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Blue Ox
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2011 Kia Optima
Confirmed to Fit
2010 Kia Optima
Confirmed to Fit
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1. Custom Design: The Blue Ox BX2721 Tow Bar Bracket is meticulously designed for each specific towed vehicle, ensuring a seamless fit and superior performance.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
The Blue Ox BX2721 Tow Bar Bracket is a superior quality, custom-designed solution for your towing needs. Crafted from durable steel with a sleek, black powder coat finish, it offers robustness and corrosion resistance. This product is designed to adhere to the unique contours of your vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. It comes with all the necessary hardware and comprehensive instructions for an easy, DIY installation. The bolt-on mounting type further simplifies the installation process, reducing the need for professional help.
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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Call 888-634-94943 Years
2 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Kia Optima | No Fog Lights 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 Requires Some Trimming of the Air Dam Baseplate Has Non 24 in. Spaced Attachment Tabs Requires Motorhome Mounted Tow Bar/Adapter To Utilize Car Mounted Tow Bar Tow Bar Adapters Not To Be Used On Vehicles Over 5000 lbs. Removable Tabs w/Only 1 Hole Will Not Attach to Car Mount Tow Bars or Adapters Only Use Adventurer with 18”: 41” Spaced Removable Tab Baseplates Only Use Acclaim w/23”: 30” Spaced Removable Tab Baseplates Use only w/Motorhome Mount Tow Bars Or PN BX8833/BX88151 Adapters |
| 2010 | Kia Optima | No Fog Lights 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 Requires Some Trimming of the Air Dam Baseplate Has Non 24 in. Spaced Attachment Tabs Requires Motorhome Mounted Tow Bar/Adapter To Utilize Car Mounted Tow Bar Tow Bar Adapters Not To Be Used On Vehicles Over 5000 lbs. Use only w/Motorhome Mount Tow Bars Or PN BX8833/BX88151 Adapters Only Use Acclaim w/23”: 30” Spaced Removable Tab Baseplates Only Use Adventurer with 18”: 41” Spaced Removable Tab Baseplates Removable Tabs w/Only 1 Hole Will Not Attach to Car Mount Tow Bars or Adapters |
Yes, the BX2721 is designed specifically for 2010-2011 Kia Optima LX vehicles with no fog lights. If the front of your vehicle looks different from the manual illustration, contact Blue Ox Technical Service at (402) 385-3051 before proceeding.
The RangeFinder II, Acclaim and Ambassador tow bars cannot be used with the BX2721 due to the design of the removable tabs. Adapters are not compatible except for the BX8833 and BX88151. Install the tow bar according to the instructions included in its package.
Required tools are: large vise grips, flat screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, tape measure, drill, pliers, 13/32" drill bit, 8MM socket, 10MM socket, 12MM socket, 9/16" socket, and Loctite RED. A reciprocating saw is needed for trimming the frame, bumper and air dam.
The fascia, bumper and washer reservoir must be removed for baseplate installation. The fascia is removed by taking out four push pins and two metric bolts from the top, then removing additional push pins and bolts around the lower edge and wheel well area. The washer reservoir is removed after unplugging electrical lines and hoses. All removed parts are reinstalled after baseplate installation.
Yes, drilling is required. Using a 13/32" drill bit, you must drill the top inside hole on each side of the frame rail to align with the baseplate, then drill four additional holes on each side. A reciprocating saw is also required to trim the frame, bumper and air dam as specified in steps 12-14.
Three areas require trimming with a reciprocating saw: (1) cut straight across under the ridge and flush to the frame about 1 5/8" and straight down on both sides; (2) trim on the inner edge of the air dam under the grommet and cut straight down the crease on both sides; (3) temporarily reinstall the bumper to mark the back side area to be trimmed, then remove this area on both sides. The fascia must also be trimmed to allow the breakaway switch to come through.
The installation sequence is: (1) remove fascia, bumper and washer reservoir; (2) trim frame, bumper and air dam with reciprocating saw; (3) position baseplate on frame rail and clamp with vise grips; (4) drill holes using baseplate as template; (5) insert nut plates into frame rail and install bolts with lock washers and Loctite RED; (6) reinstall washer reservoir; (7) attach permanent baseplate safety cables; (8) reinstall bumper with bracket and breakaway switch; (9) trim fascia and reinstall; (10) install tow bar and safety cables per their instructions.
Use the torque chart on page 1 of the installation instructions. For Grade 5 bolts: 1/4" = 10 ft-lbs, 3/8" = 33 ft-lbs, 1/2" = 78 ft-lbs. For Grade 8.8 metric bolts: 6MM = 6 ft-lbs, 8MM = 16 ft-lbs, 10MM = 31 ft-lbs. All bolts must be treated with Loctite RED before tightening. Refer to the Baseplate General Towing Instructions page 3 for additional torque specifications.
The attachment tab height is 13 inches and the attachment tab width is 20 inches.
Slide the baseplate onto the frame rail to align with the existing hole for the washer reservoir on the passenger's side. Be sure the baseplate is level with respect to the vehicle frame. Clamp the baseplate to the frame rail with vise grips before drilling.
The baseplate is attached using 3/8"-16 x 1-1/4" hex head bolts (Grade 5) with 3/8" lock washers. The top three holes on each side use nut plates inserted into the end of the frame rail. The bottom two holes on each side use 3/8"-16 lock nuts. All bolts must be treated with Loctite RED before tightening with a 9/16" socket.
Reinstall the washer reservoir on the passenger side using the existing bolt in the inside hole. In the outside hole, insert a 6MM-1 x 15MM hex bolt with a 1/4" flat and lock washers. Ensure all electrical connections and hoses are plugged in properly.
Attach the permanent baseplate safety cables to the provided convenience link on the baseplate. The recommended installation attaches the cables to the frame of the vehicle. If additional options interfere with suggested mounting, secure the cables to a solid piece of the frame as described in the instructions included with the permanent baseplate safety cables. Ensure the safety cables do not rub against any hoses or moving parts. Install on both sides of the vehicle.
After reinstalling the bumper, drill through the existing hole on the underside of the bumper and position the bracket. Insert a 1/4"-20 x 1-3/4" hex bolt with a 1/4"-20 hex nut and tighten. Attach the breakaway to the bracket with a 1/4"-20 x 3/4" hex bolt and 1/4"-20 hex nut. The fascia will need to be trimmed to allow the breakaway to come through.
The 4 or 6 pin electrical coupler should be located on the fascia's lower air dam just below the license plate.
Be sure that ALL electrical connections are plugged in properly and functioning BEFORE installing the fascia. This is critical to ensure the towing system operates correctly.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended when towing a vehicle with a tow bar. 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 cable must have an adequate weight rating for the towing system. These cables should remain installed as long as the baseplate is installed and are to be used in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, legally required safety cables attaching the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle.
Do not mount the permanent baseplate safety cables against wires, hoses or brake lines. The installer must watch for oil cooler and air conditioner lines, electrical wires and hoses, and ensure the baseplate is not installed against these components, as this could cause fluid leaks or electrical shorts after 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.
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.
Failing to follow and/or altering these installation instructions in either installation or required equipment will void the manufacturer's warranty. Towing behind a non-motorized vehicle will void the warranty.
The kit includes: 3 nut plates with 14" wire (1/4" x 1" x 1"), 2 attachment tab assemblies, 1 breakaway/coolant bracket, 1 electrical bracket, 2 Class III safety cables, 2 3/8" quicklinks, 2 black cap plug receivers, various hex head bolts (1/4"-20, 3/8"-16, 6MM), self-drilling screws, hex nuts, lock washers, and lock nuts. Always use the hardware supplied in the hardware kit and existing hardware as specified in the installation instructions.
Always use the hardware supplied in the hardware kit and existing hardware as specified in the installation instructions. Even though bolts may already be present on the vehicle, do not assume they are adequate for baseplate mounting. If a bolt is lost or needs replacement, use a replacement bolt of the same grade (in most cases Grade 5). Use only genuine factory replacement parts on your baseplate and do not substitute homemade or non-typical parts.
Blue Ox towing products and accessories are intended to be installed by Blue Ox Dealers who are familiar with the products and have the equipment and knowledge necessary to do "fit work". If needed, Blue Ox Dealers can be found at www.blueox.com or by contacting the Technical Service Department at (402) 385-3051.
The BX8869 Bulb and Socket Wiring Kit is available for this vehicle, but the manual does not specify whether it is required or optional. Contact Blue Ox Technical Service at (402) 385-3051 for clarification on whether this kit is necessary for your installation.
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, remove the attachment tabs when not in use.
Yes, the BX2721 is designed for 2010-2011 Kia Optima LX with no fog lights. If your vehicle's front looks different, contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051.
RangeFinder II, Acclaim and Ambassador tow bars cannot be used. Adapters are not compatible except BX8833 and BX88151. Install the tow bar per its own instructions.
Large vise grips, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, tape measure, drill with 13/32" bit, pliers, sockets (8MM, 10MM, 12MM, 9/16"), reciprocating saw, and Loctite RED.
Yes. Drill the top inside hole on each side with a 13/32" bit, then four additional holes per side. Trimming of the frame, bumper and air dam with a reciprocating saw is also required.
Use the torque chart on page 1: 1/4" Grade 5 = 10 ft-lbs, 3/8" Grade 5 = 33 ft-lbs, 6MM Grade 8.8 = 6 ft-lbs. Apply Loctite RED to all bolts before tightening.
The fascia, bumper and washer reservoir must be removed. All are reinstalled after baseplate installation.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended. They prevent the towed vehicle from breaking loose if the baseplate connection fails. They must be used in addition to, not instead of, legally required safety cables.
Inspect all towing equipment for cracked welds, missing or worn parts and loose bolts. Ensure all bolts are tightened to specification with Loctite RED applied.
The dimensional variations between otherwise identical vehicles can be considerable. While the baseplate was designed for easy installation, it may be necessary to tailor the baseplate slightly to compensate for auto manufacturer's tolerances. These minor adjustments may include filing a hole slightly, bending electrical rods or bending end plates.
If the front of your vehicle looks different than the illustration in the manual, contact Blue Ox Technical Service at (402) 385-3051 before proceeding with installation. This ensures your specific vehicle configuration is compatible with the BX2721.
Do not substitute other devices if the tow bar pin and clip are lost. Contact your Blue Ox Dealer or Blue Ox Technical Service at (402) 385-3051 to obtain replacement parts.
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