Is 3/4 inch of Vertical Play Too Much in a Bulldog Gooseneck Coupler

Updated 05/09/2016 | Published 05/08/2016

Question:

my horse trailer has a bulldog gooseneck coupler. how much vertical movement is allowable when it is locked onto the ball. I am getting about 3/4inch and it clunks over bumps in the road. I am concerned the coupler may be worn. I have a brand new bandw removable ball gooseneck hitch. thanks

asked by: Curt L

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Bulldog and he informed me that 3/4 inch of play would be quite a bit of movement and that something would need to get replaced.

There are a few components that can contribute to movement (gooseneck hitch, gooseneck ball, gooseneck coupler and gooseneck vertical tube) so it’s hard to say how much all together all these components might add up to with allowable tolerances and then wear that might be expected over time.

Your best option would be to try to find where the movement is coming from and replace what is needed to address it. Since the B and W is brand new most likely the issue is a worn out coupler.

A Bulldog repair kit part # BD0287740300 would most likely fix the problem if you determine the issue is on the coupler. If you coupler looks like the picture I attached the repair kit would be the correct part.

expert reply by: Jameson C