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Blue Ox
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2002 - 2003, 2005 Ford Explorer
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2004 Ford Explorer
Confirmed to Fit
Always the correct part
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Always the correct part
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Custom Designed For Your Vehicle
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
Blue Ox base plates are custom designed for each specific towed vehicle. When you purchase a Blue Ox base plate, it includes all the necessary hardware and instructions for a 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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Yes, the BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, FORD EXPL. XLTV6, 4WD (Part #FDRWBX2160) is designed to fit the 2002-2005 Ford Explorer.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, FORD EXPL. XLTV6, 4WD (Part #FDRWBX2160) fits 2002-2005 Ford Explorer models. The 2005 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, FORD EXPL. XLTV6, 4WD (Part #FDRWBX2160) fits the following vehicles: 2002-2005 Ford Explorer. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, FORD EXPL. XLTV6, 4WD (Part #FDRWBX2160) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, the BX2160 baseplate is designed for 2002-05 Ford Explorer XLT and 2002-05 Mercury Mountaineer models. The manual notes that dimensional variations between otherwise identical vehicles can be considerable, so minor adjustments such as filing holes, bending electrical rods, or bending end plates may be necessary to compensate for manufacturer tolerances.
The BX2160 has standard 18" wide attachment tabs. To use certain adapters or a RangeFinder II tow bar, an additional 5/16" hole must be drilled in the attachment tabs. The Ambassador tow bar requires an adapter for attachment tabs that are not 24" wide. The Adventurer tow bar requires an adapter for attachment tabs less than 24" wide. The Acclaim tow bar will not fold and store without an adapter on vehicles with attachment tabs less than 24" wide.
Required tools are: 15MM socket, 10MM socket, 3/4" socket, 7/16" wrench, 17/32" drill bit, 7/32" drill bit, flat screwdriver, vise grips, and Loctite Red. A Phillips screwdriver is also needed to remove wheel well screws.
The kit includes: 1 baseplate weldment (62-5606), 6 nutplates (61-3799), 6 1/2-13 x 1 3/4" hex bolts Grade 5 (201-0068), 6 1/2" lock washers (203-0012), 4 1/2" flat washers (203-0005), 2 1/4-20 x 3/4" hex bolts Grade 5 (201-0569), 2 1/4" flat washers (203-0001), 2 1/4" lock washers (203-0008), 2 1/4-20 hex nuts (202-0001), 2 #10-32 x 1/2" slot round head screws (201-0192), 2 #10 lock washers (203-0054), 2 #10-32 hex nuts (202-0047), 1 electrical bracket (101-6135), 2 #12-14 x 1" self-drilling screws (201-0979), 2 baseplate safety cables 36" (226-0049), and 4 quicklinks 1/2" (229-0512).
Yes. The front fascia and bumper must be removed and reinstalled as part of the baseplate installation. The manual states this is required and drilling and air dam trimming are also required.
Yes. Blue Ox towing products are intended to be installed by Blue Ox dealers who are familiar with the products and have the necessary equipment and knowledge to do fit work. Blue Ox dealers can be found at www.blueox.com or by contacting Customer Care at (402) 385-3051 or toll free (888) 425-5382.
Yes. Drilling is required. A 17/32" hole must be drilled on both sides of the vehicle using the baseplate as a template. For 2002-03 models, two additional 17/32" holes must be drilled on the bottom of the baseplate's cross tube for air bag sensor mounting. To use certain tow bars, an additional 5/16" hole may need to be drilled in the attachment tabs.
Yes. The air dam must be trimmed to fit around the baseplate before the metal bumper and fascia are reinstalled.
1/2-13 Grade 5 bolts must be torqued to 78 foot-pounds. All bolts must be tightened according to the torque chart on the front page of the installation instructions or page 3 of the Baseplate Towing General Instructions. Loctite Red must be used on all bolts before tightening.
The torque chart on page 1 does not provide a specific torque value for 1/4-20 Grade 5 bolts. The manual references the Baseplate Towing General Instructions for complete torque specifications. Contact Blue Ox Customer Care at (402) 385-3051 or (888) 425-5382 for the specific torque value.
The attachment tab height is 21" and the attachment tab width is 18".
The BX8869 Bulb and Socket Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle. The manual shows a possible location for the kit on the baseplate but does not state it is required.
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. Two safety cables are included in the kit (226-0049, 36" CL IV). The cables must not be mounted against wires, hoses, or brake lines. 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.
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 specifications using Loctite Red. Hook up all towing equipment per manufacturer's instructions and recommendations. Confirm the towability and pre-towing procedures for your vehicle with the owner's manual or contact the vehicle's manufacturer for specific towing procedures.
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. The installer must watch for oil cooler and air conditioner lines, electrical wires and hoses, and missing parts or attaching points on the frame. Do not mount permanent baseplate safety cables against wires, hoses, or brake lines.
Yes. Loctite Red must be used on all bolts before tightening. This is stated multiple times in the installation instructions and is critical for proper baseplate security.
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 it will be Grade 5. Replacement parts may be ordered through your nearest Blue Ox dealer or distributor, or by calling Customer Care at (402) 385-3051 or toll free (888) 425-5382.
Do not substitute other devices if the tow bar pin and clip are lost. Install the tow bar and safety cables according to the instructions included in their packages.
Yes. Remove the attachment tabs when not in use, if applicable.
Yes. Ensure that your product is registered online at www.blueox.com. It is crucial to register your product so that you may be alerted of product offerings, updates, upgrades, maintenance and safety bulletins, and/or recalls.
Yes, the BX2160 is designed for 2002-05 Ford Explorer XLT and 2002-05 Mercury Mountaineer. Minor adjustments may be needed due to manufacturer tolerances.
Yes. A 17/32" hole must be drilled on both sides of the vehicle, and the air dam must be trimmed to fit around the baseplate.
Required tools include 15MM and 10MM sockets, 3/4" socket, 7/16" wrench, 17/32" and 7/32" drill bits, flat screwdriver, vise grips, and Loctite Red.
Yes. Blue Ox recommends installation by Blue Ox dealers who have the necessary equipment and knowledge. Find a dealer at www.blueox.com or call (402) 385-3051 or (888) 425-5382.
Yes, two 36" safety cables are included. Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended when towing. They must be connected to the frame rail or cross member and not mounted against wires, hoses, or brake lines.
Before each towing trip, inspect for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts. Ensure all bolts are tightened to specification with Loctite Red. Confirm towing procedures with your vehicle's owner's manual or manufacturer.
2 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 - 2003, 2005 | Ford Explorer | Comes with Standard Attachment Tabs Install Rating 2 Bumper Fascia Must Be Removed/Replaced During Install 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. |
| 2004 | Ford Explorer | Tow Bar Adapters Not To Be Used On Vehicles Over 5000 lbs. Requires Motorhome Mounted Towbar/Adapter To Utilize Car Mounted Tow Bar Baseplate Has Non 24 in. Spaced Attachment Tabs Requires Some Trimming of the Air Dam Minor Drilling Required Bumper Fascia Must Be Removed/Replaced During Install Install Rating 2 Comes with Standard Attachment Tabs |
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