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Blue Ox
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2009 - 2012 Ford Flex
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Custom Designed: Each Blue Ox BX2604 Tow Bar Bracket is specifically designed for each towed vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit every time.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
The Blue Ox BX2604 Tow Bar Bracket is a superior quality product that is designed specifically for your towed vehicle. Made from high-grade steel, it offers unmatched strength and durability. Its black powder coat finish not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also provides maximum resistance to rust and corrosion. The bracket comes with a bolt-on mounting type, ensuring a secure fit and easy installation. Plus, with every purchase, you get all the necessary mounting hardware and detailed instructions for a hassle-free, do-it-yourself installation.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 - 2012 | Ford Flex | No EcoBoost 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 Headlights Must be Removed and Replaced During Installation 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 |
The BX2604 baseplate is designed for 2009–12 Ford Flex SEL (No Ecoboost) and 2011–12 Ford Flex Limited (No Ecoboost) models only. If your vehicle is a different model year, trim level, or has an Ecoboost engine, this baseplate is not compatible. Contact Blue Ox Customer Care at (402) 385-3051 to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle.
No. Due to the design of the removable attachment tabs on the BX2604, the RangeFinderII tow bar cannot be used with this baseplate.
Most adapters cannot be used with the BX2604 baseplate due to its removable tab design. The only exceptions are the BX8833 and BX88151 adapters, which are compatible. For any other adapter, contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 to confirm compatibility.
The BX8869 Bulb and Socket Wiring Kit is recommended for the BX2604. However, do not use BX8869 or BX8848 if your vehicle has LED tail lights. If your Ford Flex has LED tail lights, use only the BX8834 wiring kit.
Required tools include: 5.5 mm, 7 mm, 10 mm, and 13 mm sockets; 9/16" socket or wrench; flat and Phillips screwdrivers; utility knife; hacksaw blade; large vise grips; reciprocating saw; drill with 1/4" and 13/32" drill bits; and Loctite RED. Protective covers and rags are recommended to prevent damage to cosmetic parts.
The hardware kit includes: 2 nut plate weldments (61-5367); 2 × 3/8"-16 × 1" Grade 5 hex bolts; 6 × 3/8"-16 × 1-1/4" Grade 5 hex bolts; 4 × 3/8" flat washers; 2 × 3/8" lock washers; 6 × 3/8"-16 hex nylon insert lock nuts; 2 × #12-14 × 1" self-drilling screws; 2 × #10-32 × 1/2" slotted round head screws; 2 × #10 lock washers; 2 × #10-32 hex nuts; 2 × 4-way connector adapters; 2 × attachment tab assemblies; 2 × 36" Class III safety cables; 2 × 3/8" quicklinks; and 2 × black cap plugs.
Blue Ox recommends that the BX2604 be installed by Blue Ox Dealers who are familiar with the product and have the equipment and knowledge necessary for fit work. The installation involves removal and replacement of the front fascia, metal bumper, and headlights, as well as drilling and trimming. Blue Ox Dealers can be found at www.blueox.com or by calling (402) 385-3051.
The front fascia, metal bumper, and headlights must be removed during installation and then reinstalled. The grille must be trimmed. These components are removed to access the frame and mounting points for the baseplate.
Yes. Drilling is required. You must drill out two spot welds on each side of the vehicle using a 1/4" drill bit, and then drill mounting holes using a 13/32" drill bit according to the baseplate template. When using power drills, be aware of the dangers of torque and drill bit length.
Yes. The grille must be trimmed during installation. The manual notes that the dimensional variations between otherwise identical vehicles can be considerable, and minor adjustments such as trimming may be necessary to compensate for manufacturer tolerances.
On the 2010 model, passenger side: trim an opening 2-1/2" to 4-1/2" down and 1" in, then trim a second opening 2" to 2-1/2" down starting at the bend and going straight across and in 2" on the left side. On the driver side: trim an opening 5" down to 9" and in 1". Before installing the electrical plug, use a hacksaw blade to cut out the horizontal style as necessary for the attachment tabs to come through on both sides.
The installation involves bending the inside tabs of the baseplate and bending the center ribbing on top of the frame rail toward the radiator. These are adjustments to the baseplate and frame to ensure proper fit and level installation. The manual notes that minor adjustments may include filing holes, bending electrical rods, or bending end plates to compensate for manufacturer tolerances. Consult your installer about the extent of modifications required for your specific vehicle.
All bolts must be tightened according to the torque chart provided on the front page of the installation instructions or on page 3 of the Baseplate Towing General Instructions. The manual specifies Grade 5 and Grade 8 bolt torque values for inch bolts, and Grade 8.8 and Grade 10.9 values for metric bolts. For example, 3/8" Grade 5 bolts are torqued to 33 foot-pounds, and 3/8" Grade 8 bolts to 47 foot-pounds. Loctite RED must be applied to all bolts before tightening.
The attachment tab height is 24 3/4" and the attachment tab width is 24".
The removal sequence is: (1) Remove metric bolts from top corners of grille and pushpins from top of grille; (2) Remove three screws inside wheel well just forward of front tire on both sides; (3) Remove pushpin from bottom edge of fascia forward of front tire on both sides; (4) Remove three pushpins from underneath center of fascia; (5) Remove one pushpin from front of fascia per side and pull fascia forward; (6) Remove three pushpins from plastic guard on top of bumper on both sides; (7) Remove four metric bolts from bumper (two per side); (8) Drill out two spot welds on each side and remove bumper; (9) Remove four metric bolts from headlights (one per side, two on top) and one pushpin on top, then unplug and remove headlights.
Using vise grips, bend the two inside tabs of the baseplate out flat with the frame. On top of the frame rail, bend the center ribbing toward the radiator (about 6" back from the end). Slide the baseplate up onto the frame. Ensure the baseplate is level with respect to the vehicle frame. Bend the tabs back. Using the baseplate as a template, drill holes with a 13/32" drill bit. In the front hole, attach a 3/8"-16 × 1" bolt to a 3/8" nylon insert nut. In the back hole, use a 3/8"-16 × 1-1/4" bolt with a 3/8" lock washer and 3/8" nut plate. On the bottom, use 3/8"-16 × 1-1/4" bolts with 3/8" flat washers and 3/8" nylon insert nuts. Use Loctite RED on all bolts before tightening. Do this on both sides of the vehicle.
Attach the permanent baseplate safety cables to the provided convenience link on the baseplate. The recommended installation is to secure the cables to the frame of the vehicle. If additional options interfere with the suggested 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. The safety cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame.
Before installing the electrical plug, hold the fascia up to its original location and cut out the horizontal style with a hacksaw blade as necessary for the attachment tabs to come through. Do this on both sides of the vehicle. Reinstall the fascia. Then install the electrical plug on the front of the fascia. Ensure all electrical connections are plugged in properly and functioning before installing the fascia.
All electrical connections must be plugged in properly and functioning before installing the fascia. This includes the headlight electrical connections and the 4-way connector adapter connections. Verify that all connections are secure and that lights are operational.
If the baseplate is in an accident, it must be replaced and not reused. 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. Contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 for replacement.
No. 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, which could result in separation of the towed vehicle from the tow bar.
Remove the attachment tabs when not in use. This helps protect them and reduces the profile of the baseplate when the vehicle is not being towed.
Before each towing trip, inspect all towing equipment for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts. Ensure that Loctite RED has been used on all bolts and that they are tightened to the recommended torque specifications. Check that all electrical connections are secure and functioning, and verify that the safety cables are properly attached and do not rub against hoses or moving parts.
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 recalls.
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 them to the recommended torque specifications. Ensure that the safety cables are properly attached and do not rub against hoses or moving parts. The permanent baseplate safety cables should remain installed as long as the baseplate is installed on the vehicle. If you notice any damage, contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 for service or replacement parts.
The manufacturer's warranty is voided if the installation instructions are not followed or if the baseplate is altered. The warranty is also voided if the towed vehicle is used for storing luggage or equipment, or if the vehicle is towed behind a non-motorized vehicle. For specific warranty details and coverage, contact Blue Ox Customer Care at (402) 385-3051.
If the front of your vehicle looks different from the illustrations in the manual, call Blue Ox Customer Care at (402) 385-3051. The dimensional variations between otherwise identical vehicles can be considerable, and your vehicle may require different installation steps or adjustments.
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. For safety and preservation of the baseplate, always use genuine factory replacement parts and do not substitute homemade or non-typical parts. Contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 for part availability and ordering.
The BX2604 is designed for 2009–12 Ford Flex SEL (No Ecoboost) and 2011–12 Ford Flex Limited (No Ecoboost) only. Contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle.
Required tools include sockets (5.5 mm, 7 mm, 10 mm, 13 mm, 9/16"), screwdrivers, utility knife, hacksaw blade, vise grips, reciprocating saw, drill with 1/4" and 13/32" bits, and Loctite RED. Protective covers are recommended for cosmetic parts.
Yes. You must drill out two spot welds per side with a 1/4" bit and drill mounting holes with a 13/32" bit. The grille must also be trimmed. When using power drills, be aware of the dangers of torque and drill bit length.
The front fascia, metal bumper, and headlights must be removed and then reinstalled. The grille must be trimmed. Professional installation by a Blue Ox Dealer is recommended.
Torque all bolts according to the chart on the front page of these instructions. For example, 3/8" Grade 5 bolts are 33 ft-lbs and 3/8" Grade 8 bolts are 47 ft-lbs. Use Loctite RED on all bolts before tightening.
Use the BX8869 Bulb and Socket Wiring Kit. Do not use BX8869 or BX8848 if your vehicle has LED tail lights; use BX8834 instead.
No. Do not store luggage or equipment in the towed vehicle, as this may exceed the towing capacity of the tow bar and baseplate, risking separation of the vehicle.
Inspect for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts. Verify all bolts are torqued to specification with Loctite RED, electrical connections are secure, and safety cables do not rub against hoses or moving parts.
Ensure the baseplate is level with respect to the vehicle frame before tightening the bolts. If it is not level, check that the two inside tabs have been bent out flat with the frame and that the center ribbing on top of the frame rail has been bent toward the radiator. You may need to adjust these bends or make minor adjustments such as filing a hole slightly or bending end plates to compensate for manufacturer tolerances. If the baseplate still does not sit level, contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051.
Before installing the fascia, ensure all electrical connections are plugged in properly and functioning. Check that the 4-way connector adapters are fully seated and that all headlight electrical connections are secure. If connections are still not functioning, verify that the correct wiring kit (BX8869 for standard tail lights or BX8834 for LED tail lights) has been installed and that all plugs are fully inserted. If the problem persists, contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051.
Reposition the safety cables so they do not rub against any hoses or moving parts. The cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame. If the recommended mounting location interferes with other components, secure the cables to a solid piece of the frame as described in the instructions included with the permanent baseplate safety cables. Ensure adequate clearance from all hoses, wires, and brake lines.
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