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Blue Ox
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2019 - 2024 Kia Forte
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Custom Design: Each Blue Ox BX2728 Tow Bar Bracket is tailored for a specific towed vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit and seamless installation.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
Experience the pinnacle of towing convenience and reliability with the Blue Ox BX2728 Tow Bar Bracket. Expertly designed for each specific towed vehicle, this product assures a perfect fit and effortless installation. Crafted from robust steel with a sleek black powder coat finish, it not only offers superior durability but also adds a touch of elegance to your vehicle. Whether you're a seasoned RV enthusiast or a weekend road-tripper, the Blue Ox BX2728 Tow Bar Bracket is your ultimate companion for safe and hassle-free towing. The package includes all the necessary hardware and easy-to-follow instructions for a 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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1 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 - 2024 | Kia Forte | Also GT No Smart Cruise Control or Round 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. |
Yes, the BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, KIA FORTE (Part #FDRWBX2728) is designed to fit the 2019-2024 Kia Forte.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, KIA FORTE (Part #FDRWBX2728) fits 2019-2024 Kia Forte models. The 2024 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, KIA FORTE (Part #FDRWBX2728) fits the following vehicles: 2019-2024 Kia Forte. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, KIA FORTE (Part #FDRWBX2728) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
The BX2728 is designed for 2019-2024 Kia Forte models with manual transmission only, including GT models. It is not compatible with vehicles equipped with SCC (Smart Cruise Control) or round fog lights. If your vehicle has automatic transmission, SCC, or round fog lights, this baseplate will not fit. Verify your transmission type and lighting configuration before purchasing.
No. The BX2728 is designed for manual transmission Kia Forte models only. It is not compatible with automatic transmission vehicles.
The attachment tab height is 14.5 inches and the attachment tab width is 23 inches.
Required tools include: large vise grip, flat screwdriver, utility knife, torque wrench, drill, 3/8" drill bit, 8MM socket, 10MM socket, 12MM socket, 7/16" socket, 7/16" wrench, 9/16" socket, 9/16" wrench, 3/4" socket, 3/4" wrench, and 15/16" nut driver. You will also need Loctite Red for all bolt threads.
The kit includes: 2 inner frame mounts (61-8252), 1 baseplate (61-8253), 2 attachment tab assemblies (62-3468), 1 electrical bracket with breakaway switch mount (101-9381), 1 x 1/4"-20 x 3/4" hex head bolt Grade 5, 2 x #10-32 1/2" round slotted head screws, 2 x 5/8"-11 x 1-1/2" hex head bolts Grade 5, 2 x 3/8"-16 x 1-1/4" hex head bolts Grade 5, 4 x 1/2"-13 x 2-3/4" hex head bolts Grade 5, 2 x #12-14 x 1" self-drilling screws, 2 x #10-32 hex nuts, 2 x 3/8"-16 hex nylon insert lock nuts, 4 x 1/2"-13 hex nylon insert lock nuts, 1 x 1/4"-20 hex nylon nut, 2 x 5/8" flat washers, 2 x 5/8" lock washers, 2 x #10 lock washers, 2 class III safety cables, 2 x 3/8" quicklinks, and 2 black cap plug receivers. Eight existing 8MM x 1.25" bolts from the vehicle are also used.
The manual recommends the BX8869 Tail Light Wiring Kit for non-LED tail light models and the BX8848 Tail Light Wiring Kit for LED tail light models, but does not specify whether these are included. Contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 to confirm whether the appropriate kit for your vehicle is included or must be ordered separately.
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. While the manual does not explicitly require professional installation, the complexity of the removal and reinstallation of multiple components, drilling, and trimming suggests professional installation is strongly recommended.
The following components must be removed: front fascia, belly pan, bumper, and (for 2019-2021 models only) the air baffle. The fascia, belly pan, and air baffle are reinstalled after baseplate installation. The bumper is not reinstalled. Additionally, the wire loom and temperature sensor must be unsnapped from the bumper and repositioned. For 2022 models, a foam piece from the back of the fascia is removed and not reinstalled.
Yes. A 3/8" drill bit is required to drill one hole on each side of the vehicle as indicated in step 15. A 3/8" bolt with hardware is then installed in each drilled hole. The manual also notes that drilling is required for the tail light wiring kit installation, per the kit's instructions.
Yes. After the baseplate is installed, the fascia must be held close to its original position, marked, and trimmed around the convenience links and attachment tabs. This trimming is required for both 2019-2021 and 2022 models.
The installation involves drilling one hole on each side of the vehicle frame, which is a permanent modification. The fascia must also be trimmed around the baseplate attachment points. These modifications cannot be reversed without repair. The bumper is not reinstalled after installation.
For Grade 8.8 metric 8MM bolts, torque to 16 foot-pounds. For Grade 10.9 metric 8MM bolts, torque to 22 foot-pounds. The existing 8MM x 1.25" bolts used in the installation are Grade 8.8. Always apply Loctite Red to all bolt threads before tightening.
For Grade 5 1/2" bolts, torque to 78 foot-pounds. For Grade 8 1/2" bolts, torque to 119 foot-pounds. The 1/2"-13 x 2-3/4" bolts included in the kit are Grade 5. Always apply Loctite Red to all bolt threads before tightening.
For Grade 5 3/8" bolts, torque to 33 foot-pounds. For Grade 8 3/8" bolts, torque to 47 foot-pounds. The 3/8"-16 x 1-1/4" bolts included in the kit are Grade 5. Always apply Loctite Red to all bolt threads before tightening.
For Grade 5 5/8" bolts, torque to 154 foot-pounds. For Grade 8 5/8" bolts, torque to 230 foot-pounds. The 5/8"-11 x 1-1/2" bolts included in the kit are Grade 5. Always apply Loctite Red to all bolt threads before tightening.
For Grade 5 1/4" bolts, torque to 10 foot-pounds. For Grade 8 1/4" bolts, torque to 14 foot-pounds. The 1/4"-20 x 3/4" bolt included in the kit is Grade 5. Always apply Loctite Red to all bolt threads before tightening.
The kit includes an electrical bracket with breakaway switch mount (101-9381), a 4-pin connector, and a 6-pin connector. The manual recommends either the BX8869 Tail Light Wiring Kit (for non-LED models) or BX8848 Tail Light Wiring Kit (for LED models) for tail light integration, though it is unclear whether these are included. A hole must be drilled according to the tail light wiring kit instructions.
Yes. The manual explicitly states: "Be sure that ALL electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly before reinstalling the fascia." This is a critical step to verify proper operation before reassembly.
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 the specific GVWR and manufacturer's towing specifications.
Yes. Two permanent baseplate safety cables (part 226-0046) are included and strongly recommended. They must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame using the provided quicklinks (part 229-0359). The cables must not rub against any hoses or moving parts. These cables are in addition to, not a replacement for, legally required safety cables attaching the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle. The cables should remain installed as long as the baseplate is on the vehicle.
No. The factory bumper is removed during installation and is not reinstalled. It will not be reused.
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 each towing trip, inspect all towing equipment for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts. Ensure all bolts are tightened to the recommended torque specifications using Loctite Red. Verify that all electrical connections are functioning properly. Check that the safety cables do not rub against any hoses or moving parts. Ensure the baseplate is not in contact with wires, hoses, or brake lines.
Yes. Loctite Red must be applied to all bolt threads before tightening. This is a critical requirement stated multiple times in the manual to ensure bolts remain secure during towing.
Yes. The manual recommends using a good quality paint to spray cut edges of frame to prevent rusting. This should be done after drilling the holes for the 3/8" bolts.
Yes. The manual states: "Remove the attachment tabs when not in use (if applicable)." This helps protect the tabs and reduces the profile of the baseplate when not actively towing.
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. Warranty coverage is valid only if the customer warranty card is returned within 30 days of purchase.
BX2728 fits 2019-2024 Kia Forte with manual transmission only (including GT). Not compatible with automatic transmission, SCC, or round fog lights.
You need: torque wrench, drill with 3/8" bit, sockets (8MM, 10MM, 12MM, 7/16", 9/16", 3/4"), wrenches (7/16", 9/16", 3/4"), 15/16" nut driver, vise grip, screwdrivers, utility knife, and Loctite Red.
Yes. One 3/8" hole must be drilled on each side of the vehicle frame. Fascia trimming around attachment tabs is also required. Paint cut edges to prevent rust.
Use the torque chart on page 1: 8MM Grade 8.8 = 16 ft-lb, 1/2" Grade 5 = 78 ft-lb, 3/8" Grade 5 = 33 ft-lb, 5/8" Grade 5 = 154 ft-lb. Apply Loctite Red to all threads before tightening.
Yes. Two permanent safety cables are included and must be installed from the baseplate to the vehicle frame using quicklinks. They are required in addition to legally required towing cables.
The baseplate is rated to your vehicle's GVWR. Exceeding GVWR voids warranty. Check your vehicle owner's manual for towing specifications.
Inspect for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts. Verify all bolts are torqued to spec with Loctite Red. Test all electrical connections. Ensure safety cables do not rub hoses or moving parts.
Do not complete the installation. The baseplate must not be mounted against wires, hoses, or brake lines, as this could cause fluid leaks or electrical shorts sometime after installation. It is the installer's responsibility to watch for oil cooler and air conditioner lines, electrical wires, hoses, and missing parts or attaching points on the frame. Reposition the baseplate or consult Blue Ox Technical Service at (402) 385-3051 for guidance.
Before reinstalling the fascia, verify that all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly. If connections are not working, check that all connectors are fully seated and that the appropriate tail light wiring kit (BX8869 for non-LED or BX8848 for LED models) has been properly installed per its instructions. Do not reinstall the fascia until all electrical functions are confirmed working.
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