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Blue Ox
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2014, 2016, 2018 Subaru Forester
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2015, 2017 Subaru Forester
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{'feature': 'Customized Fit', 'description': 'Each Blue Ox BX3619 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 BX3619 Tow Bar Bracket is a top-tier towing solution tailored precisely for your vehicle. Constructed from superior-quality steel, this bracket is designed to withstand the rigors of the road. Its sleek black finish is not just for aesthetics; it's a powder coat finish that offers ultimate protection against rust, ensuring the longevity of the bracket. This bolt-on type bracket is straightforward to install, with all the necessary hardware included in the package. Plus, the package comes with comprehensive instructions for a hassle-free, do-it-yourself installation experience.
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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2 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2014, 2016, 2018 | Subaru Forester | No 2.0XT Models 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 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 |
| 2015, 2017 | Subaru Forester | Removable Tabs w/Only 1 Hole Will Not Attach to Car Mount Tow Bars or Adapters Only Use Adventurer with 18”: 41” Spaced Removable Tab Baseplates Only Use Acclaim w/23”: 30” Spaced Removable Tab Baseplates Use only w/Motorhome Mount Tow Bars Or PN BX8833/BX88151 Adapters Requires Some Trimming of the Air Dam Minor Drilling Required Requires Some Trimming of Bumper Fascia/Plastic/And/Or Grill Bumper Fascia Must Be Removed/Replaced During Install Install Rating 3 Comes with Removable Attachment Tabs No 2.0XT Models |
No. The BX3619 is designed for 2014-18 Subaru Forester models only, and explicitly excludes 2.0XT models. If your vehicle is a 2.0XT, this baseplate is not compatible.
The BX8869 Tail Light Wiring Kit is recommended for 2014-2016 model year vehicles. The BX8848 Tail Light Wiring Kit is recommended for 2017 model year vehicles. You will need to drill a hole according to the tail light wiring kit instructions.
Required tools include: large vise grip, reciprocating saw, torque wrench, drill, tape measure, 13/32" drill bit, 17/32" drill bit, 10MM socket, 12MM socket, 9/16" socket, 9/16" wrench, 3/4" socket, 3/4" wrench, and Loctite Red. You will also need protective covers and rags to prevent damage to cosmetic parts during installation.
The kit includes: 1 BX3619 baseplate, 2 attachment tab assemblies, 1 breakaway bracket, 2 spacer tubes (3/4" Ø x 3/4" L), 1 hex nylon nut (1/4"-20), 1 hex head bolt (1/4"-20 x 3/4", Grade 5), 2 round slotted head screws (#10-32 1/2"), 4 hex head bolts (3/8"-16 x 1-1/4", Grade 5), 2 hex head bolts (3/8"-16 x 2", Grade 5), 2 self-drilling screws (#10-16 x 1"), 2 self-drilling screws (#12-14 x 1"), 2 hex nuts (#10-32), 6 hex nylon insert lock nuts (3/8"-16), 2 hex nylon insert lock nuts (1/2"-13), 2 hex head bolts (1/2"-13 x 1-1/4", Grade 5), 6 flat washers (3/8"), 2 flat washers (1/2"), 6 lock washers (3/8"), 2 lock washers (1/2"), 2 lock washers (#10), 1 4-way bracket, 2 class III safety cables, 2 quicklinks (3/8"), and 2 black cap plug receivers.
Blue Ox recommends that towing products 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. However, the manual does not explicitly state that professional installation is mandatory.
Remove the three push pins from the top edge of the fascia on both sides of the vehicle. Then remove the push pin in the wheel well where the fascia meets the fender on both sides, and remove the three push pins on the underside of the fascia on both sides.
Yes. You must remove the metal bumper using a 12MM socket to remove four bolts from both sides of the vehicle. The bumper shell is removed first by removing three bolts from the top and four bolts from the bottom using a 10MM socket. After baseplate installation, the metal bumper is reinstalled with the existing bolts, using two 5/16" washers on the bottom as spacers.
On the driver side, use a 10MM socket to remove the bolt from the sensor bracket, remove the wiring clip, and move the sensor and wiring out of the way. On the passenger side, remove the wiring clip and move the wires out of the way. During installation, bend the temperature sensor bracket inward toward the radiator. After drilling, ream out the hole in the sensor bracket using a 13/32" drill bit, then flatten or trim off the alignment tab. Finally, reattach the sensor with 3/8" fasteners on the driver side.
Yes. Drilling is required. You must drill six holes through the frame using a 13/32" drill bit on both the driver and passenger sides. Additionally, you may need to ream an existing hole in the frame using a 17/32" drill bit (some models come with a larger hole and do not need reaming). You will also drill a hole for the tail light wiring kit according to its instructions, and ream out the hole in the sensor bracket using a 13/32" drill bit.
Yes. Trimming is required. You must use a reciprocating saw to make a notch down 6-1/2" from the top of the frame back and down flush with the face of the frame on both sides of the vehicle. You must also flatten or trim off the alignment tab on the sensor bracket. Finally, you must hold the fascia close to its original position, mark the backside, and trim as needed before reinstalling it.
Using a reciprocating saw, make a notch down 6-1/2" from the top of the frame back and down flush with the face of the frame. This must be done on both sides of the vehicle.
Yes. Use a good quality paint to spray cut edges of frame to prevent rusting. This is an important step to protect the frame from corrosion after cutting.
Torque specifications for Grade 5 bolts are: 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, 5/8" = 154 ft-lbs, 3/4" = 257 ft-lbs. The baseplate kit uses Grade 5 bolts in sizes 1/4"-20, 3/8"-16, and 1/2"-13.
Torque specifications for Grade 8.8 metric bolts are: 6MM = 6 ft-lbs, 8MM = 16 ft-lbs, 10MM = 31 ft-lbs, 12MM = 54 ft-lbs, 14MM = 89 ft-lbs, 16MM = 161 ft-lbs, 18MM = 222 ft-lbs. For Grade 10.9 metric bolts: 6MM = 8 ft-lbs, 8MM = 22 ft-lbs, 10MM = 40 ft-lbs, 12MM = 70 ft-lbs, 14MM = 117 ft-lbs, 16MM = 230 ft-lbs, 18MM = 318 ft-lbs.
Attachment Tab Height: 16-1/2". Attachment Tab Width: 24".
A tail light wiring kit is required: BX8869 for 2014-2016 model years or BX8848 for 2017 model years. You must drill a hole according to the tail light wiring kit instructions. Before reinstalling the fascia, ensure that all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly. The baseplate kit includes a 4-way bracket and 4-pin and 6-pin connectors for wiring integration.
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. Also ensure that all towing equipment is hooked up per manufacturer's instructions and recommendations.
The baseplate is computer tested to your vehicle's GVWR. Exceeding this weight will void the manufacturer's warranty. You must reference your vehicle owner's manual for manufacturer's towing specifications.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended when towing a vehicle with a tow bar. The BX3619 kit includes 2 class III safety cables and 2 quicklinks. The cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame and must not be mounted against wires, hoses, or brake lines. These cables should remain installed as long as the baseplate is installed and are to be used in conjunction with, 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 on the baseplate. The manual shows the recommended installation of the cables to the frame of the vehicle. Additional options may interfere with suggested mounting; in such cases, secure the cables to a solid piece of the frame as described in the instructions included with the permanent baseplate safety cables. Be sure the safety cables do not rub against any hoses or moving parts. Do this on both sides of the vehicle.
Watch for oil cooler and air conditioner lines, electrical wires and hoses, and missing parts or attaching points on the frame. If the baseplate is improperly installed and is against a wire or hose, it could cause fluid leaks or electrical shorts some time after the actual baseplate installation. Ensure that permanent baseplate safety cables do not rub against any hoses or moving parts.
Before reinstalling the fascia, ensure that all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly. After installation, inspect all towing equipment for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts. Verify that all bolts are tightened to the recommended torque specifications using Loctite Red. Ensure that the baseplate is level and that the permanent baseplate safety cables are properly attached and do not rub against hoses or moving parts.
Yes. Remove the attachment tabs when not in use. The baseplate kit includes 2 attachment tab assemblies that can be removed for storage when the baseplate is not actively being used for towing.
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.
Yes. Be sure to use a sufficient amount of Loctite Red on all bolt threads before tightening. Tighten all bolts according to the torque chart provided. This is critical for maintaining proper fastener security during towing.
No. Use only genuine factory replacement parts on your 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 requirements will void the manufacturer's warranty.
Blue Ox offers a three-year limited warranty from the date of delivery to the original retail purchaser. The warranty covers defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. Warranty coverage requires that the customer warranty card be returned within 30 days of purchase and that a copy of the original invoice accompany any warranty claim. The warranty does not cover incorrect or improper installation, improper use, modification, neglect, failure to properly service and maintain, misuse, accident, normal wear and tear, paint or rust. The warranty is non-transferable.
The BX3619 fits 2014-18 Subaru Forester models only, excluding 2.0XT models. Confirm your model year and engine type before purchasing.
You need a tail light wiring kit: BX8869 for 2014-2016 models or BX8848 for 2017 models. All other hardware is included in the baseplate kit.
Yes. You must drill six holes through the frame using a 13/32" drill bit on both sides, and may need to ream an existing hole with a 17/32" drill bit. Trimming with a reciprocating saw is also required.
Torque 3/8" Grade 5 bolts to 33 foot-pounds. Always use Loctite Red on all bolt threads before tightening.
The baseplate is tested to your vehicle's GVWR. Exceeding this weight voids the warranty. Check your vehicle owner's manual for towing specifications.
Yes. Two class III safety cables and two quicklinks are included. They must be attached to the baseplate and frame and are required in addition to legally required safety cables.
Verify all electrical connections are plugged in and working, all bolts are tight and torqued correctly, the baseplate is level, and safety cables are properly attached and not rubbing hoses.
Before reinstalling the fascia, ensure that all electrical connections are plugged in and accessories are functioning properly. If connections are not working, verify that the 4-pin and 6-pin connectors are fully seated and that the tail light wiring kit (BX8869 for 2014-2016 or BX8848 for 2017) is properly installed according to its instructions. Check that the hole drilled for the tail light wiring kit is correctly positioned.
The 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 level, you may need to make minor adjustments to the frame notch or mounting holes. Ensure that both 1/2"-13 x 1-1/4" bolts in the existing holes are fully tightened before drilling the remaining six holes.
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