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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!
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: | 0287740300 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 9.8 LBS |
| CAPACITY: | 20,000 LBS. |
| MATERIAL: | STEEL |
| 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 coupler is available in four capacity ratings: 20K Round, 25K Round, 25K Square, and 30K Round. Each model is labeled with its capacity on the coupler.
The maximum extension is 8 inches, measured as the difference between the fully retracted and fully extended positions. Do not exceed this limit.
All hardware must be torqued to 125 ft. lbs. minimum. Check hardware torque periodically and retighten if necessary.
All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder. The manual does not explicitly state whether professional installation is mandatory for non-welding aspects, but AWS certification is a requirement for the welding portion of installation.
The Bulldog Gooseneck Coupler is a trailer coupling device designed to connect a gooseneck trailer to a towing vehicle. It is available in four capacity ratings (20K Round, 25K Round, 25K Square, and 30K Round) and is rated according to SAE J2638 standards. The coupler features a ball pocket, locking plates, a load bearing pin, and a retaining pin to secure the connection.
No. The coupler must be properly installed on the trailer with gusset reinforcement. Before installation, 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. The coupler must remain vertical after installation to ensure proper operation.
No. You must use only a 2 5/16" hitch ball rated equal to or greater than the capacity of the coupler. Do not exceed the lesser of the coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings (including load). If uncertain about the correct ball rating, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
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.
The retaining pin is a safety component that locks the load bearing pin in place. It must be installed whenever the load bearing pin is inserted. Do not tow unless the load bearing pin is fully inserted and the retaining pin is installed. The retaining pin should be inspected annually and replaced if necessary.
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.
Gusset reinforcement consists of metal plates or braces that 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 so the coupler can support its maximum rated load according to SAE J2638.
Banding consists of metal straps that tie the trailer framing to the coupler. Banding is required to reduce stress concentrations in high load, high mileage, or rough service applications. This modification is the responsibility of the trailer manufacturer.
Yes. The coupler must be welded to the trailer. 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 by welding in order for the coupler to support its maximum rated load.
No. The purchaser/owner must not alter or modify the product. The coupler must be installed according to the instructions and must remain vertical after installation to ensure proper operation.
Follow these safety precautions: Do not 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. Do not tow unless the load bearing pin is fully inserted and the retaining pin is installed. Do not exceed the 8" maximum extension. Do not exceed the lesser of the coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings (including load).
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 the coupler. 4) Ensure the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket and the latch is closed. 5) Make sure the trailer safety chains are properly connected to the towing vehicle and trailer. 6) Make sure all trailer lighting is hooked up and working properly.
After installation is complete, perform these checks: 1) Check for interference from the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, and other mounted accessories in both extended and retracted positions. 2) Verify that the coupler remains vertical. 3) Verify that coupler operation has not been impaired in any way. 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.
The following procedures should be performed at least annually: 1) Check hardware torque and retighten to 125 ft. lbs. minimum 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.
Check hardware torque periodically and retighten if necessary. At minimum, this should be done annually as part of the regular maintenance procedure. Check for wear on the inner tube if retightening is needed.
Use SAE 30 wt. motor oil to lubricate the pivot points. Grease should be used on the ball pocket. Do not use other lubricants unless specified by Cequent Performance Products.
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.
Contact Cequent Performance Products at: Address: 47912 Halyard Dr. Suite 100, Plymouth, MI 48170; Phone: 1-800-632-3290; Website: www.cequentgroup.com. To make a warranty claim, 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 a warranty claim.
Use only Cequent Performance Products' parts for replacements. Replacement parts are available through Cequent Performance Products' Customer Service Department at 1-800-632-3290. Please specify the product model number when ordering.
Adjustable couplers (square adjustable gooseneck couplers) can extend within the 8" maximum extension range when the load bearing pin is properly installed. Non-adjustable couplers do not have this extension capability. Both types require gusset reinforcement, but the reinforcement placement differs: adjustable couplers require reinforcement within 3 inches above the bottom of the outer tube, while non-adjustable couplers require reinforcement within 20 inches above the locking plates.
Measure the coupler extension as the difference between the fully retracted position and the fully extended position. The maximum extension must not exceed 8 inches. Couplers with properly installed load bearing pins and square adjustable gooseneck couplers only extend within this range.
The coupler is fully seated when the hitch ball is completely inserted into the ball pocket and the latch is closed. Before towing, visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket and the latch is closed. When coupling, visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler after lowering the trailer onto the ball.
The ball pocket is the receptacle on the coupler that receives and holds the hitch ball. The ball pocket must be kept clean for proper operation. The hitch ball must be fully seated in the ball pocket, and the latch must be closed to secure the connection.
Locking plates are components that secure the hitch ball in the ball pocket. To couple, slide the locking plate into the open position, lower the trailer onto the hitch ball, and then slide the locking plate into the closed position. To uncouple, slide the locking plate into the open position and raise the trailer from the hitch ball. The locking plates must be kept clean for proper operation.
The locking pin is a safety component that locks the locking plates in the closed position. To couple, set the locking pin in the open position, slide the locking plate into the open position, lower the trailer, slide the locking plate into the closed position, and then set the locking pin in the closed position. To uncouple, set the locking pin in the open position and slide the locking plate into the open position.
Set bolts are fasteners used to attach the coupler to the trailer. The set bolts must be facing the towing vehicle. All set bolts and nuts must be torqued to 125 ft. lbs. minimum to minimize vibrations in the coupler during towing.
Jam nuts are fasteners used in conjunction with set bolts to secure the coupler to the trailer. All jam nuts and set bolts must be torqued to 125 ft. lbs. minimum.
A pinch bolt is a fastener used on some coupler models (such as the 25K Square) to secure the load bearing pin. If equipped with a load bearing pin and pinch bolt, the load bearing pin must be fully inserted through both the inner and outer tubes and the pinch bolt must be tightened. The retaining pin or locking nut must also be installed for the coupler to support its rated load.
A locking nut is a fastener used on some coupler models (such as the 25K Square) to secure the load bearing pin in place. If equipped with a load bearing pin and locking nut, the load bearing pin must be fully inserted through both the inner and outer tubes and the locking nut must be installed for the coupler to support its rated load.
The inner tube is the internal component of the coupler that moves in and out to adjust the extension. The load bearing pin must be fully inserted through both the inner and outer tubes for the coupler to support its rated load. Check for wear on the inner tube if retightening hardware is needed.
The outer tube is the external component of the coupler that is welded to the trailer. The outer tube must be completely supported by gussets positioned as low as possible. The outer tube must be rigidly attached to the trailer by welding in order for the coupler to support its maximum rated load according to SAE J2638.
The coupler includes warning labels, caution labels, and capacity labels. After assembly and painting, but prior to being used, any enclosed labels must be affixed to the coupler and premask removed.
The Bulldog Gooseneck Coupler is rated according to SAE J2638, which is the Society of Automotive Engineers standard for gooseneck couplers.
First, check that the ball pocket, latch, and handle are clean. Clean any dirt or debris from these areas. If the coupler still does not open or close properly, or if the handle does not spring closed when released, the coupler may have damaged or worn parts. Replace bent, broken, or worn parts before using the coupler. If the problem persists, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290.
Ensure the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket and the latch is closed. Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated after lowering the trailer onto the ball. If the ball does not seat properly, check that the ball pocket is clean and free of debris. Verify the hitch ball is the correct size (2 5/16") and is rated equal to or greater than the coupler capacity. If the problem persists, the coupler or ball may be damaged and should be replaced.
Excessive vibration indicates the hardware may be loose. Stop towing immediately and check the torque on all set bolts and nuts. All hardware must be torqued to 125 ft. lbs. minimum. Retighten any loose hardware to the proper torque specification. Check for wear on the inner tube if retightening is needed. If vibration continues after retightening, the coupler may be damaged and should be inspected by a professional.
Ensure the load bearing pin is being inserted straight through both the inner and outer tubes. Check that the inner and outer tubes are properly aligned. If the tubes are misaligned, the coupler may not be installed correctly or may be damaged. Verify the coupler is vertical and properly welded to the trailer. If the pin still will not insert fully, the coupler may be damaged and should be replaced. Do not tow until the load bearing pin is fully inserted and the retaining pin is installed.
Ensure the load bearing pin is fully inserted and the coupler is within its extension range (maximum 8 inches). If the coupler is a square adjustable gooseneck coupler, verify it is extended to its maximum position. Check that the coupler is properly installed and vertical. If the coupler still cannot reach the hitch ball, the coupler may be installed too high or too low on the trailer, or the hitch ball may be positioned incorrectly. Consult with the trailer manufacturer or contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for assistance.
Do not tow with the coupler extended beyond 8 inches. Measure the coupler extension as the difference between the fully retracted and fully extended positions. If the coupler extends beyond 8 inches, it may not be properly installed or the load bearing pin may not be fully inserted. Verify the load bearing pin is fully inserted and the retaining pin is installed. If the coupler still extends beyond 8 inches, it may be damaged or improperly installed. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for assistance.
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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