Cequent Bulldog BX1 Instructions

Read, Understand, Follow and Save These Instr uctions
Read, understand and follow all of these instructions and warnings (Instructions) before installing and using this product. Install and use this product only
as specified in these instructions. Improper installation or use of this product may result in property damage, serious injury, and/or death. Never allow
installation or use of this product by anyone without providing them with these instructions. You must read, understand and follow all instructions and
warnings for any product(s) to which this product is used in conjunction with or installed. Save these instructions with the product for use as a reference
for any future installation and use of the product.
WARNING
• Purchaser/owner must ensure that product is installed according to these
instructions. Purchaser/owner must not alter or modify the product.
• Operator and bystanders should never position any body part under any
portion of this product or the load being supported.
• Do not allow children to play on or around this product or the load being
supported.
• Weigh your trailer plus added load. Do not exceed the lesser of coupler,
hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings (including load).
• Use only a 3" ball rated equal to or greater than the capacity of this coupler.
Never exceed maximum rated capacity. Refer to stamped markings or
decals on product to obtain rated capacity. If uncertain, contact Cequent
Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com
• Always secure load, vehicle and trailer (by blocking wheels) before
latching/unlatching coupler.
• All hardware must be torqued to 200 ft. lbs. minimum. Periodically check
for proper torque and tighten if necessary. Check for wear on inner tube if
retightening is needed.
Installation Instr uctions
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. The coupler must only be mounted with the Bulldog
interference in extended and retracted positions. Check for interference again after installation is complete. Weld size, gusseting requirements, coupler
height, and orientation are dependent on trailer design and customer requirements, however, the outer tube must be supported completely by attaching
gussets as low as possible to the outer tube. Avoid heat damage to 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. 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. 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 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.
Gooseneck Coupler Installation Guidelines:
1. Be sure that the coupler will reach the towing vehicle to couple with the hitch ball
while the pinch bolts are properly installed. The pinch bolts must be fastened com-
pletely through both the inner and outer tubes and properly torqued in order for the
coupler to support its rated load.
2. All pinch bolts must be used and torqued to 200 ft. lbs minimum.
3. Do not exceed 2.6" maximum extension from the couplers fully retracted position.
Reinforcement & Gusseting:
To support the coupler's rated load, the trailer frame or reinforcements must extend
down the outer tube to within 3" above the bottom of the outer tube. Make certain of
adequate clearances for the fastening hardware. The coupler must be held rigid and
vertical, and not be damaged by heat during installation. Gussets that tie trailer fram-
ing to the coupler are required. This gusset is the responsibility of the trailer manu-
facturer.
1
3
F3835 (A-3319) 3/14
Bulldog BX1 3" Ball Gooseneck Coupler
®
Failure to follow these warnings and instructions may result in
property damage, serious bodily injury, and/or death.
Draw coupler into position according to the pattern
shown and then torque pinch bolts to 200 ft-lbs.
4
2
must face tow vehicle
• Do not exceed the 2.6" maximum extension for this gooseneck coupler.
Measure the coupler extension as the difference between fully retracted
and fully extended positions.
• Keep the ball pocket, latch, and handle clean.
• All welding must be performed by an AWS certified welder.
• This product rated according to SAE J2638.
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.
Warning: Failure to follow all installation instructions
could result in coupler failure
®
name facing the tow vehicle as shown below. Before installing, check for
Outer Tube
Pinch Bolts
BULLDOG
Gussets - Top
& Bottom
Max. Extension =
2.6" from Fully
Retracted Position