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Bulldog

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We know our products
Quality Products
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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: | 1289000300 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 48.4 LBS |
| CAPACITY: | 25,000 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 a gooseneck coupler designed to couple a gooseneck trailer to a towing vehicle using a 2 5/16" hitch ball. It features a load bearing pin, locking mechanism, and extends up to 8" from its fully retracted position. The coupler is rated according to SAE J2638 and must be installed by an AWS certified welder.
The part number is F3786 (B-18945), revision 5/13.
The coupler requires a 2 5/16" hitch ball rated equal to or greater than the coupler's capacity. Never exceed the maximum rated capacity. Refer to stamped markings or decals on the product to obtain the rated capacity.
No. The manual explicitly states to use only a 2 5/16" ball rated equal to or greater than the coupler's capacity. Never exceed maximum rated capacity.
The maximum extension is 8" measured as the difference between the fully retracted and fully extended positions. Do not exceed this limit. Couplers with properly installed load bearing pins and square adjustable gooseneck couplers only extend within this range.
Yes. All welding must be performed by an AWS (American Welding Society) certified welder. This is a mandatory requirement stated in the manual.
Before installation, confirm there will be no interference from the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, or any other mounted accessories while stationary or in motion. Check for interference in both extended and retracted positions. After installation is complete, check for interference again. Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired in any way.
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. Gusset size and requirements depend on trailer design and customer requirements. The coupler must be held rigid and vertical, and must not be damaged by heat during installation.
Yes. The coupler must remain vertical after installation to ensure proper operation. The outer tube must be rigidly attached to the trailer in order for the coupler to support its maximum rated load according to SAE J2638.
No. Avoid heat damage to the coupler during welding, and do not weld over or near any holes or hardware on the coupler. All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder.
After assembly and painting, but prior to being used, any enclosed labels must be affixed to the coupler and premask removed.
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.
The set bolts and jam nuts must be tightened to 125 ft-lbs minimum to minimize vibrations in the coupler during towing. All hardware must be torqued to this specification.
1. Block trailer wheels. 2. Align hitch ball beneath coupler. 3. Set coupler into 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.
The set bolts must be facing the towing vehicle.
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. The retaining pin must also be installed. Do not tow unless the load bearing pin is fully inserted and retaining pin is installed.
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. Failure to do so will prevent the coupler from supporting its rated load.
Weigh your trailer plus added load. Do not exceed the lesser of coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings (including load). Refer to 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.
Always secure the load, vehicle, and trailer by blocking the wheels before latching or unlatching the coupler.
No. Do not allow children to play on or around this product or the load being supported.
No. The operator and bystanders should never position any body part under any portion of this product or the load being supported.
Before towing: Check vehicle, hitch ball, and coupler for signs of wear or damage. Ensure that the coupler opens, closes, and the handle springs closed when released. Always replace bent, broken, or worn parts before using this product. Ensure that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket and the latch is closed. Make sure that the trailer safety chains are properly connected to the towing vehicle and trailer. Make sure that all trailer lighting is hooked up and working properly.
Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket. Ensure that the latch is closed.
The following procedures should be performed at least annually: Check hardware torque; Grease all fittings and ball pocket; Inspect retaining pin and replace if necessary. Keep the ball pocket, latch, and handle clean.
Periodically check for proper torque and tighten if necessary. At minimum, perform a hardware torque check at least annually. Check for wear on the inner tube if retightening is needed.
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.
Yes. A handle repair kit is available to replace worn or malfunctioning parts. The kit includes the handle assembly, locking cam, groove pin, bushing, and torsion spring. Required tools are a hammer and 5/32" punch. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-521-0510 for availability and ordering.
Required tools are a hammer and 5/32" punch.
This indicates the handle mechanism may be worn or malfunctioning. Before towing, always replace bent, broken, or worn parts. A handle repair kit is available from Cequent Performance Products (1-800-521-0510) that includes the handle assembly, locking cam, groove pin, bushing, and torsion spring.
This indicates the coupler operation has been impaired. Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired in any way. Before towing, ensure that the coupler opens, closes, and the handle springs closed when released. Always replace bent, broken, or worn parts before using this product. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-521-0510 for repair or replacement options.
Excessive vibration indicates the set bolts and jam nuts may not be properly tightened. Tighten the set bolts and jam nuts to minimize vibrations in the coupler during towing. All hardware must be torqued to 125 ft-lbs minimum. Periodically check for proper torque and tighten if necessary.
Do not tow. Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket. Ensure the latch is closed. If the ball does not seat properly, check for interference or damage to the coupler or ball. Always replace bent, broken, or worn parts before using this product. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-521-0510 if the problem persists.
The Bulldog BX1 is covered by a Limited Five Year Warranty from Cequent Performance Products, Inc. The warranty covers material defects in both material and workmanship for 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 from 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.
No. The purchaser/owner must not alter or modify the product. Any modifications made other than those specified in the product instructions and performed in a workmanlike manner will void the warranty.
Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-521-0510 or visit www.cequentgroup.com. For warranty claims, contact them at 47774 Anchor Ct. W., Plymouth, MI 48170.
Yes. An optional theft deterrent lock can be inserted through the hole in the fixed plate to secure the coupler.
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.
SAE J2638 is a standard for gooseneck couplers. The Bulldog BX1 is rated according to SAE J2638. The outer tube must be rigidly attached to the trailer in order for the coupler to support its maximum rated load according to this standard.
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





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