BLUE OX BX2680 Baseplate Fits Select Lincoln Nautilus Installation Guide

BLUE OX BX2680 Baseplate Fits Select Lincoln Nautilus

Information

• Attachment Tab Height: 17”
• Attachment Tab Width: 30”

Serial Number: …………

Please read BOTH these Installation Instructions and the General Information sheet prior to installing or operating this equipment.

1. 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.
2. 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.

Specifications

Bolt Torque Specifications

Torque in Foot-Pounds for Inch Bolts

Bolt Torque Specifications

Torque in Foot-Pounds for Metric Bolts

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 cover, 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 vehicle manufacturer’s tolerances.
• A Light Bar 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 a good quality paint to spray cut edges of 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

• Large Vise Grip
• Flat Screwdriver
• Utility Knife
• Torque Wrench
• Drill
• Loctite® RED
• 3/8” Drill Bit
• 1/2” Drill Bit
• 1-1/4” Hole Saw
• 5/16” Nut Driver
• 5.5MM Socket
• 7MM Socket
• 8MM Socket
• 10MM Socket
• 9/16” Socket
• 9/16” Wrench
• 3/4” Socket
• 3/4” Wrench

Parts Description

Item No./ Part No./ Description /Qty

1. ……………………………61-4978…………………………3/8”-16 Whiz Nut w/ 14” Wire…………………………………….2
2. ……………………………61-5208…………………………3/8” Nut Plate w/ 14” Wire…………………………………………6
3. ……………………………61-7681…………………………Support Plate………………………………………………………….2
4. ……………………………61-8217…………………………BX2680 Baseplate, DS…………………………………………….1
5. ……………………………61-8218…………………………BX2680 Baseplate, PS……………………………………………..1
6. ……………………………61-8219…………………………BX2680 Baseplate, Center………………………………………..1
7. ……………………………62-3469…………………………Attachment Tab Assembly with Hole…………………………..2
8. ……………………………102-7749……………………….3/8” x 1-1/4” x 4” Flat with 1/2” Tapped Hole………………..2
9. ……………………………201-0050……………………….1/4”-20 x 3/4” Hex Head Bolt, Grade 5, ZP………………….1
10. ………………………….201-0068……………………….1/2”-13 x 1-3/4” Hex Head Bolt, Grade 5, ZP……………….4
11. …………………………..201-0192……………………….#10-32 1/2” Round Slotted Head Screw……………………..2
12. ………………………….201-0368……………………….3/8”-16 x 1-1/4” Hex Head Bolt, Grade 5, ZP……………….2
13. ………………………….201-0440……………………….3/8”-16 x 1-1/2” Hex Head Bolt, Grade 5, ZP……………..12
14. ………………………….201-0553……………………….1/4”-20 x 1/2” Hex Washer Head, Type F TCS, ZP……….2
15. ………………………….201-0799……………………….1/2”-13 x 3-1/4” Hex Head Bolt, Grad 5, ZP…………………2
16. ………………………….201-0979……………………….#12-14 x 1” Self Drilling Screw, ZP……………………………..2
17. ………………………….202-0047……………………….#10-32 Hex Nut……………………………………………………….2
18. ………………………….202-0090……………………….3/8”-16 Hex Nylon Insert Lock Nut, ZP………………………..2
19. ………………………….202-0094……………………….1/2”-13 Hex Nylon Insert Lock Nut, ZP………………………..4
20. ………………………….202-0102……………………….1/4”-20 Hex Nylon Nut, ZP………………………………………..1
21. ………………………….203-0003……………………….3/8” Flat Washer, ZP………………………………………………..6
22. ………………………….203-0005……………………….1/2” Flat Washer………………………………………………………2
23. ………………………….203-0010……………………….3/8” Lock Washer, ZP……………………………………………..14
24. ………………………….203-0012……………………….1/2” Lock Washer, ZP……………………………………………….6
25. ………………………….203-0054……………………….#10 Lock Washer, ZP……………………………………………….2
26. ………………………….299-0685……………………….4-Way Bracket…………………………………………………………1
27. ………………………….226-0049(not shown)………Class IV Safety Cables…………………………………………….2
28. ………………………….229-0512(not shown)………1/2” Quicklink, ZP…………………………………………………….2
29. ………………………….290-0275(not shown)………8” Nylon Cable Tie……………………………………………………2
30. ………………………….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 altering 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

1. Remove the sixteen (16) push pins from the fascia cover. Set cover aside to be reinstalled later.
2. Using a T20 Torx, remove the seven (7) screws from the top of the fascia. There are four (4) on the driver side and three (3) on the passenger side.
3. Remove the five (5) push pins from the edge of the wheel well. Do this on both sides of the vehicle.
4. Pull back the wheel well liner. Using an 8MM socket, remove the three (3) bolts from the wheel well joint. Do this on both sides of the vehicle.
5. Using a 5.5MM socket, remove the twelve (12) bolts from the belly pan. There are six (6) on each side.
6. Using a 7MM socket, remove the two (2) bolts (white) and one (1) push pin (gray) from the belly pan. Do this on both sides of the vehicle.
7. Using a 5.5MM socket, remove the two (2) bolts from in front of the tire on the underside of the vehicle. Do this on both sides of the vehicle. Remove belly pan and set aside to be reinstalled later.
8. Remove the three (3) push pins from the underside of the vehicle. Remove the fascia and set aside to be reinstalled later.
9. Unsnap the temperature sensor wire loom and place out of the way. It will be remounted later.
10. Using a reciprocating saw, trim the plastic piece as indicated. Do this on both sides of the vehicle.
11. Remove the four (4) push pins from along the underside of the shutter housing. There are two (2) on each side. Remove plastic piece, it will not be reinstalled later.
12. Using a 7MM socket, on the backside of the shutters, remove the one (1) bolt from the shutter housing.
13. Unsnap the plastic piece above the shutter housing. Hold piece out of the way and mark the top of the shutter housing as indicated. Then cut shutter housing as indicate, remove shutters, and set aside. They will not be reinstalled later.
14. Using a 3/8” drill bit, drill one (1) hole as indicated on both sides of the vehicle then install the provided 3/8” hardware.
15. Using a 1-1/4” hole saw, drill access holes in the side of the frame as shown and in the face of the lower support (inset). Do this on both sides of the vehicle.
16. Using a 3/8” drill bit, ream out the two (2) existing holes on the side of the frame. Do this on both sides of the vehicle.
17. Attach the Z bracket to the back of each side plate using two (2) 3/8” bolts and hardware.
    • Use Loctite® Red on all bolt threads and tighten all bolts to the appropriate torque.
18. Install the baseplate onto the frame with the provided 3/8” hardware, making sure to not yet fully tighten the hardware. Do this on both sides of the vehicle.
19. Install the cross-member on the front side of the side brackets with provided 1/2” hardware, making sure to not yet fully tighten the hardware. Then tighten the top two (2) bolts on both side plates followed by the bolts on the cross-member.
    • Note: Cross member may appear bowed once the bolts have been fully tightened.
    • Use Loctite® Red on all bolt threads and tighten all bolts to the appropriate torque.
20. Using a 3/8” drill bit, drill out the bottom two (2) holes using the holes on the side plate as a guide. Install the provided 3/8” hardware. Do this on both sides of the vehicle.
    • Use Loctite® Red on all bolt threads and tighten all bolts to the appropriate torque.
21. Using a 1/2” drill bit, drill one (1) hole asindicated on both sides of the vehicle.
    • Note: May need to start with a smaller drill bit and work up to the 1/2” drill bit.
22. Install the 1/2” bolts with lock washer and a nut plate (inset) on the back side. Do this on both sides of the vehicle.
    • Use Loctite® Red on all bolt threads and tighten all bolts to the appropriate torque.
23. Using the provided zip ties, reattach the temperature sensor loom to the top of the baseplate cross member as shown.
24. Optional Breakaway: Using the provided 1/4” hardware, attach the breakaway switch to the bracket on the baseplate as shown.
    • Use Loctite® Red on all bolt threads and tighten all bolts to the appropriate torque.
25. 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 frame of 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.
26. Hold the fascia as close to its original position, mark and trim the fascia around the convenience links and attachment tabs. Reinstall the fascia, belly pan, and fascia cover.

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.

© 2016 Blue Ox

• One Mill Road, Industrial Park Pender, Nebraska 68047
• Phone: 402-385-3051
• Fax: 402-385-3360
• www.blueox.com

General Information

1. 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.
2. 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 to the recommended specifications.
3. It is the owner’s responsibility to hook up all towing equipment per manufacturer’s instructions/ recommendations.
4. Remove the attachment tabs when not in use (if applicable).

Notice To Baseplate Installer

1. 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 some time 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.

Option #1 / Option #2

LIMITED WARRANTY

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 defect 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 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. Warrantor assumes no responsibility to the owner for loss of use of 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

Please visit www.blueox.com for the latest version of these installation instructions.

References

• Blue Ox Product Warranty Registration - Blue Ox
• Home - Blue Ox

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