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Blue Ox
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{'feature': 'Custom Designed', 'benefit': 'Specifically made for each 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 BX1314 Tow Bar Bracket is the ultimate solution for secure and reliable towing needs. Custom designed for each specific towed vehicle, this robust and sturdy bracket ensures a perfect fit for your vehicle. Manufactured from high-strength steel and finished with a black powder coat, it offers exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion and wear. The bolt-on mounting type ensures easy installation while providing a strong hold. With all necessary mounting hardware included, you can install it yourself without any hassle. The Blue Ox BX1314 Tow Bar Bracket is an essential accessory for your towing assembly, providing a crucial link for safe and efficient towing.
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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The BX1314 is a tow bar baseplate manufactured by Blue Ox, designed specifically for the 1993 BMW 3 Series 5 Speed 325i / IS. It is a frame-mounted component that allows the vehicle to be towed behind a motorhome or other towing vehicle. The baseplate must be installed by a Blue Ox Dealer or qualified installer familiar with baseplate fit work.
Yes, the BX1314 is designed for the 1993 BMW 3 Series 5 Speed 325i / IS. However, dimensional variations between otherwise identical vehicles can be considerable, and the baseplate may need to be tailored slightly to compensate for manufacturer tolerances. If the front of your vehicle looks different than shown in the manual, contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 before proceeding.
The kit includes: 2 nut plates with 14" wire, 1 baseplate, 2 attachment tab assemblies, 1 hex head bolt (1/4"-20 x 3/4"), 2 round slotted head screws (#10-32 1/2"), 2 hex head bolts (3/8"-16 x 1-1/4"), 4 hex bolts (3/8"-16 x 1-3/4"), 2 hex bolts (3/8"-16 x 1"), 2 self-drilling screws (#12-14 x 1"), 2 hex nuts (#10-32), 6 hex nylon insert lock nuts (3/8"-16), 1 hex nylon nut (1/4"-20), 2 flat washers (3/8"), 8 lock washers (3/8"), 2 lock washers (#10), 1 four-way bracket, 2 class III safety cables, 2 quicklinks (3/8"), and 2 black cap plug receivers.
Required tools include: large vise grip, flat screwdriver, utility knife, Phillips screwdriver, torque wrench, drill, tape measure, 3/8" drill bit, 8MM socket, 10MM socket, 13MM socket, 7/16" socket, 7/16" wrench, 9/16" socket, 9/16" wrench, T25 Torx, and 5/16" nut driver. You will also need Loctite Red for all bolt threads.
Blue Ox recommends that towing products 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 installation involves removal of the fascia, drilling, trimming with a reciprocating saw, and precise alignment of the baseplate.
The fascia (front bumper cover) and windshield washer fluid reservoir must be removed and reinstalled after baseplate installation. Additionally, the belly pan, plastic air baffle, and front bumper must be removed during installation. All removed items will be reinstalled unless otherwise noted. Place all removed components on a flat, sturdy surface during the work.
Yes, drilling is required. Using a 3/8" drill bit, you must drill four holes on each side of the vehicle (eight total) to mount the baseplate to the frame rails. The manual notes that when using power drills, be aware of the dangers of torque and drill bit length. You may need to turn the tires to access the holes on each side.
Two areas require trimming with a reciprocating saw: (1) the plastic shrouding around the frame rails must be trimmed for baseplate clearance, and (2) the plastic air baffle must be trimmed for baseplate clearance. Additionally, the fascia must be marked and trimmed around the convenience links and attachment tabs before reinstallation. When using a reciprocating saw, be aware of objects behind the cutting surface. After trimming, use good quality paint to spray cut edges of the frame to prevent rusting.
The manual provides general torque charts for Grade 5 and Grade 8 inch bolts, and Grade 8.8 and 10.9 metric bolts, but does not specify individual torque values for each bolt in the BX1314 installation. The instruction states: "Tighten all bolts according to the torque chart provided unless specified." For specific torque values for individual bolts, contact Blue Ox Technical Service at (402) 385-3051. All bolts must be tightened with Loctite Red applied to the threads.
The attachment tab height is 11 1/4" and the attachment tab width is 20".
The removal sequence is: (1) Using a T25 Torx, remove two screws from the top edge of the fascia and four push pins; (2) Remove one screw from underneath each wheel well; (3) Remove three screws from the plastic piece on the outside of each side; (4) Remove four bolts from the belly pan (two on each side) and set the pan aside; (5) Remove four push pins from inside the fascia; (6) Remove the plastic air baffle by gently pulling it out on both sides; (7) Remove one screw from the top of the fascia on both sides; (8) Pull back the plastic cover under each wheel well and remove two bolts; (9) Pop off the black plastic bumper and remove three push pins from under it on both sides, then disconnect electrical connections and set the fascia aside.
Slide the baseplate into position and ensure it is level and aligned with existing holes before clamping. Use large vise grips to clamp the baseplate to the frame rail on both sides. The baseplate must be properly leveled and aligned before you proceed to drill the mounting holes.
Four holes are drilled on each side of the vehicle. Installation is as follows: (1) Top back hole (white): Insert 3/8"-16 x 1-1/2" hex head bolt with 3/8" lock washer from outside, with 3/8" nut plate on the inside of the frame; (2) Two lower holes (gray): Insert 3/8"-16 x 1-3/4" hex bolts with 3/8" lock washers from outside, with 3/8"-16 hex nylon insert lock nuts on the inside of the frame; (3) Upper front hole (black): Insert 3/8"-16 x 1" hex bolt with 3/8" lock washer from inside the tubing, with 3/8"-16 hex nylon insert lock nut on the outside of the frame. Apply Loctite Red to all bolt threads before tightening.
Hold the fascia as close to its original position as possible, then mark and trim the fascia around the convenience links and attachment tabs. Use a utility knife or appropriate cutting tool. After trimming, reinstall the fascia and fascia cover.
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 ensure you do not exceed the GVWR.
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 two included class III safety cables (part numbers 226-0046) and quicklinks (229-0359) can be used for this purpose. However, permanent baseplate safety cables 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 permanent baseplate safety cables against wires, hoses, or brake lines.
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 them to the recommended specifications. Additionally, ensure that all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly.
Before reinstalling the fascia, be sure that ALL electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly. After installation, inspect the baseplate for proper alignment and ensure all bolts are tightened to the appropriate torque specifications with Loctite Red applied. Verify that the baseplate is level and secure, and that all trimmed edges have been painted to prevent rusting.
The baseplate should remain installed as long as you own the vehicle. Before each towing trip, inspect the baseplate for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts. Tighten any loose bolts using Loctite Red and the appropriate torque specifications. The permanent baseplate safety cables should remain installed as long as the baseplate is installed. If you visit a Blue Ox facility, they offer baseplate servicing for a nominal fee to ensure the towing system 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. Contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 for replacement options.
The BX8848 4-Diode Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle, but the manual does not specify whether it is included in the baseplate kit or must be purchased separately. Contact your Blue Ox Dealer or call (402) 385-3051 to confirm what is included and to order any additional components needed.
Yes, the BX1314 is designed for the 1993 BMW 3 Series 5 Speed 325i / IS. If your vehicle's front looks different than shown in the manual, contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 before installation.
Yes. You must drill four holes on each side of the vehicle using a 3/8" drill bit. Trimming with a reciprocating saw is also required for the plastic shrouding and air baffle.
You will need: torque wrench, drill with 3/8" bit, reciprocating saw, T25 Torx, Phillips and flat screwdrivers, sockets (8MM, 10MM, 13MM, 7/16", 9/16"), large vise grips, tape measure, utility knife, and Loctite Red.
The fascia (front bumper cover), belly pan, plastic air baffle, and front bumper must be removed. The windshield washer fluid reservoir must also be removed and reinstalled. All parts are reinstalled after baseplate installation.
The baseplate is computer tested to your vehicle's GVWR. Do not exceed this weight or the warranty will be void. Check your vehicle owner's manual for the manufacturer's towing specifications.
Yes, two class III safety cables and two quicklinks are included. Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended and must be connected from the baseplate to the vehicle's frame rail or cross member. They are in addition to, not a replacement for, legally required safety cables.
Verify all electrical connections are plugged in and functioning. Ensure the baseplate is level and all bolts are tightened with Loctite Red to the correct torque. Paint all cut frame edges to prevent rust. Before each towing trip, inspect for loose bolts, cracked welds, and missing parts.
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