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2016 Ford Explorer
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{'1': 'Custom-designed for each specific towed vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit and easy installation.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
Introducing the BX2660 Tow Bar Bracket from Blue Ox, a trusted name in automotive accessories. Custom-designed for each specific towed vehicle, this top-of-the-line product assures a perfect fit and an easy, hassle-free installation. Fabricated from durable steel, this tow bar bracket is finished with a black powder coat for maximum resistance to wear and tear. The bolt-on mounting type makes it user-friendly and ensures a secure attachment. Each purchase comes complete with all necessary hardware, making this a fantastic do-it-yourself project. Upgrade your towing setup with the Blue Ox BX2660 Tow Bar Bracket!
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Ford Explorer | Vehicles with EcoBoost Vehicles With Adaptive Cruise Control 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 |
The BX2660 is a Blue Ox baseplate designed specifically for the 2016 Ford Explorer, including ACC and EcoBoost models. It is a towing baseplate that attaches to the vehicle's frame to enable towing with a tow bar system. The baseplate includes attachment tabs with a height of 16-1/2" and width of 24".
Yes. The BX2660 is designed for 2016 Ford Explorer models including those with ACC (adaptive cruise control). The installation instructions include specific trimming steps for ACC models on the driver side. If your vehicle has ACC, follow the driver-side plastic shielding trim shown in Step 7.
Yes. The BX2660 is designed for 2016 Ford Explorer EcoBoost models. The installation instructions include specific trimming steps for EcoBoost models on the passenger side. If your vehicle has EcoBoost, follow the passenger-side plastic shielding trim shown in Step 7.
Yes. The BX2660 is compatible with shutter models. However, the shutter assembly must be removed during installation and will not be reinstalled. Step 8 provides detailed instructions for removing the shutter motor and shutter assembly. The loose motor and loom are then secured out of the way with a supplied zip tie.
Required tools include: large vise grip, utility knife, torque wrench, drill, reciprocating saw, 3/8" drill bit, sockets (5.5MM, 7MM, 8MM, 10MM, 11MM, 5/16", 7/16", 9/16", 1-1/8"), wrenches (7/16", 9/16"), and Loctite Red. A torque wrench is essential for proper fastener tightening, and a reciprocating saw is required to trim bumper ribs for nut plate access.
The BX8848 4-Diode Wiring Kit is recommended for the 2016 Ford Explorer with BX2660 baseplate. Refer to the BX8848 documentation for wiring installation details, as the baseplate installation manual does not include wiring instructions.
The kit includes 26 items: baseplate (BX2660), two attachment tab assemblies, two support brackets (PS and DS), breakaway bracket, nut plates with wires, hex head bolts in multiple sizes (1/4", 3/8", 3/4"), self-drilling screws, hex nuts, lock nuts, flat washers, lock washers, nylon zip tie, 4-way bracket, class IV safety cables, quicklinks, and cap plug receivers. See the parts list on page 3 for complete details and part numbers.
Yes. The fascia must be removed and reinstalled during baseplate installation. Steps 1-5 detail the removal process: remove seven screws from the top edge, seven from the wheel well, three from the fascia joint on both sides, and seven from the underside. Then unsnap and disconnect electrical connections and fluid lines. The fascia is reinstalled in Step 16 after baseplate installation is complete.
Yes. The washer reservoir must be removed and reinstalled. Step 6 requires removing two nuts using an 11MM socket and one screw using an 8MM socket, then disconnecting and plugging all lines. The reservoir is reinstalled in Step 14 with nine 1/4" washers added to the studs for spacing away from the baseplate.
Yes. Blue Ox recommends that baseplates 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.
Yes. Drilling is required. Step 11 requires drilling two upper holes on each side of the baseplate through the frame using a 3/8" drill bit. These holes are then fitted with 3/8" hardware and fully tightened. This is a permanent modification to the vehicle frame.
Yes. Multiple trimming steps are required. Step 7 requires trimming plastic shielding (driver side for non-ACC models, passenger side for EcoBoost models). Step 9 requires using a reciprocating saw to trim bumper ribs on both sides for nut plate access. Step 15 requires trimming the outer tab on the fascia backside flush with the fascia for baseplate clearance on both sides. Step 16 requires trimming the fascia around convenience links and attachment tabs.
Use a good quality paint to spray cut edges of the frame to prevent rusting. This protects the exposed metal from corrosion.
The manual provides general torque charts for metric and inch bolts by size and grade. For example: 3/8"-16 Grade 5 bolts = 33 ft-lbs, 3/4"-10 Grade 5 bolts = 78 ft-lbs, 1/4"-20 Grade 5 bolts = 10 ft-lbs. Specific fastener grades are listed in the parts list. Always use Loctite Red on all bolt threads before tightening and tighten according to the torque chart provided.
The 3/4"-10 x 1-3/4" hex head bolt (Grade 5) used in Step 10 has a torque specification of 78 foot-pounds according to the Grade 5 bolt torque chart. Apply Loctite Red to the bolt threads before tightening.
The 3/8"-16 x 1-1/2" hex head bolts (Grade 5) used in Steps 11 and 12 have a torque specification of 33 foot-pounds according to the Grade 5 bolt torque chart. Apply Loctite Red to all bolt threads before tightening.
The 1/4"-20 x 3/4" hex head bolt (Grade 5) has a torque specification of 10 foot-pounds according to the Grade 5 bolt torque chart. Apply Loctite Red to the bolt threads before tightening.
The attachment tabs have a height of 16-1/2" and a width of 24".
No. The BX2660 installation manual does not include wiring instructions. The BX8848 4-Diode Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle. Refer to the BX8848 documentation for wiring details. Before reinstalling the fascia, ensure all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly.
The baseplate is computer tested to your vehicle's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Exceeding this weight will void the manufacturer's warranty. Refer to your vehicle owner's manual for manufacturer's towing specifications.
Yes. Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended and are included with the BX2660 kit (part 226-0049). The cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame. The cables must not mount 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.
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.
Before reinstalling the fascia, ensure all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly. After installation, 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. Verify that safety cables do not rub against any hoses or moving parts.
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. Permanent baseplate safety cables should remain installed as long as the baseplate is installed on the vehicle. Remove the attachment tabs when not in use if applicable.
Yes. 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.
Yes, the BX2660 is designed specifically for 2016 Ford Explorer models, including ACC and EcoBoost variants. Installation requires removal of the fascia and washer reservoir, and some drilling and trimming.
You will need a torque wrench, drill with 3/8" bit, reciprocating saw, sockets (5.5MM, 7MM, 8MM, 10MM, 11MM, 5/16", 7/16", 9/16", 1-1/8"), wrenches (7/16", 9/16"), large vise grip, utility knife, and Loctite Red.
Yes. You must drill two holes on each side of the baseplate through the frame using a 3/8" drill bit. Trimming of plastic shielding, bumper ribs, and fascia is also required.
Use the torque chart provided: 1/4"-20 Grade 5 = 10 ft-lbs, 3/8"-16 Grade 5 = 33 ft-lbs, 3/4"-10 Grade 5 = 78 ft-lbs. Apply Loctite Red to all bolt threads before tightening.
The baseplate is computer tested to your vehicle's GVWR. Exceeding this weight voids the warranty. Check your vehicle owner's manual for towing specifications.
Yes. Class IV safety cables are included and must be connected from the baseplate to the vehicle frame. They must not contact wires, hoses or brake lines.
Yes. The fascia and windshield washer reservoir must be removed and reinstalled during installation. This is required to access the frame for baseplate mounting.
If the baseplate does not level after installing the 3/4" bolt in Step 10, check that the nut plate is properly positioned on the inside of the frame. The manual notes that dimensional variations between otherwise identical vehicles can be considerable, and it may be necessary to tailor the baseplate slightly to compensate for vehicle manufacturer's tolerances. Contact Blue Ox Technical Service at (402) 385-3051 if leveling issues persist.
In Step 16, the fascia must be trimmed around the convenience links and attachment tabs for proper fit. If the fascia still does not fit, verify that the outer tab on the fascia backside was trimmed flush with the fascia in Step 15 on both sides. Also ensure the baseplate is properly leveled and all bolts are fully tightened. If problems persist, contact Blue Ox Technical Service at (402) 385-3051.
Step 13 specifies that safety cables must not rub against any hoses or moving parts. If cables are rubbing, reposition them to a different solid piece of the frame as described in the General Information sheet. The cables must be routed to avoid contact with oil cooler and air conditioner lines, electrical wires, and hoses. If repositioning is not possible, contact Blue Ox Technical Service at (402) 385-3051.
Before reinstalling the fascia in Step 16, ensure all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly. If accessories do not function after reinstallation, remove the fascia and verify that all electrical connectors are fully seated. Check the 4-pin and 6-pin connectors shown in the parts diagram. If problems persist, refer to the BX8848 4-Diode Wiring Kit documentation or contact Blue Ox Technical Service at (402) 385-3051.
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