BLUE OX BXW0653 TrackPro Underslung Hitch Head Brackets Instruction Manual
- June 13, 2024
- BLUE OX
Table of Contents
BLUE OX BXW0653 TrackPro Underslung Hitch Head Brackets
Product Information
TrackProTM Owner’s Manual & Installation Instructions
Serial Number: [Serial Number]
Model| Maximum Tongue Weight Capacity| Included Hitch Ball Size| Fits Trailer
Frame Height
---|---|---|---
BXW0653| 600 lbs.| 2 x 7.5K| 3-6 tall
BXW0853| 800 lbs.| 2-5/16 x 13K| 3-6 tall
BXW1053| 1000 lbs.| 2-5/16 x 13K| 3-6 tall
BXW1353| 1300 lbs.| 2-5/16 x 13K| 3-6 tall
Features & Benefits
Below are some frequently asked questions about the product:
-
What size ball shanks can be used?
Answer : The TrackProTM accepts any 1-1/4 ball shanks, however, the system comes with a pre-installed 2 or 2-5/16 ball. -
Does sway prevention require adjustment?
Answer : No, say prevention is built into the TrackProTM system and no adjustments are required. -
What is gross trailer weight?
Answer : Weight of trailer (dry) + liquids (water, propane, sewage) + cargo. Measure gross trailer weight with a fully loaded trailer on a level surface, preferably on a public truck scale. -
What is tongue weight?
Answer : Downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer ball coupler. Measure tongue weight with a fully loaded trailer on a level surface with trailer ball coupler at tow height. -
Why do the bars bend? Will they stay bent?
Answer : The spring bars are designed to deflect 2-3 on a properly set system. This creates the necessary load on the spring bars to achieve an enjoyable ride. No, the spring bars will always return back to straight. -
Is it normal for the L bracket to show wear where the spring bar sits during use?
Answer : It is normal to see some wear on the L bracket where the spring bar sits during towing as this is a natural wear point. -
What size bars do I have?
Answer : The bars are marked with a line system on the shank end to identify the weight rating.
Product Usage Instructions
Please read all of the technical documents, warnings, tips, and notes in the manual before operating your TrackProTM for the first time. Improper installation, use, and/or maintenance may result in malfunction causing personal injury or property damage. For future reference, your serial number is located on the outside of the manual packaging and is also located on the top of the hitch head of your TrackProTM.
Tools Required:
- Torque Wrench
- Tape Measure
- 3/4 Socket
- 3/4 Wrench
- 1-1/8 Socket
- 1-1/8 Wrench
Note : Additional tools may be required depending on your TrackProTM model. Please follow the installation instructions provided on the official website of the product manufacturer at www.blueox.com.
Underslung Hitch Head w/ L Brackets
-
BXW0653
600 lbs. maximum tongue weight capacity -
BXW0853
800 lbs. maximum tongue weight capacity -
BXW1053
1000 lbs. maximum tongue weight capacity -
BXW1353
1300 lbs. maximum tongue weight capacity- 2” x 7.5K rated chrome plated hitch ball included with the BXW0650 kit
- 2-5/16” x 13K rated chrome plated hitch ball included with the BXW0850, BXW1050, and BXW1350 kits
Fits on trailer frames that are 3-6” tall
THANK YOU
For purchasing a TrackPro™ from Blue Ox®. Please read the manual to insureyour
installation is as simple and trouble-free as possible. Keep your sales
receipt and the manual in a safe place for future reference.
Welcome to the Blue Ox® Family
The TrackPro™ is a revolutionary hitch that not only handles weight
distribution but sway prevention as well by using the combination of loaded
spring bars, friction L brackets and an integrated hitch head. As the trailer
tries to sway it puts a heavier load on one side of the bars, as this happens
the spring bars will pivot on the hitch head and balance load working with the
friction L brackets to prevent and control trailer sway. The TrackPro™ will
also conquer weight distribution at the same time, putting more weight on the
towing vehicle’s front tires which increases steering control and braking
giving you a safer and easier driving experience. Your TrackPro™ is backed by
a limited lifetime limited warranty. Any unauthorized modifications to your
TrackPro™ may void the warranty. Please read all of the technical documents,
warnings, tips, and notes in this manual before operating your TrackPro™ for
the first time. Improper installation, use and/or maintenance may result in
malfunction causing personal injury or property damage. Please fill out and
return your warranty card. For future reference, your serial number is located
on the outside of the manual packaging and is also located on the top of the
hitch head of your TrackPro™.
Features & Benefits
- Hitch Ball Included & Installed
- A 2-5/16” x 13K rated chrome plated hitch ball comes included and installed with each kit.
- Powder Coat Finish
- The powder coat finish provides a professional appearance, aids in rust prevention, and prolongs the life of the product
- No Adjustments Needed After Initial Set-up
- Due to the preset pitch of the hitch head, there are no additional adjustments needed after the initial product setup.
- Greaseless Bars
- Grease is captured inside the bar pivots. No messy bars to deal with.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size ball shanks can be used?
Answer : The TrackPro™ accepts any 1-1/4” ball shanks, however, the
system comes with a pre-installed 2” or 2-5/16” ball.
Does sway prevention require adjustment?
Answer : No, sway prevention is built into the TrackPro™ system and no
adjustments are required.
What is gross trailer weight?
Answer : Weight of trailer (dry) + liquids (water, propane, sewage) +
cargo. Measure gross trailer weight with a fully loaded trailer on a level
surface, preferably on a public truck scale.
What is tongue weight?
Answer : Downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer ball
coupler. Measure tongue weight with a fully loaded trailer on a level surface
with a trailer ball coupler at tow height.
Why do the bars bend? Will they stay bent?
Answer : The spring bars are designed to deflect 2”-3” on a properly set
system. This creates the necessary load on the spring bars to achieve an
enjoyable ride. No, the spring bars will always return to straight.
Is it normal for the L bracket to show wear where the spring bar sits
during use?
Answer : It is normal to see some wear on the L bracket where the spring
bar sits during towing as this is a natural wear point.
What size bars do I have?
Answer : The bars are marked with a line system on the shank end to
identify the weight rating.
- 600lb Bar = (1) Line
- 800lb Bar = (2) Lines
- 1000lb Bar = (3) Lines
- 1300lb Bar = (4) Lines
INSTRUCTIONS
Note : Items #18 thru #21 depend on your TrackPro™ model
PARTS DESCRIPTIONS
Important:
Use only genuine factory replacement parts on your TrackPro™. Do NOT
substitute homemade or non-typical parts. If a bolt is lost or in need of
replacement, for your safety and the preservation of your TrackPro™, be sure
to use a replacement bolt of the same grade (In most cases it will be Grade 5,
please reference the parts list above). Replacement parts may be ordered
through your nearest Blue Ox® Dealer or Distributor. Failing to follow and/or
alter these installation instructions in either installation or required
equipment will void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Installation
-
Park the towing vehicle and trailer in a straight line on firm, level ground. For vehicles with automatic levelling systems or Air-ride suspension, please refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for proper towing set-up before TrackPro™ installation. Unhook the trailer from the towed vehicle and level. Remove the existing receiver hitch.
-
Insert the hitch mount receiver shank into the towing vehicle receiver and secure it with the 5/8” x 3” pin and clip.
-
Level the trailer and then measure the coupler height. Install the hitch head onto the receiver shank, using the 3/4”-10 bolts, 3/4” lock washers and 3/4”-10 hex nuts. Measure the hitch head ball height. The ball height needs to be the same or 1” higher than the trailer coupler height, adjust as necessary. Torque the 3/4”-10 bolts to 250 ft/lbs.
Note : Ram Truck owners please reference the Trailer Towing section of your vehicle owner’s manual for proper hitch set-up instructions. Also, it is recommended for optimal towing performance to set the ball height 2” higher than the top of the trailer coupler.
Note : For vehicles manufactured with integrated sway control, please reference the Trailer Towing section of your vehicle owner’s manual on how to disable this system. -
Couple the trailer to the hitch head by placing the trailer coupler onto the hitch ball per the manufacturer’s instructions.
-
Measure 20”-25” back from the centre of the ball coupler and mark this point on the trailer tongue frame on both sides. Center the L bracket mounting holes on the backing plate over the marked area so that the offset is towards the front of the trailer on each side. Both backing plates should be an equal distance from the ball coupler. Remove or relocate any obstructions on the trailer tongue framework if necessary. Finger-tighten the bolts on the backing plates at this time. The bottom bolt should be inserted in the hole closest to the bottom of the trailer frame. (Figure 1, PS backing plate is shown)
-
Insert the spring bars into the pivoting trunnion so that the lines indicating the spring bar size are facing upward. Then insert locking pins from the inside of the bar towards the outside.
-
The end of the spring bar should be a minimum of 4” from the centre of the L bracket backing plate to the top end of the bar. After verifying that the L brackets are 20”-25” from the centre of the coupler, fully tighten the 1/2” hex head bolts against the trailer tongue framework. (Figure 2)
-
Install L brackets onto the backing plate by inserting the two (2) 1/2” whiz flange bolts leaving the top hole open on the L bracket. Apply Blue Loctite to the threads and torque bolts 78 ft/lbs. (Figure 2)
WARNING
We recommend that this product be installed by an authorized Blue Ox®
Professional Installer. Improper installation and/or operation can create a
hazard that can cause serious injury, property damage or death. Improper
installation and/or operation will void the warranty.
Operation
Hooking Up
- Park the towing vehicle and trailer in a straight line on firm, level ground.
- Install the hitch head/receiver mount assembly into the towing vehicle receiver tube and secure it with the 5/8” x 3” pin and clip.
- Couple the trailer with the hitchhead.
- Install both spring bars into the pivot tubes and install locking pins per installation instructions.
- Confirm that both L brackets are secure against the trailer frame.
- Note : Before each tow, confirm that all brackets are tightened to specified torque specs.
- Support the trailer tongue weight with the trailer jack to allow for easier hook-up. Place the spring bar into a dip on the lift tool. Then place the hook end into the square hole in the L bracket. Raise the lift tool upward until the spring bar securely snaps into place. Place bar locking pin into square hole on L bracket and secure with hair pin. Do this on both sides of the trailer. (Figure 3)
- Note: It is normal to see some wear on the L bracket where the spring bar sits during towing as this is a natural wear point.
Unhooking
- Park the towing vehicle and trailer in a straight line on firm, level ground.
- Support the trailer tongue weight with the trailer jack to ease the tension on the spring bar and allow for easier unhooking. Remove the locking pin from the L bracket. Place the lift tool between the spring bar and frame and push inward on top of the tool, removing the spring bar from the L bracket. Do this on both sides of the trailer. Caution must be used when unhooking due to the potential of injury caused by tension on the spring bars. Hold the lift tool firmly as you release the spring bar from the L bracket. Apply pressure to the top of the lift tool slowly and steadily.
- Disconnect the spring bars from the hitch head by removing the locking pins from each side. Remove spring bars from pivot tubes.
- Unhook the trailer coupler from the hitchhead.
- Remove the hitch pin and clip from the hitch receiver.
- Remove the hitch head/receiver mount assembly from the receiver tube.
WARNING
DO NOT exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s specification for trailer gross
vehicle weight or tongue weight as this may cause a serious accident and/or
injury while towing. Also, be aware that some receiver hitch manufacturers
have different weight capacity ratings depending on the use of a weight-
distribution hitch or not.
Troubleshooting
- Issue : After coupling the trailer to the hitch head, the tow vehicle squats and the front of the trailer dips.
- Resolution : Verify that the ball height and coupler height are matched.
- Issue : After coupling the trailer to the hitch head, the tow vehicle is level but the front of the trailer dips.
- Resolution : Adjust the hitch mount receiver higher. Each adjustment up or down equals 1-1/2”.
- Issue : There is excessive sway.
- Resolution : Excessive sway may indicate that the trailer is improperly loaded. As a guideline, the tongue weight should be 10-15 per cent of the gross trailer weight. If it is not, redistribute the weight accordingly. If you encounter continuous sway or swaying that does not dissipate quickly, adjust the load.
- Resolution : For all truck models with factory sway control, it is suggested that the sway control be disabled for the best performance of the Blue Ox® TrackPro™.
- Issue : The ride is excessively rough.
- Resolution : Verify that the spring bars are properly rated for your tongue weight.
- Issue : Experiencing excessive tow vehicle movement.
- Resolution : Recommend that the tow vehicle tires be inflated to 90% of the max inflation state on the tire side wall.
Optional & Replacement Kits
Replacement Kits
- BXW4043 Kit, Spring Bar Lift Tool
- BXW4072 Kit, L Bracket Plates
- BXW4073 Kit, L Bracket w/ Mount, Single
- BXW4074 Kit, L Brackets w/ Mounts, Pair
- BXW4078 Kit, 1/2” Retaining Key w/ Step
- BXW4047 Kit, Pins
- BXW4048 Kit, TrackPro Hitch Head
- BXW4051 Kit, 2” x 7.5K Rate Chrome Plated Hitch Ball
- BXW4049 Kit, 2-5/16” x 13K Rated Chrome Plated Hitch Ball
Spring Bar Kits
- BXW4050 Kit, 600 lb. Spring Bars
- BXW4040 Kit, 800 lb. Spring Bars
- BXW4041 Kit, 1,000 lb. Spring Bars
- BXW4042 Kit, 1,300 lb. Spring Bars
Receivers
- BXW4036 7 Hole – 9” Receiver Mount, 2” Shank
- BXW4037 9 Hole – 9” Receiver Mount, 2” Shank
- BXW4038 11 Hole – 9” Receiver Mount, 2” Shank
- BXW4039 9 Hole – 9” Receiver Mount, 2-1/2” Shank
RECEIVER HEIGHTS
Heights may vary slightly from what is shown depending on the brand of hitch
ball used.
Maintenance of your TrackPro™
Maintenance
- Check the grease zerk on the front of both bar pivots before each use to ensure they are not dry. We recommend using a couple of pumps of molybdenum grease on each bar pivot, at least twice a year. Wipe away excess grease after application.
- Periodically grease the hitch ball with molybdenum grease.
- Annually touch up the hitch with a flat black textured spray paint to prevent corrosion.
Things To Know
The towing vehicle’s loaded ball height should never be greater than its
uncoupled height. Front-wheel overload and loss of rear-wheel traction can
occur and can lead to unstable handling, reduced braking ability, and a
tendency to jackknife when turning and braking at the same time.
- DO NOT attempt to tow any type of trailer behind another trailer.
- Towing multiple trailers may cause severe instability, loss of control and/or structural failures.
- Handling and control of your towing vehicle and trailer are greatly improved when the cargo is properly loaded and distributed.
- It is recommended to have a tongue weight of 10-15% of the gross trailer weight.
- Always use safety chains while towing.
- Cross chains under the coupler for proper installation and to prevent the tongue from dropping to the ground.
- Only allow enough slack in chains for tight turns, the chains should not drag on the ground.
- To alleviate slack, twist chains equally from the hook end. Safety chains should be rated at equal to or greater than twice the maximum gross trailer weight rating (GTWR).
CUSTOMER SERVICE COMMITMENT
Blue Ox® is committed to providing you with exceptional customer care
throughout your lifetime with our products. Our team is here to assist you
with any questions you may have regarding the performance of your product.
Simply call 402-385-3051 and you can
speak with our technical service team. Additionally, please visit our website
to see which rallies our Destination America team will be attending. For a
nominal fee, our service technician will service your towing system to ensure
it’s in proper working condition. Also, as a commitment to our customers,
should you visit our factory, you can stay at our full-service Blue Ox®
campground at no charge along with enjoying a factory tour. Again, thank you
for being our customer and for the confidence you have shown in the
performance of our products. It is because of customers like you we enjoy the
success we have today.
BLUE OX ORIGINAL PURCHASERS
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
Automatic Equipment Manufacturing Company (“Automatic”) warrants to the
original (first) retail purchaser that this product, manufactured by
Automatic, shall be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal
use and service for as long as the original retail purchaser owns the product.
During said period, Automatic will repair or replace any parts that have been
returned by the original purchaser, to the factory, transportation prepaid,
and in Automatic’s sole and absolute opinion found to be defective.
Limitations on Warranty Coverage:
Coverage under this warranty will be valid only if the customer warranty card
is returned by the original purchaser within 30 days of purchase. Coverage
under this warranty will be effective only when a copy of the original
invoice, showing the date and place of purchase, accompanies any warranty
claim. This warranty is NON-TRANSFERABLE. This limited warranty will not
cover, in any way or form, any alleged damages caused by incorrect or improper
installation, improper use, modification or neglect of product, failure to
properly service and maintain, misuse, act of God, accident or failure of the
user to follow guidelines contained in the instructional material provided by
Automatic. This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, paint or rust.
Warrantor assumes no responsibility to the owner for loss of use of the
product, loss of time, inconvenience or any other damage consequential or
otherwise. Including, but not limited to mileage, expense of transporting of
product, return shipping expense, mechanics travel time, telephone, road
service, towing, and rental during repairs, travel, lodging, loss or damage to
personal property or loss of earnings.
REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS OUTLINED IN THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE SOLE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE PURCHASER. AUTOMATIC SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY ON THIS PRODUCT. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ON THIS PRODUCT IS LIMITED IN LENGTH TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY.
Please visit http://blueox.com/warranty/ to register your warranty
© 2016 Blue Ox One Mill Road, Industrial Park Pender, Nebraska 68047 Phone : 402-385-3051 Fax: 402-385-3360
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>