2 5/16” adjustable Bull Dog

[ceastmen]

My dump trailer has 2 5/16” adjustable Bull Dog coupler with 2 bolts through it so it's height can be adjusted.

Should it be loose in the channel after tightening the bolts?

Thanks in advance

 

[HBarlow]

I'm not clear what you are describing but I think the answer is NO. The hitch coupler should never be loose on the trailer tongue. That would be inviting bolt failure, metal fatigue, and disaster.

 

[Hoefler]

I'm not clear what you are describing but I think the answer is NO. The hitch coupler should never be loose on the trailer tongue. That would be inviting bolt failure, metal fatigue, and disaster.

X2! Never should have any movement once the bolts are tight. If it has run loose for very long, you may need to replace the coupler mount and bolts. The holes may be egged, the mount may have worn as to not fit properly, etc. .

 

[HOBrian]

You might need new bolts that have more threads on them. That "C" channel should pinch and hold the coupler.

 

[NIsaacs]

Does the hitch use two long bolts that go threw both sides or four short ones that clamp each side? If it has two long ones, they cant clamp due to the channel giving.



Nick

 

[ceastmen]

Update

Thanks for the posts, you are all spot on!

There are 2ea 5/8-11 bolts that go through the tongue and coupler.

I went out this morning and pulled it apart to take measurements, this is what I found, there is . 150 difference in the tongue and the coupler, you couldn't ever tighten those bolts enough to clamp it as you point out.

I emailed the manufacturer about the problem and guess what no response!

Quiet a bit different when we were talking about which model and price, instant response then to no response now.

When I picked the trailer up one of the employee's used a forklift and put it on my trailer ball after setting the height for my truck, he tightened the bolts and made all connections,we checked the lights, chains etc and away I went 950 miles to home.

It wasn't until I unhooked the trailer that I found this!

On my way to work today I passed a Colorado State Patrol weight station so I stopped in and asked the same questions, they said don't put it on the road until I get that fixed. So thats where it stands, I will fix it since there has been no emails from them.

 

[jhenderson]

Shim between the channel and coupler with grade 8 flat washers. Most all couplers of this style have some play. Some from the start, some after some use.