Blue Ox BX1681 User manual

Page 1 of 6 292-3044 Rev. F 9/17/10
2007-13 Chevy Pickup 1500, 2500 & 3500
New Style Heavy Duty (2WD/4WD), 2007-11
GMC Pickup 2500 & 3500 New Style, 2008-10
GMC Yukon 2500
Installation Instructions
BX1681
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 to do “t
work.” When necessary, Blue Ox®Dealers can
be found at www.blueox.com or by contacting
our Customer Care Department at
[phone].
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 hardware supplied in the hardware kit
or existing hardware specied in the
Baseplate Towing Installation Instructions.
Serial Number
Conrm the towability and pre-towing
procedures for your vehicle with
the owner’s manual or contact the
vehicle’s manufacturer for specic
towing procedures.
Please read BOTH these Installation Instructions and the General Towing
Instructions before attempting to install or operate this equipment.
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
Bolt Torque Specications
Torque in Foot-Pounds for Inch Bolts
Bolt Torque Specications
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
!
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.
WARNING
Attachment Tab Height: 16”
Attachment Tab Width: 32”
If the front of your vehicle looks different
than this, call us at [phone].

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.
Page 2 of 6 292-3044 Rev. F 9/17/10
BX1681 BX1681
Page 3 of 6 292-3044 Rev. F 9/17/10
Tools Required
Loctite®RED
18MM Socket
3/4” Socket
18MM Wrench
1/4” Wrench
11/16” Wrench
Flat Screw Driver
Utility Knife
Parts List
Ref. No. Qty. Part # Description
1 1 61-6525 Weldment, Baseplate, DS, BX1681
2 1 61-6526 Weldment, Baseplate, PS, BX1681
3 8 201-0011 1/2-13 X 1 1/4” Hex Bolt Grd.5, ZP
4 8 203-0012 1/2” Lock Washer, ZP
5 1 101-6135 Bracket Electrical, 90 Degree
6 4 201-0050 1/4-20 X 3/4” Hex Bolt Grd.5, ZP
7 4 203-0008 1/4” Lock Washer, ZP
8 2 203-0001 1/4” Flat Washer, ZP
9 4 202-0069 1/4-20 Hex Flange Whiz Lock Nut, ZP
10 2 201-0192 10-32 X 1/2” Slot, RD. HD. Screw
11 2 203-0054 #10 Lock Washer
12 2 202-0047 #10-32 Hex Nut
13 2 101-5822 Adapter, 4 Way Connector
14 2 62-3468 Attachment Tab Assembly, Removable, SF/SB, 1 Hole
2 226-0049 Permanent Baseplate Safety Cable 36” CL IV (Not Shown)
2 229-0512 Quicklink, 1/2”, ZP (Not Shown)
2 290-0437 Receiver, Cap Plug (Black) (Not Shown)
2007-13 Chevy Pickup 1500, 2500 & 3500 New Style Heavy
Duty (2WD/4WD), 2007-11 GMC Pickup 2500 & 3500 New
Style, 2008-10 GMC Yukon 2500
Installation Instructions
2007-13 Chevy Pickup 1500, 2500 & 3500 New Style Heavy
Duty (2WD/4WD), 2007-11 GMC Pickup 2500 & 3500 New
Style, 2008-10 GMC Yukon 2500
Installation Instructions
Vehicle Weight:
The weight of this vehicle is near the Class III,
5,000 lbs. rating limitations. Some models,
depending on options, may well exceed this 5,000
lb. rating. Be sure to conrm the weight of your
individual vehicle before towing. As of 1999 the
Aventa® II is now rated 10,000 lbs. and either the
Aventa® II or the Aventa® LX tow bar must be
used for these applications.
Tow Bar Adapters are NOT to be used with
vehicles weighing over 5,000 lbs.
Installation Notes: The tow hooks are
removed during the baseplate installation.
Trimming of the fascia is required. The tow
hooks will not be reinstalled.
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 auto
manufacturer’s tolerances. These minor
adjustments may include ling a hole slightly,
bending electrical rods or bending end plates.
The BX8869 Bulb & Socket Wiring Kit is
recommended.

1. Using the 18MM socket, go up in behind to
remove the bottom two metric bolts from the
tow hook. Do this to both sides of the vehicle.
Pull the tow hook forward and set aside. The
tow hooks will not be reinstalled.
Installation Instructions:
1


Possible location of the BX8869 Bulb &
Socket Wiring Kit.
Handling of some cosmetic parts
when installing this product may
require the use of protective covers,
rags, specialty tools, etc. to prevent
damage.

Page 5 of 6 292-3044 Rev. F 9/17/10
BX1681
2007-13 Chevy Pickup 1500, 2500 & 3500 New Style Heavy
Duty (2WD/4WD), 2007-11 GMC Pickup 2500 & 3500 New
Style, 2008-10 GMC Yukon 2500
Installation Instructions
BE SURE TO USE LOCTITE® RED ON ALL BOLTS
BEFORE TIGHTENING. TIGHTEN ALL BOLTS
ACCORDING TO THE TORQUE CHART ON THE
FRONT PAGE OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS OR ON
PAGE 3 OF THE BASEPLATE TOWING GENERAL
INSTRUCTIONS.
4. Start all four bolts, remount any hole if
necessary as every vehicle is different. Insert
1/2 x 1 1/4” hex bolts with 1/2” lock washers.
Be sure to use Loctite Red on all bolts. Do
this on both sides.


4



5


5. Attach the permanent baseplate safety cables to
the provided convenience link on the baseplate
(see grey arrow). The photo above shows the
recommended installation of the cables to frame
of vehicle (see white arrow). Additional options
may interfere with suggested mounting; in this
case secure the cables to a solid piece of the
frame as described in the instructions included
with the permanent baseplate safety cables. Be
sure the safety cables do not rub against any
hoses or moving parts. Do this to both sides of
the vehicle.
Be sure that ALL electrical connections
are plugged in properly and functioning
BEFORE installing the fascia.
BX1681
2007-13 Chevy Pickup 1500, 2500 & 3500 New Style Heavy
Duty (2WD/4WD), 2007-11 GMC Pickup 2500 & 3500 New
Style, 2008-10 GMC Yukon 2500
Installation Instructions
2A. CREW CABS: 2B. 2008 GMC YUKON XL 2500:
Using a utility knife, cut out around the tow hook opening to the lip on the inside to make the
opening larger. Round the corners to prevent cracking. Do this on both sides.
2A


2B


3A. CREW CABS: 3B. 2008 GMC YUKON XL 2500:
Slide the baseplate into the frame end to align with the existing tow hook holes on the frame rail. Push down
on the plastic if necessary. Do this on both sides.
 
3A


3B
Page 4 of 6 292-3044 Rev. F 9/17/10
6A. CREW CABS: 6B. 2008 GMC YUKON XL 2500:
Install electrical connector, using 1/4 x 3/4” hex bolts with 1/4” lock washers and 1/4” whiz nuts.
6A


6B



DEALER or INSTALLER:
Be certain the user receives the
instruction sheets for their products.

© 2007, 08, 09, 10 Blue Ox
One Mill Road, Industrial Park
Pender, Nebraska 68047
Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
www.blueox.com
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 customer
care 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 condence you have shown in the performance
of our products. It is because of customers like
you we enjoy the success we have today.
Install the tow bar and safety cables
according to the instructions provided in their
packages. When demonstrating this to the
customer, be sure to include all the contents
and packages.
Do NOT substitute other devices if the tow
bar pins and clips are misplaced.
BX1681
Page 6 of 6 292-3044 Rev. F 9/17/10
2007-13 Chevy Pickup 1500, 2500 & 3500 New Style Heavy
Duty (2WD/4WD), 2007-11 GMC Pickup 2500 & 3500 New
Style, 2008-10 GMC Yukon 2500
Installation Instructions
Shown without removable tabs installed.
Shown with removable tabs installed.
Shown without removable tabs installed. Shown with removable tabs installed.
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 dam-
age or serious injury. DO NOT use the
baseplate if it is damaged or missing parts.