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Blue Ox
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2010 - 2017 Chevrolet Equinox
Confirmed to Fit
2010 - 2017 GMC Terrain
Confirmed to Fit


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Custom Designed: The Blue Ox BX1689 Tow Bar Bracket is specifically made to fit each towed vehicle, offering a guaranteed precise fit and optimal performance.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
Introducing the Blue Ox BX1689 Tow Bar Bracket, a perfect blend of strength, convenience, and durability. Made from robust steel, this tow bar bracket is designed specifically for each towed vehicle, ensuring a precise fit and uncompromising performance. The bracket comes in a sleek black color with a powder coat finish that provides excellent resistance to rust and corrosion, ensuring the longevity of the product. With a user-friendly bolt-on mounting type, the installation process is a breeze. Plus, we include all necessary mounting hardware and easy-to-follow instructions, making it a true DIY installation experience.

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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2 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 - 2017 | Chevrolet Equinox | Comes with Removable Attachment Tabs Install Rating 3 Bumper Fascia Must Be Removed/Replaced During Install Requires Some Trimming of Bumper Fascia/Plastic/And/Or Grill Minor Drilling Required Requires Some Trimming of the Air Dam Use only w/Motorhome Mount Tow Bars Or PN BX8833/BX88151 Adapters Only Use Acclaim w/23”: 30” Spaced Removable Tab Baseplates Only Use Adventurer with 18”: 41” Spaced Removable Tab Baseplates Removable Tabs w/Only 1 Hole Will Not Attach to Car Mount Tow Bars or Adapters |
| 2010 - 2017 | GMC Terrain | All Trims Comes with Removable Attachment Tabs Install Rating 3 Bumper Fascia Must Be Removed/Replaced During Install Requires Some Trimming of Bumper Fascia/Plastic/And/Or Grill Minor Drilling Required Requires Some Trimming of the Air Dam Use only w/Motorhome Mount Tow Bars Or PN BX8833/BX88151 Adapters Only Use Acclaim w/23”: 30” Spaced Removable Tab Baseplates Only Use Adventurer with 18”: 41” Spaced Removable Tab Baseplates Removable Tabs w/Only 1 Hole Will Not Attach to Car Mount Tow Bars or Adapters |
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, GMC TERRAIN (Part #FDRWBX1689) fits 2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox models. The 2017 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, GMC TERRAIN (Part #FDRWBX1689) fits the following vehicles: 2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox; 2010-2017 GMC Terrain. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
Yes, the BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, GMC TERRAIN (Part #FDRWBX1689) is designed to fit the 2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, GMC TERRAIN (Part #FDRWBX1689) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, the BX1689 is designed for all trims of the 2010-2017 Chevy Equinox and 2010-2017 GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali. However, some model years require different trimming procedures for the fascia and internal components. The manual includes specific trimming instructions for 2010-2013 Equinox, 2014 Equinox, 2015-2017 Equinox, 2010-2015 Terrain, and 2016-2017 Terrain, so installation steps vary by year.
The attachment tab height is 15-1/2" and the attachment tab width is 24".
Required tools include: large vise grip, utility knife, Phillips screwdriver, torque wrench, drill, reciprocating saw, tape measure, 13/32" drill bit, 7MM socket, 10MM socket, 7/16" socket, 7/16" wrench, 9/16" socket, 9/16" wrench, and T20 Torx. You will also need Loctite Red for all bolt threads.
The kit includes: 6 nut plates with 14" wire (3/8"-16), 2 attachment tab assemblies, 2 cooler brackets, 1 breakaway bracket, 6 bolts (1/4"-20 x 3/4"), 2 screws (#10-32 1/2"), 2 bolts (3/8"-16 x 1-1/2"), 6 bolts (3/8"-16 x 2"), 2 self-drilling screws (#12-14 x 1"), 2 hex nuts (#10-32), 4 lock nuts (1/4"-20), 2 lock nuts (3/8"-16), 2 hex nuts (1/4"-20), 6 flat washers (3/8"), 6 lock washers (3/8"), 2 lock washers (#10), 1 four-way bracket, 2 safety cables, and 2 quicklinks (3/8").
Blue Ox recommends that baseplates 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.
Yes, the fascia must be removed and reinstalled. The removal process involves using a T20 Torx to remove screws from the top edge and wheel well, removing push pins, removing four screws from the underside, disconnecting all electrical connections, and pulling the fascia from the vehicle. All items will be reinstalled after baseplate installation.
Yes, drilling is required. You will drill the bottom hole in the baseplate through the frame using a 13/32" drill bit, then drill the remaining holes through the frame. An optional 9/32" drill bit is used if installing the breakaway bracket. Additionally, a hole must be drilled according to the BX8869 Tail Light Wiring Kit instructions.
Yes, significant trimming is required. Using a reciprocating saw, you must trim the face of the frame flush with the outside of the frame rail and up to the bumper seam on both sides. You must also trim the temperature sensor housing (approximately 5/8" high x 1/2" deep), and trim the outer flanges of the bumper out approximately 90° to the bottom. Additional trimming of the fascia is required and varies by model year (2010-2013, 2014, 2015-2017 Equinox, 2010-2015 Terrain, and 2016-2017 Terrain each have specific trimming instructions).
Yes. The outer flanges of the bumper must be bent out approximately 90° to the bottom of the bumper on both sides of the vehicle. Additionally, on 2015-2017 models, the lower lip of the bumper may need to be trimmed around the convenience link and attachment tube.
The manual provides general torque charts for metric and inch bolts by size and grade. For metric bolts: 6MM Grade 8.8 = 6 ft-lbs, 8MM Grade 8.8 = 16 ft-lbs, 10MM Grade 8.8 = 31 ft-lbs, 12MM Grade 8.8 = 54 ft-lbs. For inch bolts: 1/4" Grade 5 = 10 ft-lbs, 5/16" Grade 5 = 19 ft-lbs, 3/8" Grade 5 = 33 ft-lbs. All bolts must use Loctite Red on threads before tightening. Specific torque values for individual BX1689 fasteners are not provided in the manual.
The baseplate is computer tested to your vehicle's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Exceeding this weight will void the manufacturer's warranty. You must reference your vehicle owner's manual for the manufacturer's towing specifications.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended when towing a vehicle with a tow bar. They prevent the towed vehicle from breaking loose if the connection between the frame and baseplate fails. The BX1689 includes 2 safety cables (part 226-0046) and 2 quicklinks (part 229-0359). The cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member and must not be mounted against wires, hoses, or brake lines. These 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.
If the baseplate is in an accident, it must be replaced and cannot be reused. Do not use the baseplate if it is damaged or missing parts. An accident can cause unseen damage, and using it again could result in more damage or serious injury.
Before reinstalling the fascia, ensure that all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly. The baseplate must be level and fully tightened before use. Before each towing trip, inspect all towing equipment for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts. Ensure all bolts have Loctite Red applied and are tightened to the recommended specifications.
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. Use Loctite Red on all bolts and tighten to the recommended specifications. Ensure permanent baseplate safety cables remain installed as long as the baseplate is installed on the vehicle. Register your product online at www.blueox.com to be alerted of product offerings, updates, upgrades, maintenance and safety bulletins, and recalls.
The BX8869 Tail Light Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle. A hole must be drilled according to the tail light wiring kit instructions.
The baseplate should be positioned so that it is 1-1/8" from the baseplate to the top of the frame. This measurement must be checked and maintained on both sides of the vehicle before drilling and tightening all hardware.
Yes, the air baffle must be removed during installation. After installing the baseplate, the air baffle is reinstalled with three washers behind the air baffle on each stud to space it out from the frame.
If equipped, the cooler must be removed from its original location. The two bolts from the cooler are removed and it is moved down to allow the baseplate to be installed. After baseplate installation, the cooler is reinstalled to the existing tabs using the supplied cooler brackets (part 102-7056) and 1/4" hardware positioned between the baseplate and radiator.
Unsnap the temperature sensor and move it aside for baseplate installation. Trim the temperature sensor housing approximately 5/8" high x 1/2" deep. After installation, secure the temperature sensor in the desired location before reinstalling the fascia.
Yes, fascia trimming varies significantly by model year. 2010-2013 Equinox requires trimming the ends of the opening approximately 1" down on the bottom then tapered back to top. 2014 Equinox requires trimming the styrofoam support, along the seam, and between tabs as needed. 2015-2017 Equinox requires trimming the styrofoam support and along the seam. 2010-2015 Terrain requires trimming the corner next to the flap. 2016-2017 Terrain requires trimming the styrofoam support and through the first layer of fascia in specific areas.
Yes, several steps vary by model year. 2014-2017 Equinox models require removing additional reinforcement bolts on the driver side (which will not be reinstalled) and have a squared-off frame face. 2014-2017 Equinox models require using a 15MM socket for outer bolts. 2016-2017 Equinox models require trimming the outer edge of lower plastic shielding and may require adjusting or bending electrical rods for the electrical plug. 2016-2017 Equinox models may require trimming the lower lip of the bumper around the convenience link and attachment tube.
No, the breakaway bracket installation is optional. It involves drilling a 9/32" hole into the bottom side of the bumper centered between the electrical rod and the convenience link, then attaching the bracket with 1/4"-20 x 3/4" bolts and nuts, and fastening the breakaway to the bracket with a 1/4"-20 x 3/4" bolt and nut.
Blue Ox offers a three-year limited warranty from the date of delivery to the original retail purchaser. The warranty covers defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. Warranty coverage requires the customer warranty card to be returned within 30 days of purchase and a copy of the original invoice. The warranty is non-transferable and does not cover improper installation, improper use, modification, neglect, failure to maintain, misuse, accident, normal wear and tear, paint, or rust. Exceeding the vehicle GVWR or towing behind a non-motorized vehicle voids the warranty.
Yes, the BX1689 is designed for all trims of 2010-2017 Chevy Equinox and 2010-2017 GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali. Installation steps vary by model year, so refer to the year-specific instructions in the manual.
You will need a drill, reciprocating saw, torque wrench, T20 Torx, 7MM/10MM/7/16"/9/16" sockets and wrenches, 13/32" drill bit, utility knife, Phillips screwdriver, large vise grip, tape measure, and Loctite Red.
Yes. Drilling is required using a 13/32" drill bit for baseplate mounting holes. Trimming with a reciprocating saw is required on the frame face, bumper flanges, temperature sensor housing, and fascia (with year-specific variations).
Use the torque charts provided: 3/8" Grade 5 bolts = 33 ft-lbs, 1/4" Grade 5 bolts = 10 ft-lbs. Apply Loctite Red to all bolt threads before tightening. Consult the full torque chart for other bolt sizes and grades.
The baseplate is rated to your vehicle's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Exceeding this weight voids the warranty. Check your vehicle owner's manual for towing specifications.
Yes, two permanent baseplate safety cables and two quicklinks are included. They must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member and must not contact wires, hoses, or brake lines.
Ensure the baseplate is level and fully tightened, all electrical connections are plugged in and functioning, and all bolts have Loctite Red applied and are torqued to specification. Before each towing trip, inspect for cracked welds, missing parts, and loose bolts.
The BX8869 Tail Light Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle. A hole must be drilled according to the kit instructions.
Recheck the baseplate positioning. The baseplate should be positioned so that it is 1-1/8" from the baseplate to the top of the frame on both sides. If the baseplate is not level, loosen the bolts, reposition the baseplate to the correct height, clamp it securely, and retighten all hardware to the appropriate torque specification using Loctite Red on all bolt threads.
Before reinstalling the fascia, ensure that all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly. If electrical connections are not working, check that all connectors are fully seated and that no wires were damaged during fascia removal or baseplate installation. Verify that the temperature sensor is properly connected after being moved aside during installation.
Before each towing trip, inspect all towing equipment for loose bolts. If bolts are found to be loose, tighten them to the appropriate torque specification using the torque chart provided. Ensure Loctite Red is applied to all bolt threads. If bolts repeatedly loosen, verify that the correct bolt grade and size are being used and that Loctite Red is being applied to all threads.
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