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Blue Ox
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2013 - 2019 Ford Flex
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2013 - 2016 Lincoln MKS
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2013 - 2019 Lincoln MKT
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Custom Designed: The BX2645 Tow Bar Bracket is specially designed to fit specific towed vehicles, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal functionality.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
The Blue Ox BX2645 Tow Bar Bracket is a premium, vehicle-specific accessory designed to enhance your towing experience. Crafted from top-grade steel, this tow bar bracket is not only tough but also durable. It features a sleek black powder coat finish that offers superior resistance against rust and corrosion. With its bolt-on mounting type, installation is straightforward and hassle-free. Every purchase of this Blue Ox base plate comes complete with all the necessary mounting hardware and detailed instructions for a DIY installation. This means you'll save time and effort since you won't need to source any additional components or professional help.
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
3 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 - 2019 | Ford Flex | Vehicles with EcoBoost Vehicles With Adaptive Cruise Control 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 Requires Some Trimming of the Air Dam Headlights Must be Removed and Replaced During Installation Baseplate Has Non 24 in. Spaced Attachment Tabs Requires Motorhome Mounted Tow Bar/Adapter To Utilize Car Mounted Tow Bar Tow Bar Adapters Not To Be Used On Vehicles Over 5000 lbs. |
| 2013 - 2016 | Lincoln MKS | Vehicles with EcoBoost Vehicles With Adaptive Cruise Control 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 Baseplate Has Non 24 in. Spaced Attachment Tabs Requires Motorhome Mounted Tow Bar/Adapter To Utilize Car Mounted Tow Bar Tow Bar Adapters Not To Be Used On Vehicles Over 5000 lbs. |
| 2013 - 2019 | Lincoln MKT | Vehicles with EcoBoost Vehicles With Adaptive Cruise Control 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 Baseplate Has Non 24 in. Spaced Attachment Tabs Requires Motorhome Mounted Tow Bar/Adapter To Utilize Car Mounted Tow Bar Tow Bar Adapters Not To Be Used On Vehicles Over 5000 lbs. |
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, LINCOLN MKT W/ECO AWD (Part #FDRWBX2645) fits the following vehicles: 2013-2019 Ford Flex; 2013-2016 Lincoln MKS; 2013-2019 Lincoln MKT. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, LINCOLN MKT W/ECO AWD (Part #FDRWBX2645) fits 2013-2019 Ford Flex models. The 2019 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, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, LINCOLN MKT W/ECO AWD (Part #FDRWBX2645) is designed to fit the 2013-2019 Ford Flex.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, LINCOLN MKT W/ECO AWD (Part #FDRWBX2645) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, the BX2645 baseplate is designed for 2013-2019 Ford Flex models, including those with Adaptive Cruise Control and EcoBoost engines. The BX8848 Tail Light Wiring Kit is recommended for the 2013-2017 Ford Flex.
Yes, the BX2645 baseplate is designed for 2013-2015 Lincoln MKS models, including those with Adaptive Cruise Control and EcoBoost engines. For the proper wiring kit, contact Blue Ox Technical Support Team at (800) 228-9289.
Yes, the BX2645 baseplate is designed for 2013-2019 Lincoln MKT models, including those with Adaptive Cruise Control and EcoBoost engines. For the proper wiring kit, contact Blue Ox Technical Support Team at (800) 228-9289.
The BX2645 attachment tab height is 15 inches and the width is 20 inches.
Required tools include: large vise grip, flat screwdriver, utility knife, Phillips screwdriver, hammer, torque wrench, drill, reciprocating saw, tape measure, Loctite Red, and the following drill bits and sockets: 1/4" drill bit, 13/32" drill bit, 17/32" drill bit, 5.5MM socket, 8MM socket, 10MM socket, and 9/16" socket.
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.
The fascia, horn, and windshield washer fluid reservoir must be removed and reinstalled after baseplate installation. Some drilling and trimming is also required. All removed items should be placed on a flat, sturdy surface and will be reinstalled unless otherwise noted.
Yes, drilling is required. The installation involves drilling multiple holes using 13/32", 17/32", and 1/4" drill bits through the frame and bumper. After drilling, cut edges of the frame should be painted to prevent rusting.
Trimming is required on plastic shrouding below the bumper on both sides for baseplate clearance. For non-active shutters, trim the plastic shrouding off just below the bumper. For active shutters, trim along the face of the shutter to the base then back out, and trim the center tab back flush to the shutter face. Additionally, the washer reservoir front mounting tab must be trimmed, and the fascia must be trimmed around the convenience links and attachment tabs.
Yes, if your vehicle has Adaptive Cruise Control. You must install a support bracket onto the bumper and ACC sensor bracket, drill holes with a 1/4" drill bit, and attach with 1/4"-20 x 3/4" bolts and 1/4"-20 lock nuts. Then use a reciprocating saw to remove the outer edge of the ACC bracket. A notch must also be made on the inner side of the ACC bracket for baseplate clearance.
Torque specifications vary by bolt size and grade. For Grade 5 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, 5/8" = 154 ft-lbs, 3/4" = 257 ft-lbs. For Grade 8 bolts: 1/4" = 14 ft-lbs, 5/16" = 29 ft-lbs, 3/8" = 47 ft-lbs, 7/16" = 78 ft-lbs, 1/2" = 119 ft-lbs, 5/8" = 230 ft-lbs, 3/4" = 380 ft-lbs. Metric torque specifications are also provided in the manual. Use Loctite Red on all bolt threads before tightening.
The torque specification for 3/8"-16 Grade 5 bolts is 33 foot-pounds. Use Loctite Red on all bolt threads before tightening.
The torque specification for 1/2"-13 Grade 5 bolts is 78 foot-pounds. Use Loctite Red on all bolt threads before tightening.
The torque specification for 1/4"-20 Grade 5 bolts is 10 foot-pounds. Use Loctite Red on all bolt threads before tightening.
The baseplate is computer tested to your vehicle's GVWR. Exceeding this weight will void the manufacturer's warranty. Reference your vehicle owner's manual for manufacturer's towing specifications.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended when towing a vehicle with a tow bar. The cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame. The BX2645 includes Class IV Safety Cables (part 226-0049) and 1/2" Quicklinks (part 229-0512). Safety cables must not be mounted against wires, hoses, or brake lines. These cables are to be used in conjunction with, and NOT 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. 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.
When using power drills, be aware of the dangers of torque and drill bit length. When using a reciprocating saw, be aware of objects behind the cutting surface. If trimming the ACC bracket on the vehicle, be aware of the radiator behind it.
Before reinstalling the fascia, ensure that all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly. When reinstalling, ensure that nothing is installed in front of the ACC sensor, as obstructions will cause false readings from the sensor.
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 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. Paint cut edges of the frame to prevent rusting. Remove the attachment tabs when not in use. Register your product online at www.blueox.com to be alerted of product offerings, updates, upgrades, maintenance and safety bulletins, and/or recalls.
The BX2645 includes: 10 3/8"-16 nut plates with 14" wire, 2 1/2" nut plates with wire, 1 baseplate, 2 attachment tab assemblies with holes, 1 breakaway bracket, 1 support bracket, 3 1/4"-20 x 3/4" hex head bolts (Grade 5), 2 #10-32 1/2" round slotted head screws, 4 3/8"-16 x 2-1/2" hex head bolts (Grade 5), 4 3/8"-16 x 1-1/4" hex head bolts (Grade 5), 2 3/8"-16 x 2" hex head bolts (Grade 5), 1 #10-16 x 1" self-drilling screw, 2 1/2"-13 x 5" hex head bolts (Grade 5), 2 #12-14 x 1" self-drilling screws, 2 #10-32 hex nuts, 3 1/4"-20 hex nylon nuts, 7 1/4" flat washers, 12 3/8" flat washers, 6 1/2" flat washers, 10 3/8" lock washers, 2 1/2" lock washers, 2 #10 lock washers, 1 4-way bracket, 2 Class IV safety cables, 2 1/2" quicklinks, and 2 black cap plug receivers.
No. Use only genuine factory replacement parts on your baseplate. Do NOT substitute homemade or non-typical parts. If a bolt is lost or in need of 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 and/or altering these installation instructions will void the manufacturer's warranty.
Six holes are drilled through the frame: four bottom holes (two on each side) using a 13/32" drill bit, and two sideplate holes (one on each side) also using a 13/32" drill bit. Additionally, two holes are drilled through the bumper using a 17/32" drill bit (one on each side).
Three drill bit sizes are used: 1/4" drill bit (for ACC sensor bracket holes), 13/32" drill bit (for frame and front bumper holes), and 17/32" drill bit (for bumper tube holes).
The baseplate is attached to the frame using 3/8"-16 x 2-1/2" hex head bolts (Grade 5) with 3/8" lock washers and 3/8" nut plates for the bottom four holes, and 3/8"-16 x 1-1/4" hex head bolts (Grade 5) with 3/8" lock washers and 3/8" nut plates for the sideplate holes. All bolts must be tightened with Loctite Red to 33 foot-pounds.
The baseplate is attached to the bumper using 3/8"-16 x 2" hex head bolts (Grade 5) with lock washers and flat washers (approximately six per side) as spacers and 3/8" nut plates. Additionally, 1/2"-13 x 5" hex head bolts (Grade 5) with flat and lock washers are used for the tube attachment through the bumper. All bolts must be tightened with Loctite Red.
Before reinstalling the washer reservoir, trim the front mounting tab off. When reinstalling, use seven (7) 1/4" flat washers as a spacer on the top back hole to keep the reservoir from rubbing on the baseplate.
The horn bracket may need slight bending to clear the baseplate. On the driver side, remove one bolt from the horn bracket before baseplate installation, then reinstall the bracket after the baseplate is in place.
On the driver side, use a chisel or flat screwdriver to remove the nut welded on the inside of the bumper for bolt clearance. Additionally, a 17/32" hole must be drilled through the bumper for the tube attachment.
On the passenger side, unclip the air temperature sensor from the bumper, remove the top block, and reattach the sensor to the bumper.
The BX2645 is designed for 2013-15 Lincoln MKS, 2013-19 Lincoln MKT, and 2013-19 Ford Flex models with Adaptive Cruise Control and/or EcoBoost engines.
You will need a drill, reciprocating saw, torque wrench, sockets (5.5MM, 8MM, 10MM, 9/16"), drill bits (1/4", 13/32", 17/32"), screwdrivers, hammer, vise grip, tape measure, utility knife, and Loctite Red.
Yes, drilling is required using 1/4", 13/32", and 17/32" drill bits. Trimming of plastic shrouding, fascia, and washer reservoir is also required.
Torque specifications vary by bolt size and grade. For example, 3/8" Grade 5 bolts = 33 ft-lbs, 1/2" Grade 5 bolts = 78 ft-lbs, 1/4" Grade 5 bolts = 10 ft-lbs. Use Loctite Red on all bolt threads before tightening.
Yes, Class IV Safety Cables and 1/2" Quicklinks are included. Safety cables are strongly recommended and must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member. They must not be mounted against wires, hoses, or brake lines.
The baseplate is computer tested to your vehicle's GVWR. Exceeding this weight will void the warranty. Reference your vehicle owner's manual for manufacturer's towing specifications.
Ensure all electrical connections are plugged in and functioning, nothing obstructs the ACC sensor, safety cables do not rub against hoses or moving parts, and all bolts are tightened to specification with Loctite Red.
Before each towing trip, inspect for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts. Ensure Loctite Red is used on all bolts and they are tightened to specification. Register your product at www.blueox.com for safety bulletins and recalls.
Ensure that nothing is installed in front of the ACC sensor. Obstructions will cause false readings from the sensor. When reinstalling the fascia, mark and trim the fascia around the convenience links and attachment tabs to ensure the sensor remains unobstructed.
Use seven (7) 1/4" flat washers as spacers on the top back hole when reinstalling the washer reservoir to keep it from rubbing on the baseplate.
The horn bracket may need slight bending to clear the baseplate. Bend it as needed during reinstallation after the baseplate is in place.
The dimensional variations between otherwise identical vehicles can be considerable. It may be necessary to tailor the baseplate slightly to compensate for vehicle manufacturer's tolerances. Additionally, 1/2" flat washers may need to be used between the bumper and tube depending on the fit.
Ensure the safety cables do not rub against any hoses or moving parts. If they do, reposition them to a solid piece of the frame as described in the instructions included with the permanent baseplate safety cables.
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