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2002 Dodge Stratus
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Custom-Designed: Blue Ox base plates are custom designed for each specific towed vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit and seamless integration.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
The Blue Ox BX1954 Tow Bar Bracket serves as a robust, reliable, and tailor-made solution for your towing needs. Engineered from high-quality steel, this bracket offers unyielding strength and durability. It comes in a sleek black color with a protective powder coat finish, providing resistance against corrosion and enhancing its lifespan. The bolt-on design ensures a secure, hassle-free installation. With all necessary mounting hardware included, this DIY-friendly tow bar bracket saves you time and offers a perfect fit for your specific towed vehicle.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Dodge Stratus | 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 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 BX1954 is designed specifically for the 2002 Dodge Stratus R/T. The attachment tabs are 23 inches center to center with a height of 13 inches.
The manual specifies the BX1954 is for the 2002 Dodge Stratus R/T only. The manual does not confirm fitment on other model years or non-R/T trim levels. Contact your Blue Ox dealer or distributor to verify fitment on other vehicles.
The BX8869 is available for the 2002 Dodge Stratus R/T, and the manual shows its location on the passenger's side tail light assembly. However, the manual does not specify whether it is included with the baseplate or must be ordered separately, or what its function is. Contact your Blue Ox dealer for details.
Required tools are: 9/16" socket, 10MM socket, 12MM socket, 14MM socket, 13/32" drill bit, Phillips screwdriver, needle nose pliers, flat chisel, utility knife, and Loctite. You will also need a drill and a welding torch or access to welding equipment to remove the welded nut from the horn bracket.
Yes. The front fascia, metal bumper, and horn bracket must be removed for baseplate installation. The fascia is held by five metric bolts on top (10MM socket), three push pins in the wheel well on each side, and one push pin from the bottom center.
The metal bumper is held by two metric bolts on the bottom side of each frame rail (14MM socket, both sides). After removing these bolts, pull the metal bumper forward and set it aside.
Remove one metric bolt from the horn bracket on the driver's side using a 12MM socket. The horn bracket is then relocated straight back on the frame rail approximately 1 foot to existing holes with a nut welded to the inside of the frame. The welded nut must be removed using a flat chisel before the bracket can be repositioned.
Yes, drilling is required. You must drill holes using a 13/32" drill bit on both sides of the frame. The baseplate spacer plate (item 2) is used as a template. Holes are drilled while maintaining a level position with the bottom of the frame, positioned 1/4" back from the frame end.
Minor trimming is required to the air dam and lower grill opening. The air dam must be cut approximately 3 1/4" back and 3" up on both sides to open the area for the baseplate. The lower grill opening may also require trimming to align properly when the fascia is reinstalled.
Yes. The air dam cutting (3 1/4" back and 3" up on both sides) and the drilling of frame holes using a 13/32" drill bit are permanent modifications to the vehicle. The horn bracket relocation also involves permanent removal of a welded nut from the frame.
The manual states that all bolts must be tightened according to a torque chart in the General Instruction Sheet, which is not included in this document. Contact your Blue Ox dealer or distributor for the specific torque values, or refer to the General Instruction Sheet that should have been provided with your baseplate kit.
The main bolts are 3/8-16 x 1 1/2, Grade 5, zinc plated (part number 201-0440). Six of these bolts are used in the installation. If a bolt is lost or needs replacement, use only a replacement bolt of the same grade (Grade 5) for safety and preservation of the baseplate.
The hole size is 13/32" diameter. This drill bit size is used with the spacer plate (item 2) as a template to drill holes on both sides of the frame while maintaining a level position with the bottom of the frame, positioned 1/4" back from the frame end.
The attachment tabs are 23 inches center to center and have a height of 13 inches.
1. Remove fascia (five top bolts, three push pins per wheel well, one center bottom push pin). 2. Remove metal bumper (two bolts per side on frame rails). 3. Remove and relocate horn bracket. 4. Cut air dam (3 1/4" back, 3" up both sides). 5. Drill frame holes using spacer plate as template (13/32" bit). 6. Insert backing plate into frame end and align spacer plates. 7. Install bolts and washers on both sides. 8. Apply Loctite to all bolts before tightening to specification. 9. Reinstall metal bumper and fascia, trimming grill opening as needed.
The spacer plate (item 2) should be held up as far as possible while maintaining a level position with the bottom of the frame, positioned 1/4" back from the frame end. This positioning is used as the template for drilling the attachment holes on both sides.
Loctite is a threadlocker compound that must be applied to all bolts before tightening them. The manual specifies using Loctite on all bolts to prevent them from loosening due to vibration during towing. It is listed as a required tool for installation.
The manual notes that dimensional variations between otherwise identical cars can be considerable. If a bolt does not clear, it may be necessary to file the hole slightly to allow proper alignment. The baseplate holes were designed to allow for easy installation and minor adjustments.
The tow bar and safety cables are installed separately according to their own instruction packages. The baseplate installation is complete before these components are attached. However, permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended and must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member.
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 (part numbers 226-0046 and 229-0359) are included with the baseplate kit.
No. Permanent baseplate safety cables must be used in conjunction with, and are not a replacement for, legally required safety cables that attach the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle. Both types of cables are necessary for safe towing.
Permanent baseplate safety cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame. The manual states that cables must not be mounted against wires, hoses, or brake lines, as improper installation could cause fluid leaks or electrical shorts. The manual references 'possible arrangements recommended by Blue Ox' but does not provide specific routing details for the Stratus R/T.
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 specifications using Loctite Red. It is the owner's responsibility to perform these inspections.
The installer must watch for and avoid oil cooler and air conditioner lines, electrical wires, hoses, and missing parts or attaching points on the frame. If the baseplate is improperly installed against a wire or hose, it could cause fluid leaks or electrical shorts some time after installation. This is the installer's responsibility to prevent.
After installation, reinstall the metal bumper and fascia, trimming the lower grill opening as needed to align properly. Install the tow bar and safety cables according to their instruction packages. Register your baseplate online at www.blueox.com to receive alerts about product offerings, updates, upgrades, maintenance, safety bulletins, and recalls. Before towing, inspect all equipment for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts.
Yes, the attachment tabs should be removed when not in use, if applicable. This helps protect the tabs and reduces wind resistance when the vehicle is not being used for towing.
Permanent baseplate safety cables should remain installed as long as the baseplate is installed on the vehicle. The baseplate itself can remain on the vehicle for as long as you own it or plan to tow. However, attachment tabs can be removed when not in use.
Do not substitute other devices if the tow bar pin and clip are lost. Contact your Blue Ox dealer or distributor to obtain genuine replacement parts. Using non-genuine or improvised pins and clips could compromise the safety of your towing system.
No. The manual explicitly states to use only genuine factory replacement parts on your baseplate. Do not substitute homemade or nontypical parts. If a bolt is lost or needs replacement, use a replacement bolt of the same grade (usually Grade 5). Repair parts may be ordered through your nearest Blue Ox dealer or distributor.
Yes, the BX1954 is designed specifically for the 2002 Dodge Stratus R/T. Attachment tabs are 23 inches center to center with 13 inches height.
You need: 9/16", 10MM, 12MM, and 14MM sockets; 13/32" drill bit; Phillips screwdriver; needle nose pliers; flat chisel; utility knife; Loctite; and a drill with welding capability to remove the horn bracket's welded nut.
Torque specifications are provided in the General Instruction Sheet (not included in this manual). Contact your Blue Ox dealer for the specific torque values. All bolts are 3/8-16 x 1 1/2, Grade 5, and must have Loctite applied before tightening.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended. Two cables are included (part numbers 226-0046 and 229-0359). They must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member and cannot replace legally required safety cables.
Before each towing trip, inspect all towing equipment for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts. Ensure all bolts are tightened to specification with Loctite Red. Register your baseplate at www.blueox.com for safety updates and recalls.
No. Do not substitute other devices if the tow bar pin and clip are lost. Contact your Blue Ox dealer for genuine replacement parts. Only use genuine factory replacement parts on your baseplate.
The manual notes that dimensional variations between otherwise identical cars can be considerable. If a bolt does not clear, file the hole slightly to allow proper alignment. The baseplate holes were designed to allow for easy installation and minor adjustments.
If the baseplate is improperly installed and is against a wire or hose, it could cause fluid leaks or electrical shorts some time after the actual baseplate installation. The installer must watch for oil cooler and air conditioner lines, electrical wires, hoses, and missing frame parts to prevent this.
Tighten all loose bolts to the recommended torque specification (refer to the General Instruction Sheet). Apply Loctite Red to the bolts before tightening to prevent them from loosening again due to vibration during towing. Inspect all bolts before each towing trip.
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