BLUE OX BX1751 Tow Bar Baseplates Instruction Manual

June 13, 2024
BLUE OX

BLUE OX BX1751 Tow Bar Baseplates

IMPORTANT INFORAMTION

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

  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.

Attachment Tab Height: 19.5”
Attachment Tab Width: 20.75”

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

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

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.

BX1751 2021-22 Chevy Tahoe / Suburban Diesel (Includes ACC & Lower Shutters) 2021-22 GMC Yukon / Yukon XL Diesel(Includes ACC, Lower Shutters & Turbo)

Instruction Notes: The fascia and windshield washer fluid reservoir 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.
The BX8869 Tail Light Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle.

Tail Light Removal

  • Remove upper cover first (white), then lower cover (gray).

  • Using a T15 Torx, remove the one (1) upper screw and the one (1) lower screw from the tail light, Remove tail light.

  • For BX8869 Only: Drill a hole according to the tail light wiring kit instructions.

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.

OVERVIEW

Tools Required

Large Vise Grip 7MM Socket
Flat Screwdriver 10MM Socket
Torque Wrench 7/16” Socket
Drill 7/16” Wrench
Loctite® RED 3/4” Socket
1/2” Drill Bit 3/4” Wrench
5/16” Nut Driver T15 Torx

Item No. Part No Description Qty

1……………………………61-4029………………………..1/2”-13 Whiz Nut w/ 10” Wire ………………………………….10
2……………………………61-8509………………………..BX1751 Baseplate…………………………………………………..1
3……………………………62-3468………………………..Attachment Tab Assembly with Hole ………………………….2
4……………………………201-0050………………………1/4”-20 x 3/4” Hex Head Bolt, Grade 5, ZP …………………1
5……………………………201-0051………………………1/2”-13 x 1-1/2” Hex Head Bolt, Grade 5…………………..10
6……………………………201-0192………………………#10-32 1/2” Round Slotted Head Screw……………………..2
7……………………………201-0553………………………1/4”-20 x 1/2” Hex Washer Head Type F TCS, ZP ……….2
8……………………………201-0979………………………#12-14 x 1” Self Drilling Screw, ZP…………………………….2
9……………………………202-0047………………………#10-32 Hex Nut ………………………………………………………2
10………………………….202-0102………………………1/4”-20 Hex Nylon Nut, ZP ……………………………………….1
11………………………….203-0012………………………1/2” Lock Washer, ZP…………………………………………….10
12………………………….203-0054………………………#10 Lock Washer, ZP ………………………………………………2
13………………………….299-0685………………………Electrical Bracket…………………………………………………….1
14………………………….226-0049(not shown) ……..Class IV Safety Cables…………………………………………….2
15………………………….229-0512(not shown) ……..1/2” Quicklink, ZP……………………………………………………2
16………………………….290-0275(not shown) ……..8” Nylon Cable Tie…………………………………………………..2
17………………………….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. Using a T15 Torx, remove the two (2) screws from the hood latch handle. Remove latch handle and set aside to be re-installed later.

  2. Remove the nine (9) push pins from the fascia cover. Remove facia cover set aside to be re-installed later.

  3. Using a 10MM socket, remove the six (6) bolts from top of facia. There are three (3) on each side of the vehicle.

  4. 4a. Tahoe/Suburban Models: Using a T15 Torx, remove the five (5) screws from the wheel well liner. Do this on both sides of the vehicle.

4b. Yukon/Yukon XL Models: Using a T15 Torx, remove the six (6) screws from the wheel well liner. Do this on both sides of the vehicle.

  1. Carefully pull back wheel well liner. Using a 7MM socket, remove the one (1) bolt. Do this on both sides.

  2. Using a T15 Torx, remove the eight (8) screws from belly pan. There are four (4) screws on each side of the vehicle.

  3. Using a 7MM socket, remove the six (6) bolts, , three (3) on each side, from the belly pan side covers.

  4. Using a 7MM socket, remove the twelve (12) bolts from back of the belly pan, five (5) on each side and two (2) in the middle. Remove belly pan and side covers and set aside to be reinstalled later.

  5. Yukon/Yukon XL Models: Using a 10MM socket, remove the one (1) bolt on the back side of the fascia in front of the tire. Do this on both sides of the vehicle.

  6. Gently pry the fascia loose from the front end. Carefully unplug electrical connections on both sides of the vehicle behind the facia. Remove the fascia from the vehicle and set aside to be reinstalled later.

  7. Tahoe Models: Remove two (2) white clips from cover behind facia (white). Using a T25 Torx, remove two (2) screws from rear cover (gray). Using a 7MM socket, remove the remaining three (3) bolts from the rear cover (black). Remove cover and set aside. This will not be reinstalled.

  8. Yukon/Yukon XL Models: Using a 7MM socket, remove five (5) bolts from plastic piece on back side of fascia. Remove plastic piece, it will not be reinstalled.

  9. 13a. Models With ACC: Using a saw, remove the side flange from Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) mounting bracket.

13b. Models With ACC: Using a 7MM socket, remove the four (4) mounting bolts from the ACC and allow bracket to hang out of the way. This will be re- installed later. Note: DO NOT unplug ACC sensor as it may trip error code on the vehicle.

  1. Using a reciprocating remove the shutter shroud as shown so that it is flush with the shutter housing.

  2. Slide the baseplate onto the vehicle and hold in place with vise grips. Install four (4) 1/2” bolts with lock washers and whiz nuts, three (3) bolts on the passenger side and one (1) on the driver side. Note: May need to ream out existing holes for hardware to fit.

  3. Using a 1/2” drill bit, drill the two (2) holes on the driver side using the baseplate as a template. Install the remaining two (2) 1/2” bolts with lock washers and whiz nuts into the side plates.
    Note: Top hole on the driver side of the vehicle will need to be drilled at an angle.
    Use Loctite® Red on all bolt threads and tighten all bolts to the appropriate torque.

  4. Using a 1/2” drill bit, drill the bottom two (2) holes on each side of the vehicle using the baseplate as a template. Then install four (4) 1/2” bolts with lock washers and whiz nuts.
    ** Use Loctite® Red on all bolt threads and tighten all bolts to the appropriate torque.
    **

  5. Models With ACC: Re-install the ACC bracket.

  6. 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.

  7. Yukon/Yukon XL Models: Trim and remove the indicated area from the back side of fascia to allow clearance for baseplate. Do this on both sides.

  8. Hold the fascia as close to its original position, mark and trim the fascia around the convenience links and attachment tabs. Reinstall the fascia, fascia cover, belly pan and reconnect all electrical connections.

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

  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
(Baseplates with Convenience Link Tabs)

Option #2**

(Baseplates with out Convenience Link Tabs)

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

References

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