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2000 - 2002, 2004 Ford Focus
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2003 Ford Focus
Confirmed to Fit
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Custom Designed: Each Blue Ox BX2173 Tow Bar Bracket is specifically designed for certain towed vehicles ensuring a perfect fit and maximum compatibility.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
The Blue Ox BX2173 Tow Bar Bracket is the perfect companion to your towing vehicle. This custom-designed base plate is made for specific towed vehicles to ensure a perfect fit. It's constructed from high-quality steel, finished with a durable black powder coat for superior resistance to corrosion and wear. The convenient bolt-on mounting type eliminates the need for drilling, making the installation process simple and straightforward. With this tow bar bracket, your towing vehicle will be ready for action in no time. The package includes all the necessary hardware and a comprehensive instruction guide, enabling 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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Yes, the BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, FORD FOCUS (Part #FDRWBX2173) is designed to fit the 2003 Ford Focus.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, FORD FOCUS (Part #FDRWBX2173) fits 2003 Ford Focus models. The 2003 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 FOCUS (Part #FDRWBX2173) fits the following vehicles: 2003 Ford Focus. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, FORD FOCUS (Part #FDRWBX2173) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, the BX2173 is designed for 2000-04 Ford Focus models including those with the 2.3L engine, and also fits the 2003 Ford Focus SVT. Installation procedures vary slightly between 2.3L engine models and all other models, so confirm your engine size before beginning installation.
Yes, the BX2173 is compatible with 2000-04 Ford Focus models including the 2.3L engine. However, 2.3L models require additional removal and modification steps (steps 7-12 and 17-20) compared to other models, including removal of the anti-pollution device, air baffle, and air box components.
Required tools are: 7MM socket, 10MM socket, 11MM socket, 13MM socket, 13/32" drill bit, Phillips screwdriver, flat screwdriver, vise grips, 9/16" socket, pry bar, utility knife, and Loctite. A 27 Torx bit is also needed for removal of fascia components. Torque specifications are provided in a separate General Instruction sheet (not included in this manual).
Yes, the front fascia must be removed for baseplate installation. This involves removing push pins from the top of the fascia, removing bolts and screws from the upper grill and fascia sides, unplugging electrical connectors, and pulling the fascia forward. The fascia is reinstalled after baseplate installation is complete.
All models require removal of the front fascia, upper grill, and top grill cover. For 2.3L engine models only, you must also remove the coolant line bracket, anti-pollution device, air baffle, and air box. The air vent tube from the bottom of the metal bumper is removed and not reinstalled. A rubber grommet from the air baffle front bolt is also removed and not reinstalled.
Yes, drilling is required. Using the baseplate as a template, you must drill two upper holes and one lower hole on each end plate into the frame ribbing using a 13/32" drill bit. You must also drill two holes into the bottom of the metal bumper using the same 13/32" drill bit. All bolts must be treated with Loctite before installation.
Yes, trimming is required. Using a utility knife, you must cut and remove a portion of the air dam just below the metal bumper on both sides. Additionally, you must trim the lower grill opening to allow the attachment tabs to come through. Some models may allow removal of the air dam ends as an option. For 2.3L models, you must also cut out the forward top bolt location on the air box to 3/4" x 1".
Slide the baseplate ends up from underneath the frame and over the outside of the frame rails. For 2.3L models, align the middle hole on the driver's side with the existing forward mount hole for the air baffle, then lift baseplate spacer plates to the bottom of the metal bumper. For all other models, align the baseplate to the bottom of the metal bumper and equally space upper and lower holes on the baseplate ends with the ribbing on the frame rails on both sides. Use vise grips to clamp the baseplate in position before drilling.
Frame attachment uses 3/8" hex bolts (3/8-16 x 3 1/2 for upper holes, 3/8-16 x 1 1/4 for lower holes), 3/8 lock washers, and 3/8-16 hex nuts. All bolts must be treated with Loctite before tightening. Bumper attachment uses 3/8" nut plates with 3/8" hex bolts and lock washers. Torque specifications are provided in the General Instruction sheet (not included in this manual).
After drilling two holes into the bottom of the metal bumper using a 13/32" drill bit, insert the 3/8" nut plate into the end of the metal bumper to align with the drilled holes. Tighten the lock washer and hex bolt as shown in the drawing on the last page of the manual. Note that some models may have capped ends on the metal bumper that must be removed with a flat screwdriver. Use Loctite on all bolts before tightening.
For 2.3L models only, reinstall the anti-pollution device on the passenger's side using 6MM x 30MM hex bolts and 14 1/4" flat washers. Note that the clips on the top of the anti-pollution device will not snap onto the frame. Do not over-tighten these bolts and be sure to use Loctite.
For 2.3L models only, reinstall the air box using original equipment, except the forward bolt must use a self-tapping screw instead. Align the self-tapping screw with the small hole in the baseplate, tap through the air box, and into the lower frame. This is necessary because you cut out the forward top bolt location (3/4" x 1") in step 19.
The air vent tube removed from the bottom of the metal bumper in step 8 will not be reinstalled. The rubber grommet removed from the front bolt on the air baffle in step 18 will also not be reinstalled. Both components are discarded.
Hold the fascia to align with its original position, mark and trim the lower grill opening to allow the attachment tabs to come through. Reinstall the fascia, lower air dam, upper grill, and top grill cover. Ensure all electrical components are plugged in properly before completing installation.
Torque specifications are provided in a separate General Instruction sheet and Torque Chart that are not included in this installation manual. Contact Blue Ox or your dealer for the specific torque values. All bolts must be treated with Loctite before tightening.
The attachment tabs are 24 inches center to center with a height of 13 3/4 inches, depending upon the model.
Yes, 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. Do not mount the cables against wires, hoses, or brake lines. These cables should 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.
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 and comes into contact with a wire or hose, it could cause fluid leaks or electrical shorts some time after installation. Do not mount permanent baseplate safety cables against wires, hoses, or brake lines.
Ensure all electrical components are plugged in properly. Verify that the attachment tabs come through the trimmed lower grill opening correctly. Check that all bolts are tightened to specification and treated with Loctite. Inspect for any contact between the baseplate and wires, hoses, or brake lines. Install the tow bar and safety cables according to their included instructions.
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. Register your baseplate online at www.blueox.com to receive alerts about product offerings, updates, upgrades, maintenance and safety bulletins, and recalls.
Yes, the attachment tabs can be removed when not in use.
Do not substitute other devices if the tow bar pin and clip are lost. Contact Blue Ox or your dealer for genuine replacement parts.
Use only genuine factory replacement parts. 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.
The BX8869 is listed as available for the vehicle, but the manual does not specify what this product is or its purpose. Contact Blue Ox or your dealer for more information about this optional product.
Yes, the BX2173 fits 2000-04 Ford Focus models including 2.3L engine and 2003 Focus SVT. Installation steps vary by engine type.
You need sockets (7MM, 10MM, 11MM, 13MM, 9/16"), 13/32" drill bit, Phillips and flat screwdrivers, vise grips, pry bar, utility knife, 27 Torx bit, and Loctite. Torque specifications are in a separate General Instruction sheet.
Yes. Drilling is required using a 13/32" drill bit for frame and bumper attachment holes. Trimming with a utility knife is required to cut the lower air dam and lower grill opening. 2.3L models also require cutting a 3/4" x 1" opening in the air box.
Yes, the front fascia must be removed. This requires removing push pins, bolts, screws, and unplugging electrical connectors. It is reinstalled after baseplate installation.
Frame attachment uses 3/8" hex bolts with lock washers and hex nuts. Bumper attachment uses 3/8" nut plates with hex bolts and lock washers. All bolts require Loctite. Torque specifications are in the General Instruction sheet.
Yes, permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended. Connect them from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member. Do not mount them against wires, hoses, or brake lines. They supplement, not replace, legally required towing safety cables.
Inspect all towing equipment for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts before each towing trip. Tighten bolts to specification using Loctite Red. Register your baseplate at www.blueox.com for safety bulletins and recalls.
Dimensional variations between otherwise identical cars can be considerable. It may be necessary to file a hole slightly to allow a bolt to clear. Use a file to carefully enlarge the hole as needed.
Some models may have capped ends on the metal bumper. Remove the caps using a flat screwdriver before installing the nut plates.
This is normal. The clips on the top of the anti-pollution device will not snap onto the frame. Do not attempt to force them. Simply ensure the bolts are properly tightened with Loctite and do not over-tighten.
2 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 - 2002, 2004 | Ford Focus | Comes with Standard 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 |
| 2003 | Ford Focus | SVT Comes with Standard 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 |
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