Our in-house experts typically reply within one business day.
Blue Ox
Verify Fitment
Select your vehicle to confirm this part fits.
2016 - 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
Confirmed to Fit
Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
1. Custom Design: The Blue Ox BX1726 is uniquely crafted for each specific towed vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
The Blue Ox BX1726 Tow Bar Bracket is an essential tool for towing needs. This base plate, specifically crafted for each towed vehicle, promises a seamless fit and unmatched durability. Constructed from premium steel with a sleek black powder coat finish, this robust bracket ensures long-lasting performance under rigorous towing conditions. It comes with all necessary mounting hardware and comprehensive instructions, empowering you to conduct a hassle-free, do-it-yourself installation.
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.
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-94943 Years
1 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 - 2018 | Chevrolet Malibu | 1.5L Only No Active Shuters 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 |
The BX1726 baseplate is designed for 2016-18 Chevy Malibu models with a 1.5L engine only, and only for vehicles without active shutters or E-Assist. If your vehicle has a different engine size, active shutters, or E-Assist, this baseplate is not compatible. Contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 to confirm your vehicle's specifications before purchasing.
The BX1726 attachment tab height is 12 inches and the width is 24 inches.
The following components must be removed and reinstalled after baseplate installation: the front fascia, passenger side headlight, air baffle, and windshield washer fluid reservoir. The side shielding (white) on both sides will be trimmed and not reinstalled. The bumper ends will be trimmed flush with the frame face on both sides.
Yes, drilling is required. You will need to ream the lower existing hole in the frame extension with a 1/2" drill bit on both sides, drill a 1-1/4" hole through the frame, and drill two 3/8" holes through the side plates on both sides. If installing the optional breakaway bracket, you will also drill a 1/4" hole through the bumper lip. Additionally, a hole must be drilled according to the tail light wiring kit instructions (BX8869 recommended).
Trimming is required in three areas: (1) trim the end of the bumper back flush with the face of the frame on both sides using a reciprocating saw; (2) trim off the lower push pin area of the side shielding (white) on both sides, which will not be reinstalled; (3) trim the lip off the backside of the fascia trim so it sits flush to the face on both sides. Use a good quality paint to spray cut edges of the frame to prevent rusting.
Required tools include: flat screwdriver, utility knife, torque wrench, drill, reciprocating saw, tape measure, Loctite Red, 1-1/4" hole saw, 1/4" drill bit, 3/8" drill bit, 1/2" drill bit, 7MM socket, 10MM socket, 18MM socket, 7/16" socket, 7/16" wrench, 9/16" socket, 9/16" wrench, 3/4" socket, T15 Torx, and 5/16" nut driver.
The kit includes: 4 nut plates with 14" wire (3/8"), 1 baseplate, 2 attachment tab assemblies with hole, 2 side plates, 1 breakaway bracket, 2 spacer tubes (3/4" diameter x 7/8"), 2 Grade 5 1/4"-20 x 3/4" hex head bolts, 2 Grade 5 1/2"-13 x 1-3/4" hex head bolts, 2 #10-32 1/2" round slotted head screws, 10 Grade 5 3/8"-16 x 1-1/4" hex head bolts, 2 #12-14 x 1" self-drilling screws, 2 #10-32 hex nuts, 6 3/8"-16 hex nylon insert lock nuts, 2 1/4"-20 hex nylon nuts, 6 3/8" flat washers, 2 1/2" flat washers, 10 3/8" lock washers, 2 1/2" lock washers, 2 #10 lock washers, 1 4-way bracket, 2 class III safety cables, 2 3/8" quicklinks, and 2 black cap plug receivers. Four existing frame bolts are also used.
For Grade 5 inch bolts: 1/4" = 10 ft-lbs, 5/16" = 19 ft-lbs, 3/8" = 33 ft-lbs, 7/16" = 54 ft-lbs, 1/2" = 78 ft-lbs. For Grade 8.8 metric bolts: 6MM = 6 ft-lbs, 8MM = 16 ft-lbs, 10MM = 31 ft-lbs, 12MM = 54 ft-lbs, 14MM = 89 ft-lbs, 16MM = 161 ft-lbs, 18MM = 222 ft-lbs. Apply Loctite Red to all bolt threads before tightening.
Remove fascia fasteners in this order: (1) eight T15 Torx screws from the top edge of the fascia (four on each side); (2) one 10MM socket screw from the fender/fascia joint in the engine compartment on both sides; (3) three T15 Torx screws from the wheel well on both sides; (4) one 10MM socket screw from the fascia/fender joint after pulling back the wheel well liner on both sides; (5) fifteen 7MM socket screws from the underside of the fascia (screws with clips do not need to be removed). Then pull the corners of the fascia away, disconnect electrical connections, and set aside.
Using an 18MM socket, remove the two existing bolts from the frame on both sides. Reinstall these bolts with the side plates, level the side plate, and fully tighten the existing bolts on both sides. Then using a 1-1/4" hole saw, drill the existing hole through the frame. Using a 3/8" drill bit, drill the two side plate holes through the frame. Install the 3/8" hardware and fully tighten on both sides. Use Loctite Red on all bolt threads and tighten to the appropriate torque.
Pin the baseplate to the side plates with 3/8" hardware but do not tighten at this time. Install the spacer tube and 1/2" hardware into the extension on both sides and fully tighten. After the 1/2" hardware is tightened, continue tightening the 3/8" hardware along the side plates. Use Loctite Red on all bolt threads and tighten all bolts to the appropriate torque.
Yes, the BX8869 Tail Light Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle. A hole must be drilled according to the tail light wiring kit instructions. Ensure 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. Refer to your vehicle owner's manual for manufacturer's towing specifications and your vehicle's GVWR.
Yes, permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended and are included with the baseplate. The cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame. The cables must not rub against any hoses or moving parts. These permanent baseplate safety cables should remain installed as long as the baseplate is installed on the vehicle and are to be used in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, legally required safety cables attaching the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle.
If the baseplate is involved 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.
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. Blue Ox Dealers can be found at www.blueox.com or by contacting the Technical Service Department at (402) 385-3051.
Yes, the two existing frame bolts on each side are reused when installing the side plates. These bolts are reinstalled with the side plates and fully tightened. However, do not assume existing bolts are adequate for baseplate mounting. Always use the hardware supplied in the hardware kit and existing hardware as specified in the installation instructions.
In the desired location, drill a 1/4" hole through the bumper lip. Install the bracket to the bumper with the provided 1/4" hardware. Attach the breakaway to the bracket with the 1/4" hardware provided. Use Loctite Red on all bolt threads.
Before reinstalling the fascia, ensure that all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly. Verify that the safety cables do not rub against any hoses or moving parts. 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.
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. Register your product online at www.blueox.com to be alerted of product offerings, updates, upgrades, maintenance and safety bulletins, and recalls.
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 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. Register your warranty at http://blueox.com/warranty/
The BX1726 fits 2016-18 Chevy Malibu with 1.5L engine only, without active shutters or E-Assist. Confirm your engine size and features before purchasing.
Yes. You will drill a 1/2" hole to ream the frame extension, a 1-1/4" hole through the frame, and two 3/8" holes through the side plates on both sides. A reciprocating saw is also needed to trim the bumper ends flush with the frame.
You will need a torque wrench, drill, reciprocating saw, T15 Torx, 7MM/10MM/18MM sockets, 1-1/4" hole saw, and various drill bits. Loctite Red is required on all bolt threads.
Tighten 3/8" Grade 5 bolts to 33 foot-pounds. Apply Loctite Red to all bolt threads before tightening.
The baseplate is computer tested to your vehicle's GVWR. Exceeding this weight voids the warranty. Check your vehicle owner's manual for GVWR and towing specifications.
Yes, the BX8869 Tail Light Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle. A hole must be drilled according to the kit instructions.
Yes, two class III safety cables and two 3/8" quicklinks are included. The cables must be connected from the baseplate to the vehicle frame and must not rub against hoses or moving parts.
You must remove the front fascia, passenger side headlight, air baffle, and windshield washer fluid reservoir. These are reinstalled after baseplate installation. The side shielding is trimmed and not reinstalled.
Total for 1 item:
$609.00$699.99
On Sale Today
Original price was $699.99. Current price is $609.00.You save $90.99 (13%)
Free Shipping
Ships free on all orders
Authorized Dealer
Quick Ship
In stock and ready to ship — order now!
FREE ShippingFREE SHIPPING
Estimated delivery Sun, Sep 6 - Wed, Sep 9
Order before 2 PM EST Monday–Friday for same-day processing
Guaranteed safe & secure checkout
No reviews have been added for this product.
