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Blue Ox
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2014 - 2018 Jeep Cherokee
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1. High-grade Steel Construction: The Blue Ox BX1138 Tow Bar Bracket is made from high-quality steel, ensuring superior strength and durability.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
The Blue Ox BX1138 Tow Bar Bracket provides a secure and reliable connection for your towed vehicle. Crafted from high-grade steel and coated with a resilient black powder finish, it offers enhanced durability and corrosion resistance. This bracket is custom designed for each specific towed vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit and easy installation. With the inclusion of all necessary mounting hardware, you can confidently install this bracket yourself. The bolt-on mounting type ensures a sturdy, non-slip fit.
Blue Ox is known internationally for recreational and commercial towing products, manufacturing in Pender, Nebraska since 1925. The line covers tow bars and vehicle-specific baseplates for flat towing behind a motorhome, sway control and weight distributing hitches, supplemental braking accessories and towing wiring, backed by patented designs and long-standing customer service.
Blue Ox has manufactured since 1925 and is recognised internationally for towing products and customer service. The company operates from Pender, Nebraska, where it grew out of Automatic Manufacturing Co., a business that started with cattle oilers and developed into agricultural equipment, tractor accessories and trailer towing hardware. That agricultural engineering heritage still shows in how the towing products are built, and the company holds patents across weight distribution, fifth wheel and tow bar designs.
Flat towing is the discipline Blue Ox is best known for. Towing a car with all four wheels on the ground behind a motorhome demands a system that stays rigid under braking, articulates properly over uneven ground, and connects to the towed vehicle at points strong enough to take the load. Blue Ox tow bars handle the first two, with self-aligning arms that latch under tension and release without a struggle when the load is off them. Vehicle-specific baseplates handle the third, engineered per make and model to tie into structural mounting points behind the fascia.
The wider flat towing range covers supplemental braking systems, safety cables and the accessories that make a complete legal setup, along with baseplate wiring and dinghy towing harnesses that pass lighting signals to the towed vehicle without back-feeding its electrical system.
For conventional trailer towing, Blue Ox weight distributing hitches with integrated sway control transfer tongue load onto the tow vehicle's front axle and resist the yaw that crosswinds and passing trucks induce.
The company describes its foundation as customer service, designing around what owners actually ask for, and it runs an RV park adjacent to the factory where customers can stay. Sister operations at the same Nebraska site include Automatic grain roller mills and MAD-RAMPS pivoting ramp systems.
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1 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 - 2018 | Jeep Cherokee | (2: Speed Transfer Case) Comes with Removable Attachment Tabs Install Rating 3 |
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, JEEP CHEROKEE, LATITUDE (Part #FDRWBX1138) fits 2014-2018 Jeep Cherokee models. The 2018 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
Yes, the BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, JEEP CHEROKEE, LATITUDE (Part #FDRWBX1138) is designed to fit the 2014-2018 Jeep Cherokee.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, JEEP CHEROKEE, LATITUDE (Part #FDRWBX1138) fits the following vehicles: 2014-2018 Jeep Cherokee. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, JEEP CHEROKEE, LATITUDE (Part #FDRWBX1138) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
No. The BX1138 is designed for 2014-18 Jeep Cherokee (No Trailhawk) models only. It does not fit Trailhawk variants. Contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle.
Yes. The BX1138 is designed to fit 2014-18 Jeep Cherokee models with Adaptive Cruise included. The manual confirms this compatibility.
The attachment tab height is 19-1/2" and the attachment tab width is 33-1/4".
Required tools include: flat screwdriver, utility knife, torque wrench, drill, rivet gun, 1/4" drill bit, 7MM socket, 10MM socket, 15MM socket, 17MM socket, 7/16" socket, 7/16" wrench, 9/16" socket, 9/16" wrench, and Loctite Red.
The kit includes: 6 existing 10MM bolts (reused from vehicle), 2 attachment tab assemblies with holes, 2 bumper support plates, 1 electrical bracket, 1 breakaway bracket, 5 bolts of 1/4"-20 x 3/4" (Grade 5), 4 bolts of 3/8"-16 x 4-1/2" (Grade 5), 2 screws of #10-32 1/2" round slotted head, 1 bolt of 1/4"-20 x 2" (Grade 5), 4 bolts of 10MM-1.25 x 40MM (Grade 8.8), 2 #10-32 hex nuts, 4 3/8"-16 hex nylon insert lock nuts, 6 1/4"-20 hex nylon insert lock nuts, 4 3/8" flat washers, 2 #10 lock washers, 4 10MM lock washers, 2 class IV safety cables, 2 1/2" quicklinks, 2 black cap plug receivers, and 4 6.3MM plastic rivets.
Blue Ox recommends that towing products be installed by Blue Ox Dealers who are familiar with the products and have the equipment and knowledge necessary to do fit work. Blue Ox Dealers can be found at www.blueox.com or by contacting the Technical Service Department at (402) 385-3051.
Installation involves removal and reinstallation of the fascia cover and fascia. Some drilling and trimming is required. The manual notes that dimensional variations between vehicles can be considerable, and it may be necessary to tailor the baseplate slightly to compensate for vehicle manufacturer's tolerances.
The BX8848 4-Diode Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle, but the manual does not state whether it is required. Contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 for clarification on whether wiring is necessary for your application.
Yes. The manual states that some drilling and trimming is required. Drilling includes: reaming out existing rivet holes with a 1/4" drill bit to install new plastic rivets, and optionally drilling a 1/4" hole through the bumper lip if installing a breakaway bracket.
Trimming is required in two areas: (1) For Shutter Models, the plastic surrounding the outer grille areas must be trimmed to expose the grill behind, following the protrusion straight down and leaving areas next to the screws intact on both sides of the fascia. (2) The fascia must be trimmed around the convenience links and attachment tabs to fit properly. Non-Shutter Models require removal of covers from the backside of the fascia instead of trimming.
Yes. The manual states to use a good quality paint to spray cut edges of frame to prevent rusting.
10MM Grade 8.8 bolts should be torqued to 22 foot-pounds. The manual specifies that Loctite Red must be used on all bolt threads before tightening, and all bolts must be tightened according to the torque chart provided.
1/4"-20 Grade 5 bolts should be torqued to 10 foot-pounds. The manual specifies that Loctite Red must be used on all bolt threads before tightening.
3/8"-16 Grade 5 bolts should be torqued to 33 foot-pounds. The manual specifies that Loctite Red must be used on all bolt threads before tightening.
Yes. The manual states: "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."
The installation sequence is: (1) Snug all fasteners without fully tightening when initially installing the baseplate to the vehicle using existing extension bolts and new bumper bolts. (2) Install the support plate and bolts on top of the bumper through the baseplate and start the nuts onto the bolts. (3) Fully tighten the frame and bumper bolts from the previous step, then tighten the bumper support bolts. Use Loctite Red on all bolt threads and tighten to the appropriate torque specifications.
Six (6) existing 10MM bolts from the vehicle are reused. These are the three bolts from the frame extension and two bolts from the bottom side of the bumper on each side of the vehicle (3 + 2 + 2 = 7 total removed, but the parts list indicates 6 are reused).
No. The manual states in Step 6: "The extensions will not be reinstalled." The factory extensions are removed to allow the baseplate to be installed using the existing extension bolt holes.
For Non-Shutter Models, the covers are not reinstalled. The manual states in Step 11: "The covers will not be reinstalled." For Shutter Models, the fascia is reinstalled after trimming the plastic surrounding the outer grille areas.
The baseplate is attached using: (1) three existing extension bolts from the frame extension (reused), and (2) four new 10MM-1.25 x 40MM Grade 8.8 bolts with 3/8" flat washers and 10MM lock washers installed into the lower bumper bolt holes (two on each side). All fasteners must be snugged first, then fully tightened to torque specifications with Loctite Red.
The bumper support plate (two included) is installed on top of the bumper through the baseplate. The bolts pass through the baseplate and bumper, and nuts are started on the bolts. The support plate helps distribute the load and secure the baseplate to the bumper structure.
The baseplate is computer tested to your vehicle's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Exceeding this weight will void the manufacturer's warranty. Refer to your vehicle owner's manual for manufacturer's towing specifications.
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.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended when towing a vehicle with a tow bar. The BX1138 kit includes two Class IV safety cables. These cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame and must not mount against wires, hoses, or brake lines. The cables are to be used in conjunction with, and not as a replacement for, legally required safety cables attaching the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle.
The permanent baseplate safety cables should be attached to the provided convenience link on the baseplate. The manual shows the recommended installation of the cables to the frame of the vehicle. Additional options may interfere with suggested mounting; in that 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. Install on both sides of the vehicle.
Before reinstalling the fascia, ensure that all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly. This is critical because if the baseplate is improperly installed against a wire or hose, it could cause fluid leaks or electrical shorts some time after installation.
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.
Yes. The manual states: "Remove the attachment tabs when not in use (if applicable)."
The permanent baseplate safety cables should remain installed as long as the baseplate is installed on the vehicle.
Yes. It is crucial to register your product at www.blueox.com so that you may be alerted of product offerings, updates, upgrades, maintenance and safety bulletins, and/or recalls.
Blue Ox offers a three-year limited warranty to the original retail purchaser. The warranty covers defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. Warranty coverage is valid only if the customer warranty card is returned within 30 days of purchase and a copy of the original invoice accompanies any claim. The warranty does not cover incorrect or improper installation, improper use, modification, neglect, failure to properly service and maintain, misuse, accident, normal wear and tear, paint or rust. The warranty is non-transferable. Visit http://blueox.com/warranty/ to register your warranty.
Yes, the BX1138 fits 2014-18 Jeep Cherokee (No Trailhawk) models, including those with Adaptive Cruise. It does not fit Trailhawk variants.
You will need: torque wrench, drill with 1/4" bit, rivet gun, sockets (7MM, 10MM, 15MM, 17MM, 7/16", 9/16"), wrenches (7/16", 9/16"), flat screwdriver, utility knife, and Loctite Red.
Yes. You must ream out existing rivet holes with a 1/4" drill bit and optionally drill a 1/4" hole for the breakaway bracket. Trimming of the fascia and plastic grille areas is also required.
Use the torque chart provided: 1/4"-20 Grade 5 = 10 ft-lbs; 3/8"-16 Grade 5 = 33 ft-lbs; 10MM Grade 8.8 = 22 ft-lbs. Apply Loctite Red to all bolt threads before tightening.
Yes. Two Class IV permanent baseplate safety cables and two 1/2" quicklinks are included. They must be attached to the baseplate and frame and must not contact wires, hoses, or brake lines.
Yes. Blue Ox recommends installation by Blue Ox Dealers who have the equipment and knowledge for fit work. Find a dealer at www.blueox.com or call (402) 385-3051.
Verify that all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly before reinstalling the fascia.
Before each towing trip, inspect for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts. Tighten all bolts to torque specifications using Loctite Red. Remove attachment tabs when not in use.
Tighten all loose bolts to the appropriate torque specifications using Loctite Red on all bolt threads. Refer to the torque chart: 1/4"-20 Grade 5 = 10 ft-lbs; 3/8"-16 Grade 5 = 33 ft-lbs; 10MM Grade 8.8 = 22 ft-lbs. It is the owner's responsibility to inspect all towing equipment for loose bolts before each towing trip.
Do not use the baseplate if it is damaged or missing parts. If the baseplate is in an accident, it must be replaced and not reused, as an accident can cause unseen damage that could result in more damage or serious injury. Contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 for replacement parts or a replacement baseplate.
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. The installer must watch for oil cooler and air conditioner lines, electrical wires and hoses, and missing parts or attaching points on the frame. Ensure all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly before reinstalling the fascia.
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