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Blue Ox
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Original price was $699.99. Current price is $639.00.You save $60.99 (9%)
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Custom-designed: The Blue Ox BX1715 Tow Bar Bracket is specifically shaped and sized to fit your towed vehicle seamlessly, ensuring maximum compatibility and performance.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
Ensure a secure and efficient towing experience with the Blue Ox BX1715 Tow Bar Bracket. Engineered with precision, this high-quality base plate is custom-designed for your specific towed vehicle. Assembled using robust steel material, it guarantees long-lasting durability and resilience. The bracket features a sleek black powder coat finish, offering superior corrosion resistance. The bolt-on mounting type ensures an easy and secure installation process. With all the necessary hardware included, you can easily equip your vehicle for towing without professional help. The Blue Ox BX1715 Tow Bar Bracket takes towing to a whole new level of comfort and reliability.
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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Yes, the BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, CHEVY MALIBU LTZ (Part #FDRWBX1715) is designed to fit the 2014-2015 Chevrolet Malibu.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, CHEVY MALIBU LTZ (Part #FDRWBX1715) fits the following vehicles: 2014-2015 Chevrolet Malibu; 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, CHEVY MALIBU LTZ (Part #FDRWBX1715) fits 2014-2015 Chevrolet Malibu models. The 2016 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, CHEVY MALIBU LTZ (Part #FDRWBX1715) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, the BX1715 is designed for 2014-2015 Chevy Malibu all models, provided your vehicle does not have Active Shutter or E-Assist. If your vehicle has either of these features, this baseplate is not compatible. For 2016 models, only the Malibu Limited (without Active Shutter or E-Assist) is supported.
The BX1715 is compatible only with the 2016 Chevy Malibu Limited model, and only if it does not have Active Shutter or E-Assist. Other 2016 Malibu trim levels are not supported by this baseplate.
No. The BX1715 is explicitly not compatible with vehicles equipped with Active Shutter or E-Assist. These features are excluded from the supported applications.
The attachment tab height is 12-1/2" and the width is 24".
Required tools include: large vise grips, utility knife, torque wrench, drill, reciprocating saw, tape measure, 13/32" drill bit, 7MM socket, 13MM socket, 18MM socket, 19MM socket, 19MM wrench, 9/16" socket, T15 Torx, and T20 Torx. You will also need Loctite Red for all bolt threads.
The kit includes: 8 × 3/8"-16 nut plates with 14" wire, 1 × baseplate, 2 × support plates (DS and PS), 2 × attachment tab assemblies, 1 × breakaway bracket, 1 × 1/4"-20 × 3/4" hex head bolt (Grade 5), 2 × #10-32 1/2" round slotted head screws, 6 × 3/8"-16 × 1-3/4" hex head bolts (Grade 5), 4 × 12MM-1.75 × 50MM hex head bolts, 2 × 3/8"-16 × 2" hex head bolts (Grade 5), 1 × #10-16 × 1" self-drilling screw, 2 × #12-14 × 1" self-drilling screws, 2 × #10-32 hex nuts, 1 × 1/4"-20 hex nylon nut, 8 × 3/8" lock washers, 2 × #10 lock washers, 4 × 12MM lock washers, 4 × 12MM flat washers, 1 × 4-way bracket, 2 × class III safety cables, 2 × 3/8" quicklinks, and 2 × black cap plug receivers.
Yes. The fascia, passenger side headlight, bumper, horn, and air baffle must all be removed during installation and then reinstalled after the baseplate is mounted. These components are removed to access the frame for drilling and to allow proper positioning of the baseplate.
Yes. Drilling is required. You must drill four holes per side (eight total) through the vehicle frame using a 13/32" drill bit. The first hole on each side is drilled after the baseplate and support plate are positioned and clamped. The remaining three holes per side are drilled after the first bolt is installed and tightened.
Yes. A reciprocating saw is used to cut the frame face back flush to the frame side rail in three areas on each side of the vehicle (six cuts total). Additionally, the frame face is cut back flush to the bolt surface behind on both sides. The frame face is then bent forward to be flush with the frame side rail. These modifications are permanent.
Yes. After the baseplate is installed, the fascia must be held close to its original position, marked, and trimmed around the convenience links and attachment tabs before being reinstalled.
Be aware of objects behind the cutting surface when using a reciprocating saw. After cutting, use a good quality paint to spray cut edges of the frame to prevent rusting.
For Grade 5 bolts (which are used in this kit), the torque specification is 33 foot-pounds. For Grade 8 bolts, it would be 47 foot-pounds. Always apply Loctite Red to all bolt threads before tightening.
For Grade 8.8 metric bolts, the torque specification is 54 foot-pounds. For Grade 10.9 bolts, it is 70 foot-pounds. The BX1715 kit uses 12MM-1.75 × 50MM bolts for the support plates. Always apply Loctite Red to all bolt threads before tightening.
The manual does not provide a torque specification for 13MM bolts. The torque chart includes 12MM and 14MM sizes but not 13MM. Contact Blue Ox technical service at (402) 385-3051 for the correct torque value for any 13MM fasteners.
Yes. You must use Loctite Red on all bolt threads before tightening. This is a required step for proper installation and warranty compliance.
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 your specific GVWR.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended. The BX1715 kit includes 2 class III safety cables and 2 × 3/8" quicklinks for this purpose. The cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame and must not rub against hoses or moving parts. These cables are in addition to, not a replacement for, legally required safety cables attaching the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle.
The cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame. The manual shows recommended installation to a convenience link on the baseplate, but notes that additional options may interfere with suggested mounting. In such cases, secure the cables to a solid piece of the frame as described in the General Information sheet. Ensure cables do not rub against any hoses or moving parts.
If the baseplate is involved in an accident, it must be replaced. Do not reuse it. 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.
Before reinstalling the fascia, ensure that all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly. This includes the passenger side headlight that was disconnected during removal.
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. Additionally, ensure that the baseplate is properly registered online at www.blueox.com to receive alerts about product updates, maintenance, and safety bulletins.
Inspect all towing equipment for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts before each towing trip. Ensure all bolts are tightened to the recommended torque specifications using Loctite Red. Verify that permanent baseplate safety cables do not rub against hoses or moving parts. Remove the attachment tabs when not in use. Register your product at www.blueox.com to receive maintenance and safety bulletins.
Yes. The manual recommends removing the attachment tabs when not in use.
Blue Ox towing products are intended to be installed by Blue Ox Dealers who are familiar with the products and have the equipment and knowledge necessary to do fit work. If you need to find a Blue Ox Dealer, visit www.blueox.com or contact Blue Ox Technical Service at (402) 385-3051.
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. To activate warranty coverage, the customer warranty card must be returned within 30 days of purchase, and a copy of the original invoice must accompany any warranty claim. The warranty does not cover improper installation, improper use, modification, neglect, failure to maintain, misuse, accident, normal wear and tear, paint, or rust. The warranty is non-transferable.
No. Towing behind a non-motorized vehicle will void the warranty.
No. Failing to follow and/or altering these installation instructions in either installation or required equipment will void the manufacturer's warranty. Use only genuine factory replacement parts on your baseplate. Do not substitute homemade or non-typical parts.
For your safety and the preservation of your baseplate, be sure to use a replacement bolt of the same grade as the original. In most cases, this will be Grade 5. Replacement parts may be ordered through your nearest Blue Ox Dealer or Distributor. Refer to the parts list in the manual to identify the correct part number and specifications.
The BX1715 fits 2014-2015 Chevy Malibu (all models) and 2016 Chevy Malibu Limited, provided your vehicle does not have Active Shutter or E-Assist. If your vehicle has either of these features, this baseplate is not compatible.
You will need a drill, reciprocating saw, torque wrench, large vise grips, utility knife, tape measure, 13/32" drill bit, sockets (7MM, 13MM, 18MM, 19MM, 9/16"), T15 and T20 Torx bits, a 19MM wrench, and Loctite Red.
Yes. You must remove the fascia, passenger side headlight, bumper, horn, and air baffle. These are reinstalled after the baseplate is mounted.
For Grade 5 bolts (used in this kit), torque to 33 foot-pounds. Always apply Loctite Red to bolt threads before tightening.
Yes. The kit includes 2 class III safety cables and 2 × 3/8" quicklinks. These must be connected from the baseplate to the vehicle frame and are in addition to legally required safety cables between the towed and towing vehicles.
Ensure all electrical connections are plugged in and functioning, all bolts are tightened to specification with Loctite Red, and safety cables are properly installed and do not rub against hoses or moving parts. Inspect for cracked welds, missing parts, and loose bolts before each towing trip.
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. Contact Blue Ox Technical Service at (402) 385-3051 for guidance on specific fit issues.
Do not use the baseplate if it is damaged or missing parts. If the baseplate is involved in an accident, it must be replaced and not reused, as an accident can cause unseen damage. Contact your Blue Ox Dealer or Blue Ox Technical Service at (402) 385-3051 to arrange for replacement or repair.
2 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 - 2015 | Chevrolet Malibu | All Models No Active Shutters or E: Assist 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 Headlights Must be Removed and Replaced During Installation |
| 2016 | Chevrolet Malibu Limited | Active Shutters or E: Assist 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 Headlights Must be Removed and Replaced During Installation |
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