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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: | 0289650300 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 45.8 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 Bulldog Gooseneck Coupler is a hitch coupling device designed for gooseneck trailers. It couples with a 2 5/16" hitch ball on a towing vehicle and is available in four capacity ratings: 20K Round, 25K Round, 25K Square, and 30K Round. The coupler is rated according to SAE J2638.
The Bulldog Gooseneck Coupler is available in four models: 20K Round, 25K Round, 25K Square, and 30K Round. The model designation indicates the weight capacity and ball pocket shape. All models are rated according to SAE J2638.
The coupler requires a 2 5/16" hitch ball rated equal to or greater than the coupler's capacity. If uncertain about the correct ball rating, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
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 maximum extension.
The coupler works only with a 2 5/16" hitch ball. The ball must be rated equal to or greater than the capacity of the coupler. You must not use a ball of a different size or lower rating. If uncertain about compatibility, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290.
No. You must not exceed the lesser of the coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings (including load). Weigh your trailer plus added load before towing, and ensure the total does not exceed any of these component ratings. Exceeding weight limits can result in coupler failure and serious injury or death.
All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder. The manual does not specify whether other aspects of installation require professional installation, but the complexity of welding, gusseting, and structural attachment suggests professional installation is strongly recommended. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for installation guidance.
Before installation, 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. The set bolt(s) must be facing the towing vehicle. After installation is complete, check for interference again and verify that coupler operation has not been impaired.
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 supported completely by attaching gussets as low as possible to the outer tube. In high load, high mileage, or rough service applications, gussets and banding that tie trailer framing to the coupler are required.
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. The coupler must be held rigid and vertical during installation, and must not be damaged by heat.
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.
Yes. You must always block the trailer wheels before latching or unlatching the coupler. This is a critical safety requirement to prevent the trailer from moving unexpectedly during coupling or uncoupling operations.
Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket. The ball should be completely seated before you slide the locking plate into the closed position and set the locking pin in the closed position.
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.
You should periodically check for proper torque and tighten if necessary. The maintenance section specifies that hardware torque should be checked at least annually. Check for wear on the inner tube if retightening is needed.
The Bulldog Gooseneck Coupler is rated according to SAE J2638, which is the standard for gooseneck couplers.
Before towing, you must: 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 the product. 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.
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. If equipped with a load bearing pin, it must be fully inserted in order for the coupler to support its rated load.
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. Operator and bystanders should always maintain a safe distance from the coupler and load.
Yes. You must always secure the load, vehicle, and trailer by blocking the wheels before latching or unlatching the coupler. This prevents unexpected movement during coupling or uncoupling operations.
After installation is complete, you must: 1) Check for interference again in both extended and retracted positions. 2) Verify that coupler operation has not been impaired in any way. 3) Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired. 4) After assembly and painting, affix any enclosed labels to the coupler and remove premask. 5) Ensure the coupler remains vertical after installation to ensure proper operation.
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. Ensure the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket and the latch is closed. Make sure trailer safety chains are properly connected and all trailer lighting is hooked up and working properly.
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.
Oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil. This should be done at least annually as part of regular maintenance.
Keep the ball pocket clean and grease it at least annually. The ball pocket, latch, and handle should all be kept clean to ensure proper operation of the coupler.
Inspect the retaining pin at least annually and replace it if necessary. The retaining pin is critical for securing the load bearing pin in place, so it must be in good condition to ensure the coupler can support its rated load.
When retightening hardware, check for wear on the inner tube. If the inner tube shows significant wear, it may need to be replaced to ensure the coupler can properly support its rated load.
The manual shows diagrams of coupler components including the ball pocket, locking plates, set bolts, jam nuts, locking nut (on 25K Square model), pinch bolt (on 25K Square model), load bearing pin, and retaining pin. The manual does not provide a detailed parts list or specify which components are included versus which must be purchased separately. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for a complete parts list.
Use only Cequent Performance Products' parts. Replacement parts are available through Cequent Performance Products' Customer Service Department at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com. Please specify the product model number when ordering.
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, 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, 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.
No. The purchaser/owner must not alter or modify the product. The coupler must be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Any modification may void the warranty and could result in coupler failure.
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. If the coupler is not vertical, its operation may be impaired and it should not be used.
The set bolt(s) must be facing the towing vehicle. This orientation is critical for proper installation and operation of the coupler.
The load bearing pin is a critical component that 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 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.
The manual indicates that gusseting requirements differ between adjustable and non-adjustable couplers. 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. Both types must not exceed 8 inches maximum extension.
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 the defective parts before using the product. Do not tow with a coupler that does not operate properly.
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, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for troubleshooting assistance or to arrange for repair or replacement.
Replace bent, broken, or worn parts before using the product. Check the vehicle, hitch ball, and coupler for signs of wear or damage before each towing trip. If you find damage, do not tow until the damaged parts have been replaced with genuine Cequent Performance Products parts.
Excessive vibration indicates that the set bolts and nuts may not be properly tightened. 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. Periodically check for proper torque and tighten if necessary.
| 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 |
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