Our in-house experts typically reply within one business day.
Blue Ox
Verify Fitment
Select your vehicle to confirm this part fits.
1996 - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Confirmed to Fit
Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
Custom Designed: Each Blue Ox BX1117 Tow Bar Bracket is custom designed for each specific towed vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit every time.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
The Blue Ox BX1117 Tow Bar Bracket is designed to be the ultimate in robust and reliable towing solutions. Each base plate is custom tailored for a specific vehicle to ensure a perfect fit and easy installation. The BX1117 is crafted from high-grade steel, finished with a protective black powder coat, ensuring durability and resistance to the elements. The bolt-on mounting type makes it easy to install with all necessary hardware included. With Blue Ox, you're not just buying a product, you're investing in peace of mind 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.
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-94943 Years
1 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 - 1998 | Jeep Grand Cherokee | Comes with Removable Attachment Tabs Install Rating 3 Only Use Acclaim w/23in./Greater Spaced Tab Removable Tab Baseplates Only Use Adventurer w/16: 36 in. Spaced Removable Tab Baseplates Only Use Ambassador w/24 in. Spaced Removable Tabs Removable Tabs w/Only 1 Hole Will Not Attach To Car Mount Tow Bars Removable Tabs w/Only 1 Hole Will Not Attach To Other Adapters Use only w/Motorhome Mount Tow Bars Or PN BX8833/BX88151 Adapters WiringSystem TailLight BulbOut Indicator Requires PN BX8869 WiringKit |
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate For Select JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE (R) BX1117 (Part #FDRWBX1117) fits the following vehicles: 1996-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
Yes, the BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate For Select JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE (R) BX1117 (Part #FDRWBX1117) is designed to fit the 1996-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate For Select JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE (R) BX1117 (Part #FDRWBX1117) fits 1996-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee models. The 1998 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 For Select JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE (R) BX1117 (Part #FDRWBX1117) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, the BX1117 is designed for all 1996-98 Jeep Grand Cherokee models. However, if your vehicle has tow hooks, they must be permanently removed before installation. Additionally, a BX88116 Adapter is required when using a Blue Ox car-mounted tow bar with this baseplate.
The BX88116 Adapter is required when using a Blue Ox car-mounted tow bar with the BX1117 baseplate. If your vehicle has tow hooks, they must be permanently removed before installation.
The following tools are required: 16mm socket, 17mm socket, 18mm socket, 3/4" socket, drill, Loctite, and flathead screwdriver.
The BX1117 includes: 1 driver's side frame mount (61-5257), 1 passenger side frame mount (61-5258), 2 weldments with 3/8 bolts and wire (61-5285), 1 baseplate (61-5318), 2 removable tabs (62-3468), 2 panel braces (102-5583), 4 1/2-13 x 1 1/2 bolts Grade 5, 2 #10-32 x 1/2 slotted screws, 6 10mm-1.5 x 35mm bolts Grade 8.8, 2 3/8-16 x 1 1/2 hex bolts Grade 5, 2 #12-14 x 1" self-drilling screws, 2 #10 hex nuts, 2 3/8-16 hex flange Whiz Lock nuts, 4 1/2-13 hex flange Whiz Lock nuts, 2 3/8 flat washers, 4 1/2 flat washers, 2 3/8 lock washers, 4 1/2 lock washers, 2 #10 lock washers, 6 10mm flat washers, 6 10mm lock washers, 1 4-way bracket, 2 baseplate safety cables (36" CL III), 2 quicklinks (3/8), 6 6.3mm plastic rivets, and 2 receiver cap plugs.
No, you do not need to remove the radiator cross member. However, you must locate and remove the two bolts securing the radiator cross member to the frame on each side of the vehicle. You also need to remove the plastic splash guard retainer located 1 1/2" behind the rear cross member bolt to expose a frame weldnut. Additionally, unbolt the tubular cowl support from the radiator cross member and loosen (but do not remove) the bolts that attach it to the cowl, which are located beneath the splash panel.
The plastic splash guard retainer is located 1 1/2" behind the rear cross member bolt. It must be removed to expose a frame weldnut during BX1117 installation.
Insert each frame mount (Items 1 and 2) through the lower outside grill openings of the bumper molding and place over the bolt holes in the frame. The frame mounts bolt to existing holes in the main frame of the vehicle using 3-10mm x 1.5 x 40mm bolts and washers provided. Use Loctite to ensure the bolts do not loosen during towing, but do not tighten them at this stage.
The dimensional variations between otherwise identical vehicles can be considerable. While the location and size of the holes in the baseplate were designed to allow for easy installation, it may be necessary to file a hole slightly to achieve proper alignment.
Remove the lower plastic push pins on the lower bumper molding. Pull back on the bottom of the bumper molding and insert the main weldment (Item 1) up into the space between the bumper molding and the radiator. Line up the holes of the main weldment to the face of the frame mount plates. Use the 1/2 inch hardware (Items 8, 9, 16 and 11) as shown in the drawing on page 2.
The small braces of the main weldment (Item 1) extend back to existing holes in the cross member below the radiator. They are secured using 3/8 inch hardware (Items 5, 6 and 7) provided. After installation, tighten all bolts according to the torque chart in the General Instruction Sheet and use Loctite to ensure the bolts do not loosen during towing.
Bolt the extension braces (Item 4) to the back of the radiator cross member using the existing bolt in the cross member. Bolt the loose end of the flat support to the tab using a 3/8 x 1 1/2 bolt, washers and nut provided (Items 5, 6, 10 and 7).
Replace the bumper molding's push pins. Then install the tow bar and safety cables according to the instructions included in their packages. Do not substitute other devices if the tow bar pin and clip are lost.
Push the connector all the way in through the bumper mount with the release pin housing up. Rotate the connector until the locking pin engages. To remove the connectors, pull on the ring to release the lock pin and rotate the connector. Pull the connector straight ahead to remove. Be sure to rotate the connectors so the pin assemblies point up.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended when towing a vehicle with the BX1117 baseplate. Their principal function is to prevent the towed vehicle from breaking loose in the event the connection between the frame of the towed vehicle and the baseplate fails or becomes disconnected. The cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame. Each permanent baseplate safety cable must have an adequate weight rating for the towing system; the weight rating of two cables together will not qualify. Permanent baseplate safety 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.
Permanent baseplate safety cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame. The manual shows two recommended arrangements: Option #1 for baseplates without convenience link tabs, and Option #2 for baseplates with convenience link tabs. Do not mount the permanent baseplate safety cables against wires, hoses or brake lines.
It is the installer's responsibility to 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 is against a wire or hose, it could cause fluid leaks or electrical shorts some time after the actual baseplate installation.
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. These 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 BX1117 baseplate online at www.blueox.com. Registration ensures you will be alerted of product offerings, updates, upgrades, maintenance and safety bulletins, and/or recalls.
Yes, the BX1117 fits all 1996-98 Jeep Grand Cherokee models. A BX88116 Adapter is required when using a Blue Ox car-mounted tow bar, and any factory tow hooks must be permanently removed.
You need: 16mm, 17mm, 18mm and 3/4" sockets, a drill, Loctite, and a flathead screwdriver.
Yes, Loctite must be used on all bolts to ensure they do not loosen while the vehicle is being towed. Do not tighten the frame mount bolts initially; they are tightened after the main weldment is installed.
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.
On Sale Today
Original price was $699.99. Current price is $609.00.You save $90.99 (13%)
Free Shipping
Ships free on all orders
Authorized Dealer
Quick Ship
In stock and ready to ship — order now!
FREE ShippingFREE SHIPPING
Estimated delivery Wed, Sep 16 - Sat, Sep 19
Order before 2 PM EST Monday–Friday for same-day processing
Guaranteed safe & secure checkout
Total for 1 item:
$609.00$699.99
No reviews have been added for this product.
