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Blue Ox
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2012 Volkswagen Beetle
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Custom Designed: Each Blue Ox BX3834 Tow Bar Bracket is uniquely designed for a specific towed vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
Experience the ultimate towing solution with the Blue Ox BX3834 Tow Bar Bracket. This high-quality and durable tow bar bracket is uniquely designed for specific towed vehicles, ensuring a perfect fit and enhanced performance. Made of robust steel and finished with a powder coat, it promises exceptional resistance to wear and tear, adding longevity to the product. The black color adds a sleek and professional look to your towing setup. The bracket is a bolt-on type, allowing you to conveniently install it yourself. Plus, with all necessary mounting hardware included, you can rest assured of a hassle-free installation process.

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
1 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Volkswagen Beetle | 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 |
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, VW BEETLE E13 (Part #FDRWBX3834) fits 2012 Volkswagen Beetle models. The 2012 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
Yes, the BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, VW BEETLE E13 (Part #FDRWBX3834) is designed to fit the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, VW BEETLE E13 (Part #FDRWBX3834) fits the following vehicles: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, VW BEETLE E13 (Part #FDRWBX3834) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
The BX3834 is a Blue Ox baseplate designed specifically for the 2012 VW Beetle Turbo. It is used as part of a towing system to allow the vehicle to be towed behind a motorhome or other towing vehicle. The baseplate mounts to the frame of the vehicle and provides attachment points for the tow bar and safety cables.
The manual specifies the BX3834 is designed for the 2012 VW Beetle Turbo only. The manual notes that if the front of your vehicle looks different than shown, you should contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 before proceeding. Do not assume this baseplate fits other model years or non-turbo variants without confirming with Blue Ox.
The kit includes: 6 nut plates with 14" wire (3/8"-16), 2 Grade 5 hex bolts (1/2"-13 x 1"), 6 Grade 5 hex head bolts (3/8"-16 x 1-1/4"), 2 Grade 8.8 hex bolts (8MM-1.25 x 30MM), 2 hex flange whiz lock nuts (1/2"-13), 6 lock washers (3/8"), 2 lock washers (8MM), 2 flat washers (8MM), 2 safety cables (Class III), and 2 quicklinks (3/8"). All fasteners are zinc-plated.
Required tools include: large vise grip, flat screwdriver, utility knife, reciprocating saw, torque wrench, drill, tape measure, 13/32" drill bit, 1-1/4" hole saw, 13MM socket, 9/16" socket, T25 Torx bit, T50 Torx bit, and Loctite Red. You will also need a hammer and pliers or vise-grips for flattening and modifying the horn bracket.
Blue Ox states that 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". However, the manual does not explicitly prohibit DIY installation. If you need assistance, Blue Ox dealers can be found at www.blueox.com or by contacting (402) 385-3051. The manual notes that dimensional variations between vehicles can be considerable, and the baseplate may need to be tailored to compensate for manufacturer tolerances.
The BX8848 Tail Light Wiring Kit is recommended for the 2012 VW Beetle Turbo when installing the BX3834 baseplate. The manual does not specify whether it is required or optional, only that it is recommended. Contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 for clarification on whether this kit is necessary for your specific installation.
Yes. The fascia must be removed and reinstalled for baseplate installation. The removal process involves removing push pins from the radiator cover, removing multiple Torx screws from the top, sides, wheel wells, and underside of the fascia, and disconnecting side marker and running light wiring. The fascia is then reinstalled after baseplate installation is complete.
Yes, drilling is required. The installation involves drilling a 1-1/4" hole using a hole saw bit in the frame area, and drilling three (3) holes through the frame on each side using a 13/32" drill bit. The manual warns to be aware of the dangers of torque and drill bit length when using power drills.
Yes. The horn bracket tabs must be removed. This can be done by either bending back and forth with vise-grips or using a reciprocating saw. The manual warns that if using a reciprocating saw, be aware of the fluid reservoir on the passenger side when cutting. The horn bracket is then flattened with a hammer and the side tab is removed by twisting with pliers or vise-grips.
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, 5/8" = 154 ft-lbs. The BX3834 kit includes 1/2"-13 x 1" Grade 5 bolts (78 ft-lbs) and 3/8"-16 x 1-1/4" Grade 5 bolts (33 ft-lbs). Always use Loctite Red on all bolts before tightening.
For Grade 8.8 metric bolts: 6MM = 6 ft-lbs, 8MM = 16 ft-lbs, 10MM = 31 ft-lbs, 12MM = 54 ft-lbs, 14MM = 89 ft-lbs. The BX3834 kit includes 8MM-1.25 x 30MM Grade 8.8 bolts (16 ft-lbs). Always use Loctite Red on all bolts before tightening.
The attachment tab height is 13-1/2" and the attachment tab width is 24".
During fascia removal, you must disconnect the side marker and running light wiring on both sides of the vehicle. These connections must be plugged back in properly before reinstalling the fascia. The manual emphasizes that all electrical connections must be plugged in properly and functioning before reinstalling the fascia. The BX8848 Tail Light Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended when towing a vehicle with a tow bar. They prevent the towed vehicle from breaking loose if the connection between the frame and baseplate fails. The cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member. Two cables are included with the BX3834 kit. Safety cables must not be mounted against wires, hoses, or brake lines. These cables are in addition to, not a replacement for, legally required safety cables attaching the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle.
The permanent baseplate safety cables should be attached to the provided convenience link on the baseplate. If additional options may interfere with this 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. Do this on both sides of the vehicle.
Do not use the towed vehicle for storing luggage, equipment, or other items. This may cause you to exceed the towing capacity of the tow bar, baseplate, and its accessories.
Before reinstalling the fascia, ensure that all electrical connections are plugged in properly and functioning. After installation, inspect all towing equipment for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts before each towing trip. Verify that the safety cables do not rub against any hoses or moving parts. Ensure all bolts are tightened to the recommended torque specifications using Loctite Red.
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. Use Loctite Red on all bolts and tighten to the recommended specifications. Permanent baseplate safety cables should remain installed as long as the baseplate is installed on the vehicle. Register your product online at www.blueox.com to be alerted of product offerings, updates, upgrades, maintenance and safety bulletins, and recalls.
Yes. The manual states to remove the attachment tabs when not in use, if applicable.
The BX3834 is designed specifically for the 2012 VW Beetle Turbo. If your vehicle's front looks different than shown in the manual, contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 before proceeding.
Yes. Installation requires drilling a 1-1/4" hole and three 13/32" holes through the frame. Trimming of the horn bracket tabs is also required using either vise-grips or a reciprocating saw.
Essential tools include: torque wrench, drill with 13/32" and 1-1/4" hole saw bits, T25 and T50 Torx bits, 13MM and 9/16" sockets, reciprocating saw, vise-grips, hammer, utility knife, and Loctite Red.
Yes. The front fascia must be removed and reinstalled. This involves removing the radiator cover, multiple Torx screws, and disconnecting wiring connectors.
Grade 5 3/8"-16 bolts should be torqued to 33 ft-lbs. Always apply Loctite Red before tightening.
Grade 5 1/2"-13 bolts should be torqued to 78 ft-lbs. Always apply Loctite Red before tightening.
Grade 8.8 8MM bolts should be torqued to 16 ft-lbs. Always apply Loctite Red before tightening.
Yes. Two Class III safety cables and two 3/8" quicklinks are included. They must be attached to the baseplate or frame and are in addition to legally required safety cables.
No. Do not use the towed vehicle for storing luggage, equipment, or other items, as this may exceed the towing capacity of the tow bar, baseplate, and its accessories.
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