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Blue Ox
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2005 Ford F-150
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2004, 2006 Ford F-150
Confirmed to Fit
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Custom Designed: The Blue Ox BX2172 Tow Bar Bracket is tailor-made for each specific towed 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
Introducing the Blue Ox BX2172 Tow Bar Bracket - a truly sturdy and reliable accessory for your towing needs. Expertly crafted from high-quality steel, this base plate boasts a sleek black powder coat finish that not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also provides enhanced durability and resistance to wear and tear. With a convenient bolt-on mounting type, the BX2172 Tow Bar Bracket is designed to be user-friendly, enabling a hassle-free, do-it-yourself installation process. It comes complete with all necessary mounting hardware, making it an all-in-one solution for your towing setup. The custom design ensures a perfect fit for your specific towed vehicle, providing you with peace of mind while you're on the road.
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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2 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Ford F-150 | Height Deviation up to 4” higher on the Towing Vehicle Allowed When Used for Utility Applications Only with an Allure Tow Bar Be Sure to Confirm the Weight of Your Individual Vehicle Before Towing. Always Insure Both Your Tow Bar and Hitch are Adequately Rated for the Vehicle’s Overall Weight Headlights Must be Removed and Replaced During Installation Minor Drilling Required Bumper Fascia Must Be Removed/Replaced During Install Install Rating 3 Comes with Standard Attachment Tabs Utility |
| 2004, 2006 | Ford F-150 | Utility Comes with Standard Attachment Tabs Install Rating 3 Bumper Fascia Must Be Removed/Replaced During Install Minor Drilling Required Headlights Must be Removed and Replaced During Installation Be Sure to Confirm the Weight of Your Individual Vehicle Before Towing. Always Insure Both Your Tow Bar and Hitch are Adequately Rated for the Vehicle’s Overall Weight Height Deviation up to 4” higher on the Towing Vehicle Allowed When Used for Utility Applications Only with an Allure Tow Bar |
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, FORD F-150 UTILITY E13 (Part #FDRWBX2172) fits the following vehicles: 2004-2006 Ford F-150. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, FORD F-150 UTILITY E13 (Part #FDRWBX2172) fits 2004-2006 Ford F-150 models. The 2006 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
Yes, the BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, FORD F-150 UTILITY E13 (Part #FDRWBX2172) is designed to fit the 2004-2006 Ford F-150.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, FORD F-150 UTILITY E13 (Part #FDRWBX2172) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, the BX2172 is designed specifically for the 2004 Ford F-150 4x4 (Utility Truck). The baseplate attachment tabs are 24 inches center to center and positioned at a height of 22 inches.
The manual specifies the BX2172 is for the 2004 Ford F-150 4x4 only. Do not assume it fits other model years or cab styles without confirming with the manufacturer or a fitment database.
The headlight assembly, front fascia, and metal bumper must be removed. The lower grille in the metal bumper must also be trimmed or removed to allow the attachment tabs and convenience links to pass through.
Required tools are: 8MM socket, 10MM socket, 13MM socket, 3/4" socket, 17/32" drill bit, vise grips, utility knife, and Loctite. A drill is also needed to create the mounting holes.
Yes, drilling is required. You must drill four holes (two top holes and two side holes on each side of the frame) using a 17/32" drill bit. The baseplate is used as a template to mark the hole locations.
Trimming of the lower grille is required to allow the attachment tabs and convenience links to pass through. However, an optional alternative is to remove the entire lower grille by removing seven push pins from the back side of the metal bumper, which avoids trimming.
1. Remove three metric bolts from the headlight assembly (two on the side and one on top) using a 10MM socket, pull forward, unplug, and set aside on both sides. 2. Remove one metric bolt just under the headlight assembly on both sides using a 10MM socket.
1. Remove two metric bolts just behind the headlight assembly on the fascia's upper corner using a 10MM socket on both sides. 2. Remove three metric bolts from the top edge of the fascia using an 8MM socket. 3. Remove one metric bolt from the hood latch using a 10MM socket. 4. Remove one metric bolt from the hood support guide on both sides using a 10MM socket and set the hood support guide aside. Then remove and set aside the upper fascia.
1. Remove one metric bolt from the back side of the metal bumper just outside the blinker assembly on both sides using a 10MM socket. 2. Remove two metric bolts from the back side of the lower bumper using a 13MM socket. 3. Pull the metal bumper forward, disconnect all electrical connections, and set it aside.
Slide the baseplate on top of and between the frame rails, align it even with the front edge of the frame rail on both sides, and clamp it in place with vise grips. The baseplate is then used as a template to mark and drill the mounting holes.
A 17/32" drill bit is used to drill all mounting holes. The baseplate serves as a template to mark the hole locations before drilling.
Eight 1/2" x 1 1/2" hex bolts (Grade 5, part 201-0051) are used, along with eight 1/2" lock washers (part 203-0012) and eight 1/2-13 hex nuts (part 202-0005). All bolts must be treated with Loctite before tightening.
The manual states that all bolts must be tightened according to the Torque Chart in the General Instruction sheet, which is not included in this document. Contact your Blue Ox dealer or the manufacturer for the specific torque values.
Yes, Loctite must be used on all bolts before tightening. The manual specifically states 'Be sure and use loctite on all bolts before tightening.' Loctite Red is recommended for all bolts according to the general information section.
The manual notes that dimensional variations between otherwise identical vehicles can be considerable. It may be necessary to file a hole slightly to allow a bolt to clear. This is a normal part of the installation process.
Reinstall the metal bumper, hood support guides, upper fascia, and headlight assemblies in reverse order of removal. Ensure all electrical connections are plugged in properly before completing the installation.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended when towing a vehicle with a tow bar. They must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member and must have adequate weight rating. The cables must not be mounted against wires, hoses, or brake lines. 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 treated with Loctite Red and tightened to the recommended specifications.
Watch for oil cooler and air conditioner lines, electrical wires, and hoses during installation. Do not mount the baseplate or safety cables against wires, hoses, or brake lines. Improper installation against these components could cause fluid leaks or electrical shorts after installation. Also check for missing parts or attaching points on the frame.
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 manual recommends removing the attachment tabs when not in use, if applicable.
The BX2172 kit includes: one baseplate weldment (61-5993), eight 1/2-13 x 1 1/2" Grade 5 bolts (201-0051), eight 1/2" lock washers (203-0012), eight 1/2-13 hex nuts (202-0005), two #12-14 x 1" self-drilling screws (201-0979), two #10-32 x 1/2" slot round head screws (201-0192), two #10 lock washers (203-0054), two #10-32 hex nuts (202-0047), and two 4-way connector adapters (101-5822).
If a bolt is lost or needs replacement, use a replacement bolt of the same grade (usually Grade 5). Do not substitute homemade or nontypical parts. Repair parts may be ordered through your nearest Blue Ox dealer or distributor.
No. Use only genuine factory replacement parts on your baseplate. Do not substitute homemade or nontypical parts. For your safety and the preservation of your baseplate, ensure any replacement bolt is of the same grade (usually Grade 5). Repair parts may be ordered through your nearest Blue Ox dealer or distributor.
Yes, the BX2172 is designed for the 2004 Ford F-150 4x4 (Utility Truck). Confirm your truck matches this specification before purchasing.
Yes, drilling is required. You must drill four holes using a 17/32" drill bit. Trimming or removal of the lower grille is also required.
You need: 8MM, 10MM, 13MM, and 3/4" sockets, a 17/32" drill bit, vise grips, utility knife, and Loctite. A drill is also required.
The headlight assembly, front fascia, and metal bumper must be removed. The lower grille must be trimmed or removed.
Eight 1/2" x 1 1/2" Grade 5 hex bolts with lock washers and hex nuts. All bolts must be treated with Loctite before tightening to the torque specification in the General Instruction sheet.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended and must be used in conjunction with legally required safety cables. They must not be 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 treated with Loctite Red and tightened to specification. Register your product at www.blueox.com for safety bulletins and recalls.
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