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Blue Ox
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2017 - 2018 Mini Cooper Countryman
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1. Custom Design: Each Blue Ox BX1316 Tow Bar Bracket is custom designed for a specific towed vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
The Blue Ox BX1316 Tow Bar Bracket stands out for its custom design for each specific towed vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit and superior performance. Made from durable steel and finished with a black powder coat, this bracket is designed to withstand even the toughest towing tasks. Installation is a breeze, as the bracket is a bolt-on type and comes with all the necessary mounting hardware. Offering a seamless blend of functionality and durability, the Blue Ox BX1316 Tow Bar Bracket is a must-have for anyone looking for a reliable towing solution.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 - 2018 | Mini Cooper Countryman | Also S No John Cooper Works 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 Baseplate Has Non 24 in. Spaced Attachment Tabs Requires Motorhome Mounted Towbar/Adapter To Utilize Car Mounted Tow Bar Tow Bar Adapters Not To Be Used On Vehicles Over 5000 lbs. |
Yes, the BX1316 baseplate is designed for 2017-18 Mini Cooper Countryman including Turbo models. However, it does not fit S or John Cooper Works (JCW) versions. Before purchasing, verify your vehicle's exact model designation, as the manual states that if the front of your vehicle looks different than shown, you should contact Blue Ox at (402) 385-3051.
No. The BX1316 is specifically designed for 2017-18 Mini Cooper Countryman (Includes Turbo) but excludes S and John Cooper Works (JCW) models. Do not attempt to install this baseplate on those variants.
The BX1316 attachment tab height is 14-1/2" and the width is 20".
Required tools include: flat screwdriver, utility knife, torque wrench, drill, 3/8" drill bit, 8MM socket, 13MM socket, 18MM socket, 7/16" socket, 7/16" wrench, 9/16" socket, 9/16" wrench, T30 Torx, and 5/16" nut driver. You will also need Loctite Red and a reciprocating saw.
Yes. The fascia must be removed to access the mounting points. The windshield washer fluid reservoir on the passenger side must also be removed. Both components are reinstalled after baseplate installation. The manual notes that handling cosmetic parts may require protective covers, rags, and specialty tools to prevent damage.
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. Blue Ox Dealers can be found at www.blueox.com or by contacting the Technical Service Department at (402) 385-3051.
Yes. Drilling is required. You must drill two 3/8" holes on each side of the vehicle for the bottom mounting bolts after sliding the baseplate onto the vehicle and starting the top bolts. Additionally, you must drill a 3/8" hole into each side bracket using the baseplate hole as a guide. A 3/8" drill bit is required.
Yes. Two types of trimming are required. First, you must trim the plastic bumper piece: measure 2" down from the top, draw a line, measure 2" down again, and trim the entire area between the two lines on both sides. Second, you must use a reciprocating saw to trim the primary side brackets as indicated in the instructions. The manual warns to be aware of objects behind the cutting surface when using a reciprocating saw.
Yes. The manual states: "Use a good quality paint to spray cut edges of frame to prevent rusting." This applies to both the plastic bumper trim and the metal side bracket cuts.
The manual provides general torque charts for Grade 5 and Grade 8 bolts (in foot-pounds for inch bolts) and Grade 8.8 and Grade 10.9 bolts (for metric bolts), but does not specify which grade applies to each individual fastener on the BX1316. The parts list includes Grade 5 bolts (items 4, 6, 7) and metric bolts (item 8), but their specific torque values are not stated. You must reference the torque chart on page 1 based on bolt size and grade. All bolts must be tightened with Loctite Red applied to threads.
According to the torque chart on page 1, a 3/8" Grade 5 bolt should be torqued to 33 foot-pounds. The BX1316 uses 3/8"-16 bolts (items 6 and 7 in the parts list). All bolts must have Loctite Red applied to threads before tightening.
The BX1316 includes 12MM-1.5 x 110MM bolts (item 8, qty 4). According to the metric torque chart on page 1, a 12MM Grade 8.8 bolt should be torqued to 54 foot-pounds, and a 12MM Grade 10.9 bolt to 70 foot-pounds. The parts list does not specify the grade of item 8, so confirm the bolt grade before torquing. All bolts must have Loctite Red applied to threads.
Follow this sequence: (1) Remove eight fascia bolts (T30 Torx, four per side from top edge); (2) Remove two bolts from wheel well edge on each side (8MM socket) and two push pins; (3) Release clips from back of fascia in wheel well on both sides; (4) Pull outward on fender to release four remaining clips per side; (5) Remove bolt under fender on both sides (T30 Torx); (6) Remove two gray push pins and seven white bolts from underside of fascia (8MM socket), then remove fascia; (7) Remove windshield washer reservoir bolts on passenger side (T30 Torx) and unplug lines; (8) Remove side bracket bolts (T30 Torx and 8MM socket) on both sides; (9) Release ten clips holding grill shroud; (10) Remove two bolts from bumper side on both sides (18MM socket).
After removing the required components and trimming the plastic bumper piece (2" down from top, then 2" down again, trim the area between), slide the baseplate onto the vehicle and ensure it is level. Start the top two 3/8" bolts on each side. Then drill out the bottom two holes on each side using a 3/8" drill bit and insert the 3/8" hardware. All bolts must be tightened with Loctite Red applied to threads according to the torque specifications.
First, remove the bolt holding the secondary bracket to the primary bracket on both sides (T30 Torx). Then use a reciprocating saw to trim the primary side brackets as indicated. Reattach the side bracket by starting the bottom rear bolt (white) and bottom front bolt (gray). Using the hole from the baseplate as a guide, drill a 3/8" hole into the bracket and secure it to the baseplate using 3/8" hardware on both sides. All bolts must have Loctite Red applied to threads.
Attach the permanent baseplate safety cables to the provided convenience link on the baseplate. The manual shows the recommended installation of cables to the frame of the vehicle. If additional options interfere with suggested mounting, secure the cables to a solid piece of the frame as described in the General Information sheet. Ensure the safety cables do not rub against any hoses or moving parts. Install on both sides of the vehicle. These cables are strongly recommended and must remain installed as long as the baseplate is installed.
First, reinstall the windshield washer reservoir and grill shroud. Then hold the fascia as close to its original position as possible, mark and trim the fascia around the convenience links and attachment tabs, and reinstall the fascia. Before reinstalling, ensure all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly.
Yes. The BX8848 Tail Light Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle. Before reinstalling the fascia, ensure all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly.
The BX1316 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 the GVWR.
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.
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.
Yes. The manual states: "Remove the attachment tabs when not in use (if applicable)." This helps protect the tabs and reduces wind resistance when the baseplate is not actively being used for towing.
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/or recalls. Warranty coverage also requires that the customer warranty card be returned within 30 days of purchase.
The BX1316 has a three-year limited warranty from the date of delivery to the original retail purchaser. Automatic Equipment Manufacturing Company will repair or replace defective parts during this period if the warranty card is returned within 30 days of purchase and a copy of the original invoice accompanies any claim. The warranty does not cover incorrect or improper installation, improper use, modification, neglect, failure to maintain, misuse, accident, normal wear and tear, paint, or rust.
The BX1316 includes: 1 baseplate (61-7946), 2 attachment tab assemblies with holes (62-3469), 4 tubes 3/4" OD x 1/2" ID x 1/2" (107-1801), 1 bolt 1/4"-20 x 3/4" Grade 5 (201-0050), 2 screws #10-32 1/2" (201-0192), 2 bolts 3/8"-16 x 1-1/4" Grade 5 (201-0368), 4 bolts 3/8"-16 x 1-1/2" Grade 5 (201-0440), 4 bolts 12MM-1.5 x 110MM (201-0588), 2 self-drilling screws #12-14 x 1" (201-0979), 2 hex nuts #10-32 (202-0047), 6 hex nylon insert lock nuts 3/8"-16 (202-0090), 1 hex nut 1/4"-20 (202-0102), 2 lock washers #10 (203-0054), 4 lock washers 12MM (203-0105), 1 four-way bracket (299-0685), 2 class III safety cables (226-0046), 2 quicklinks 3/8" (229-0359), and 2 black cap plug receivers (290-0437).
The manual states that many Blue Ox baseplates are designed to use existing holes and hardware, but you should not assume factory bolts are adequate for baseplate mounting. Always use the hardware supplied in the hardware kit and existing hardware as specified in the installation instructions. 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.
Yes, if it is a standard Countryman with Turbo. It does not fit S or John Cooper Works (JCW) models. Verify your model before purchasing.
You need a torque wrench, drill with 3/8" bit, T30 Torx, 8MM/13MM/18MM/9/16" sockets, reciprocating saw, utility knife, flat screwdriver, and Loctite Red. Professional installation by a Blue Ox Dealer is recommended.
Yes. You must drill two 3/8" holes per side for mounting and trim the plastic bumper piece (2" down, then 2" down again, trim between). You must also trim the side brackets with a reciprocating saw. Paint all cut edges to prevent rust.
Yes. The fascia and windshield washer reservoir must be removed for installation and reinstalled afterward. Protective covers are recommended to prevent damage to cosmetic parts.
The BX8848 Tail Light Wiring Kit is recommended. Ensure all electrical connections are plugged in and functioning before reinstalling the fascia.
The baseplate is computer tested to your vehicle's GVWR. Exceeding this weight voids the warranty. Check your vehicle owner's manual for towing specifications.
Torque 3/8" Grade 5 bolts to 33 foot-pounds. Apply Loctite Red to all bolt threads before tightening.
Check for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts. Reapply Loctite Red and retighten all bolts to specification before towing.
The manual notes that dimensional variations between otherwise identical vehicles can be considerable. While the baseplate was designed for easy installation, it may be necessary to tailor the baseplate slightly to compensate for vehicle manufacturer's tolerances. If the baseplate does not sit level after sliding it onto the vehicle, contact Blue Ox Technical Service at (402) 385-3051 for guidance on fit adjustments.
Hold the fascia as close to its original position as possible, mark and trim the fascia around the convenience links and attachment tabs, then reinstall. If the fascia still does not fit or if you encounter interference, contact Blue Ox Technical Service at (402) 385-3051.
Do not allow the permanent baseplate safety cables to rub against any hoses or moving parts. If the recommended mounting location causes interference, secure the cables to a solid piece of the frame as described in the General Information sheet. Ensure adequate clearance from all fluid lines, electrical wires, and brake lines.
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