BLUE OX BX2729 Tow Bar Baseplate Installation Guide

: June 13, 2024
: BLUE OX

Table of Contents

BLUE OX BX2729 Tow Bar Baseplate
Specifications
NOTICE
Tools Required
Parts Description
Installation Instructions
CUSTOMER SERVICE COMMITMENT
General Information
- Notice To Baseplate Installer
- BLUE OX ORIGINAL PURCHASERS THREE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Documents / Resources

BLUE OX BX2729 Tow Bar Baseplate

Blue Ox® towing products and accessories are intended to be installed by Blue Ox® Dealers who are familiar with our products and have the equipment and knowledge necessary to do “fit work”. If needed, Blue Ox® Dealers can be found at www.blueox.com or by contacting our Technical Service Department at 402-385-3051.
Many Blue Ox® baseplates are designed to use existing holes and hardware to mount the baseplate to the towed vehicle. Even though bolts are there, do not assume they are adequate for baseplate mounting. Always use the hardware supplied in the hardware kit and existing hardware as specified in the installation instructions.

If the front of your vehicle looks different than this, please contact us at (402)385-3051.
Reference your vehicle owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s towing specifications.

Specifications

Bolt Torque Specifications

Torque in Foot-Pounds for Inch Bolts

Bolt Size	Grade 5	Grade 8
1/4”	10	14
5/16”	19	29
3/8”	33	47
7/16”	54	78
1/2”	78	119
5/8”	154	230
3/4”	257	380

Bolt Torque Specifications
Torque in Foot-Pounds for Metric Bolts

Bolt Size	Grade 8.8	Grade 10.9
6MM	6	8
8MM	16	22
10MM	31	40
12MM	54	70
14MM	89	117
16MM	161	230
18MM	222	318

WARNING

Failure to read and follow these instructions could result in separation of the towed vehicle from the tow bar, causing property damage, loss of towed vehicle, personal injury or death.

Instruction Notes: The fascia and belly pan are removed and reinstalled for the baseplate installation. Some drilling and trimming is required.
Place all components that are removed on a flat, sturdy surface. All items will be reinstalled unless otherwise noted after the baseplate is installed.
The dimensional variations between otherwise identical vehicles can be considerable. While the baseplate was designed for easy installation, it may be necessary to tailor the baseplate slightly to compensate for the vehicle manufacturer’s tolerances.
The BX8848 Tail Light Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle.

NOTICE

Handling of some cosmetic parts when installing this product may require the use of protective covers, rags, specialty tools, etc. to prevent damage.
When using power drills be aware of the dangers of torque and drill bit length.
When using a reciprocating saw be aware of objects behind the cutting surface.
Use good quality paint to spray cut the edges of the frame to prevent rusting.
Be sure that ALL electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly before reinstalling the fascia.
The baseplate is computer-tested to your vehicle’s GVWR, exceeding this weight will void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Be sure to use a sufficient amount of Loctite® Red on all bolt threads before tightening. Tighten all bolts according to the torque chart provided unless specified.
Dealer or installer be certain the user receives these instruction sheets.
If the baseplate is in an accident, it must be replaced. DO NOT use it again! An accident can cause unseen damage and using it again could result in more damage or serious injury. DO NOT use the baseplate if it is damaged or missing parts.

Tools Required

Torque Wrench Flat Screw Driver Reciprocating Saw Loctite® RED 10MM Socket 12MM Socket 13MM Socket
7/16” Socket
- 7/16” Wrench
3/4” Socket
- 3/4” Wrench
5/16” Nut Drivers

Parts Description

Item No. —————Part No. ———————Description ———————————————–Qty.

…………………………..61-8222…………………………BX2729 Baseplate, DS…………………………………………….1
……………………………61-8223…………………………BX2729 Baseplate, PS……………………………………………..1
…………………………..61-8528…………………………BX2729 Baseplate, Center………………………………………..1
……………………………62-3469…………………………Attachment Tab Assembly with Hole…………………………..2
…………………………..101-9381……………………….Electrical Bracket w/ Breakaway Switch Mount……………1
…………………………..201-0011……………………….1/2”-13 x 1-1/4” Hex Head Bolt, Grade 5, ZP……………….2
…………………………..201-0050……………………….1/4”-20 x 3/4” Hex Head Bolt, Grade 5, ZP………………….4
…………………………..201-0192……………………….#10-32 1/2” Round Slotted Head Screw……………………..2
…………………………..201-0446……………………….8MM-1.25 x 30MM Hex Bolt, Grade 8.8, ZP………………..8
………………………….201-0553……………………….1/4”-20 x 1/2” Hex Washer Type F TCS, ZP…………………2
………………………….201-0581……………………….1/2”-13 x 4” Hex Head Bolt, Grade 5, ZP…………………….4
………………………..201-0979……………………….#12-14 x 1” Self Drilling Screw, ZP……………………………..2
…………………………202-0047……………………….#10-32 Hex Nut……………………………………………………….2
………………………….202-0094……………………….1/2”-13 Hex Nylon Insert Lock Nut, ZP………………………..4
………………………….202-0102……………………….1/4”-20 Hex Nylon Nut, ZP………………………………………..4
………………………….203-0002……………………….5/16” Flat Washer, ZP………………………………………………8
………………………..203-0004……………………….7/16” Flat Washer, ZP………………………………………………2
………………………..203-0005……………………….1/2” Flat Washer, ZP………………………………………………..8
………………………….203-0012……………………….1/2” Lock Washer, ZP……………………………………………….2
………………………….203-0054……………………….#10 Lock Washer, ZP……………………………………………….2
…………………………203-0102……………………….8MM Lock Washer, ZP……………………………………………..8
………………………….226-0046(not shown)………Class III Safety Cables……………………………………………..2
………………………….229-0359(not shown)………3/8” Quicklink, ZP…………………………………………………….2
………………………….290-0275(not shown)………8” Nylon Cable Tie……………………………………………………2
………………………….290-0437(not shown)………Black Cap Plug Receiver………………………………………….2

Important:

Use only genuine factory replacement parts on your baseplate. 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 baseplate, 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. Towing behind a non-motorized vehicle will void the warranty.

Installation Instructions

Using a flat screwdriver, pop out the plastic piece in the middle of the fascia cover. Using a 10MM socket, remove the one (1) bolt (inset)
Remove the three (3) push pins from along the edge of the wheel well. Using a 10MM socket remove the one (1) bolt (inset). Do this on both sides of the vehicle.
Remove the eight (8) push pins from the underside of the fascia. There are four (4) on each side. Remove fascia by lifting and pulling, starting on the side, to release clips along each side as well as the center. Set fascia aside to be reinstalled later.
Using a 10MM socket, remove the three (3) bolts from the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) bracket. Let ACC hang to be reinstalled later.
- Note: DO NOT unplug ACC.
Unclip the temperature sensor wire loom from the bumper on the driver’s side of the vehicle. Let’s hang to be reinstalled later.
Using a 12MM socket, remove the four (4) bolts (white) from the bumper. Then using a 10MM socket, remove the one (1) bolt (gray) from the bumper. This bolt is above the bumper on the driver’s side and below the bottom of the bumper on the passenger side. Do this on both sides of the vehicle. Remove the bumper and set it aside, it will not be reinstalled.
Using a 10MM socket, remove the seven (7) bolts (white) from the belly pan. There are four (4) in the front and three (3) in the back. Use your fingers or a 14MM socket to remove one (1) plastic bolt (gray) from the belly pan. Then remove the four (4) push pins (black), two (2) from each side. Remove the belly pan and set aside to be reinstalled later.
Using a 10MM socket, remove the four (4) bolts, two (2) on each side, from the plastic shroud.
Using a reciprocating saw, trim the shroud on each side so that the bottom is flush and the sides are removed as shown.
Slide the baseplate into the frame with the hole towards the radiator. Do this on both sides of the vehicle.
Start the two (2) 1/2” bolts with hardware, one (1) on each side, on the inside of the frame as shown. On the driver’s side, this can be accessed from the underside of the vehicle and from above on the passenger side. When installing the bolt on the passenger side, it is easier to do this from the underside of the vehicle. Leave loose at this time.
Start the two (2) 8MM bolts with hardware as shown. Do this on both sides of the vehicle. Leave loose at this time.
Start the remaining four (4) bolts, two (2) on each side to the front of the baseplate. Set the cross tube onto the side brackets. Place the four (4) 1/2” bolts with a flat washer and lock the washer into holes. Do not add hardware to the bottom of the bolts.
Tighten the two (2) 1/2” frame bolts and the eight (8) 8MM bolts on the front of the baseplate. Install the remaining hardware to the four (4) 1/2” cross member bolts and tighten fully.
- Use Loctite® Red on all bolt threads and tighten all bolts to the appropriate torque.
Attach the ACC to the bracket on the baseplate using three (3) 1/4” x 3/4” bolts with nylon lock nut.
Using the provided zip ties attach the temperature sensor loom to the baseplate on the driver’s side of the vehicle as shown.
Attach the permanent baseplate safety cables to the provided convenience link on the baseplate. The photo above shows the recommended installation of the cables to the frame of a vehicle. Additional options may interfere with suggested mounting; in this case, secure the cables to a solid piece of the frame as described in the General Information sheet. Be sure the safety cables do not rub against any hoses or moving parts. Do this on BOTH sides of the vehicle.
Hold the fascia as close to its original position, and mark and trim the fascia around the convenience links and attachment tabs. Reinstall the belly pan and fascia.

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.

General Information

Ensure that your product(s) are registered online at www.blueox.com. It is crucial to register your product(s) so that you may be alerted of product offerings, updates, upgrades, maintenance and safety bulletins, and/or recalls.
It is the owner’s responsibility to inspect all towing equipment for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts before each towing trip. Be sure to use Loctite® Red on all bolts and tighten them to the recommended specifications.
It is the owner’s responsibility to hook up all towing equipment per the manufacturer’s instructions/recommendations.
Remove the attachment tabs when not in use (if applicable).

Notice To Baseplate Installer

It is YOUR responsibility to watch for:

Oil cooler and air conditioner lines
Electrical wires and hoses
Missing parts or attaching points on the frame
If the baseplate is improperly installed and is against a wire or hose, it could cause fluid leaks or electrical shorts sometime after the actual baseplate installation.

Permanent Baseplate Safety Cable Installation

Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended when towing a vehicle with a tow bar. The principle function of the permanent baseplate safety cables is to prevent the towed vehicle from breaking loose in the event the connection between the frame of the towed vehicle and the baseplate fails or becomes disconnected. The cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle’s frame. The illustrations below show the possible arrangements recommended by
Blue Ox®. Each permanent baseplate safety cable must have an adequate weight rating for the towing system. The weight rating of the two (2) cables together will not qualify.
Do not mount the permanent baseplate safety cables against wires, hoses or brake lines.
These permanent baseplate safety cables should remain installed as long as the baseplate is installed on the vehicle. Permanent baseplate safety cables are to be used in conjunction with,
and NOT a replacement for legally required safety cables attaching the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle.

BLUE OX ORIGINAL PURCHASERS THREE YEAR LIMITED 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 a period of three years from the date of delivery.
During said three-year 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 claim for warranty. 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.
The 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 SET FORTH 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
© 2021 Blue Ox
One Mill Road, Industrial Park Pender, Nebraska 68047 Phone:402-385-3051
Fax:402-385-3360
www.blueox.com