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Blue Ox
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Confirmed to Fit
2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500
Confirmed to Fit
2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
Confirmed to Fit
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Custom-Designed: Specifically made for each type of towed vehicle, providing an exact fit and superior performance.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
The Blue Ox BX2003 Tow Bar Bracket is a robust and reliable solution for your towing needs. This custom-designed base plate is crafted from high-quality steel and finished in a durable powder coat to ensure long-lasting performance and resistance to rust and corrosion. The black color adds a sleek, professional look to your vehicle. Easy to install with its bolt-on design, the bracket comes with all necessary hardware and comprehensive instructions that make installation a breeze. Enhance your towing capabilities with the Blue Ox BX2003 Tow Bar Bracket.
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
3 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | 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 Baseplate Has Non 24 in. Spaced Attachment Tabs Requires Motorhome Mounted Towbar/Adapter To Utilize Car Mounted Tow Bar Tow Bar Adapters Not To Be Used On Vehicles Over 5000 lbs. |
| 2015 | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | 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 Baseplate Has Non 24 in. Spaced Attachment Tabs Requires Motorhome Mounted Towbar/Adapter To Utilize Car Mounted Tow Bar Tow Bar Adapters Not To Be Used On Vehicles Over 5000 lbs. |
| 2015 | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 | 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 Baseplate Has Non 24 in. Spaced Attachment Tabs Requires Motorhome Mounted Towbar/Adapter To Utilize Car Mounted Tow Bar Tow Bar Adapters Not To Be Used On Vehicles Over 5000 lbs. |
The BX2003 is a tow baseplate manufactured by Blue Ox, designed specifically for the 2015 Mercedes Sprinter. It is installed on the front of the vehicle to provide attachment points for a tow bar. The baseplate includes a breakaway bracket, safety cables, and all necessary hardware for installation.
Yes, the BX2003 is designed for the 2015 Mercedes Sprinter. However, if the front of your vehicle looks different than shown in the manual, contact Blue Ox technical service at (402) 385-3051 before proceeding with installation.
The attachment tab height is 23-1/2" and the attachment tab width is 23".
Required tools include: large vise grip, flat screwdriver, utility knife, torque wrench, drill, 3/8" drill bit, 13MM socket, 13MM wrench, 9/16" socket, 9/16" wrench, 3/16" 12-point socket, T20 Torx, T25 Torx, and T45 Torx. You will also need Loctite Red for all bolt threads.
The kit includes: 1 BX2003 baseplate, 1 breakaway bracket, 2 spacer tubes (3/4" x 1"), 1 1/4"-20 x 3/4" hex head bolt (Grade 5), 2 3/8"-16 x 4-1/2" hex head bolts (Grade 5), 2 #10-32 1/2" round slotted head screws, 4 3/8"-16 x 1-1/2" hex head bolts (Grade 5), 2 8MM-1.25 x 75MM hex head bolts, 3 #12-14 x 1" self-drilling screws, 2 #10-32 hex nuts, 6 3/8"-16 hex nylon lock nuts, 1 1/4"-20 hex nylon lock nut, 2 #10 lock washers, 2 8MM lock washers, 2 8MM flat washers, 1 4-way bracket, 2 class IV safety cables, and 2 1/2" quicklinks.
Yes. The grille, fascia, and bumper must be removed during installation and then reinstalled after the baseplate is mounted. All removed components should be placed on a flat, sturdy surface and will be reinstalled unless otherwise noted.
Yes. Drilling is required. You will use a 3/8" drill bit to drill through the frame lips into the top baseplate holes (both sides) and through the lower front baseplate hole (both sides). The manual also notes that a hole will need to be drilled through the fascia area at the same time as drilling through the frame in 2 places. A hole is also required according to the BX8869 Tail Light Wiring Kit instructions.
Yes. Trimming is required. The plastic shielding in the inner frame must be removed on both sides. Optionally, screws can be removed from plastic shields on the passenger and driver sides for easier bolt installation. Additionally, the inner grille area on the back side of the fascia must be trimmed off at the joint all the way around.
Yes. Blue Ox towing products 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". Blue Ox dealers can be found at www.blueox.com or by contacting Blue Ox Technical Service Department at (402) 385-3051.
The BX8869 Tail Light Wiring Kit is recommended for the 2015 Mercedes Sprinter but the manual does not specify whether it is included. Contact your Blue Ox dealer or call (402) 385-3051 to confirm whether the kit is included or must be purchased separately.
Torque specifications depend on bolt size and grade. For Grade 5 bolts: 1/4" = 10 ft-lbs, 5/16" = 19 ft-lbs, 3/8" = 33 ft-lbs, 7/16" = 54 ft-lbs, 1/2" = 78 ft-lbs. For Grade 8 bolts: 1/4" = 14 ft-lbs, 5/16" = 29 ft-lbs, 3/8" = 47 ft-lbs, 7/16" = 78 ft-lbs, 1/2" = 119 ft-lbs. For metric Grade 8.8 bolts: 8MM = 16 ft-lbs, 10MM = 31 ft-lbs. For metric Grade 10.9 bolts: 8MM = 22 ft-lbs, 10MM = 40 ft-lbs. Always use Loctite Red on all bolt threads before tightening.
The baseplate is computer tested to your vehicle's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Exceeding this weight will void the manufacturer's warranty. You must reference your vehicle owner's manual for the manufacturer's towing specifications and your specific GVWR.
If the baseplate is in an accident, it must be replaced and cannot be reused. Do not use the baseplate if it is damaged or missing parts. An accident can cause unseen damage, and using it again could result in more damage or serious injury.
1. Using a T25 Torx, remove the outer screw from the top edge of the grille (white). 2. Remove the push pins (gray) on both sides. 3. Pull the grille back and release the tabs at the bottom. 4. Set the grille aside.
1. Remove three push pins in each wheel well (both sides). 2. Remove four push pins from the underside of the fascia (two on each side). 3. Using T20 Torx, remove four screws from the front cover. 4. Using 14MM socket, remove four screws from the front of the fascia. 5. Using T25 Torx, remove two screws from the front of the fascia (one on each side). 6. Using T45 Torx, remove two screws from the step area on top of the fascia (one on each side). 7. Pull the corners of the fascia away from the vehicle, disconnect any electrical connections, and set the fascia aside.
Using a 13MM socket, remove eight bolts from the bumper (four on each side). After baseplate installation, the bumper is reinstalled.
1. Clamp the baseplate to the frame. 2. Using a 3/8" drill bit, drill through the frame lips into the top baseplate holes (both sides). 3. Install 1/2" hardware into the top holes and fully tighten (both sides). 4. Using a 3/8" drill bit, drill the lower front baseplate hole through the frame (both sides). 5. Install 1/2" hardware into the lower hole and fully tighten (both sides). Note: plastic shielding behind may need to be trimmed for easier nut access. Use Loctite Red on all bolt threads and tighten all bolts to the appropriate torque.
Attach the permanent baseplate safety cables to the provided convenience link on the baseplate. The manual shows the recommended installation of the cables to the frame of the vehicle. Additional options may interfere with suggested mounting; in that case, secure the cables to a solid piece of the frame as described in the General Information sheet. Be sure the safety cables do not rub against any hoses or moving parts. Install on both sides of the vehicle.
1. Reinstall the bumper and shields if removed. 2. Reinstall the fascia with 3/4" spacers in the step area bolt recess areas. 3. After the fascia is on the vehicle, install 8MM hardware through the baseplate into the step area bolt areas and fully tighten.
On the back side of the fascia, trim off the inner grille area at the joint all the way around.
When using power drills, be aware of the dangers of torque and drill bit length. When using a reciprocating saw, be aware of objects behind the cutting surface. Use a good quality paint to spray cut edges of frame to prevent rusting.
Be sure that all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly before reinstalling the fascia.
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.
Yes. Remove the attachment tabs when not in use, if applicable.
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.
No. Permanent baseplate safety cables are to be used in conjunction with, and NOT a replacement for, legally required safety cables attaching the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle. The permanent cables prevent the towed vehicle from breaking loose in the event the connection between the frame and baseplate fails or becomes disconnected.
The permanent baseplate safety cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame. Do not mount the permanent baseplate safety cables against wires, hoses, or brake lines. These cables should remain installed as long as the baseplate is installed on the vehicle.
Place all components that are removed on a flat, sturdy surface. All items will be reinstalled unless otherwise noted after the baseplate is installed.
Handling of some cosmetic parts when installing this product may require the use of protective covers, rags, specialty tools, etc. to prevent damage.
No. Use only genuine factory replacement parts on your baseplate. Do not substitute homemade or non-typical parts. If a bolt is lost or needs replacement, use a replacement bolt of the same grade (in most cases Grade 5). Replacement parts may be ordered through your nearest Blue Ox dealer or distributor. Failing to follow these instructions will void the manufacturer's warranty.
Blue Ox offers a three-year limited warranty to the original retail purchaser covering defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. The warranty is valid only if the customer warranty card is returned within 30 days of purchase and a copy of the original invoice accompanies any claim. The warranty does not cover incorrect or improper installation, improper use, modification, neglect, failure to properly service and maintain, misuse, accident, normal wear and tear, paint or rust. The warranty is non-transferable and does not cover loss of use, loss of time, inconvenience, or consequential damages.
Yes. Towing behind a non-motorized vehicle will void the warranty.
Yes, the BX2003 is designed specifically for the 2015 Mercedes Sprinter. If your vehicle's front looks different than shown in the manual, contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 before installing.
Yes. You will drill through the frame using a 3/8" drill bit in multiple locations (top and lower front baseplate holes on both sides). Trimming of plastic shielding and the inner grille area is also required.
You will need a torque wrench, drill with 3/8" bit, T20/T25/T45 Torx drivers, 13MM and 9/16" sockets and wrenches, vise grip, utility knife, and Loctite Red. Professional installation by a Blue Ox dealer is recommended.
Torque depends on bolt size and grade. For example, Grade 5 3/8" bolts = 33 ft-lbs, Grade 5 1/2" bolts = 78 ft-lbs. Always use Loctite Red on all bolt threads before tightening. Refer to the torque chart in the manual for your specific bolt size and grade.
The baseplate is computer tested to your vehicle's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Exceeding this weight voids the warranty. Check your vehicle owner's manual for your specific GVWR and towing specifications.
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 correct torque specifications using Loctite Red.
If the baseplate is in an accident or damaged, it must be replaced and cannot be reused. Do not use a damaged or incomplete baseplate, as unseen damage could cause serious injury.
The plastic shielding behind the top baseplate holes may need to be trimmed for easier nut access. The manual notes this as an optional step that may be necessary depending on the specific vehicle.
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