coupler is designed for gooseneck trailers. Before installation, you must confirm there will be no interference from the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, or other mounted accessories in both stationary and moving positions. Check for interference in both extended and retracted positions before and after installation. Coupler height, orientation, and gusset requirements depend on your specific trailer design.
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. You must avoid heat damage to the coupler during welding and must not weld over or near any holes or hardware on the coupler.
The set bolt(s) must be facing the towing vehicle. This orientation is required before installation and must be verified during the installation process.
The manual does not specify whether drilling is required. Installation requirements depend on your trailer design and how the coupler is mounted. Consult with an AWS certified welder or the trailer manufacturer regarding your specific installation needs.
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. The outer tube must be completely supported by gussets positioned as low as possible. For high-load, high-mileage, or rough-service applications, additional gussets and banding that tie the trailer frame to the coupler are required. Gusset size and specifications depend on your trailer design and are the responsibility of the trailer manufacturer.
All hardware must be torqued to 125 ft. lbs. minimum. Periodically check for proper torque and retighten if necessary. Check for wear on the inner tube if retightening is needed.
The manual requires periodic torque checks and retightening if necessary. More specifically, the maintenance section states that hardware torque should be checked at least annually. When retightening, check for wear on the inner tube.
The maximum extension is 8". Measure coupler extension 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 8" range. Do not exceed this maximum extension.
Yes. If equipped with a load bearing pin, it must be fully inserted through both the inner and outer tubes in order for the coupler to support its rated load. The retaining pin must also be installed. 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. 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.
After installation, perform the following checks: (1) Verify that the coupler opens, closes, and the handle springs closed when released. (2) Check for interference from the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, or other accessories in both extended and retracted positions. (3) Verify that coupler operation has not been impaired in any way. (4) Ensure all included labels are affixed to the coupler and premask is removed. Do not use the coupler if operation has been impaired.
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. The coupler is rated according to SAE J2638. Refer to your coupler's capacity label for the specific weight rating of your model.
Before towing, perform these checks: (1) Check the 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) Verify trailer safety chains are properly connected to both the towing vehicle and trailer. (6) Verify all trailer lighting is hooked up and working properly. (7) Ensure the load bearing pin is fully inserted and the retaining pin is installed.
No. The operator and bystanders should 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.
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 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 at all times.
Use SAE 30 wt. motor oil to oil the pivot points. Use grease on the ball pocket. The manual does not specify a particular grease type.
Inspect the retaining pin at least annually as part of routine maintenance. Replace it if it shows signs of wear or damage. The manual does not specify exact wear criteria; visual inspection is required.
No. The purchaser/owner must not alter or modify the product. The coupler must be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and must not be modified in any way.
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 it 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 claim, contact Cequent at 47912 Halyard Dr. Suite 100, Plymouth, MI 48170, 1-800-632-3290. You must provide your purchase receipt to verify the date of purchase.
Replacement parts are available exclusively from Cequent Performance Products. Contact their Customer Service Department at 1-800-632-3290 or visit www.cequentgroup.com. Specify your product model number when ordering. Use only Cequent Performance Products' parts.
Before installation, confirm that there will be no interference from the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, or other mounted accessories while stationary or in motion. Check for interference in both extended and retracted positions. Verify that the set bolt(s) will face the towing vehicle. Ensure you have an AWS certified welder available, as all welding must be performed by a certified professional. Plan for gusset reinforcement on the outer tube, positioned as low as possible. Avoid heat damage to the coupler during welding.
The outer tube must be completely supported by attaching gussets as low as possible to the outer tube. 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. For adjustable couplers, reinforcements must extend to within 3" above the bottom of the outer tube. For non-adjustable couplers, reinforcement must be within 20" above the locking plates.
After assembly and painting, but prior to being used, any enclosed labels must be affixed to the coupler and premask must be removed.
No. You must use only a 2 5/16" ball rated equal to or greater than the capacity of the coupler. If uncertain about the correct rating, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
Always secure the load, vehicle, and trailer by blocking the wheels before latching or unlatching the coupler. This prevents movement during the coupling and uncoupling process.
Tighten the set bolt(s) and nut(s) to minimize vibrations in the coupler during towing. All hardware must be torqued to 125 ft. lbs. minimum. Proper tightening reduces movement and vibration of the coupler while the trailer is being towed.
This indicates a problem with the coupler mechanism. Before towing, check the coupler for signs of wear or damage. The handle should spring closed when released. If it does not, replace the coupler or the damaged parts before using the product. Do not tow with a coupler that does not operate properly.
This indicates the coupler operation has been impaired. Check the coupler for signs of wear or damage. Ensure the ball pocket, latch, and handle are clean. If the coupler still does not open or close properly, do not use it. Replace bent, broken, or worn parts before using the product. Do not tow with an impaired coupler.
Do not tow. Ensure that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket and the latch is closed before towing. If the ball does not seat properly, check that you are using the correct 2 5/16" hitch ball rated equal to or greater than the coupler's capacity. Verify that the ball pocket is clean. If the problem persists, do not use the coupler.
Excessive vibration indicates that the set bolts and nuts may not be properly tightened. Stop towing immediately and check the hardware torque. All hardware must be torqued to 125 ft. lbs. minimum. Tighten the set bolt(s) and nut(s) to minimize vibrations. Check for wear on the inner tube if retightening is needed. If vibration persists after retightening, inspect the coupler for damage and do not tow until the problem is resolved.
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. If the pin does not stay inserted, check that the retaining pin is properly installed. Inspect the pin and the holes for damage or wear. If the pin or holes are damaged, replace the damaged parts. Do not tow unless the load bearing pin is fully inserted and the retaining pin is installed.
Do not tow. The coupler must not exceed 8" maximum extension. Measure the coupler extension as the difference between the fully retracted and fully extended positions. If your coupler extends beyond 8", it is not properly installed or configured. Consult with an AWS certified welder or the trailer manufacturer to correct the installation. Couplers with properly installed load bearing pins and square adjustable gooseneck couplers should only extend within the 8" range.
The coupler must remain vertical after installation to ensure proper operation. If the coupler is not vertical, it has not been properly installed. Do not use the coupler. Contact an AWS certified welder or the trailer manufacturer to correct the installation so that the coupler is vertical and properly supported by gussets.
Do not tow. Before installation and after installation is complete, check for interference from the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, and any other mounted accessories in both extended and retracted positions. If interference exists, the coupler has not been properly installed or positioned. Consult with an AWS certified welder or the trailer manufacturer to reposition or reinstall the coupler so that there is no interference in any position.
| 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 |
Jennifer
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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