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Blue Ox
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2005 - 2008 Ford Escape
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Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
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Custom designed for each specific towed vehicle for perfect fit and seamless integration.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
Introducing the Blue Ox BX2609 Tow Bar Bracket, a game-changer in the world of vehicle towing. This high-quality base plate is custom designed for each specific towed vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit and seamless integration. Made from robust steel and finished with a resilient powder coating, this bracket is designed to withstand the harshest conditions and provide long-lasting service. It comes in a sleek black color that complements any vehicle color scheme. The BX2609 is a bolt-on type bracket, allowing for an easy do-it-yourself installation. And no need to worry about finding the right mounting hardware - it's all included in your purchase. This Blue Ox Tow Bar Bracket is your reliable partner for safe and secure towing.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 - 2008 | Ford Escape | 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 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. 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 BX2609 baseplate is designed for both the 2005-08 Ford Escape and 2005-08 Ford Escape Hybrid. However, installation requires removal of the fascia and air dam, and some trimming is necessary. The dimensional variations between otherwise identical vehicles can be considerable, so minor adjustments such as filing holes, bending electrical rods, or bending end plates may be required to compensate for manufacturer tolerances.
Motorhome mount tow bars are recommended for use with the BX2609. The RangeFinderII, Adventurer, and Ambassador tow bars cannot be used due to the design of the removable tabs. The Acclaim tow bar may be used, but will not fold and store on the front of the vehicle. Adapters cannot be used with this baseplate, except for the BX8833 and BX88151.
Required tools include: 10mm socket, 13mm socket, 17mm socket, 9/16" socket/wrench, 5/8" socket, drill, flat screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, utility knife, pliers, large vise grips, tape measure, reciprocating saw, and 1.25-inch hole saw. Loctite RED is also required for all bolts.
The manual does not specify whether the battery must be disconnected. However, the manual notes that some models may need to disconnect electrical plugs from the fog lights during fascia removal. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual or contact Blue Ox Customer Care at (402) 385-3051 for guidance on electrical safety during installation.
Blue Ox recommends that baseplates be installed by Blue Ox Dealers who are familiar with their products and have the equipment and knowledge to do 'fit work.' Blue Ox Dealers can be found at www.blueox.com or by contacting Blue Ox Customer Care at (402) 385-3051. The installation involves removal of cosmetic parts, use of power tools including a reciprocating saw, and may require minor adjustments to compensate for manufacturer tolerances.
The hardware kit includes: 8 x 10MM-1.5 x 40MM hex bolts (Grade 10.9), 4 x 10MM-1.5 x 50MM hex bolts (Grade 8.8), 4 x 3/8-16 x 2" hex bolts (Grade 5), 4 x 3/8-16 x 1.5" hex bolts (Grade 5), 12 x 10MM lock washers, 8 x 3/8 lock washers, 4 x 3/8 flat washers, 8 weld nut plates, 2 x #12-14 x 1" self-drilling screws, 2 x 10-32 x 0.5" slot round head screws, 2 x #10 lock washers, 2 x #10-32 hex nuts, 2 x 4-way connectors, 2 x attachment tab assemblies, 2 x 36-inch baseplate safety cables (Class III), and 2 x 3/8-inch quicklinks.
Yes, the fascia and air dam must be removed for installation. The removal process involves removing metric bolts from the grill, pushpins below the license plate, pushpins forward of the front tire, metric bolts on the bottom edge of the fascia, pushpins from the fascia, and additional metric bolts from the bottom edge of the fascia. The air dam is then removed by taking out pushpins and brass clips from the lower edge of the radiator. All removed parts and fasteners must be set aside for reinstallation after baseplate installation is complete.
The attachment tab height is 18.5 inches and the attachment tab width is 18 inches. If the front of your vehicle looks different than expected, contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051.
Drilling is required only if your vehicle does not have existing tie down brackets with threaded inserts in the frame. In that case, you must drill a 1.25-inch hole into the front side of the lower frame extension on both sides to insert nut plates that align with existing holes. If your vehicle has existing tie down brackets, no drilling is required for the main baseplate installation, though a reciprocating saw is used to make two slits in the frame on each side.
Yes, some trimming is required. The air dam must be aligned as close to the original position as possible, just forward of the baseplate, and the area must be marked and trimmed out to accommodate the baseplate before the air dam is reinstalled. The manual notes that the dimensional variations between otherwise identical vehicles can be considerable, and minor adjustments may include filing holes slightly, bending electrical rods, or bending end plates.
Yes, a reciprocating saw is required to make two slits in the frame on both sides of the vehicle (Step 9). After making the slits, you use pliers to bend the resulting metal pieces over to the inside of the frame on both sides (Step 10).
Torque specifications depend on bolt size and grade. For 10MM Grade 8.8 bolts, torque is 16 foot-pounds; for 10MM Grade 10.9 bolts, torque is 22 foot-pounds. For 3/8-inch Grade 5 bolts, torque is 10 foot-pounds. All bolts must be tightened according to the torque chart on the front page of the installation instructions or page 3 of the Baseplate Towing General Instructions. Loctite RED must be used on all bolts before tightening.
Yes, Loctite RED must be used on all bolts before tightening. The manual emphasizes: 'BE SURE TO USE LOCTITE® RED ON ALL BOLTS BEFORE TIGHTENING.' This is required for all bolt connections in the baseplate installation.
The BX8869 Bulb and Socket Wiring Kit is recommended for the 2005-08 Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid, but not stated as required. The manual notes a possible location for the kit on page 3. Ensure all electrical connections are plugged in properly and functioning before installing the fascia.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended when towing a vehicle with a tow bar. Two 36-inch Class III safety cables are included with the BX2609. Their function is to prevent the towed vehicle from breaking loose if the connection between the frame and baseplate fails or becomes disconnected. The cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame. They must not be mounted against wires, hoses, or brake lines. These cables are to be used in conjunction with, and NOT as a replacement for, legally required safety cables attaching the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle.
Attach the permanent baseplate safety cables to the provided convenience link (quicklink) on the baseplate. The cables should be secured to a solid piece of the frame of the vehicle. On the passenger side, the cables are wrapped around twice. Ensure the safety cables do not rub against any hoses or moving parts. Do not mount the cables against wires, hoses, or brake lines. Additional options may interfere with the suggested mounting; in that case, secure the cables to a solid piece of the frame as described in the instructions included with the permanent baseplate safety cables.
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 installing the fascia, ensure that all electrical connections are plugged in properly and functioning. After installation is complete, 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. 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. The permanent baseplate safety cables should remain installed as long as the baseplate is installed on the vehicle. Remove the attachment tabs when not in use (if applicable). Register your product online at www.blueox.com to be alerted of product offerings, updates, upgrades, maintenance and safety bulletins, and recalls.
No. Towing behind a non-motorized vehicle will void the warranty. The BX2609 is designed for use with motorized towing vehicles only.
No. Use only genuine factory replacement parts on the 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 or altering the installation instructions will void the manufacturer's warranty.
If the front of your vehicle looks different than the reference image shown in the instructions, call Blue Ox Customer Care at (402) 385-3051. They can help determine if the baseplate is suitable for your specific vehicle or if modifications are needed.
Contact Blue Ox Customer Care at (402) 385-3051. You can also visit www.blueox.com to find a Blue Ox Dealer. Blue Ox is committed to providing exceptional customer care and can assist with any questions regarding the performance of the product. The company also offers service at rallies and at the factory location in Pender, Nebraska.
Yes, the BX2609 is designed for both 2005-08 Ford Escape and Ford Escape Hybrid. Installation requires removal of fascia and air dam, and some trimming may be necessary.
You will need a reciprocating saw, 1.25-inch hole saw, drill, 10mm/13mm/17mm sockets, Phillips and flat screwdrivers, pliers, vise grips, tape measure, and Loctite RED. Professional installation by a Blue Ox Dealer is recommended.
Yes, both the fascia and air dam must be removed. They are reinstalled after baseplate installation is complete.
Drilling is required only if your vehicle lacks existing tie down brackets with threaded inserts. If needed, drill a 1.25-inch hole into the lower frame extension to insert nut plates. A reciprocating saw is always used to make frame slits.
10MM Grade 8.8 bolts: 16 ft-lbs; 10MM Grade 10.9 bolts: 22 ft-lbs; 3/8" Grade 5 bolts: 10 ft-lbs. Use Loctite RED on all bolts before tightening.
Safety cables are strongly recommended. Two 36-inch Class III cables are included. They must be connected from the baseplate to the vehicle frame and are in addition to, not a replacement for, legally required safety cables.
Ensure all electrical connections are plugged in and functioning before installing the fascia. Before each towing trip, inspect for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts.
No. Towing behind a non-motorized vehicle voids the warranty. The BX2609 is for motorized towing vehicles only.
The dimensional variations between otherwise identical vehicles can be considerable. Minor adjustments may be necessary to compensate for manufacturer tolerances. These adjustments may include filing a hole slightly, bending electrical rods, or bending end plates. If alignment issues persist, contact Blue Ox Customer Care at (402) 385-3051 for assistance.
Reposition the safety cables to ensure they do not rub against any hoses or moving parts. Secure the cables to a solid piece of the frame as described in the instructions included with the permanent baseplate safety cables. Ensure the cables are not mounted against wires, hoses, or brake lines. If repositioning does not resolve the issue, contact Blue Ox Customer Care at (402) 385-3051.
Ensure all electrical connections are plugged in properly before installing the fascia. Check that all plugs are fully seated. If fog lights were disconnected during fascia removal, ensure they are reconnected. If electrical connections still do not function, do not install the fascia. Contact Blue Ox Customer Care at (402) 385-3051 or consult the wiring kit instructions (such as the BX8869 Bulb and Socket Wiring Kit) for troubleshooting.
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