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Blue Ox
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1997 - 2001 Ford Escort
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Custom-designed: Each Blue Ox BX2126 Tow Bar Bracket is uniquely engineered for each specific vehicle model, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
Transform your vehicle into a reliable load-hauler with the Blue Ox BX2126 Tow Bar Bracket. Custom-engineered for each specific vehicle model and crafted from high-quality steel for maximum durability, this tow bar bracket ensures a perfect fit and easy installation. The bracket features a black powder coat finish that not only enhances its aesthetics but also adds an extra layer of protection against rust and corrosion. The product comes with all the necessary mounting hardware, making installation a breeze. With the Blue Ox BX2126, towing has never been so easy and secure.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 - 2001 | Ford Escort | No GT or EXP Comes with Standard Attachment Tabs Install Rating 2 Requires Some Trimming of the Belly Pan |
The BX2126 baseplate is designed for 1997–2001 Ford Escort models, excluding the ZX2 variant. If you have a 1998 model, the side mount installation step is omitted. Confirm your model year and body style before purchasing.
Yes, the BX2126 fits 1998 Ford Escort models, but the installation differs: you must omit Step 4 (the side mount installation). All other steps proceed as normal.
No. The BX2126 is not compatible with the Ford Escort ZX2 variant. It is designed for standard 1997–2001 Ford Escort models only.
Yes. The plastic belly pan must be removed to access the tie down brackets. There are three pieces of plastic bolted to the bottom of the car that form the belly pan under the engine; all three must be removed before installation can begin.
Yes. The plastic around the tie down brackets will need to be trimmed to allow for the baseplate side mount. This trimming is required both before installation (to access the brackets) and after installation (to accommodate the installed side mount).
No drilling is required. The baseplate uses existing tie down brackets and center engine support bolts. However, the manual notes that dimensional variations between cars can be considerable, and it may be necessary to file a hole slightly to allow a bolt to clear.
Required tools are: 10mm socket, 10mm wrench, floor jack, 3/4" socket, 3/4" wrench, 17mm wrench, 10" long extension sockets, utility knife, and Loctite Blue.
Eight bolts are supplied with the baseplate. The baseplate mounts using ten bolts total; the remaining two are existing factory bolts that hold the center engine support to the frame.
The manual lists the bolt bag as part 63-2095 but does not specify its contents. Refer to the parts list on page 2 for the individual fasteners supplied: the bag likely contains the bolts, nuts, washers and spacers listed in the parts list.
1. Remove the plastic belly pan (three pieces). 2. Install side mounts to tie down brackets with spacers (omit on 98 models); apply Loctite but do not tighten. 3. Jack up the vehicle body a couple of inches and remove the two center engine support bolts. 4. Lower the jack to create a 1/4" gap and slide the center mount extension plate between the frame and support. 5. Replace the two bolts (do not tighten). 6. Align and start the base tube assembly bolts and the center plate connection bolt. 7. Tighten all bolts securely with Loctite. 8. Remove the jack and reinstall the plastic belly pan (trimmed as needed). 9. Install the tow bar and safety cables per their instructions.
Yes. Loctite Blue must be applied to the side mount bolts (Step 4) and to all base tube assembly bolts (Step 7). The manual also states in the General Information section that Loctite Red should be used on all bolts and tightened to recommended specifications for ongoing maintenance.
No. After installing the side mounts with Loctite, do not tighten them yet. They are tightened later after the base tube assembly is aligned and all bolts are started (Step 7).
The jack is used to apply upward pressure to the center engine support beam. Raising the vehicle body a couple of inches allows you to remove the two bolts holding the support to the frame. The jack is then lowered to create a 1/4" gap, allowing the center mount extension plate to be inserted between the frame and support.
Approximately 1/4" gap. This gap allows the center mount extension plate to be slid between the frame and the engine support.
The attachment tabs should face forward on the tube assembly.
The manual does not provide torque specifications. However, it states that bolts should be tightened secure and that Loctite Red should be used on all bolts and tightened to recommended specifications during maintenance. Contact the manufacturer or refer to the General Instruction Sheet (included separately) for specific torque values.
The baseplate uses four bolt sizes: 10mm × 30mm (frame mounting), 10mm × 35mm (tie down bracket mounting), 1/2"-13 × 1 1/2" (base tube assembly), and 1/2"-13 × 1 1/4" (center plate connection). All bolts are Grade 5 or Grade 8.8 and are used with flat washers, lock washers, and nuts as specified in the parts list.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended when towing a vehicle with a tow bar. 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 and must have adequate weight rating. However, they are not a replacement for legally required safety cables attaching the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle.
Permanent baseplate safety cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame. They must not be mounted against wires, hoses, or brake lines, as improper installation could cause fluid leaks or electrical shorts.
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. Ensure the baseplate and safety cables do not contact these components.
Inspect all towing equipment for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts. Ensure all bolts are tightened to recommended specifications using Loctite Red. This is the owner's responsibility before each towing trip.
Yes. It is crucial to register your baseplate online at www.blueox.com so that you may be alerted of product offerings, updates, upgrades, maintenance and safety bulletins, and/or recalls.
Remove the attachment tabs when not in use (if applicable).
Do not substitute other devices. Obtain replacement parts from the manufacturer.
Yes, for 1997–2001 Ford Escort (not ZX2). On 1998 models, omit the side mount installation step.
Yes, all three plastic belly pan pieces must be removed to access the tie down brackets.
No drilling required. Plastic around the tie down brackets must be trimmed. Filing of bolt holes may be necessary if dimensional variations prevent bolt clearance.
10mm and 3/4" sockets and wrenches, 17mm wrench, floor jack, 10" extension sockets, utility knife, and Loctite Blue.
No. Apply Loctite and leave loose until the base tube assembly is aligned, then tighten all bolts together.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended and must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail. They are not a replacement for legally required tow vehicle safety cables.
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