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Bulldog

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Always the correct part
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: | 1289210300 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 31.2 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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The Bulldog BX1 is a gooseneck coupler designed for use with gooseneck trailers. It couples with a 2 5/16" hitch ball and is rated according to SAE J2638. The coupler features a load bearing pin, retaining pin, locking mechanism with handle, and optional theft deterrent lock. It is manufactured by Cequent Performance Products.
The coupler requires a 2 5/16" hitch ball rated equal to or greater than the capacity of the coupler. The ball rating must match or exceed the coupler's rated capacity. Refer to the stamped markings or decals on the coupler to determine its rated capacity.
No. The manual explicitly states to use only a 2 5/16" ball rated equal to or greater than the capacity of the coupler. Never exceed the 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.
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. Verify that the set bolts face the towing vehicle. Check for interference again after installation is complete.
Yes. All welding must be performed by an AWS (American Welding Society) certified welder. This is a mandatory requirement stated in the manual.
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. Weld size and gusseting 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.
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.
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.
All hardware must be torqued to 125 ft-lbs minimum. This includes set bolts and jam nuts. Periodically check for proper torque and tighten if necessary. Check for wear on the inner tube if retightening is needed.
The load bearing pin 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 retaining pin is installed.
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.
Weigh your trailer plus added load. Do not exceed the lesser of coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings (including load). Refer to the stamped markings or decals on the coupler to obtain its 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.
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.
No. Do not allow children to play on or around this product or the load being supported.
No. Operator and bystanders should never position any body part under any portion of this product or the load being supported.
The following procedures should be performed at least annually: Check hardware torque, grease all fittings and ball pocket, and inspect retaining pin; replace if necessary. Keep the ball pocket, latch, and handle clean.
Periodically check for proper torque and tighten if necessary. At minimum, this should be done annually as part of the regular maintenance procedures. 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. Contact Cequent Performance Products Customer Service Department at 1-800-521-0510 to order replacement parts. Please specify the product model number.
Required tools are a hammer and a 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.
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. This 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 the manufacturer. If the product does not comply with this limited 5-year warranty, the sole remedy is replacement without charge or refund of the purchase price. The purchaser is responsible for return shipping costs.
Contact Cequent Performance Products at 47774 Anchor Ct. W., Plymouth, MI 48170, telephone 1-800-521-0510, or www.cequentgroup.com. For warranty claims, identify the product by model number and follow the claim instructions that will be provided. You must provide the product and purchase receipt to process a warranty claim.
No. The purchaser/owner must not alter or modify the product. Product alteration by anyone other than the manufacturer voids the warranty, with the sole exception of alterations made pursuant to product instructions and in a workmanlike manner.
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. Always replace bent, broken, or worn parts before using this product.
The Bulldog BX1 is designed for gooseneck trailers and is rated according to SAE J2638. Before installation, confirm there will be no interference from the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, or other accessories in both extended and retracted positions. Consult the manual or contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-521-0510 for specific fitment questions.
The coupler requires a 2 5/16" hitch ball rated equal to or greater than the coupler's capacity. Refer to the stamped markings or decals on the coupler to determine its rated capacity.
Yes. All welding must be performed by an AWS (American Welding Society) certified welder. This is a mandatory requirement.
All hardware must be torqued to 125 ft-lbs minimum. Periodically check for proper torque and tighten if necessary.
The maximum extension is 8" measured as the difference between fully retracted and fully extended positions. Do not exceed this limit.
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.
At least annually: check hardware torque, grease all fittings and ball pocket, and inspect the retaining pin (replace if necessary). Keep the ball pocket, latch, and handle clean.
This indicates the handle assembly may be worn or malfunctioning. Before towing, always ensure that the coupler opens, closes, and the handle springs closed when released. 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. Required tools are a hammer and 5/32" punch.
Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired. After installation, check to make sure that coupler operation has not been impaired in any way. Always replace bent, broken, or worn parts before using this product. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-521-0510 for replacement parts or warranty service.
Visually check that the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket before closing the latch. If the ball does not seat fully, do not proceed with coupling. Verify that the hitch ball is the correct size (2 5/16") and is rated equal to or greater than the coupler's capacity. Check for any obstructions in the ball pocket and keep it clean. If the problem persists, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-521-0510.
Excessive vibration may indicate loose hardware. 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. Check for wear on the inner tube if retightening is needed.
Do not exceed the 8" maximum extension for this gooseneck coupler. Measure the coupler extension as the difference between fully retracted and fully extended positions. If the coupler exceeds 8" extension, the load bearing pin may not be properly installed, or the coupler may be damaged. Verify that the load bearing pin is fully inserted through both the inner and outer tubes and the retaining pin is installed. If the problem persists, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-521-0510.
| Part Number | Description | Capacity (lbs.) | Retracted Height (in.) | Extended Height (in.) | Adjustment (in.) | Ball Size (in.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1289130300 | BX1 Coupler, 4.5 in. x 20 in. Square Outer Tube, 4 in. x 30.75 in. Square Inner Tube, with BX1 Cast Coupler Head, 3/4 in. Load Bearing Bolt, (2) Set Bolts, Raw, Labels Applied | 25,000 | 38.00 | 38.80 | 8.00 | 2-5/16 |
| 1289140300 | BX1 Coupler, 4.5 in. x 20 in. Square Outer Tube, 4 in. x 30.75 in. Square Inner Tube, with BX1 Cast Coupler Head, 3/4 in. Load Bearing Bolt, (2) Set Bolts, Raw, Labels Applied | 30,000 | 38.00 | 38.80 | 8.00 | 2-5/16 |
| 1289200300 | BX1 Coupler, 4.5 in. x 20 in. Square Outer Tube, 4 in. x 18.4 in. Square Inner Tube, with BX1 Cast Coupler Head, 3/4 in. Load Bearing Bolt, (4) Set Bolts, (2) Belly Bands, Raw, Labels Applied | 40,000 | 22.00 | 24.60 | 2.60 | 3 |
| 1289210300 | BX1 Coupler, 4 in. x 22.75 in. Square Inner Tube Only, with BX1 Cast Coupler Head, Raw, Labels Loose | 25,000 | - | - | 8.00 | 2-2/16 |
| 0233120300 | Square Outer Tube, Weld On, 20 in. Length, 4-1/2 in. Tube, with Hex Head Bolt Hole, Dual Set Bolts and Labels, 20.6 lbs. |
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