Bulldog Hitch Upgrade?

[fudge_brownie]

Nice description. That front hole for the jack was an issue on mine as well. I think the welder could have gotten a socket in the spot but instead called me to ask if he could weld that portion of the jack. I was OK with that. Another difference the welder encountered is he had to weld in spacers between the new hitch and the frame. He did a nice job with that.

I took this opportunity to install shiny new G70 chains and hooks, and G80 hammer-locks.

This is something on my list: Some questions
How did you get the old chains off?
Why hammer-locks on the forged hooks with clip that fasten to the tow vehicle?
What size of chain and hooks? 3/8, 1/2 or 5/8

[Great Eggstrications]

Originally Posted by fudge_brownie

This is something on my list: Some questions
How did you get the old chains off?
Why hammer-locks on the forged hooks with clip that fasten to the tow vehicle?
What size of chain and hooks? 3/8, 1/2 or 5/8

I used an angle grinder and cut apart the rear-most loose links (not the ones welded to the 1/2" cross-bar) on each chain and removed the chains, leaving the welded-on links alone. I didn't like the way that the chain was attached to the cross-bar, specifically the way that the welded-on links hung down so that if the hitch failed and the chains were suddenly towing the trailer, there would be a rotational force placed on the cross-bar that would tend to twist it off where it was welded to the frame. The hammer-locks are installed on the original cross-bar, and I had the welder tack a piece of bar stock along the top of the cross-bar to keep the hammer-locks separated so they wouldn't be able to slide together toward the middle of the cross-bar. I used a padlock and small chain with one of the leftover original welded-on links to secure the propane tank cover to at least make someone work for it it they wanted to grab the tanks - they would have to cut the chain or padlock or hack the cover to pieces to get to the tanks. Plus it'll never fly off while driving.

The big fat hooks on the new chain were too big to fit through the chain hook loops on the factory hitch, so I installed hammer-locks that just stay on the tow vehicle all the time and the new hooks go through the hammer-locks.

I got the 5/16" G70 chain and hooks from Mr. Bezos:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and likewise the G80 hammer-locks:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

One big motivation was to finally get rid of the "quick links" that I had "temporarily" used in the hook loops on the tow vehicle. Even the big 3/8" G30 links were only rated for a WWL of 1,980 lbs (per Grainger).

[MTDave]

rbryan,
When you installed the Ram coupler did you have to make any other adjustment to get the propane tank cover to fit. I recently had the same coupler installed on my 2021 19' and now the cover will not fit between the jack and the storage box.

[jth523]

The standard hitch coupler installed by Escape Trailers has been a continuous problem for me regarding hitching up and disengaging the coupler to the hitch ball. After reading about replacing the Escape Trailer standard coupler with the Bulldog coupler, I decided to go ahead with the change. Although I have only used the new set up once (picking the trailer up after the Bulldog installation), hitching up and disengagement was so much easier than with the old coupler.

[tractors1]

Also EASILY releases/engages when your trailer and tow are on slightly different slopes or you have to raise one side of the trailer a lot to make it level.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by jth523

The standard hitch coupler installed by Escape Trailers has been a continuous problem for me regarding hitching up and disengaging the coupler to the hitch ball. After reading about replacing the Escape Trailer standard coupler with the Bulldog coupler, I decided to go ahead with the change. Although I have only used the new set up once (picking the trailer up after the Bulldog installation), hitching up and disengagement was so much easier than with the old coupler.

Interested in your locking for your bulldog? Pat

[alanerickson]

I can see some supports in the background for weight distribution bars. When I looked at doing this in the past the Bulldog moved the coupler forward a couple of inches and had the potential to throw the dimensions for that out of spec. Is there any issues with this and a weight distribution system? Also, any issues with the jack? In case you can't tell I have both a jack and w.d. system. Thanks.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by alanerickson

I can see some supports in the background for weight distribution bars. When I looked at doing this in the past the Bulldog moved the coupler forward a couple of inches and had the potential to throw the dimensions for that out of spec. Is there any issues with this and a weight distribution system? Also, any issues with the jack? In case you can't tell I have both a jack and w.d. system. Thanks.

It's possible you'd have to relocate the mounts for the spring bars. That's because this type of coupler extends about 2 to 3 inches further forward once it's welded to the A frame than the yoke style original does. But it wouldn't be 'out of spec' - just moving the brackets forward a bit.

As for the jack, it depends on the coupler brand and where the hole is cut. The jack hole may not line up exactly with the hole on the plate that's welded to the underside of the frame. In such a case it's pretty simple to either enlarge that hole or cut off and re-weld the plate. This would be a potential issue for any jack, power or not.

[jth523]

The lock seems pretty heavy duty and easy to install. Got it with the coupler from Etrailer.

[ebike1]

Originally Posted by jth523

The standard hitch coupler installed by Escape Trailers has been a continuous problem for me regarding hitching up and disengaging the coupler to the hitch ball. After reading about replacing the Escape Trailer standard coupler with the Bulldog coupler, I decided to go ahead with the change. Although I have only used the new set up once (picking the trailer up after the Bulldog installation), hitching up and disengagement was so much easier than with the old coupler.

I am hoping to do this also when I receive my trailer. What lock are you using?

[jth523]

EZ Lock Trailer Coupler Lock for 1-7/8", 2", 2-5/16" Bulldog Collar-Lok Couplers

[Chasing Trials]

Originally Posted by Great Eggstrications

So we went to pick up the tra

They said they’ll pay for the old coupler to get ground off and a new one welded on. And they're Damn Right They Will!


The wayward fork lift driver is no longer with the company, so maybe this little misadventure got his sorry butt fired. Planning to order a Bulldog 7,000 lb coupler from E-Trailer.



Anyhow, this looks like a grand opportunity to upgrade to a Bulldog Hitch. We'll definitely not miss the occasional struggle unhitching the original crappy coupler.

So...

I have seen lots of good things regarding the Bulldog hitches, and am seeking any input from any of you Bulldoggers out there, both good and bad. Any cautions or regrets or general hitch switch concerns or whatever else to share?

Thanks...

All horse trailers have bulldog couplers...Thankfully. I was towing F150 & 2 horses in Trailer. Some NUTCASE passing 2 bikes TOTALLY in my lane! I moved over as far as I dared(standing on the brakes........ with Controller) as to NOT roll over into ditch or jackknife. Hit 1/4 to 1/4 head on. Bulldog was STILL on the ball even though the 5/8" ball mount was curled up about 75%!!!! Truck totaled & 1st Trailer wheel toar off & both axles bent. Horses OK, I had a broken leg.



1st thing I do to my Escape, is put a bulldog on it.

[ebike1]

Originally Posted by Chasing Trials

All horse trailers have bulldog couplers...Thankfully. I was towing F150 & 2 horses in Trailer. Some NUTCASE passing 2 bikes TOTALLY in my lane! I moved over as far as I dared(standing on the brakes........ with Controller) as to NOT roll over into ditch or jackknife. Hit 1/4 to 1/4 head on. Bulldog was STILL on the ball even though the 5/8" ball mount was curled up about 75%!!!! Truck totaled & 1st Trailer wheel toar off & both axles bent.



1st thing I do to my Escape, is put a bulldog on it.

Thanks for the safety reminder!! I always put safety over everything else.

[Civilguy]

Originally Posted by Greg A

I’m sure you will be much happier with the new coupler. Like you, I’ve never had a worse experience with a trailer coupler than the one on the Escape. Love my Bulldog, now.
The puzzler is why ETI continues to push out $40k trailers with a piece of junk coupler.

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Maybe because it's not a problem for most of their customers?

Glenn,

I recently ran across a thread where you had posted a picture of your coupler. As it's not the Ram yoke-style, I hereby use the authority granted me by my own hubris to banish you from ever commenting again on the grief associated with the newer Ram yoke-style couplers.



If you would like to resume commenting on the Ram yoke-style, I'll soon have one available which you can have shipped north and installed at your expense, and I won't charge you so much as a nickel!

[SWCO]

Originally Posted by Civilguy

Glenn,

I recently ran across a thread where you had posted a picture of your coupler. As it's not the Ram yoke-style, I hereby use the authority granted me by my own hubris to banish you from ever commenting again on the grief associated with the newer Ram yoke-style couplers.

Attachment 61920

Here, here.

Like commenting in this forum that water heater bypass valves cannot be installed incorrectly (indicating no experience installing them), or that using air bags is the same as welding suspension springs solid (likely same explanation).

[gbaglo]

[QUOTE=SWCO;416372]

Originally Posted by Civilguy

Glenn,

I recently ran across a thread where you had posted a picture of your coupler. As it's not the Ram yoke-style, I hereby use the authority granted me by my own hubris to banish you from ever commenting again on the grief associated with the newer Ram yoke-style couplers.

Attachment 61920

Here, here.

Like commenting in this forum that water heater bypass valves cannot be installed incorrectly (indicating no experience installing them), or that using air bags is the same as welding suspension springs solid (likely same explanation).

I believe I said that I didn't have problems with my coupler. I don't recall ever specifying the brand, just saying it's what came with the trailer. I also did not comment on the installation of water heater bypass valves. Don't know why I would since I have never installed them. ETI installed them.
As for air bags, explain to me how they transfer weight forward to the front axle and back to the trailer axle, like a WDH.

[Civilguy]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I believe I said that I didn't have problems with my coupler.

Yes, but, we can fix that!

I'll let you know when the Ram yoke-style is available!!

[Great Eggstrications]

Originally Posted by Civilguy

I'll soon have one available which you can have shipped north and installed at your expense, and I won't charge you so much as a nickel!

Sounds like a wiener. My old coupler is currently hanging on the garage wall along with various other trophies of vehicular mistakes, mishaps, and dead ends. I'll certainly consider shipping it for free to anyone, anywhere. Tired of looking at it. Hitched hard and put away rusty...

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Civilguy

I'll let you know when the Ram yoke-style is available!!

My trailer is unlikely to move, so I could probably just have the coupler cut off and leave it at that.

[SWCO]

[QUOTE=gbaglo;416373]

Originally Posted by SWCO

I believe I said that I didn't have problems with my coupler. I don't recall ever specifying the brand, just saying it's what came with the trailer. I also did not comment on the installation of water heater bypass valves. Don't know why I would since I have never installed them [I do not know either, but you do]. ETI installed them.
As for air bags, explain to me how they transfer weight forward to the front axle and back to the trailer axle, like a WDH.

Post #19 from this 9-30-2018 thread: https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...aps-13971.html

"I don't think there is a way to install the valve wrong. It's basically a hole that runs in the same direction as the lever. Orientation would make no difference.
Pipes are attached either side of the lever and if the lever runs in the same direction as the pipes, the hole is open. If the lever is at right angles to the pipes, the hole is closed.
__________________
What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?
- Bertolt Brecht"