
Ask a Question About This Product
Our in-house experts typically reply within one business day.
Our in-house experts typically reply within one business day.
Blue Ox
Verify Fitment
Select your vehicle to confirm this part fits.
2018 - 2023 Chevrolet Equinox
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!
Custom Design: Specifically designed for each individual towed vehicle, ensuring an exact fit and seamless integration.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
The Blue Ox BX1730 Tow Bar Bracket is your ultimate towing solution. Custom designed for each specific towed vehicle, this bracket ensures a perfect fit every time. Crafted from durable steel and finished with a resilient black powder coating, this bracket is designed to withstand the toughest road conditions. It is easy to install with a bolt-on mounting type and includes all necessary hardware. With the Blue Ox BX1730, you not only get a sturdy and long-lasting tow bar bracket, but you also get the satisfaction of a do-it-yourself installation, thanks to the comprehensive instructions included.

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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 - 2023 | Chevrolet Equinox | Comes with Removable Attachment Tabs Install Rating 4 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 Baseplate Has Non 24 in. Spaced Attachment Tabs Requires Motorhome Mounted Towbar/Adapter To Utilize Car Mounted Tow Bar Tow Bar Adapters Not To Be Used On Vehicles Over 5000 lbs |
Yes, the BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select CHEVY EQUINOX LT (Part #FDRWBX1730) is designed to fit the 2018-2023 Chevrolet Equinox.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select CHEVY EQUINOX LT (Part #FDRWBX1730) fits the following vehicles: 2018-2023 Chevrolet Equinox. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select CHEVY EQUINOX LT (Part #FDRWBX1730) fits 2018-2023 Chevrolet Equinox models. The 2023 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 EQUINOX LT (Part #FDRWBX1730) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, the BX1730 is designed for 2018-2024 Chevy Equinox including RS models. However, it is not compatible with vehicles that have lower shutters. RS trim models have a slightly different headlight removal procedure: you will remove three bolts (shown in images a, c, and d) instead of four bolts.
No. The BX1730 is specifically designed for 2018-2024 Chevy Equinox models without lower shutters. If your vehicle has lower shutters, this baseplate is not compatible.
The attachment tab height is 16 inches and the attachment tab width is 23 inches.
Required tools include: utility knife, large vise grip, torque wrench, drill, 3/8" drill bit, 7MM socket, 10MM socket, 7/16" socket, 7/16" wrench, 9/16" socket, 9/16" wrench, T15 Torx, and 5/16" nut driver. You will also need Loctite Red.
Yes. Loctite Red must be used on all bolt threads before tightening. This is a critical requirement stated multiple times in the instructions.
The BX8869 Tail Light Wiring Kit is recommended for standard vehicles. If your Equinox has LED taillights, use the BX8848 Tail Light Wiring Kit instead. A hole must be drilled according to the tail light wiring kit instructions.
Yes. The fascia must be removed to access the frame and install the baseplate. The windshield washer fluid reservoir must also be removed. Both components are reinstalled after baseplate installation is complete.
Yes. The windshield washer fluid reservoir must be removed to allow access for baseplate installation. It is reinstalled in Step 21 using existing hardware except for one bolt, which uses the supplied 6MM bolt and 1/4" flat washer to attach to the baseplate.
Yes. The driver side headlight must be removed. For standard models, remove four bolts using a 7MM socket. For RS trim models, remove three bolts (shown in images a, c, and d). The headlight is reinstalled in Step 21.
Yes. The belly pan must be removed. Using a 7MM socket, remove thirteen bolts: two in front of each tire, three next to each tire, and three along the back. Then remove one additional bolt on each side at the edge of the belly pan.
Yes. Drilling is required. You will drill one 3/8" hole on each side of the baseplate (Step 16), then drill four additional 3/8" holes on each side (Step 17). You will also drill a 1/4" hole in the temperature sensor holder (Step 20). A 3/8" drill bit is required.
Yes. Trimming is required. Using a utility knife, you will trim indicated areas from the plastic grille piece before reinstalling it (Step 18). You will also trim the fascia around the convenience links and attachment tabs before reinstalling it (Step 23).
Yes. Using a hammer, you must tap the metal frame pieces inward slightly, about 1/8", on both sides of the vehicle to allow clearance for the baseplate. This is done in Step 13.
Yes. Use a good quality paint to spray cut edges of the frame to prevent rusting. This is a required maintenance step to protect the frame from corrosion.
For Grade 5 bolts: 33 foot-pounds. For Grade 8 bolts: 47 foot-pounds. The BX1730 uses 3/8"-16 x 1-1/4" Grade 5 bolts (part 201-0368), so torque to 33 foot-pounds.
For Grade 5 bolts: 10 foot-pounds. For Grade 8 bolts: 14 foot-pounds. The BX1730 uses a 1/4"-20 x 3/4" Grade 5 bolt (part 201-0050), so torque to 10 foot-pounds.
For Grade 8.8 bolts: 6 foot-pounds. For Grade 10.9 bolts: 8 foot-pounds. The BX1730 uses a 6MM-1.0 x 30MM Grade 8.8 bolt (part 201-0655), so torque to 6 foot-pounds.
The manual does not specify whether the battery must be disconnected. However, the manual emphasizes that all electrical connections must be plugged in and accessories must be functioning properly before reinstalling the fascia. Consult your vehicle owner's manual or a qualified technician for battery disconnection requirements.
The baseplate is computer tested to your vehicle's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Exceeding this weight will void the manufacturer's warranty. Reference your vehicle owner's manual for the manufacturer's towing specifications.
Yes. Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended and are included with the BX1730 (part 226-0046). They must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame. The cables prevent the towed vehicle from breaking loose if the connection between the frame and baseplate fails. Safety cables do not replace legally required safety cables that attach the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle.
The permanent baseplate safety cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame. The manual shows two recommended options: Option 1 uses a convenience link tab on the baseplate, and Option 2 uses a quicklink. Cables must not be mounted against wires, hoses, or brake lines. If additional options interfere with suggested mounting, secure the cables to a solid piece of the frame as described in the General Information sheet.
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. Using a damaged or incomplete baseplate could result in separation of the towed vehicle from the tow bar, causing property damage, loss of the towed vehicle, personal injury, or death.
Before reinstalling the fascia, ensure that all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly. Inspect all towing equipment for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts before each towing trip. Ensure the baseplate is level after drilling and installing the first 3/8" bolt on each side.
Before each towing trip, inspect all towing equipment for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts. Use Loctite Red on all bolts and tighten to the recommended torque specifications. Ensure safety cables do not rub against any hoses or moving parts. Register your product at www.blueox.com to receive alerts about product offerings, updates, upgrades, maintenance and safety bulletins, and recalls.
Yes. Remove the attachment tabs when not in use, if applicable.
Yes, the BX1730 fits 2018-2024 Chevy Equinox including RS models, but not vehicles with lower shutters.
Use BX8869 for standard taillights or BX8848 for LED taillights. A hole must be drilled per the wiring kit instructions.
Yes. You will drill one 3/8" hole on each side, then four more 3/8" holes on each side, plus a 1/4" hole in the temperature sensor holder. Trimming with a utility knife is also required.
Yes. Tap the metal frame pieces inward about 1/8" on both sides with a hammer to allow baseplate clearance.
Torque 3/8"-16 Grade 5 bolts to 33 foot-pounds. Use Loctite Red on all bolt threads before tightening.
Yes. Two Class III Safety Cables (part 226-0046) are included and must be connected from the baseplate to the vehicle frame. They do not replace legally required safety cables.
The baseplate is tested to your vehicle's GVWR. Exceeding this weight voids the warranty. Check your vehicle owner's manual for towing specifications.
After drilling the first 3/8" hole on each side and installing the 3/8" bolt with nylon lock nut, ensure the baseplate is level before proceeding to drill the remaining four holes on each side. If the baseplate is not level, adjust it before tightening the bolts fully.
Ensure the safety cables do not rub against any hoses or moving parts. If they do, reposition the cables. The cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member. If the recommended mounting options interfere with other vehicle components, secure the cables to a solid piece of the frame as described in the General Information sheet.


On Sale Today
Quick Ship
In stock and ready to ship — order now!
FREE ShippingFREE SHIPPING
Estimated delivery Tue, Aug 11 - Fri, Aug 14
Order before 2 PM EST Monday–Friday for same-day processing
Guaranteed safe & secure checkout



No reviews have been added for this product.