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2005 - 2007 Dodge Dakota
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Precision-Crafted Design: The Blue Ox BX1971 Tow Bar Bracket is custom-designed for each specific towed vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit and easy installation.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
The Blue Ox BX1971 Tow Bar Bracket is a robust and reliable solution for your towing needs. Built with high-quality steel and finished with a resilient powder coat, this black base plate offers superior durability and corrosion resistance. The product is precision-engineered for each specific towed vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit and easy installation. The Blue Ox BX1971 comes complete with all necessary hardware, making it a convenient, all-in-one solution for your towing needs.
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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1 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 - 2007 | Dodge Dakota | 2WD/4WD Vehciles with Quad Cab Comes with Removable Attachment Tabs Install Rating 3 Bumper Fascia Must Be Removed/Replaced During Install Minor Drilling Required Requires Some Trimming of the Air Dam Tow Hooks Must be Removed and Remain off the Vehicle After Installation 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 For Select DODGE DAKOTA BX1971 (Part #FDRWBX1971) fits 2005-2007 Dodge Dakota models. The 2007 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
Yes, the BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate For Select DODGE DAKOTA BX1971 (Part #FDRWBX1971) is designed to fit the 2005-2007 Dodge Dakota.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate For Select DODGE DAKOTA BX1971 (Part #FDRWBX1971) fits the following vehicles: 2005-2007 Dodge Dakota. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate For Select DODGE DAKOTA BX1971 (Part #FDRWBX1971) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, the BX1971 is designed for 2005-07 Dodge Dakota. However, if the front of your vehicle looks different than shown in the manual, contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 before proceeding with installation.
Motorhome mount tow bars are recommended. The RangeFinder II, Adventurer, and Ambassador tow bars cannot be used due to the removable tab design. The Acclaim tow bar may be used but will not fold and store on the front of the vehicle. Most adapters cannot be used except the BX8833 and BX88151.
Most adapters cannot be used with the BX1971 baseplate. The only exceptions are the BX8833 and BX88151 adapters, which are compatible.
The attachment tab height is 17.5" and the attachment tab width is 20".
Required tools are: 18MM socket, 3/4" socket, 3/8" socket, 5/16" nut driver, 17/32" drill bit, 30 Torx, large vise grips, and Loctite Red.
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 for fit work. Blue Ox dealers can be found at www.blueox.com or by contacting Blue Ox Customer Care at (402) 385-3051.
The front bumper must be removed and reinstalled. Drilling is required. Trimming of the air dam is required. Factory tow hooks must be removed and will remain off the vehicle after installation.
Yes, drilling is required. You will drill three holes on each side of the vehicle using a 17/32" drill bit. The baseplate is used as a template to mark the hole locations after the baseplate is clamped in place on the frame rail.
Measure and mark a horizontal line 8" back from the lower front edge of the air dam. Mark a second horizontal line 2.5" below the first line. Cut out the area between these lines with a utility knife on both sides of the vehicle. This allows the baseplate to slide onto the frame rail.
The torque specification for 1/2-13 Grade 5 bolts is 78 foot-pounds. All bolts must have Loctite Red applied before tightening.
The torque specification for 1/4-20 Grade 5 bolts is 10 foot-pounds. All bolts must have Loctite Red applied before tightening.
The kit includes: 1 baseplate weldment (61-6086), 8 nutplates with 14" wire (61-4604), 8 1/2-13 x 1.5" hex bolts Grade 5 (201-0051), 8 1/2" lock washers (203-0012), 2 1/4-20 x 1" hex bolts Grade 5 (201-0071), 2 1/4" lock washers (203-0008), 2 1/4" whiz nuts (202-0069), 2 #10-32 x 0.5" slot round head screws (201-0192), 2 #10 lock washers (203-0054), 2 #10-32 hex nuts (202-0047), 2 #10-16 x 1" self-driving screws (201-0654), 2 1/4" flat washers (203-0001), 1 electrical bracket (101-6135), 2 4-way connector adapters (101-5822), 2 attachment assemblies SF/LB right (62-3469), 2 36" Class III baseplate safety cables (226-0046), 2 3/8" quicklinks (229-0359), and 2 black cap plugs (290-0437).
1. Using a 30 Torx, remove three metric bolts from the edge of the wheel well just forward of the front tire on both sides; set aside for reinstallation. 2. Remove the pushpin from the lower edge of the fascia just below the license plate on both sides; set aside for reinstallation. 3. Using an 18MM socket, remove four metric nuts located just behind the metal bumper on the frame end. 4. Pull the metal bumper forward, unplug the electrical connections, and set the bumper aside for reinstallation.
Slide the baseplate onto the frame rail to align the forward side hole with the existing hole in the frame. Clamp in place with vise grips on both sides. Insert the nutplate into the end of the frame rail to align with the existing hole. Tighten the 1/2-13 x 1.5" hex bolt and lock washer with a 3/4" socket on both sides. Note: Some models may not have existing holes in the frame; in that case, slide the baseplate forward and position it just behind the dimple in the frame end and clamp with vise grips.
Three holes must be drilled on each side of the vehicle (six total). Use the baseplate as a template to mark the hole locations after clamping the baseplate in place. Drill with a 17/32" drill bit.
Insert the nutplates into the frame rail to align with the drilled holes. Apply Loctite Red to all bolts before tightening. Tighten the 1/2-13 x 1.5" hex bolts and lock washers with a 3/4" socket into the nutplates on both sides. Tighten all bolts according to the torque chart (1/2-13 Grade 5 bolts = 78 foot-pounds).
Reinstall the metal bumper and ensure that all electrical connections are plugged in properly.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended when towing a vehicle with a tow bar. The principle function is to prevent the towed vehicle from breaking loose if the connection between the frame and baseplate fails or becomes disconnected. The cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member. Each cable must have an adequate weight rating for the towing system; the weight rating of two cables together will not qualify. Do not mount the cables against wires, hoses or brake lines. These cables should remain installed as long as the baseplate is installed 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 in an accident, it must be replaced and cannot be reused. 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.
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. Ensure that all electrical connections are properly plugged in.
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. Register your product online at www.blueox.com to be alerted of product offerings, updates, upgrades, maintenance and safety bulletins, and/or recalls. Remove the attachment tabs when not in use if applicable.
The BX8848 4-diode wiring kit is recommended for this vehicle.
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, or by calling Blue Ox Customer Care at (402) 385-3051. Failing to follow these instructions or altering the installation instructions will void the manufacturer's warranty.
The warranty is voided if: (1) the installation instructions are not followed or altered, (2) non-genuine or homemade parts are substituted, (3) the baseplate is used for towing behind a non-motorized vehicle, or (4) the baseplate is used after being damaged in an accident.
If the front of your vehicle looks different than shown in the manual, call Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 before attempting installation.
Handling of some cosmetic parts when installing this product may require the use of protective covers, rags, specialty tools, etc. to prevent damage.
Yes, the BX1971 is designed for 2005-07 Dodge Dakota. Contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 if your vehicle's front looks different from the manual photos.
Motorhome mount tow bars are recommended. RangeFinder II, Adventurer, and Ambassador tow bars cannot be used. Acclaim tow bar may be used but will not fold and store. Only BX8833 and BX88151 adapters are compatible.
Required tools: 18MM socket, 3/4" socket, 3/8" socket, 5/16" nut driver, 17/32" drill bit, 30 Torx, large vise grips, and Loctite Red.
Yes, drilling is required. You will drill three holes on each side using a 17/32" drill bit. Air dam trimming is also required.
Tighten 1/2-13 Grade 5 bolts to 78 foot-pounds. Apply Loctite Red to all bolts before tightening.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended. They must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member and should remain installed as long as the baseplate is on the vehicle.
Inspect all towing equipment for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts. Ensure all electrical connections are properly plugged in and all bolts are tightened to specification.
Some models may not have existing holes in the frame. In this case, slide the baseplate forward and position it just behind the dimple in the frame end, then clamp in place with vise grips. Proceed with drilling the three holes on each side using the baseplate as a template.
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 auto manufacturer's tolerances. These minor adjustments may include filing a hole slightly, bending electrical rods or bending end plates.
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