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Blue Ox
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2009 - 2012 Lincoln MKS
Confirmed to Fit
2010 - 2012 Lincoln MKT
Confirmed to Fit
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1. Custom Design: Each Blue Ox BX2617 tow bar bracket is specifically designed for each towed vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit and efficient towing.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
Experience efficient and reliable towing with the Blue Ox BX2617 Tow Bar Bracket. Custom-designed for each specific towed vehicle, this base plate ensures a perfect fit every time. It's constructed from durable steel and finished with a black powder coat, offering a blend of rugged strength and sleek aesthetics. The bolt-on mounting type makes for a hassle-free DIY installation process. With all necessary hardware included, you'll have everything you need to get started right away. Upgrade your towing setup with the Blue Ox BX2617 Tow Bar Bracket for a smoother, safer journey.
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
2 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 - 2012 | Lincoln MKS | 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 |
| 2010 - 2012 | Lincoln MKT | 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 BX2617 is a Class IV baseplate manufactured by Blue Ox for towing. It is designed to fit 2009-12 Lincoln MKS and 2010-12 Lincoln MKT models only. The baseplate must be installed by a Blue Ox Dealer familiar with fit work and equipped to perform the necessary drilling, trimming and adjustments required for proper installation.
Yes, the BX2617 is designed for both 2009-12 Lincoln MKS and 2010-12 Lincoln MKT models. However, installation procedures differ between the two models in several steps, including fascia removal, washer reservoir removal, and trimming requirements. Always follow the model-specific instructions provided in the manual.
The manual does not address compatibility with modified vehicles or aftermarket parts. Contact Blue Ox Technical Service at (402) 385-3051 to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle configuration before purchasing.
Required tools include: large vise grip, flat screwdriver, utility knife, Phillips screwdriver, torque wrench, drill, tape measure, 13/32" drill bit, 5.5MM socket, 8MM socket, 10MM socket, 9/16" socket, 9/16" wrench, and Loctite Red. An 11MM socket is also needed for MKS models. Power drills and reciprocating saws may be used but require awareness of torque dangers and drill bit length.
The kit includes: 8 nut plate weldments with 14" wire (61-5208), 1 baseplate (61-6721), 2 attachment tab assemblies (62-3469), 1 breakaway bracket (102-7197), 1 bolt 1/4"-20 x 3/4" Grade 5 (201-0050), 2 screws #10-32 1/2" (201-0192), 4 bolts 3/8"-16 x 2-1/2" Grade 5 (201-0336), 8 bolts 3/8"-16 x 1-1/4" Grade 5 (201-0368), 1 screw #10-16 x 1" (201-0654), 2 screws #12-14 x 1" (201-0979), 2 nuts #10-32 (202-0047), 4 nuts 3/8"-16 (202-0071), 1 nut 1/4"-20 (202-0102), 12 lock washers 3/8" (203-0010), 2 lock washers #10 (203-0054), 1 bracket 4-way (299-0685), 2 safety cables 36" Class IV (226-0049), 4 quicklinks 1/2" (229-0512), and 2 receiver cap plugs (290-0437).
Yes, the kit includes 2 permanent baseplate safety cables (226-0049, 36" Class IV) and 4 quicklinks (229-0512, 1/2"). These cables are strongly recommended and must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or crossmember of the vehicle's frame. They should remain installed as long as the baseplate is installed.
The BX8848 4-Diode Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle but not included in the baseplate kit. You will also need Loctite Red (not included) to apply to all bolt threads before tightening. All other required hardware and components are included in the kit.
Blue Ox recommends that baseplates be installed by Blue Ox Dealers who are familiar with their 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 Blue Ox Technical Service at (402) 385-3051. The installation requires drilling, trimming, and precise fit adjustments.
The following components must be removed and reinstalled after baseplate installation: fascia (front bumper cover), horn, washer reservoir, plastic cover underneath the vehicle, and collision control module. On MKS models, push pins must be removed from multiple locations. On MKT models, additional bolts must be removed. All removed items should be placed on a flat, sturdy surface and handled carefully to prevent damage.
The manual does not specify whether the battery must be disconnected. Contact Blue Ox Technical Service at (402) 385-3051 for guidance on this step.
Yes, drilling is required. The baseplate is used as a template to mark drilling locations. A 13/32" drill bit is used to drill holes underneath the vehicle for mounting bolts and holes in the side for bumper opening bolts. Holes are drilled on both sides of the vehicle. All cut edges of the frame should be painted with good quality paint to prevent rusting.
Trimming requirements differ by model. For MKS models: trim across the groove and down on the passenger side; cut off a tab 1" back and 2 1/4" wide on the back side of the fascia by the fog light on both sides; trim across the bottom on the back side by the cruise control mechanism on both sides. For MKT models: trim 2 1/4" up and 4 1/2" across on the passenger side; trim as shown on the back side of the fascia. A utility knife is used for all trimming. On the passenger side before reinstalling the washer reservoir, cut off the top right installation tab about 1 1/2" x 1 1/2".
Yes, the drilling and trimming modifications are permanent. The baseplate requires holes to be drilled in the frame and bumper, and the fascia and plastic components must be trimmed to accommodate the baseplate. These modifications cannot be reversed without significant repair work.
Torque specifications depend on bolt grade and size. For Grade 5 bolts: 1/4" = 10 ft-lbs, 5/16" = 19 ft-lbs, 3/8" = 33 ft-lbs, 7/16" = 54 ft-lbs, 1/2" = 78 ft-lbs. For Grade 8 bolts: 1/4" = 14 ft-lbs, 5/16" = 29 ft-lbs, 3/8" = 47 ft-lbs, 7/16" = 78 ft-lbs, 1/2" = 119 ft-lbs. For metric Grade 8.8 bolts: 6MM = 6 ft-lbs, 8MM = 16 ft-lbs, 10MM = 31 ft-lbs, 12MM = 54 ft-lbs. For metric Grade 10.9 bolts: 6MM = 8 ft-lbs, 8MM = 22 ft-lbs, 10MM = 40 ft-lbs, 12MM = 70 ft-lbs. Always use Loctite Red on all bolt threads before tightening.
The attachment tab height is 13" and the attachment tab width is 22".
The manual states that the baseplate is computer tested to your vehicle's GVWR and that exceeding this weight will void the manufacturer's warranty. However, the specific weight rating is not provided in the manual. Contact Blue Ox Technical Service at (402) 385-3051 for the exact weight capacity.
The BX8848 4-Diode Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle. This kit is not included with the baseplate and must be purchased separately. Ensure all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly before reinstalling the fascia.
The baseplate is computer tested to your vehicle's GVWR. Exceeding this weight will void the manufacturer's warranty. Refer to your vehicle owner's manual for manufacturer's towing specifications. Do not exceed the vehicle's GVWR rating.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended when towing a vehicle with a tow bar. The BX2617 kit includes 2 permanent baseplate safety cables (226-0049, 36" Class IV) and 4 quicklinks (229-0512). These cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or crossmember of the vehicle's frame and should remain installed as long as the baseplate is installed. They 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 permanent baseplate safety cables must be positioned around a solid piece of the frame, specifically around a frame rail or crossmember of the vehicle's frame. Do not mount the cables against wires, hoses or brake lines, as improper installation against these components could cause fluid leaks or electrical shorts. Two cable mounting options are provided in the manual: Option 1 for baseplates without convenience link tabs, and Option 2 for baseplates with convenience link tabs.
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. Replacement baseplates may be ordered through your nearest Blue Ox Dealer or Distributor.
Before reinstalling the fascia, ensure all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly. Verify that the baseplate is level with the frame and positioned as far up as possible. After installation, hold the fascia up in front of the baseplate, mark and trim the area needed for the baseplate to come through. Install the tow bar and safety cables according to the instructions provided in their packages. 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.
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 to the recommended specifications. Paint all cut edges of the frame with good quality paint to prevent rusting. Permanent baseplate safety cables should remain installed as long as the baseplate is installed on the vehicle. Register your product online at www.blueox.com to be alerted of product offerings, updates, upgrades, maintenance and safety bulletins, and/or recalls.
The manual does not specify a retorque interval. However, it states that it is the owner's responsibility to inspect all towing equipment for loose bolts before each towing trip and to use Loctite Red on all bolts and tighten to the recommended specifications. Contact Blue Ox Technical Service at (402) 385-3051 for guidance on retorque intervals.
Yes, the BX2617 is designed for 2009-12 Lincoln MKS and 2010-12 Lincoln MKT models only. Installation procedures differ between models. Contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051 to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle.
Required tools include: torque wrench, drill with 13/32" bit, sockets (5.5MM, 8MM, 10MM, 9/16"), screwdrivers (flat and Phillips), utility knife, tape measure, vise grip, and Loctite Red. An 11MM socket is also needed for MKS models.
Yes, drilling is required. A 13/32" drill bit is used to drill holes underneath the vehicle and in the bumper opening on both sides. Trimming of the fascia and plastic components is also required, with procedures varying by model.
For 3/8" Grade 5 bolts, use 33 foot-pounds of torque. Always apply Loctite Red to all bolt threads before tightening.
The BX8848 4-Diode Wiring Kit is recommended but not included. Ensure all electrical connections are plugged in and functioning properly before reinstalling the fascia.
Verify all electrical connections are plugged in and functioning. Confirm the baseplate is level with the frame and positioned as far up as possible. Inspect for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts before each towing trip.
The baseplate must be level with the frame and positioned as far up as possible. If it is not level after installation, loosen the mounting bolts, reposition the baseplate to achieve proper level alignment, and retighten all bolts to the specified torque values with Loctite Red. Verify levelness before final tightening.
Hold the fascia up in front of the baseplate, mark and trim the area needed for the baseplate to come through. The amount of trimming required may vary due to dimensional variations between vehicles. Carefully trim only the necessary area to allow the baseplate to pass through without interference.
Do not tow the vehicle. Tighten all loose bolts to the specified torque values using Loctite Red on all threads. Refer to the bolt torque specification chart for the correct torque based on bolt size and grade. It is the owner's responsibility to inspect all towing equipment for loose bolts before each towing trip.
Do not tow the vehicle. Reposition the safety cables so they do not contact wires, hoses or brake lines. Improper installation against these components could cause fluid leaks or electrical shorts. The cables must be positioned around a solid piece of the frame, specifically around a frame rail or crossmember, away from all fluid and electrical lines.
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