Bulldog BX1 Gooseneck Coupler, 2-5/16 in. Diameter, 20,000 lbs. Capacity, Round BD1289030300Bulldog$245.21Out of Stock
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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: | 1289070300 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 41 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.
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BULLDOG® BX1 Gooseneck Coupler
The Bulldog BX1 is designed for gooseneck trailers and is rated according to SAE J2638. However, fitment depends on your trailer's design, frame structure, and the location where the coupler will be mounted. Before purchasing, confirm that your trailer frame can accommodate rigid attachment of the outer tube with gussets, and that the coupler will reach your towing vehicle's hitch ball with the load bearing pin properly installed. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-521-0510 or www.cequentgroup.com to verify fitment for your specific trailer.
Installation requires an AWS certified welder and welding equipment. You will also need tools to torque hardware to 125 ft-lbs minimum. If you later need to replace the handle assembly using the available parts kit, you will need a hammer and 5/32" punch.
Yes. Installation must be performed by an AWS certified welder because the outer tube must be rigidly welded to the trailer frame with gussets. Welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder, and heat damage to the coupler must be avoided. Do not weld over or near any holes or hardware on the coupler.
All hardware, including set bolts and jam nuts, must be torqued to 125 ft-lbs minimum. Periodically check for proper torque and retighten if necessary. Check for wear on the inner tube if retightening is needed.
Use only a 2 5/16" hitch ball rated equal to or greater than the capacity of the coupler. Never exceed the maximum rated capacity. 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.
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 coupler cannot support its rated load without the load bearing pin fully inserted.
Do not exceed 8" maximum extension from the fully retracted position. Measure coupler extension as the difference between fully retracted and fully extended positions. Couplers with properly installed load bearing pins and square adjustable gooseneck couplers only extend within this range.
Perform the following procedures at least annually: check hardware torque, grease all fittings and ball pocket, and inspect the retaining pin and replace if necessary. Keep the ball pocket, latch, and handle clean.
The Bulldog BX1 is a gooseneck coupler designed for trailers. It features an inner tube and outer tube assembly with a load bearing pin, retaining pin, latch mechanism, and handle. The coupler is rated according to SAE J2638 and is designed to couple with a 2 5/16" hitch ball. It includes an optional theft deterrent locking hole.
The rated capacity is stamped on the product or shown on decals. Refer to the stamped markings or decals on your coupler to obtain the rated capacity. Never exceed the maximum rated capacity. If you cannot find the capacity marking, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-521-0510 or www.cequentgroup.com.
Before mounting the coupler, confirm that there will be no interference from the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, and any other mounted accessories while stationary or in motion. Check for interference in both extended and retracted positions before installing, and check again after installation is complete. If you are unsure whether the coupler will fit your specific trailer configuration, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-521-0510.
The outer tube must be supported completely by attaching gussets as low as possible to the outer tube. Reinforcements must extend down the outer tube to within 3" above the bottom of the outer tube. The coupler must be held rigid and vertical, and must not be damaged by heat during installation. Weld size and gusseting requirements depend on your trailer design and customer requirements. Consult with your AWS certified welder to determine the appropriate gusset size and configuration for your trailer.
The set bolts must be facing the towing vehicle. This orientation is critical for proper operation and safety.
Yes. The coupler must remain vertical after installation to ensure proper operation. After installation, 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.
After assembly and painting, but prior to being used, any enclosed labels must be affixed to the coupler and premask removed.
No. The purchaser/owner must not alter or modify the product. The coupler must be installed and used only as specified in the instructions. Improper installation or use may result in property damage, serious injury, and/or death.
Welding is required to attach the outer tube to your trailer frame, but only an AWS certified welder may perform this work. Avoid heat damage to the coupler during welding. Do not weld over or near any holes or hardware on the coupler. All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder.
1. Block trailer wheels. 2. Align hitch ball beneath coupler. 3. Set coupler into the open position by lifting up on the handle and slide 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 handle down into the closed position. When using a recessed ball, check to make sure handle and locking plates are clear of any interference with safety chains and D-rings. 7. Insert (optional) theft deterrent lock through hole in fixed plate.
1. Block trailer wheels. 2. Remove 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.
Before towing, perform the following checks: 1. Check vehicle, hitch ball and coupler for signs of wear or damage. 2. Ensure that the coupler opens, closes, and the handle springs closed when released. 3. Always replace bent, broken, or worn parts before using this product. 4. Ensure that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket and the latch is closed. 5. Make sure that the trailer safety chains are properly connected to the towing vehicle and trailer. 6. Make sure that all trailer lighting is hooked up and working properly.
Weigh your trailer plus added load. Do not exceed the lesser of coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings (including load). The coupler's rated capacity is stamped on the product or shown on decals. Refer to these markings to obtain the rated capacity. Never exceed the maximum rated capacity.
Operator and bystanders should never position any body part under any portion of the coupler or the load being supported. Do not allow children to play on or around the coupler or the load being supported. Always secure the load, vehicle and trailer (by blocking wheels) before latching or unlatching the coupler. Keep the ball pocket, latch, and handle clean.
The load bearing pin is a critical 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. 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 according to SAE J2638 without the load bearing pin properly installed.
Keep the ball pocket, latch, and handle clean. Perform the following procedures at least annually: check hardware torque (all hardware must be torqued to 125 ft-lbs minimum), grease all fittings and ball pocket, and inspect the retaining pin and replace if necessary. Periodically check for proper torque and tighten if necessary. Check for wear on the inner tube if retightening is 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.
Required tools: hammer and 5/32" punch. 1. Loosen set bolts, remove load bearing pin and lower coupler assembly from trailer. With ball pocket facing up, take visual note of the parts and their orientation, paying particular attention to the function of the handle and locking cam. Rotate handle exposing the groove pin. With a punch, remove the groove pin and slide handle from the coupler. Remove and discard all old parts. DO NOT reassemble using any previously existing parts—only use components supplied within the parts kit. 2. Place bushing within coupler body. Assemble the straight leg side of the torsion spring into the locking cam and lower into the casting. Be certain the cam lobe notch rests against inside edge of the coupler casting. Next, insert the bent-leg end of the spring into bushing side of casting and slide the handle through the assembled parts. Lastly, align the hole in the handle with hole in cam, and fix groove pin into place. A properly assembled handle will make a loud "clack" from an open to a closed position when the locking cam hits against the coupler casting.
After installation is complete, check for interference again in both extended and retracted positions. Ensure that coupler operation has not been impaired in any way. Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired. Verify that the coupler remains vertical. Check that the outer tube is rigidly attached to the trailer and that all hardware is torqued to 125 ft-lbs minimum.
The Bulldog BX1 coupler comes with a Limited Five Year Warranty. 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. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, damage through abuse, neglect, misuse, accident, misapplication, overloading, improper installation (including welds), improper maintenance and repair, or product alteration by anyone other than Cequent Performance Products. To make a warranty claim, contact Cequent Performance Products at 47774 Anchor Ct. W., Plymouth, MI 48170, 1-800-521-0510, identify the product by model number, and follow the claim instructions provided.
Yes, the coupler can be used with a recessed ball. However, 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.
The coupler features an optional theft deterrent locking hole in the fixed plate. A theft deterrent lock can be inserted through this hole, but it is optional and not included with the coupler.
The handle should spring closed when released. If it does not, 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. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-521-0510 to order the kit and follow the installation instructions provided in the manual. Required tools are a hammer and 5/32" punch.
Before towing, ensure that the coupler opens, closes, and the handle springs closed when released. If the coupler is not opening or closing properly, check for the following: 1. Ensure the ball pocket and mechanism are clean. 2. Check that the locking plate moves freely in and out of the detent. 3. Verify that the handle is not bent or damaged. 4. If the handle is malfunctioning, a handle repair kit is available. If the coupler operation has been impaired in any way, do not use the coupler. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-521-0510 for assistance.
Excessive vibration may indicate that the set bolts and jam nuts are not properly tightened. All hardware must be torqued to 125 ft-lbs minimum. Tighten the set bolts and jam nuts to minimize vibrations in the coupler during towing. Periodically check for proper torque and tighten if necessary. Check for wear on the inner tube if retightening is needed. If vibration persists after retightening, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-521-0510.
Ensure that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket before closing the latch. If the ball does not seat fully, check the following: 1. Verify that the hitch ball is the correct size (2 5/16"). 2. Ensure that the ball pocket is clean and free of debris. 3. Check that the coupler is in the fully open position before attempting to seat the ball. 4. Verify that the coupler can reach the hitch ball with the load bearing pin properly installed. If the ball still does not seat fully, 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. If interference is occurring, the coupler may not be properly positioned or the safety chains may be routed incorrectly. Reposition the safety chains and D-rings to avoid contact with the handle and locking plates. If interference cannot be avoided, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-521-0510 to discuss alternative mounting positions or configurations.
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| Part Number | Description | Capacity (lbs.) | Retracted Height (in.) | Extended Height (in.) | Adjustment (in.) | Ball Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1289030030 | BX1 Coupler, 4.5 in. Diameter x 20 in. Length Outer Tube, 4 in. Diameter x 27.2 in. Inner Tube, with BX1 Cast Coupler Head, 3/4 in. Load Bearing Pin, (2) Set Bolts, Raw, Labels Applied | 20,000 | 27.50 | 35.50 | 8.00 | 2-5/16 |
| 1289003030 | BX1 Adjustable Gooseneck Coupler, 4.5 in. Diameter x 20 in. Length Outer Tube, 4 in. Diameter x 27.2 in. Inner Tube, with BX1 Cast Coupler Head, 3/4 in. Load Bearing Pin, (2) Set Bolts, Raw, Labels Applied | 25,000 | 27.50 | 35.50 | 8.00 | 2-5/16 |
| Short Configuration | ||||||
| 1289070300 | BX1 Coupler, 4.5 in. Diameter x 20 in. Length Outer Tube, 4 in. Diameter x 22.2 in. Inner Tube, with BX1 Cast Coupler Head, 3/4 in. Load Bearing Pin, (2) Set Bolts, Raw, Labels Loose | 20,000 | 22.60 | 30.60 | 8.00 | 2-5/16 |
| 1289040300 | BX1 Coupler, 4.5 in. Diameter x 20 in. Length Outer Tube, 4 in. Diameter x 22.2 in. Inner Tube, with BX1 Cast Coupler Head, 3/4 in. Load Bearing Pin, (2) Set Bolts, Raw, Labels Loose | 30,000 | 22.60 | 30.60 | 8.00 | 2-5/16 |
| Inner Tube Only | ||||||
| 1289020300 | BX1 Coupler, 4 in. Diameter x 27.2 in. Inner Tube Only, with BX1 Cast Coupler Head, Raw, Labels Loose | 25,000 | - | - | - | 2-5/16 |
| 1289050300 | BX1 Coupler, Short Configuration, 4 in. Diameter x 22.2 in. Inner Tube Only, with BX1 Cast Coupler Head, Raw, Labels Loose | 30,000 | - | - | - | 2-5/16 |
| Replacement Parts | ||||||
| 500356 | BX1 Gooseneck Coupler 5/16 in. Locking Pin | - | - | - | - | - |
| 5203310030 | BX1 Gooseneck Coupler Outer Tube, 4.5 in. Diameter x 20 in. Length, Hole for 3/4 in. Load Bearing Pin, (2) Set Bolts | - | - | - | - | - |