Bulldog Coupler - Fiberglass RV
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 02-18-2015, 10:49 AM   #1
Senior Member
 
CampyTime's Avatar
 
Name: Wendy Lee
Trailer: Scamp 13' Standard
New York
Posts: 1,071
Registry
Bulldog Coupler

Dear Fellow FGRVers,
I'm going to change out my coupler and tongue jack in spring on my 2012 Scamp 13er. Long story short, PO had trailer pop off ball, and everything dragged for a while. Not happy with that, and would feel better changing everything out for peace of mind and safety.
Has anybody had any experience with the Bulldog collar type coupler? I've provided a link below to eTrailer. Heard various bits and pieces about it here, and thought I'd ask:

Bulldog Collar-Lok Coupler w/ Low-Profile Latch - 2" Ball - A-Frame - 5,000 lbs Bulldog Trailer Coupler BD028288

Wendy
CampyTime is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2015, 11:24 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
Name: Kenny
Trailer: 16' Standard
Ohio
Posts: 116
Registry
Wendy,
I looked at the bulldog on etrailer. It is made for heavy duty pulling, just the opposite of what your trailer is. The bulldog weighs 13 1/2 pounds, something to consider since everything else is designed to be lite and it costs $69.00. There is another on the same website for $17.95 and weighs 6.9 pounds and is rated for 5000 pound pull. The only way a ball would pop off would be due to it not being properly adjusted, which is easy to adjust. It should clamp down loose on the ball and locked in place with the latch preventing it to lifted off the ball. There is a nut on the underside for this. That's it! Oh yah, always put a pin or lock though the latch. Some people put a lite dab of lubrication on the ball but I don't. There are millions of trailers on the road using the lest expensive hitches with no problems. You don't have to over think it.
Kenny in Ohio is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2015, 11:31 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
Bob Miller's Avatar
 
Trailer: Class A Motorhome
Posts: 7,912
The first line in the description mentions everything except RV/Vacation trailers as it's intended application.


We went down this road a few months back with another hitches' claim that "Trailers pop-off the ball all the time" etc."


And, there is almost no documentation that a "Properly Adjusted" conventional hitch has "Popped Off" the ball. As I remember, most incidents that were actually investigated or fessed up to, were usually laid to the hitch not being locked, properly adjusted or being used on the wrong size ball.


Safer? Maybe Yes, Needed? Maybe Not.



Bob Miller is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2015, 11:51 AM   #4
Senior Member
 
Rob Outlaw's Avatar
 
Name: Rob
Trailer: Oliver Legacy Elite II, #70
Montana
Posts: 198
Just for the record these Bulldog hitches are standard on Oliver's. its my understanding they are used extensively in the farm and ranch industry, i.e. towing large and heavy field implements/equipment. It might be overkill for your scamp but doubt you will have problems with it.
Rob Outlaw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2015, 01:15 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
David Tilston's Avatar
 
Name: Dave W
Trailer: Trillium 4500 - 1976, 1978, 1979, 1300 - 1977, and a 1973
Alberta
Posts: 6,926
Registry
I got one with my Trillium 1300, "Wedding Gift". My neighbor says they are very good.
David Tilston is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2015, 01:34 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
rdickens's Avatar
 
Name: Ray
Trailer: 2017 Scamp 16 Deluxe
Missouri
Posts: 692
Wendy,

In one of the previous posts, Bob mentioned "properly adjusted".
Have you looked into that?

As Kenny described, looking at the bottom of the coupler, you should
see a nut that is used to tighten the "ears" that come up on the bottom
side of the ball when the locking lever is activated.

You might have a trailer place check that for you and adjust it just a bit.

If you try to do it yourself, just be careful not to over tighten that nut.
You do want the ball to be able to move a little bit without constant
chafing on that locking mechanism. You just don't want too much
"slop" that would allow the tongue to come up and down excessively
when going over bumps. A slight (half a turn to a turn) adjustment
may be all you really need?

Remember that you may hear some noise/rattle from the tow bar
moving up and down within the receiver. That sound doesn't necessarily
mean that there is excess slop in the locking mechanism adjustment.

Out of curiosity, was the PO maybe trying to use a ball that was too
small? ( i.e. an inch and seven eighths instead of 2 inches)

You may get better advice from others as to what constitutes
"properly adjusted"?

Good luck!

Ray


Sent from my iPad using Fiberglass RV
rdickens is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2015, 02:03 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
Name: Jack L
Trailer: Sold the Bigfoot 17-Looking for a new one
Washington
Posts: 1,561
I have used this type hitch on equipment trailers. They work well. They are considered to be more "heavy duty" . I did see one come off the ball because the collar that locks everything together was not in the correct position. If you feel you need a heavier coupler, this would be a good choice but the regular coupler is probably more than adequate. Any trailer coupler is subject to human error.
Jack L is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2015, 02:06 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Name: JD
Trailer: Scamp 16 Modified (BIGLY)
Florida
Posts: 2,445
I just rebuilt the frame on my 16' Scsmp and I installed the Bull dog hitch. I don't know if the others are as good or better, but the thing seems to be heavy duty to the max.
Welded into the VEE with new 12 Gauge 3 X 1 1/2" tubing the replace the old 14 Gauge.
Other hitches are probably OK, but..........
redbarron55 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2015, 04:23 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
CampyTime's Avatar
 
Name: Wendy Lee
Trailer: Scamp 13' Standard
New York
Posts: 1,071
Registry
My reason for wanting to switch all out is due to the dragging that occurred when the PO did not latch the coupler onto the ball properly. I just want all that crap out of there...don't trust it, and would feel better if all was new. I don't know any better, just heard talk of the bulldog and thought I'd ask all of you. The attwood coupler would probably do just fine, so long as it is new.

My coupler is bent along the outer "rim" edge where it dragged on pavement. Probably not a problem for all of the guts on the inside, but I don't like how it is hesitant to pop off the ball when I'm done camping. Could just be tension...but even on a level surface, it just doesn't seem happy to me. I haven't tried adjusting the nut on the inside at all, guess I'm just playing the safety game being that the whole tongue dragged on the ground and my thoughts are to get rid of it and start afresh. Tongue jack too, as if you've read any of my posts about storage, it seemed to cause a popping noise that reverberated throughout the undercarraige of my trailer at the same spot in jack rotation every time. I'm just being cautious, and I think it's in good order for damage that was done.

If all agree then, I'll just go with the stock attwood coupler and tongue jack that came with my trailer, albeit new, and call it a day. Good stuff and please know I respect and seek out your opinions as a newbie and learner. I, like you, want the best for my trailer and to do the right thing. I just don't have the same knowledge or skill level yet, but I'm learning!
CampyTime is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2015, 04:55 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
Paul O.'s Avatar
 
Name: Paul
Trailer: '04 Scamp 19D, TV:Tacoma 3.5L 4door, SB
Colorado
Posts: 1,845
Wendy, I agree that the best would be, for your piece of mind, to replace it with the same kind, so you get rid of the damaged parts. The Bulldog looks like an overkill and probably more expensive. You'll never put two 1000 pound horses in your 13' trailer, right?
Paul O. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2015, 05:00 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
Paul O.'s Avatar
 
Name: Paul
Trailer: '04 Scamp 19D, TV:Tacoma 3.5L 4door, SB
Colorado
Posts: 1,845
I forgot - about that screw jack snapping - is it possible that the screw is at the end of it's travel? I do not know how they are designed, they should have a travel limit, so this is just a thought.
Paul O. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2015, 06:48 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
Steve_N_Janna's Avatar
 
Name: Steve and Janna
Trailer: '02 Scamp 13
North Carolina
Posts: 185
Registry
I like the the Bulldog couplers and long ago decided that if I ever replace my standard style coupler it will be with a Bulldog.

To my mind there's nothing wrong with a bit of overkill and I like the fact that if the Bulldog is not properly closed and secured it will be immediately obvious - unlike the Atwood style that requires a peek at the underside of the coupler (or sticking a finger up into it).

So, Wendy, I say if you like the looks of the Bulldog, go for it! I don't think there is a right or wrong here - it's just a matter of personal preference.

Steve
Steve_N_Janna is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2015, 07:35 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
CampyTime's Avatar
 
Name: Wendy Lee
Trailer: Scamp 13' Standard
New York
Posts: 1,071
Registry
Don't know either Paul. I took the top off the tongue jack twice,,,didn't notice any obvious teeth missing from the gears, put a bit more grease in there. I just have an unsure feeling so...

While she's in storage I think about the things that will make me either more comfy, more convenient or more safe and satisfied. It's my hobby, and since I'm not a girlie girl, but cute nonetheless , I put money into the trailer instead of clothes and jewelry. Ha ha! Just bought a new pull out sprayer faucet for her too.

Here in buffalo, NY it's so freakin cold and there's so much snow that when time allows I dream of campy time. Hence, my name.

Although the egg has a few cracks from her unfortunate kiss with the pavement, there's nothing major wrong with her and for a 2012, I got a good price. So I nurture what I have could have never afforded a new scampy.

With respect and gratitude,

Wendy


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV
CampyTime is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2015, 08:55 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
Steve Outlaw's Avatar
 
Trailer: Oliver
Posts: 713
Registry
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Miller View Post
And, there is almost no documentation that a "Properly Adjusted" conventional hitch has "Popped Off" the ball. As I remember, most incidents that were actually investigated or fessed up to, were usually laid to the hitch not being locked, properly adjusted or being used on the wrong size ball.
Allow me to offer documentation... About 20 years ago after a devastating ice storm a friend and myself were hauling downed pine trees into the backwoods for disposal. There was no road to speak of, only a rutted track thru the trees. I was pulling a 1500 lb utility trailer, single axle with a Jeep Wrangler. The trailer was outfitted with a standard straight tongue coupler with a quick-release latch on a two inch ball. The trailer had been pulled many thousands of miles with no problems concerning the hitch. We had dumped our load and were headed back out empty. We came to a low spot in the trail (a slight ditch actually) about 18 inches deep and as the Jeep came out of the “ditch” the trailer simply popped off the ball. I’m sure it was due to the leverage afforded by the extreme angle between the ball and the coupler. One might argue that normally our travel trailers would never be subjected to such a rough road and I would never intentionally put ours in that position. But, if for some reason, I accidently made a right turn too sharp and the curb side wheels fell off into a hole (done that) or perhaps entered an uphill parking lot too steeply (been there) and placed an additional strain on our coupler I would not want the hitch to come loose because of my lack of attention. It’s not likely to, but I can attest to the fact that it can happen.

I’m happy with the bulldog coupler that was standard on both our Oliver’s. The collar will, however, pinch the crap out of you at least one time (trust me).
__________________
Steve and Tali - Dogs: Rocky and our beloved Reacher, Storm, Maggie and Lucy (waiting at the Rainbow Bridge)
2008 Outlaw Oliver Legacy Elite & 2014 Outlaw Oliver Legacy Elite II
2022 Silverado High Country 3500HD Diesel 4x4
Steve Outlaw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2015, 09:03 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
Glenn Baglo's Avatar
 
Trailer: Escape 17 ft
Posts: 8,317
Now, can you run the same conditions, with the same tow and trailer so you can compare how the bulldog performs?
Never mind. Good anecdote.
__________________
What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?
- Bertolt Brecht
Glenn Baglo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2015, 10:43 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
paulw's Avatar
 
Trailer: 2009 Escape 17 ft
Posts: 418
Registry
I replaced the damaged coupler on by 16' Scamp with a Bulldog. Was very happy with it, but you do need to watch for the pinch...
__________________
Paul & Norma
2005 Hunter Fat Shadow, 1995 Scamp 16, 2009 Escape 17B, 2013 Escape 21
2022 Coachmen Nova 20C
paulw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-19-2015, 01:24 PM   #17
Member
 
Name: Lyle
Trailer: '95 17ft Bigfoot
British Columbia
Posts: 33
One thought for using a Bulldog hitch. I do not like to sleep overnight with the trailer hooked to the truck. Disconnecting from a standard coupler requires blocking the jack cranking up the trailer high enough to clear the ball, move the truck ahead then lower the trailer to level again. The Bulldog looks like it could simply be unlatched. If someone decided to steal the truck I think it would break loose in short order. All you would have to do is remember to relatch it in the morning.
stillwater is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
1982 Burro Frame welded, new coupler installed MikeCM Modifications, Alterations and Updates 2 09-29-2009 07:21 PM
coupler height cyndi H Towing, Hitching, Axles and Running Gear 18 05-04-2008 05:52 AM
Boler Hitch Coupler A. Robert Reed Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 2 08-14-2007 05:46 PM
Coupler Concern Sitah Towing, Hitching, Axles and Running Gear 7 07-30-2006 03:26 PM
coupler height cyndi H Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 0 01-01-1970 12:00 AM

» Upcoming Events
No events scheduled in
the next 465 days.
» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:55 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.