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Blue Ox
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2013 - 2016 Ford Fusion
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Custom Design: Each Blue Ox BX2646 Tow Bar Bracket is custom designed for a specific towed vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit and seamless towing experience.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
Step up your towing game with the Blue Ox BX2646 Tow Bar Bracket. Custom designed for each specific towed vehicle, this base plate streamlines the towing process for a more efficient and secure experience. Made from durable steel and finished with a sleek black powder coat, this base plate is built to handle the rigors of the road. The bolt-on mounting type makes for a straightforward DIY installation, and we even include all necessary hardware to make the process even easier. Upgrade your towing setup with the Blue Ox BX2646 Tow Bar Bracket.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 - 2016 | Ford Fusion | 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 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. |
Yes, the BX2646 is designed for 2013-2016 Ford Fusion SE and Titanium models, including Hybrid and Adaptive Cruise Control versions. Before installation, verify that the front of your vehicle matches the reference image in the manual. If it does not, contact Blue Ox technical service at (402) 385-3051.
Yes, the BX2646 is designed to work with Ford Fusion models that have Adaptive Cruise Control. However, during installation, you must be careful not to cut away too much plastic on the driver side, as the ACC unit may malfunction if excessive plastic is removed. Ensure that nothing is installed in front of the ACC sensor, as obstructions will cause false readings.
The attachment tab height is 12 inches and the attachment tab width is 15 inches.
Required tools include: large vise grip, flat screwdriver, utility knife, torque wrench, drill, tape measure, 13/32" drill bit, 1-1/4" hole saw, 7MM socket, 8MM socket, 10MM socket, 13MM socket, 9/16" socket, 9/16" wrench, and T25 Torx. You will also need Loctite Red for all bolt threads.
Yes, Loctite Red is required. The manual specifies that you must use a sufficient amount of Loctite Red on all bolt threads before tightening. This is essential for proper fastener security.
Yes, the front fascia must be removed and then reinstalled after baseplate installation. The removal process involves removing three T25 Torx screws from the top edge, six push pins from the top edge, three push pins from the outer edge of each wheel well, five 7MM screws from the underside edge, and four push pins from the underside corners. All electrical connections must be disconnected from the back of the fascia before removal.
Using a utility knife, trim the outer flange of the washer fluid reservoir back approximately 2-1/4" as shown in the manual. This trimming is necessary to provide clearance for the baseplate.
Trim the radiator shrouding approximately as shown in the manual for baseplate clearance. This trimming must be done on three shrouds across the front of the vehicle. The exact amount depends on your specific vehicle's tolerances, as dimensional variations between otherwise identical vehicles can be considerable.
Using a utility knife, trim two pockets in the plastic shrouding back flush to the metal brackets as shown in the manual. This provides necessary clearance for the baseplate installation.
A 1-1/4" hole saw is used to drill access holes on both the passenger side (left) and driver side (right) for nut plate access. On the passenger side, keep the access hole as high up on the angled part of the frame as possible to avoid the front hole of the baseplate.
Yes, drilling is required. You must drill the front top hole through the frame using a 13/32" drill bit (Step 11) and drill the front holes through the metal brackets using a 13/32" drill bit (Step 12). Additionally, a 1-1/4" hole saw is used to create access holes on both sides of the vehicle (Step 8). The manual also notes that when using power drills, be aware of the dangers of torque and drill bit length.
According to the torque chart provided in the manual, 3/8"-16 Grade 5 bolts should be torqued to 33 foot-pounds.
According to the torque chart provided in the manual, 8MM Grade 8.8 metric bolts should be torqued to 16 foot-pounds, and 8MM Grade 10.9 metric bolts should be torqued to 22 foot-pounds. The manual does not provide a specific Grade 5 specification for 8MM bolts.
The installation sequence is: (1) Using the existing hole, bolt the baseplate to the frame with a 3/8"-16 x 1" bolt, 3/8" lock washer and 3/8"-16 nut plate on both sides, then level and tighten down the baseplate (Step 10); (2) Drill the front top hole through the frame and install a 3/8"-16 x 1" bolt, 3/8" lock washer and 3/8"-16 nut plate, plus side bracket bolts with spacer plates (Step 11); (3) Drill the front holes through the metal brackets and install 3/8"-16 x 1" bolts, 3/8" lock washers and 3/8"-16 nut plates (Step 12).
The spacer plate is installed between the side bracket and baseplate when installing the 3/8"-16 x 1-1/2" bolts into the lower holes (Step 11). This maintains proper spacing and alignment during assembly.
Using a hammer, knock the edge of the extension behind for baseplate clearance. This must be done on both sides of the vehicle (Step 9).
The manual shows a 4-pin connector and 6-pin connector in the parts diagram, but does not provide specific instructions for electrical connections in the installation steps. The manual emphasizes that all electrical connections must be disconnected from the back of the fascia before removal (Step 4) and that all electrical connections must be plugged in and accessories must be functioning properly before reinstalling the fascia (Step 14). For specific electrical connection details, refer to the General Information sheet or contact Blue Ox technical service at (402) 385-3051.
The baseplate is computer tested to your vehicle's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Exceeding this weight will void the manufacturer's warranty. You must reference your vehicle owner's manual for the manufacturer's towing specifications and ensure you do not exceed your vehicle's GVWR.
Yes, permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended when towing a vehicle with a tow bar. The BX2646 includes Class III Safety Cables (part 226-0046) and 3/8" Quicklinks (part 229-0359). The cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame. The cables must not be mounted against wires, hoses or brake lines. Safety 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.
The safety cables should be attached to the provided convenience link on the baseplate and then secured to the frame of the vehicle. The manual shows recommended installation of the cables to the frame. Additional options may interfere with suggested mounting; in such cases, secure the cables to a solid piece of the frame. The cables must not rub against any hoses or moving parts. This must be done on both sides of the vehicle.
When trimming the fascia around the convenience links and attachment tabs, trim only as little as necessary to allow for the tabs. The ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) unit on the driver side may malfunction if too much plastic is cut away. Most importantly, ensure that nothing is installed in front of the ACC sensor, as obstructions will cause false readings from the sensor.
Before reinstalling the fascia, ensure that all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly. This is critical to verify that the electrical system is working correctly before the fascia is reinstalled.
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. Be sure to use Loctite Red on all bolts and tighten them to the recommended specifications. Use a good quality paint to spray cut edges of the frame to prevent rusting. The attachment tabs should be removed when not in use.
Yes, use a good quality paint to spray cut edges of the frame to prevent rusting. This is an important maintenance step to protect the vehicle's frame from corrosion.
If the baseplate is in an accident, it must be replaced. Do not use it again, as 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.
Yes, Blue Ox 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. If needed, Blue Ox Dealers can be found at www.blueox.com or by contacting the Technical Service Department at (402) 385-3051.
No, you must 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 use genuine parts will void the manufacturer's warranty.
Blue Ox offers a three-year limited warranty to the original retail purchaser covering defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. The warranty is valid only if the customer warranty card is returned within 30 days of purchase and a copy of the original invoice accompanies any claim. The warranty does not cover improper installation, improper use, modification, neglect, failure to maintain, misuse, accident, normal wear and tear, paint or rust. The warranty is non-transferable. Register your product at www.blueox.com/warranty/ to activate coverage.
Yes, the BX2646 is designed for 2013-2016 Ford Fusion SE and Titanium models, including Hybrid and Adaptive Cruise Control versions. Verify your vehicle matches the reference image in the manual.
Required tools: torque wrench, drill with 13/32" bit and 1-1/4" hole saw, T25 Torx, 7MM/8MM/10MM/13MM sockets, 9/16" socket and wrench, utility knife, flat screwdriver, large vise grip, tape measure, and Loctite Red.
Yes, drilling is required. You must drill the front top hole and front bracket holes using a 13/32" drill bit, and create access holes using a 1-1/4" hole saw. Trimming of the washer fluid reservoir, radiator shrouding, and plastic pockets is also required.
3/8"-16 Grade 5 bolts should be torqued to 33 foot-pounds. Use Loctite Red on all bolt threads before tightening.
Yes, permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended. The BX2646 includes Class III Safety Cables that must be connected from the baseplate to the vehicle frame on both sides. Do not mount cables against wires, hoses or brake lines.
Yes, the front fascia must be removed before installation and reinstalled afterward. Removal involves removing T25 Torx screws, push pins, and 7MM screws, then disconnecting all electrical connections.
The baseplate is computer tested to your vehicle's GVWR. Exceeding this weight voids the warranty. Reference your vehicle owner's manual for towing specifications.
Yes, the BX2646 is designed for Fusion models with Adaptive Cruise Control. Do not cut away too much plastic on the driver side or the ACC unit may malfunction. Ensure nothing is installed in front of the ACC sensor.
The ACC unit on the driver side may malfunction if too much plastic is cut away during fascia trimming. Additionally, if anything is installed in front of the ACC sensor, it will cause false readings. During installation, trim only as little plastic as necessary around the convenience links and attachment tabs, and ensure that nothing obstructs the ACC sensor.
Before reinstalling the fascia, ensure that all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly. If accessories are not functioning after installation, check that all electrical connections from the back of the fascia are properly reconnected. Verify that the connections match the original configuration before the fascia was removed.
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