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Custom Design: The Blue Ox BX1705 Tow Bar Bracket is custom made for each specific 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 BX1705 Tow Bar Bracket is an essential accessory for any serious towing setup. Custom designed for each specific vehicle, this sturdy steel bracket offers a perfect fit and high durability. Its black powder coat finish doesn't just add a dash of elegance, it also ensures the bracket is resistant to rust and other corrosive elements. The bracket is easy to mount with a convenient bolt-on design and includes all the necessary hardware for a hassle-free, do-it-yourself installation.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Chevrolet Express 1500 | 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 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 |
Yes, the BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, CHEVY EXP 1500 CONV VAN E13 (Part #FDRWBX1705) is designed to fit the 2012 Chevrolet Express 1500.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, CHEVY EXP 1500 CONV VAN E13 (Part #FDRWBX1705) fits the following vehicles: 2012 Chevrolet Express 1500. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, CHEVY EXP 1500 CONV VAN E13 (Part #FDRWBX1705) fits 2012 Chevrolet Express 1500 models. The 2012 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 EXP 1500 CONV VAN E13 (Part #FDRWBX1705) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
The BX1705 is a towing baseplate manufactured by Blue Ox, designed specifically for the 2012 Chevy Express 1500. It is used to connect a tow bar to the vehicle's frame for towing purposes. The baseplate includes attachment tabs, side plates, safety cables, and all required fasteners.
No. The BX1705 is designed specifically for the 2012 Chevy Express 1500. Do not attempt to install it on other vehicles. If your vehicle looks different from the manual's illustration, contact Blue Ox Customer Care at (402) 385-3051 before proceeding.
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 Blue Ox Customer Care at (402) 385-3051. Professional installation is recommended because the baseplate requires drilling, trimming, and precise torque specifications.
Required tools are: large vise grip, utility knife, torque wrench, drill, tape measure, 17/32" drill bit, 3/4" socket, 3/4" wrench, and Loctite Red. A reciprocating saw may be needed for trimming. 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.
The BX8869 Tail Light Wiring Kit is recommended for the 2012 Chevy Express 1500. It requires drilling a hole according to the kit's instructions. While recommended, the manual does not state it is mandatory, but it is strongly suggested for proper electrical integration of the towing system.
Yes. Drilling is required. You will drill five holes on each side of the vehicle using a 17/32" drill bit: two holes on the frame (accessed from underneath), three holes through the outside of the frame rail, and two holes on the inside of the frame. Additionally, a hole must be drilled according to the BX8869 Tail Light Wiring Kit instructions. After drilling, paint all cut edges of the frame with good quality paint to prevent rusting.
Yes. The bumper grilles must be trimmed around the attachment tabs and convenience links before reinstallation. The grilles are removed at the start of installation and trimmed after the baseplate is installed. Use a utility knife or reciprocating saw for trimming. When using a reciprocating saw, be aware of objects behind the cutting surface.
Yes. The two lower grilles must be removed from the bumper at the start of installation. They are reinstalled after the baseplate is installed and the grilles have been trimmed around the attachment tabs and convenience links.
1. Remove the two lower grilles from the bumper. 2. From underneath, tip the baseplate at 45 degrees and insert attachment tabs through the bumper; position and clamp to frame. 3. Drill bottom two holes on frame and install 1/2"-13 x 1-1/2" bolts with washers and nuts; fully tighten and remove clamps. Drill remaining three holes through outside of frame rail on both sides. 4. Install side plates on inside of frame rail using 1/2"-13 x 1" bolts, washers and nuts; fully tighten. Drill two holes on inside of frame on both sides. 5. Install 1/2"-13 x 1-1/2" bolt in bottom rear hole and 1/2"-13 x 4-1/2" bolts in front holes on both sides; fully tighten. 6. Attach safety cables to convenience links on baseplate, securing to frame. 7. Trim grilles and reinstall.
For Grade 5 inch 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. All bolts in the BX1705 kit are Grade 5 unless otherwise specified. Always use Loctite Red on all bolts before tightening and tighten according to the torque chart provided.
The torque specification for 1/2" Grade 5 bolts is 78 foot-pounds. This applies to the 1/2"-13 bolts used throughout the BX1705 installation. Always use Loctite Red on the bolt before tightening.
The kit includes: 6× 1/2"-13 Whiz Nuts with 10" wire; 6× 1/2"-13 x 1-1/2" hex head bolts, Grade 5; 6× 1/2"-13 x 1" hex head bolts, Grade 5; 2× 1/4"-20 x 1" hex head bolts, Grade 5; 4× 1/2"-13 x 4-1/2" hex head bolts, Grade 5; 2× #10-32 x 3/4" round head screws; 6× 1/2"-13 hex nuts; 2× #10-32 hex nuts; 4× 1/2"-13 hex nylon lock nuts; 2× 1/4"-20 hex nylon lock nuts; 12× 1/2" lock washers; 2× #10 lock washers; 2× Class IV safety cables; 2× 1/2" quicklinks; and 2× black cap plug receivers.
Loctite Red is a threadlocker compound that must be applied to all bolts before tightening to prevent them from loosening due to vibration during towing. It is included in the required tools and is essential for maintaining the integrity of the baseplate installation. Always apply Loctite Red before tightening each bolt according to the torque specifications.
From underneath the vehicle, tip the baseplate at a 45-degree angle and insert the attachment tabs through the bumper. Then position the baseplate and clamp it to the frame. This angled insertion allows the tabs to pass through the bumper opening before the baseplate is leveled and secured.
The attachment tab height is 11-1/2" and the attachment tab width is 20".
A 17/32" drill bit is used to drill all frame holes during the BX1705 installation. This bit size is specified for drilling the bottom two holes on the frame, the three holes through the outside of the frame rail, and the two holes on the inside of the frame on both sides of the vehicle.
If the baseplate is damaged or involved in an accident, it must be replaced immediately. Do not use it again. An accident can cause unseen damage, and using a damaged baseplate could result in more damage or serious injury. Do not use the baseplate if it is damaged or missing parts.
No. Do not use the towed vehicle for storing luggage, equipment, etc. This may cause you to exceed the towing capacity of the tow bar, baseplate and its accessories, which could result in failure or separation during towing.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended when towing. They prevent the towed vehicle from breaking loose if the connection between the frame and baseplate fails. The cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame. Attach them to the provided convenience links on the baseplate. Do not mount the cables against wires, hoses or brake lines. The cables must remain installed as long as the baseplate is installed. 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.
Before each towing trip, inspect all towing equipment for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts. Ensure all bolts are tightened to the recommended torque specifications using Loctite Red. It is the owner's responsibility to perform these inspections and maintain the equipment in proper working condition.
Before reinstalling the fascia, ensure that ALL electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly. This is critical to verify that the wiring kit (if installed) and any electrical components are working correctly before the fascia is reinstalled and covers the connections.
Register your product online at www.blueox.com to receive alerts about product offerings, updates, upgrades, maintenance and safety bulletins, and recalls. Before each towing trip, inspect all towing equipment for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts. Ensure all bolts are tightened to the recommended torque specifications using Loctite Red. Paint any cut frame edges with good quality paint to prevent rusting. The owner is responsible for proper service and maintenance of the baseplate.
Blue Ox provides a one-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 coverage, the customer warranty card must be returned within 30 days of purchase, and a copy of the original invoice must accompany any warranty claim. The warranty does not cover improper installation, improper use, modification, neglect, failure to maintain, misuse, accident, normal wear and tear, paint or rust. The warranty is non-transferable and does not cover consequential damages such as loss of use, inconvenience, towing, rental, or travel expenses.
Visit http://blueox.com/warranty/ to register your warranty. You must also return the customer warranty card within 30 days of purchase and provide a copy of the original invoice showing the date and place of purchase. Registration is crucial to receive alerts about product offerings, updates, upgrades, maintenance and safety bulletins, and recalls.
Contact Blue Ox Customer Care at (402) 385-3051. Their team is available to assist with any questions regarding the performance of the product. You can also visit www.blueox.com to find Blue Ox dealers and information about factory service and rallies.
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 this requirement will void the manufacturer's warranty.
Handling of some cosmetic parts when installing this product may require the use of protective covers, rags, specialty tools, etc. to prevent damage. Take care to protect the bumper grilles and fascia from scratches and damage during removal and reinstallation.
Place all components that are removed on a flat, sturdy surface. All items will be reinstalled unless otherwise noted after the baseplate is installed. This includes the bumper grilles, which are removed at the start and reinstalled after trimming.
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 vehicle manufacturer's tolerances. This is why professional installation by a Blue Ox Dealer is recommended.
Ensure 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. The installer must 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 against a wire or hose, it could cause fluid leaks or electrical shorts some time after installation.
The BX1705 is designed specifically for the 2012 Chevy Express 1500 only. If your vehicle looks different from the manual's illustration, contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 before proceeding.
You will need: large vise grip, utility knife, torque wrench, drill with 17/32" bit, tape measure, 3/4" socket and wrench, and Loctite Red. A reciprocating saw may be needed for trimming.
Yes. You will drill five holes on each side of the vehicle using a 17/32" drill bit, plus a hole for the tail light wiring kit. The bumper grilles must be trimmed around the attachment tabs before reinstallation. Paint all cut frame edges to prevent rust.
78 foot-pounds. Always apply Loctite Red to all bolts before tightening.
If damaged or involved in an accident, the baseplate must be replaced immediately. Do not use it again, as unseen damage could cause failure or serious injury.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended. They prevent the towed vehicle from breaking loose if the baseplate connection fails. They must be attached to the frame and are used in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, legally required safety cables.
Before each towing trip, inspect for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts. Tighten all bolts to torque specifications using Loctite Red. Register your product at www.blueox.com for safety bulletins and recalls.
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