Skip to content
FIND A DEALER

XG & EX GENERATION 3

Ex-Guard XG and EX Generation 3 Pre-Trip Maintenance and Inspection Guide

Published latch, handle and U-bolt inspection reference for XG and EX Generation 3 guards.

Inspection schedule

Before Each Trip

BEFORE EACH TRIP

Follow Every Step in Order

Use the links below to move through the published inspection procedure in its original order.

Pre-trip inspection procedure

STEP 1: Check for Damage

Check Handle for Damage: If the handle is bent or broken, replace immediately. Contact your local dealer or Ex-Guard directly - [email protected] | 888.902.2777.

Step 1 visual reference for checking the handle for damage
Back to steps  ↑

STEP 2: Keep Latch Clean

Check Latch for Debris: The latch must be clean and free of ice, snow or road grime.

Step 2 visual reference for keeping the latch clean
Back to steps  ↑

STEP 3: Check Latch Hook for Wear

Check Latch Hook for Wear: If the latch hook is damaged or worn, replace it immediately.

NOTE: This wearing is a direct result of tension variance between the driver and passenger side latches. Replace U-bolt and refer to Step 6 to correct this.

Step 3 visual reference for checking latch hook wear
Back to steps  ↑

STEP 4: Check for Handle Movement

Ensure Handle is Securely attached: If the washer spins freely or threads are exposed on the handle bolt, remove the nut completely and apply high-strength Threadlocker to the threads before re-torquing to 12 lbs/ft.

Step 4 visual reference for checking handle movement
Back to steps  ↑

STEP 5: Check Handle to Ensure Guard is Secured

If the handle is not parallel with the upright guard tubing, the guard is not secured. There are two ways this can occur:

  1. The handle was not fully raised when opening so the catch didn’t reset, or
  2. The U-bolts do not have equal tension (see Step 6)
Step 5 visual reference for checking that the handle is secured
Back to steps  ↑

STEP 6: Check U-bolt & Latch Position

Ensure Latch is Engaged in U-Bolt Correctly: If either latch hook is not parallel to the guard when the latch is closed, see the Maintenance Guides.

Step 6 visual reference for checking U-bolt and latch position
Back to steps  ↑

STEP 7: Corrective Actions for U-Bolt Alignment

With both sides latched,

  1. Identify which side is correctly secured.
  2. Extend the U-bolt (loosen) on this secured, tight side to balance the distance on the opposite, loose side.
  3. Stop extending the U-bolt when the opposite side is corrected. *NOTE: If secured side loses tension and a gap appears, STOP and switch to the opposite side to TIGHTEN U-bolt so tension is even on both sides and latches are secured
Step 7 visual reference for corrective U-bolt alignment actions
Back to steps  ↑