Our in-house experts typically reply within one business day.
Bulldog
Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
The BULLDOG BX1 coupler is the result of generations of design expertise and field experience. It incorporates innovative features that revolutionize the benefits available from a gooseneck coupler.
| BRAND: | BULLDOG |
| PART NUMBER: | 1289030300 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 46 LBS |
| CAPACITY: | 20,000 LBS. |
| BALL DIAMETER: | 2.313 IN. |
| MATERIAL: | STEEL |
| HITCH CLASS: | V |
| 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.
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-94945 Years
BULLDOG® BX1 Gooseneck Coupler
The Bulldog BX1 is a gooseneck coupler rated according to SAE J2638. Refer to the stamped markings or decals on your specific unit for its rated capacity. It requires a 2 5/16" hitch ball rated equal to or greater than the coupler capacity. Do not exceed the lesser of the coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings.
Yes. Use only a 2 5/16" ball rated equal to or greater than the capacity of the coupler. Never exceed the maximum rated capacity shown on the stamped markings or decals on the product.
All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder. The outer tube must be rigidly attached to the trailer with gussets extending to within 3" of the bottom of the outer tube. Weld size, gusseting requirements, coupler height, and orientation depend on trailer design and customer requirements.
All hardware must be torqued to 125 ft. lbs minimum. Periodically check for proper torque and tighten if necessary. Check for wear on the inner tube if retightening is needed.
Do not exceed 8" maximum extension from the coupler's fully retracted position. Measure coupler extension as the difference between fully retracted and fully extended positions. Couplers with properly installed load bearing pins extend within this range.
No. Do not tow unless the load bearing pin is fully inserted through both the inner and outer tubes and the retaining pin is installed. The load bearing pin must be fully inserted for the coupler to support its rated load.
The Bulldog BX1 is a gooseneck coupler designed to connect a trailer to a towing vehicle via a hitch ball. It features an inner tube that retracts and extends (up to 8" maximum), a load bearing pin for rated load support, a locking mechanism with handle and locking plate, and optional theft deterrent locking. The coupler is rated according to SAE J2638 and must be installed by an AWS certified welder with proper gusseting to the trailer frame.
You must use a 2 5/16" hitch ball rated equal to or greater than the capacity of your specific Bulldog BX1 coupler. Check the stamped markings or decals on your coupler to determine its rated capacity, then ensure your ball meets or exceeds that rating. Never exceed the maximum rated capacity.
The Bulldog BX1 is designed for gooseneck trailers and must be installed by an AWS certified welder. Fitment depends on your trailer's design, frame structure, and the coupler's height and orientation requirements. Before installation, confirm there will be no interference from the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, or other mounted accessories in both stationary and moving positions. Consult with the installer or manufacturer if you are uncertain about fitment for your specific trailer.
Installation requires an AWS certified welder and welding equipment. The coupler must be welded to the trailer frame with gussets. No other specific tools are mentioned in the installation instructions for the coupler itself. However, if you need to replace the handle assembly using the available parts kit, you will need a hammer and 5/32" punch.
Yes. Before installing, check for interference in both extended and retracted positions between the coupler and the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, and any other mounted accessories. Check again after installation is complete. The coupler must remain vertical after installation to ensure proper operation.
1. Block the trailer wheels. 2. Align the hitch ball beneath the coupler. 3. Set the coupler into the open position by lifting up on the handle and sliding the locking plate into the detent. 4. 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 over and place the handle down into the closed position. When using a recessed ball, check that the handle and locking plates are clear of interference with safety chains and D-rings. 7. Insert the optional theft deterrent lock through the hole in the fixed plate.
1. Block the trailer wheels. 2. Remove the lock (if equipped) and set the handle into the open position. 3. Slide the locking plate into the open position and raise the trailer from the hitch ball.
The set bolts must be facing the towing vehicle. This is a required orientation for proper installation.
No. Do not weld over or near any holes or hardware on the coupler. Avoid heat damage to the coupler during welding. All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder.
Reinforcements (gussets) must extend down the outer tube to within 3" above the bottom of the outer tube to support the coupler's rated load. The outer tube must be completely supported by attaching gussets as low as possible to the outer tube. The coupler must be held rigid and vertical, and must not be damaged by heat during installation. Gusset size and design depend on trailer design and customer requirements.
Tighten the set bolts and jam nuts to 125 ft. lbs minimum to minimize vibrations in the coupler during towing. All hardware must be torqued to this specification. Periodically check for proper torque and tighten if necessary.
Before towing, perform the following 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) Always replace bent, broken, or worn parts before using the product. (4) Ensure the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket and the latch is closed. (5) Make sure trailer safety chains are properly connected to the towing vehicle and trailer. (6) Make sure all trailer lighting is hooked up and working properly.
Weigh your trailer plus added load. Do not exceed the lesser of the coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings (including load). Refer to the stamped markings or decals on the product to obtain the rated capacity. If uncertain, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-521-0510 or www.cequentgroup.com.
The load bearing pin is a component that must be fully inserted through both the inner and outer tubes 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 before towing. Do not tow unless the load bearing pin is fully inserted and the retaining pin is installed. The coupler cannot support its maximum rated load without the load bearing pin properly installed.
No. Do not allow children to play on or around the coupler or the load being supported. Additionally, the operator and bystanders should never position any body part under any portion of the coupler or the load being supported.
After installation is complete, perform the following checks: (1) Check for interference again in both extended and retracted positions between the coupler and the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, and other mounted accessories. (2) Ensure the coupler remains vertical. (3) Check to make sure 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 tighten to 125 ft. lbs minimum if necessary. (2) Grease all fittings and the ball pocket. (3) Inspect the retaining pin and replace if necessary. Keep the ball pocket, latch, and handle clean at all times.
Keep the ball pocket, latch, and handle clean. At least annually, grease all fittings and the ball pocket. Inspect the retaining pin and replace if necessary. Check hardware torque and tighten to 125 ft. lbs minimum if needed.
A handle repair kit is available to replace worn or malfunctioning parts. This kit includes the handle assembly, locking cam, groove pin, bushing, and torsion spring. Use only Cequent Performance Products' parts or parts of equal quality for repair. Replacement parts are available through Cequent Performance Products' Customer Service Department at 1-800-521-0510. Please specify the product model number.
A handle repair kit is available. Required tools are a hammer and 5/32" punch. Installation steps: (1) Loosen set bolts, remove the load bearing pin, and lower the coupler assembly from the trailer. (2) With the ball pocket facing up, note the parts and their orientation, paying particular attention to the handle and locking cam function. (3) Rotate the handle to expose the groove pin. (4) Use the punch to remove the groove pin and slide the handle from the coupler. (5) Remove and discard all old parts—do not reuse any previously existing parts. (6) Place the bushing within the coupler body. (7) Assemble the straight leg side of the torsion spring into the locking cam and lower into the casting, ensuring the cam lobe notch rests against the inside edge of the coupler casting. (8) Insert the bent-leg end of the spring into the bushing side of the casting and slide the handle through the assembled parts. (9) Align the hole in the handle with the hole in the cam and fix the groove pin into place. A properly assembled handle will make a loud "clack" from open to closed position when the locking cam hits the coupler casting.
Cequent Performance Products warrants to the original consumer purchaser only that the product will be free from material defects in both material and workmanship for a period of five years, ordinary wear and tear excepted, provided that installation and use of the product is in accordance with product instructions. There are no other warranties, express or implied. If the product does not comply with this limited 5-year warranty, the sole and exclusive remedy is replacement without charge or refund of 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 (including welds), improper maintenance and repair, or product alteration by anyone other than the manufacturer (except alterations made pursuant to product instructions in a workmanlike manner). To make a warranty claim, contact Cequent Performance Products at 47774 Anchor Ct. W., Plymouth, MI 48170, 1-800-521-0510.
No. The purchaser/owner must not alter or modify the product. The only exception is alterations made pursuant to product instructions and in a workmanlike manner. Any other modification will void the warranty and may result in coupler failure or unsafe operation.
Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired in any way. Check that the coupler opens, closes, and the handle springs closed when released. Always replace bent, broken, or worn parts before using the product. If you cannot repair the issue using the available handle repair kit, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-521-0510 for replacement parts or service.
The theft deterrent lock is optional. The coupler has a theft deterrent locking hole in the fixed plate where an optional lock can be inserted during coupling to secure the coupler.
This indicates the handle assembly may be worn or malfunctioning. A handle repair kit is available that includes the handle assembly, locking cam, groove pin, bushing, and torsion spring. Follow the replacement procedure: loosen set bolts, remove the load bearing pin, and lower the coupler assembly. With the ball pocket facing up, rotate the handle to expose the groove pin, use a 5/32" punch to remove it, and slide the handle out. Install the new components from the kit, ensuring the torsion spring is properly assembled with the straight leg side in the locking cam and the bent-leg end in the bushing. A properly assembled handle will make a loud "clack" from open to closed position. If the issue persists, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-521-0510.
Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired. Check the following: (1) Ensure the coupler opens and closes smoothly. (2) Verify the handle springs closed when released. (3) Check that the locking plate moves freely into and out of the detent. (4) Inspect for bent, broken, or worn parts. (5) Check hardware torque—all bolts should be at 125 ft. lbs minimum. If you find worn or damaged parts, replace them before using the coupler. A handle repair kit is available for handle-related issues. For other problems, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-521-0510.
Excessive vibration is typically caused by loose hardware. Tighten the set bolts and jam nuts to 125 ft. lbs minimum to minimize vibrations in the coupler during towing. Periodically check for proper torque and retighten if necessary. If vibration persists after retightening, check for wear on the inner tube, as this may indicate the need for component replacement. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-521-0510 if the problem continues.
Before coupling, ensure the ball pocket is clean. Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket after lowering the trailer onto the hitch ball. If the ball does not seat fully, check that: (1) The hitch ball is the correct size (2 5/16"). (2) The ball pocket is clean and free of debris. (3) The coupler is in the fully open position. (4) The coupler is properly aligned beneath the hitch ball. If the ball still does not seat, do not tow. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-521-0510.
When using a recessed ball, check to make sure the handle and locking plates are clear of any interference with safety chains and D-rings during coupling. If interference occurs, the coupler may not be properly positioned or the safety chains/D-rings may need to be repositioned. Ensure the coupler is installed at the correct height and orientation for your specific trailer. If interference cannot be resolved, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-521-0510 for guidance.
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
Free Shipping
Ships free on all orders
Authorized Dealer
FREE ShippingFREE SHIPPING
Estimated delivery Tue, Aug 11 - Fri, Aug 14
Order before 2 PM EST Monday–Friday for same-day processing
Guaranteed safe & secure checkout
