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Blue Ox
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2019 - 2022 Chevrolet Malibu
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High-quality Steel Material: Crafted from premium steel, the BX1737 Tow Bar Bracket is robust and built to last, ensuring prolonged service life.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
Blue Ox BX1737 Tow Bar Bracket is more than just a towing accessory, it's a custom-designed solution for your towing needs. This top-notch base plate is made from high-quality steel and finished with a durable powder coat, ensuring it can withstand the toughest conditions. Its black color gives it a sleek and professional look. The bolt-on mounting type makes for an easy DIY installation, with all the necessary hardware included. This means you'll save time and money on installation services. Blue Ox takes the guesswork out of towing with this reliable, easy-to-install base plate.
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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Call 888-634-94943 Years
1 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 - 2022 | Chevrolet Malibu | 2.0L Only Vehicles With Adaptive Cruise Control 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. |
The BlueOx Base Plate, Chevy Malibu Premier BX1737 (Part #FDRWBX1737) fits 2019-2022 Chevrolet Malibu models. The 2022 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
Yes, the BlueOx Base Plate, Chevy Malibu Premier BX1737 (Part #FDRWBX1737) is designed to fit the 2019-2022 Chevrolet Malibu.
The BlueOx Base Plate, Chevy Malibu Premier BX1737 (Part #FDRWBX1737) fits the following vehicles: 2019-2022 Chevrolet Malibu. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The BlueOx Base Plate, Chevy Malibu Premier BX1737 (Part #FDRWBX1737) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
No. The BX1737 is designed exclusively for 2019-22 Chevy Malibu with 2.0L engine only. It does not fit models with 2.5L or 3.6L engines. The manual specifies "2019-22 Chevy Malibu (2.0L Only)" and notes that the baseplate is computer tested to your vehicle's GVWR, which varies by engine size.
No. The BX1737 is designed for vehicles with no active shutters. The manual explicitly states "(No Active Shutters)" in the product specification. If your vehicle has active shutters, this baseplate is not compatible.
The attachment tab height is 15 inches and the width is 16 inches.
Required tools include: large vise grip, flat screwdriver, torque wrench, reciprocating saw, drill, 3/8-inch drill bit, 1/2-inch drill bit, 7MM socket, 10MM socket, 10MM wrench, 18MM socket, 9/16-inch socket, 9/16-inch wrench, 5/8-inch socket, T15 Torx, 5/16-inch nut drivers, and 1-1/4-inch hole saw. You will also need Loctite Red for all bolt threads.
The BX8884 Tail Light Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle, but the manual does not explicitly state whether it is required. Contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 to confirm if it is necessary for your specific installation.
Yes. The fascia must be removed and reinstalled during baseplate installation. The manual states "The fascia and windshield washer fluid reservoir are removed and reinstalled for the baseplate installation." The removal process involves removing multiple screws, bolts, headlights, air dam, windshield washer fluid reservoir, and plastic shield before the baseplate can be installed.
The following components must be removed: front fascia (via eight T15 Torx screws, two T15 Torx screws, two 10MM bolts, six T15 Torx screws, two 7MM bolts, and fifteen 7MM bolts), headlights (four 7MM bolts per side), air dam (one 10MM bolt and one gray push pin on passenger side), windshield washer fluid reservoir (three 10MM nuts on driver side), and plastic shield (two 7MM bolts). All items are reinstalled after baseplate installation unless otherwise noted.
Yes. Drilling is required in multiple locations. You must drill out an existing hole on the frame extension using a 1/2-inch drill bit on both sides of the vehicle (Step 13), drill two middle holes using a 3/8-inch drill bit on both sides of the vehicle (Step 18), and drill an access hole using a 1-1/4-inch hole saw on the passenger side and a hole in the indicated area on the driver side (Step 17). The manual warns to be aware of the dangers of torque and drill bit length when using power drills.
Yes. Trimming and cutting are required. You must use a reciprocating saw to trim the bumper flush with the frame on both sides (Step 11), trim 2 inches from each end of the Styrofoam on the back of the fascia (Step 14), and use a utility knife to cut the sides off the plastic shielding to allow clearance for the baseplate (Step 15). The manual warns to be aware of objects behind the cutting surface when using a reciprocating saw and recommends using good quality paint to spray cut edges of frame to prevent rusting.
Yes. The trimming of the bumper, Styrofoam, and plastic shielding are permanent modifications. The drilling of holes in the frame and side brackets is also permanent. These modifications cannot be reversed without significant vehicle repair.
Torque specifications for Grade 5 bolts are: 1/4-inch = 10 ft-lbs, 5/16-inch = 19 ft-lbs, 3/8-inch = 33 ft-lbs, 7/16-inch = 54 ft-lbs, 1/2-inch = 78 ft-lbs, 5/8-inch = 154 ft-lbs, 3/4-inch = 257 ft-lbs. Most bolts in this kit are Grade 5. Always use Loctite Red on all bolt threads before tightening.
Torque specifications for Grade 8.8 metric bolts are: 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. For Grade 10.9 metric bolts: 6MM = 8 ft-lbs, 8MM = 22 ft-lbs, 10MM = 40 ft-lbs, 12MM = 70 ft-lbs, 14MM = 117 ft-lbs, 16MM = 230 ft-lbs, 18MM = 318 ft-lbs. Always use Loctite Red on all bolt threads before tightening.
The installation sequence is: (1) Remove fascia components (screws, bolts, headlights, air dam, windshield washer fluid reservoir, plastic shield); (2) Trim bumper flush with frame using reciprocating saw; (3) Remove front frame bolts and drill out existing hole; (4) Trim Styrofoam and plastic shielding; (5) Install side plates using existing 12MM bolts and provided hardware with flat washers; (6) Drill access holes using hole saw and bracket template; (7) Drill middle holes in side brackets; (8) Reinstall windshield washer fluid reservoir; (9) Set baseplate in place and start 1/2-inch bolts with hardware; (10) Start front 3/8-inch bolts with hardware; (11) Install remaining 3/8-inch bolts and fully tighten all bolts with Loctite Red to appropriate torque; (12) Attach permanent baseplate safety cables; (13) Reinstall plastic shield, air dam, headlights, and fascia.
Install side plates using the two existing 12MM bolts and provided hardware. Ensure that flat washers are positioned between the baseplate and the frame. The plate must be level. This installation must be done on both sides of the vehicle.
The baseplate is attached using: four existing 12MM bolts (reused from factory), two 1/2-inch-13 x 1-3/4-inch Grade 5 hex head bolts with 1/2-inch flat washers and 1/2-inch lock washers, and ten 3/8-inch-16 x 1-1/2-inch Grade 5 hex head bolts with 3/8-inch flat washers and 3/8-inch lock washers. All bolts require Loctite Red on threads and must be tightened to the appropriate torque specification.
The manual requires unplugging the temperature sensor on the driver side of the vehicle during plastic shield removal (Step 10) and reconnecting all electrical connections after reinstalling the plastic shield, air dam, and headlights (Step 24). The manual emphasizes that all electrical connections must be plugged in and accessories must be functioning properly before reinstalling the fascia. The BX8884 Tail Light Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle, though the manual does not specify whether it is required.
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 and your specific GVWR.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended and must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame. The manual states that these cables must remain installed as long as the baseplate is installed on the vehicle. They 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. Do not mount the cables against wires, hoses, or brake lines.
Attach the permanent baseplate safety cables to the provided convenience link on the baseplate. The cables must be connected to a solid piece of the frame of the vehicle. The manual shows two recommended installation options: Option 1 uses a quicklink to attach cables around a crossmember or frame of the towed vehicle (for baseplates with convenience link tabs), and Option 2 shows installation without convenience link tabs. Ensure 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. The manual specifically states: "Be sure that ALL electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly before reinstalling the fascia."
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 specifications. This is the owner's responsibility.
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. The manual recommends registering your product online at www.blueox.com to be alerted of product offerings, updates, upgrades, maintenance and safety bulletins, and/or recalls. Blue Ox offers a service program where, for a nominal fee, a service technician will service your towing system to ensure it is in proper working condition.
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.
No. Use only genuine factory replacement parts on your baseplate. Do NOT substitute homemade or non-typical parts. If a bolt is lost or needs replacement, use a replacement bolt of the same grade (in most cases Grade 5). Replacement parts may be ordered through your nearest Blue Ox Dealer or Distributor. Failing to follow these requirements will void the manufacturer's warranty.
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 showing date and place of purchase must accompany any warranty claim. The warranty is non-transferable and 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. Register your warranty at http://blueox.com/warranty/
Blue Ox recommends that towing products and accessories 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.
The BX1737 fits 2019-22 Chevy Malibu with 2.0L engine only, with no active shutters. If your Malibu has a 2.5L or 3.6L engine, or has active shutters, this baseplate will not fit. Verify your engine size and shutter type before purchasing.
You will need: reciprocating saw, drill with 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch, and 1-1/4-inch hole saw bits, torque wrench, sockets (7MM, 10MM, 18MM, 9/16-inch, 5/8-inch), wrenches (10MM, 9/16-inch), T15 Torx, large vise grip, flat screwdriver, 5/16-inch nut drivers, and Loctite Red. Professional installation by a Blue Ox Dealer is recommended.
Yes. You must drill holes in the frame and side brackets using 1/2-inch and 3/8-inch drill bits, and drill an access hole with a 1-1/4-inch hole saw. You must also trim the bumper flush with the frame using a reciprocating saw, and trim Styrofoam and plastic shielding. These are permanent modifications.
Use the torque chart provided: Grade 5 bolts are 1/4-inch (10 ft-lbs), 3/8-inch (33 ft-lbs), 1/2-inch (78 ft-lbs). Most bolts in this kit are Grade 5. Always apply Loctite Red to all bolt threads before tightening. Refer to the complete torque chart in the manual for other bolt sizes.
Yes. Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended and must remain installed as long as the baseplate is on the vehicle. They must be connected from the baseplate to the vehicle's frame and do not replace legally required safety cables between the towed and towing vehicles.
If the baseplate is damaged or involved in an accident, it must be replaced and cannot be reused. Do not use a damaged baseplate as unseen damage could cause serious injury or failure.
If the fascia does not fit properly, you may need to mark and trim the fascia around the convenience links and attachment tabs. The manual states: "Hold the fascia as close to its original position, mark and trim the fascia around the convenience links and attachment tabs. Reinstall the fascia." This is a normal part of the installation process due to dimensional variations between vehicles.
The manual acknowledges that "The dimensional variations between otherwise identical vehicles can be considerable" and states that "it may be necessary to tailor the baseplate slightly to compensate for vehicle manufacturer's tolerances." If the baseplate does not fit properly, contact Blue Ox Technical Service at (402) 385-3051 for guidance on tailoring the baseplate to your specific vehicle.
If electrical accessories are not functioning after installation, verify that all electrical connections are properly plugged in. The manual requires that "ALL electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly before reinstalling the fascia." Check that the temperature sensor on the driver side was properly reconnected after plastic shield reinstallation. If problems persist, contact Blue Ox Technical Service at (402) 385-3051.
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