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Blue Ox
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2012 - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
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Custom Design: The Blue Ox BX3833 Tow Bar Bracket is specifically tailored for your 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
Introducing the Blue Ox BX3833 Tow Bar Bracket - a perfect blend of strength, convenience, and durability. This custom-designed accessory ensures a precise fit for your specific towed vehicle, offering the reliability and high-quality performance that Blue Ox is known for. Made from robust steel and finished with a hard-wearing black powder coat, this tow bar bracket is engineered to withstand rigorous conditions. It also comes with all necessary hardware and instructions for a hassle-free, do-it-yourself installation, saving you time and effort.
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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| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 - 2015 | Volkswagen Passat | Comes with Removable Attachment Tabs Install Rating 2 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 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 BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, VW PASSAT (Part #FDRWBX3833) is designed to fit the 2012-2015 Volkswagen Passat.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, VW PASSAT (Part #FDRWBX3833) fits 2012-2015 Volkswagen Passat models. The 2015 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, VW PASSAT (Part #FDRWBX3833) fits the following vehicles: 2012-2015 Volkswagen Passat. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The BlueOx Tow Bar Base Plate, Front Mount, RV Flat Towing for Select, VW PASSAT (Part #FDRWBX3833) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, the BX3833 is designed for 2012-15 Volkswagen Passat SEL/SE models, including TDI versions. The attachment tabs are 14-1/2" in height and 24" in width. If the front of your vehicle looks different than shown in the manual, contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 before proceeding.
The BX3833 has removable tabs that can be used only with motorhome mount tow bars or the BX8833 or BX88151 adapters. Removable tabs with only one hole will not attach to car mount tow bars or other adapters. Confirm your tow bar type before installation.
The BX3833 removable tabs are compatible with motorhome mount tow bars, the BX8833 adapter, and the BX88151 adapter. The tabs have 24" spacing. Removable tabs with only one hole cannot be used with car mount tow bars or other adapters.
Required tools are: large vise grip, flat screwdriver, utility knife, Phillips screwdriver, torque wrench, drill, tape measure, Torx 25 bit, 13/32" drill bit, 9/32" drill bit, and 9/16" wrench. You will also need Loctite RED for all bolt threads.
The kit includes: 8× 3/8"-16 nut plates with 14" wire, 2× attachment tabs, 2× 4 way connector adapters, 1× breakaway bracket, 1× 1/4"-20 x 1" hex head bolt (Grade 5), 2× #10-32 1/2" slotted round head screws, 8× 3/8"-16 x 1-1/4" hex head bolts (Grade 5), 1× 1/4"-20 x 1-1/2" hex head bolt (Grade 5), 2× #12-14 x 1" self-drilling screws, 2× #10-32 hex nuts, 2× 1/4"-20 hex nylon nuts, 2× 3/8" flat washers, 8× 3/8" lock washers, 2× #10 lock washers, 2× class III safety cables, 4× 3/8" quicklinks, and 2× black cap plug receivers. The breakaway switch, 4 pin connector, and 6 pin connector are not provided.
The BX8869 Tail Light Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle. If you use it, you will need to drill a hole according to the tail light wiring kit instructions.
Yes. The front fascia, front bumper, styrofoam bumper padding, headlights, and temperature sensor must be removed and reinstalled during baseplate installation. This is required to access the mounting points and allow proper fitment of the baseplate.
Blue Ox recommends that installation be performed by Blue Ox Dealers who are familiar with their products and have the equipment and knowledge necessary to do fit work. If you need a dealer, visit www.blueox.com or contact Blue Ox Customer Care at (402) 385-3051. The installation requires removal of multiple components, drilling, trimming, and precise torque specifications.
Yes. Drilling is required. You must drill three side holes on both sides of the vehicle using a 13/32" drill bit, using the baseplate as a template (Step 11). You must also drill a 9/32" hole into the frame for the breakaway bracket (Step 14). If using the BX8869 Tail Light Wiring Kit, additional drilling is required per that kit's instructions.
Yes. Trimming is required. You must cut straight across the top of the plastic tab on both sides of the vehicle and remove it (Step 8). You must also notch the grill to allow for proper clearance of the convenience links, attachment tabs, and breakaway switch (Step 13). If the horn is in the way, gently bend it outward (Step 9).
Yes. Use a good quality paint to spray cut edges of frame to prevent rusting. This protects the exposed metal from corrosion.
The manual provides a general torque chart for Grade 5 and Grade 8 bolts. For 3/8" Grade 5 bolts, the torque is 33 foot-pounds. For 3/8" Grade 8 bolts, the torque is 47 foot-pounds. The bolts supplied in the kit are Grade 5. Always use Loctite RED on all bolt threads before tightening, and use a torque wrench to achieve the correct specification.
The manual provides a general torque chart. For 1/4" Grade 5 bolts, the torque is 10 foot-pounds. For 1/4" Grade 8 bolts, the torque is 14 foot-pounds. The bolts supplied in the kit are Grade 5. Always apply Loctite RED to all bolt threads before tightening.
The attachment tabs are 14-1/2" in height and 24" in width.
Two drill bit sizes are required: a 13/32" drill bit for drilling the three side holes on both sides of the vehicle (Step 11), and a 9/32" drill bit for drilling the hole into the frame for the breakaway bracket (Step 14).
The kit includes 2× 4 way connector adapters (part 101-5822). However, the breakaway switch (part 293-1339), 4 pin connector (part 294-0805), and 6 pin connector (part 294-0902) are not provided and must be obtained separately if needed. The BX8869 Tail Light Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle.
The baseplate is computer tested to your vehicle's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Exceeding this weight will void the manufacturer's warranty. Reference your vehicle owner's manual for the manufacturer's towing specifications and your vehicle's GVWR.
Yes. The kit includes 2× class III safety cables (part 226-0046) and 4× 3/8" quicklinks (part 229-0359). The safety cables must be attached to the provided convenience link on the baseplate and secured to a solid piece of the frame. Ensure the safety cables do not rub against any hoses or moving parts.
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 reinstalling the front fascia, ensure that all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly. Verify the baseplate is level before installing the bottom slot bolts (Step 10). Ensure the safety cables do not rub against any hoses or moving parts (Step 15). Confirm that the front fascia is reinstalled properly and all fasteners are torqued to specification.
The manual does not specify a retorque interval. However, it is recommended practice to check all fasteners periodically. Blue Ox offers service at their factory and at rallies for a nominal fee to ensure your towing system is in proper working condition. Contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 for service options.
The part number is BX3833. The installation instruction document number is 405-0275, dated 8/25/14.
Contact Blue Ox Customer Care at (402) 385-3051. You can also visit www.blueox.com to find Blue Ox Dealers. Blue Ox is located at One Mill Road, Industrial Park, Pender, Nebraska 68047. Fax: (402) 385-3360.
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 this requirement will void the manufacturer's warranty.
Yes. Towing behind a non-motorized vehicle will void the warranty. The BX3833 is designed for use with motorized tow vehicles only.
Yes, the BX3833 is designed for 2012-15 Volkswagen Passat SEL/SE models, including TDI. If your vehicle's front looks different than shown in the manual, contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051.
You need: torque wrench, drill with 13/32" and 9/32" bits, Torx 25 bit, 9/16" wrench, flat screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, utility knife, large vise grip, tape measure, and Loctite RED.
Yes. You must drill three side holes on both sides using a 13/32" bit, and one hole in the frame using a 9/32" bit for the breakaway bracket. Trimming of plastic tabs and grill notching is also required.
For 3/8" Grade 5 bolts (supplied in kit): 33 foot-pounds. For 3/8" Grade 8: 47 foot-pounds. Always apply Loctite RED to all bolt threads before tightening.
The baseplate is computer tested to your vehicle's GVWR. Exceeding this weight voids the warranty. Check your vehicle owner's manual for your GVWR and manufacturer's towing specifications.
Yes. You must remove the front fascia, bumper, styrofoam padding, headlights, and temperature sensor. These are reinstalled after baseplate installation.
No. Use only genuine factory replacement parts of the same grade (usually Grade 5). Order replacements through a Blue Ox Dealer. Using non-genuine parts voids the warranty.
If the horn is in the way during baseplate positioning, gently bend it outward to provide clearance. This allows the baseplate to be properly centered under the bumper without obstruction.
Verify the baseplate is level before installing the bottom slot bolts. If it is not level, reposition the baseplate and clamp it again, ensuring it is centered under the bumper with the slot aligned to the existing hole. Check that the vehicle is on level ground and that no obstructions are preventing proper seating.
The dimensional variations between otherwise identical vehicles can be considerable. Minor adjustments may be necessary to compensate for vehicle manufacturer's tolerances. These may include filing a hole slightly, bending electrical rods, or bending end plates. Ensure the grill is properly notched to allow clearance for the convenience links, attachment tabs, and breakaway switch. Hold the fascia as close to the original state as possible when marking the cutout location.
Reposition the safety cables to ensure they do not rub against any hoses or moving parts. If the recommended frame mounting location causes interference, secure the cables to a different solid piece of the frame as described in the instructions included with the permanent baseplate safety cables. Check both sides of the vehicle.
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