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Blue Ox
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2011 - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
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Constructed from robust steel for enhanced durability and longevity in demanding conditions.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
The Blue Ox BX1697 Tow Bar Bracket is a premium, custom-designed automotive accessory that allows for the secure and convenient towing of your vehicle. Its robust steel construction ensures durability, while the black powder coat finish adds a sleek, corrosion-resistant layer for enhanced longevity. The bracket is designed for a bolt-on mounting, enabling an easy, do-it-yourself installation process. Each purchase includes all necessary hardware, along with detailed instructions to guide you through the setup. With the Blue Ox BX1697 Tow Bar Bracket, you can confidently tow your vehicle, knowing it's attached securely and safely.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 - 2014 | Chevrolet Cruze | 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 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. 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, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, CHEVY CRUZE, ECO (Part #FDRWBX1697) fits 2011-2014 Chevrolet Cruze models. The 2014 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 CRUZE, ECO (Part #FDRWBX1697) fits the following vehicles: 2011-2014 Chevrolet Cruze. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
Yes, the BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, CHEVY CRUZE, ECO (Part #FDRWBX1697) is designed to fit the 2011-2014 Chevrolet Cruze.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, CHEVY CRUZE, ECO (Part #FDRWBX1697) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
The BX1697 is a towing baseplate manufactured by Blue Ox designed specifically for 2011-14 Chevy Cruze Eco models. It provides attachment points for a tow bar to enable towing of the vehicle. The baseplate is computer tested to your vehicle's GVWR; exceeding this weight will void the manufacturer's warranty.
The BX1697 is designed for the 2011-14 Chevy Cruze Eco. The manual states 'If the front of your vehicle looks different than this, please contact us at (402)385-3051.' The dimensional variations between otherwise identical vehicles can be considerable, so it may be necessary to tailor the baseplate slightly to compensate for vehicle manufacturer's tolerances.
Required tools include: 8MM, 10MM, 13MM, and 18MM sockets; 9/16" socket/wrench; T20 Torx; small flat screwdriver; utility knife; torque wrench; tape measure; drill; hammer; large vise grip; diagonal cutters; reciprocating saw; pry bar; 1 1/4" hole saw; 1/4" drill bit; 13/32" drill bit; and Loctite Red.
The kit includes: one welded main mount (61-6883), two welded support mounts (61-6884 and 61-6885), eight 1/4" welded nut plates, six 3/8-16 x 1 1/2" Grade 5 hex bolts, four 3/8-16 x 2" Grade 5 hex bolts, ten 3/8" lock washers, two 3/8-16 hex nylon insert lock nuts, two attachment tab assemblies, three 1/4-20 x 3/4" Grade 5 hex bolts, two 10-32 x 1/2" slot round head screws, three 1/4-20 hex nylon nuts, two #10 lock washers, two #10-32 hex nuts, one breakaway bracket, one 90-degree electrical bracket, two 36" Class III baseplate safety cables, two 3/8" quicklinks, two receiver cap plugs, and four 8-inch nylon cable ties.
The BX8869 Tail Light Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle. The manual states 'The BX8869 Tail Light Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle' and notes that you should 'Drill a hole according to the tail light wiring kit instructions.'
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 their Technical Service Department at (402) 385-3051. However, the manual does not explicitly state that professional installation is mandatory.
The front fascia, belly pan, horn bracket, and air intake tube must be removed for baseplate installation. All items will be reinstalled after the baseplate is installed unless otherwise noted. The manual also requires trimming of the air dam, front fascia, and shutters.
Yes, some drilling is required. Specific holes to be drilled include: a 1 1/4" hole centered in the bumper on both sides (step 17), a 13/32" drill bit hole on the bottom side of the baseplate on both sides (step 20), four additional 13/32" drill bit holes using the support plate as a template on both sides (step 21), and a 1/4" hole on the passenger side below the large hole (step 24). A 1/4" hole is also required for the tail light wiring kit.
Trimming is required in several areas: the plastic air dam must be cut along the top even with the bottom of the bumper using a utility knife (step 13); frame webbing must be cut at the top, at the bend, and at the bottom with a reciprocating saw on both sides (step 14); the air shutter system louvers must be trimmed on both sides—the top louver is cut 6 1/2" from the left end, and the middle louver is trimmed 3/8" down from the top edge between the 2 3/4" and 6 1/2" marks (steps 26-27); and the upper outside area of the front fascia must be cut out to allow room for the attachment tabs (step 28).
No frame welding is required. The baseplate uses bolted connections to the frame. However, the manual does recommend using a good quality paint to spray cut edges of frame to prevent rusting.
The manual provides general torque specifications for Grade 5 and Grade 8 bolts in inch and metric sizes. For the 3/8" bolts used in baseplate mounting: Grade 5 bolts are torqued to 33 foot-pounds, and Grade 8 bolts to 47 foot-pounds. For 1/4" bolts: Grade 5 is 10 foot-pounds and Grade 8 is 14 foot-pounds. All bolts must use Loctite Red on the threads before tightening. The manual states 'Tighten all bolts according to the torque chart provided unless specified.'
The attachment tab height is 14-1/4" and the attachment tab width is 20".
Three drill bit sizes are required: a 1 1/4" hole saw (for the bumper holes in step 17), a 13/32" drill bit (for the baseplate and support plate holes in steps 20-21), and a 1/4" drill bit (for the passenger side clip hole in step 24 and the tail light wiring kit hole).
The removal sequence is: (1) Remove two push pins from the black plastic cover above the radiator and one metric bolt on each side with a 10MM socket; (2) Remove three bolts from the wheel well edge on each side with T20 Torx; (3) Remove two bolts underneath the fascia just forward of the front tires with T20 Torx on both sides; (4) Remove four push pins from underneath the fascia; (5) Pull out and to the side on the outside corner of the fascia next to the wheel to release the first tab, then push in on each of the four tabs with a small flat screwdriver while pulling the fascia on both sides.
The removal sequence is: (1) Remove one push pin from the bottom of the belly pan on both sides; (2) Remove two push pins from inside the wheel well on both sides; (3) Remove two metric bolts across the front of the belly pan and another across from the tire on both sides using an 8MM socket; (4) Remove one more metric bolt toward the back of the belly pan on both sides using an 8MM socket.
Slide the baseplate onto the frame rail flush with the top and as far forward as possible. Be sure the support plate holes are in line with the existing holes (as shown in step 21). Then clamp the baseplate to the frame rail with a large vise grip.
The frame webbing must be bent over and flattened with a hammer to allow access to the frame bolts that will be removed in step 16. These bolts are then reused to attach the support plates to the existing holes on the outside of the frame.
A 1 1/4" hole is drilled centered in the bumper just in front of the frame end on both sides (step 17). Inside this hole is a cross piece that may need to be bent vertically with a pry bar to allow insertion of the 3/8" nut plate (step 18). The 3/8" nut plates are then inserted through this hole and fastened with 3/8-16 x 2" hex bolts with 3/8" lock washers.
The support plates are bolted to the existing holes on the outside of the frame using the bolts removed in step 16, secured with an 18MM socket and wrench on the other side. This sandwiches the baseplate between the frame and the support plates. Using the support plate as a template, four additional holes are drilled with a 13/32" drill bit on both sides.
The baseplate uses multiple 3/8-16 bolts with lock washers and Loctite Red: the upper two holes are fastened with 3/8-16 x 2" hex bolts and 3/8" lock washers to 3/8" nut plates in the drilled bumper hole; the lower outside hole is bolted with a 3/8-16 x 1 1/2" hex bolt, 3/8" lock washer, and 3/8-16 hex nut to the support plate; and the lower inside hole is fastened with a 3/8-16 x 1 1/2" hex bolt and 3/8" lock washer to a 3/8" nut plate in the existing frame hole.
The permanent baseplate safety cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame. Attach the cables to the provided convenience link on the front of the baseplate. Cable ties are provided to reduce clearance issues with moving parts of the engine compartment. The recommended installation shows the cables routed to the lower cross member of the vehicle. Secure the cables to a solid piece of the frame, ensuring they do not rub against any hoses or moving parts. Do not mount the cables against wires, hoses, or brake lines.
On the backside of the fascia, locate the top louver of the air shutter system and measure 6 1/2" from the left end, then use diagonal cutters to make a vertical cut across the louver and remove the 6 1/2" end portion on both sides. Then locate the left side of the middle louver, measure over 2 3/4" and mark, continue to 6 1/2" and mark again. Using diagonal cutters and a utility knife, trim out the area between the marks 3/8" down from the top edge of the louver on both sides.
Hold the fascia up to its original position. Using diagonal cutters, cut out the upper outside area of the front fascia allowing room for the attachment tabs to come through the grille on both sides. Then reinstall the fascia.
Failure to read and follow the installation instructions could result in separation of the towed vehicle from the tow bar, causing property damage, loss of towed vehicle, personal injury, or death. The baseplate is computer tested to your vehicle's GVWR; exceeding this weight will void the manufacturer's warranty. If the baseplate is in an accident, it must be replaced and not reused, as an accident can cause unseen damage.
If the baseplate is in an accident, it must be replaced. Do not use it again, as 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. Use a good quality paint to spray cut edges of frame to prevent rusting.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended when towing a vehicle with a tow bar. Their principle function is to prevent the towed vehicle from breaking loose in the event the connection between the frame of the towed vehicle and the baseplate fails or becomes disconnected. The cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame. Each cable must have an adequate weight rating for the towing system. These 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.
Be sure that all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly before reinstalling the fascia.
Be sure the safety cables do not rub against any hoses or moving parts. Do not mount the permanent baseplate safety cables against wires, hoses, or brake lines. It is the installer's responsibility to watch for oil cooler and air conditioner lines, electrical wires and hoses, and missing parts or attaching points on the frame. If the baseplate is improperly installed and is against a wire or hose, it could cause fluid leaks or electrical shorts some time after the actual baseplate installation.
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. The permanent baseplate safety cables should remain installed as long as the baseplate is installed on the vehicle.
Yes, the attachment tabs should be removed when not in use (if applicable).
Blue Ox provides 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. Automatic will repair or replace any parts found to be defective if returned to the factory with transportation prepaid. The warranty is non-transferable and requires the customer warranty card to be returned within 30 days of purchase and a copy of the original invoice. The warranty 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.
It is crucial to register your product online at www.blueox.com so that you may be alerted of product offerings, updates, upgrades, maintenance and safety bulletins, and/or recalls.
The BX1697 is designed for 2011-14 Chevy Cruze Eco models. If the front of your vehicle looks different, contact Blue Ox at (402)385-3051. Dimensional variations between vehicles may require minor baseplate tailoring.
You will need sockets (8MM, 10MM, 13MM, 18MM, 9/16"), T20 Torx, screwdrivers, utility knife, torque wrench, tape measure, drill with bits (1/4", 13/32", 1 1/4" hole saw), hammer, vise grip, diagonal cutters, reciprocating saw, pry bar, and Loctite Red.
Yes. You must drill a 1 1/4" hole in the bumper on both sides, a 13/32" hole on the baseplate bottom on both sides, four additional 13/32" holes using the support plate as a template on both sides, and a 1/4" hole on the passenger side. Trimming of the air dam, fascia, and shutter system is also required.
Grade 5 bolts: 33 foot-pounds. Grade 8 bolts: 47 foot-pounds. All bolts must use Loctite Red on the threads before tightening.
Failure to follow installation instructions could result in separation of the towed vehicle from the tow bar, causing property damage, loss of vehicle, personal injury, or death. Do not exceed your vehicle's GVWR. If the baseplate is in an accident, it must be replaced and not reused.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended. They prevent the towed vehicle from breaking loose if the baseplate connection fails. The cables must connect from the baseplate to the vehicle's frame rail or cross member and must not rub against hoses or moving parts.
Before each towing trip, inspect for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts. Use Loctite Red on all bolts and tighten to specification. Keep permanent safety cables installed and remove attachment tabs when not towing.
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