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2016 - 2019 Ford Explorer
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Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
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Includes base plate, safety cables and installation hardware (tow bar sold separately)
Not compatible with universal tow bar
Includes base plate, safety cables and installation hardware (tow bar sold separately)
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty (One-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
Finish: GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT
Installation Difficulty: Professional
Installation Time Exact (Minutes): 180
CURT tow bar base plates are engineered for a custom fit on each unique vehicle. This custom tow bar base plate fits select years of the Ford Explorer (see application info to verify fitment). It features an OE style design to fully integrate with the front of the vehicle and maintain a factory look. This Ford Explorer tow bar baseplate is constructed from high-quality steel and is precisely welded for a perfect fit. It is physically tested for absolute safety and peace of mind while dinghy towing. It also features a unique co-cured finish of liquid A-coat and highly durable powder coat to protect against the outdoor elements. This base plate for towing comes with attachment tabs, safety cables and installation hardware.
CURT offers a variety of high-quality trailer hitches and accessories for select vehicle models. Find the perfect fit for your towing needs at TowUniverse.
CURT, a Lippert brand, offers a complete line of towing products and is the leading manufacturer of custom-fit trailer hitches. We offer the broadest selection of custom-fit hitches, and each one is designed, welded, and coated in Wisconsin.
CURT is also a leader in flat towing products, as well as 5th wheel, gooseneck, and weight distribution hitches, ball mounts, electrical components, cargo solutions, and other towing accessories.
For everything from passenger cars and vans to full-size pickups and SUVs, CURT is 'The First Name in Towing Products®.'
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-9494Limited Lifetime Warranty (One-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
Yes, the CURT 70114 Custom Tow Bar Base Plate Brackets for Dinghy Towing, Fits Select Ford Explorer (Part #BKDK70114) is designed to fit the 2016-2019 Ford Explorer.
The CURT 70114 Custom Tow Bar Base Plate Brackets for Dinghy Towing, Fits Select Ford Explorer (Part #BKDK70114) fits the following vehicles: 2016-2019 Ford Explorer. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The CURT 70114 Custom Tow Bar Base Plate Brackets for Dinghy Towing, Fits Select Ford Explorer (Part #BKDK70114) fits 2016-2019 Ford Explorer models. The 2019 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The CURT 70114 Custom Tow Bar Base Plate Brackets for Dinghy Towing, Fits Select Ford Explorer (Part #BKDK70114) Drilling is required for installation. Typical installation time is 90+ minutes. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
The CURT 70114 is a tow bar base plate system designed for dinghy towing. It includes a base plate, mounting tabs, safety cables rated at 7,500 lbs each, quick links, and socket plugs. The base plate measures 22" wide and 16-1/2" tall when installed. It requires drilling, trimming, and temporary removal of front fascia panels and the windshield washer reservoir for installation.
The manual does not specify which vehicle year, make, model or trim the 70114 fits. Contact CURT Product Support at 877-287-8634 or visit curtmfg.com to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle before purchasing.
Required tools include: torque wrench, drill with 3/8" bit, sockets (7/16", 9/16", 1-1/8", 5.5mm, 10mm, 8mm, 11mm), reciprocating saw, large vise grip, utility knife, nut driver (9/16"), wrenches (7/16" and 9/16"), and fishwire (3/8" and 5/8", included with product). Safety glasses must be worn throughout installation.
The kit includes: 1 tow bar base plate, 2 tow bar mounting tabs, 2 safety cables (7,500 lbs each), 2 driver and passenger side mounting tabs, 10 carriage bolts (3/8"-16 x 1-1/2", grade 8), 4 square hole spacers (1/4" x 1" x 2"), 10 flange nuts (3/8", grade 8), 18 flat washers (1/4"), 2 carriage bolts (5/8"-11 x 2", grade 8), 2 square hole spacers (3/8" x 1-1/4" x 2-1/2"), 2 flange nuts (5/8", grade 8), 2 quick links (1/2"), and 2 socket plugs. Fishwire (3/8" and 5/8") is also included.
Yes. The installation requires temporary removal and reinstallation of the front fascia panels and windshield washer reservoir. Steps 1-6 detail the removal process: removing seven 10mm screws from the top fascia cover, seven 5.5mm screws and a push pin from the wheel well liner (both sides), seven 8mm screws from the underbody fascia panel, three 10mm screws from the fascia joint (both sides), disconnecting electrical harnesses and fluid lines, then removing two 11mm nuts and one 8mm screw from the windshield washer reservoir.
Have a clean container ready to catch the washer fluid when the lines are disconnected. Set the fluid aside to refill the reservoir after installation is complete.
Yes. In Step 13, you must drill 3/8" holes in the vehicle frame using the top two holes in the side plate as a guide. A 3/8" drill bit is required. This is a permanent modification to the vehicle frame.
Trimming is required in multiple locations: (1) the plastic air foil flap under the radiator shutters (Step 7, utility knife or aviator shears); (2) marked areas in the inner bumper cover fascia (Step 8, utility knife or aviator shears); (3) bottom two shutters, 4" from outer edge and 1/2" deep (Step 9, metal-cutting tool); (4) lower ribbed area on shutter frame to be flush with plastic shielding, and center rib portion of plastic about 1-1/2" from bottom (Step 10, metal-cutting tool); (5) plastic flanges on either side of shutters matching motor profile on driver side (Step 11, metal-cutting tool—do not damage motor); (6) outer alignment tabs of lower bumper fascia panel, one on each side (Step 17, utility knife); (7) front fascia to make space for safety cable loops and attachment tabs (Step 18, utility knife). Use caution when cutting to prevent injury.
The 3/8" carriage bolts and flange nuts must be torqued to 37 lb-ft. This is specified in Step 14 after all 3/8" bolts are installed and the base plate is confirmed level. The manual does not provide a torque specification for the 5/8" bolts used in the bottom holes (Step 12).
The manual does not specify a torque value for the 5/8" carriage bolts (item #10) and 5/8" flange nuts (item #12) used in the bottom holes. Step 12 instructs to snug the hardware but not fully tighten. Contact CURT Product Support at 877-287-8634 for the correct torque specification.
Position the tow bar base plate (#1) on the vehicle frame and clamp it into place (Step 12). Fishwire a 5/8" carriage bolt (#10) and 3/8" square hole spacer (#11) into the bottom hole underneath the frame, securing with a 5/8" flange nut (#12). Repeat on the other side. Ensure the base plate is level and snug the hardware but do not fully tighten. Then, using the top two holes in the side plate as a guide, drill 3/8" holes in the vehicle frame (Step 13). Fishwire the 3/8" carriage bolts (#6) and square hole spacers (#7) into the frame and insert the remaining 3/8" carriage bolts into the rectangular base plate holes, securing the mounting tabs (#4) (Step 14). Install all 3/8" flange nuts (#8), confirm the base plate is level, and torque to 37 lb-ft.
Fishwire is a flexible wire tool included with the kit (3/8" and 5/8" sizes). It is used to route carriage bolts and spacers through holes in the vehicle frame that are difficult to access from above. In Step 12, fishwire is used to route a 5/8" carriage bolt and spacer into the bottom hole underneath the frame. In Step 14, fishwire is used to route 3/8" carriage bolts and spacers into the frame. The fishwire guides the fasteners through the frame so they can be secured with nuts on the opposite side.
The tow bar mounting tabs (#2) are installed only when ready to tow. When not towing, insert the socket plugs (#14) into the ends of the tow bar base plate (#1) instead. This is stated in Step 18.
Place nine 1/4" flat washers (#9) onto each of the two windshield washer reservoir studs (Step 16). Reinstall the reservoir and secure it with the factory nuts. Note that one bolt will not be reused. Reconnect all fluid lines and refill with the washer fluid that was set aside during removal.
Install the permanent safety cables (#3) and quick links (#13) by looping them around the vehicle frame and linking them to the tow bar base plate (#1) (Step 15). There must be one cable on each side of the vehicle. Ensure the cables do not pinch or interfere with any hoses, wiring or other components. The cables must be connected to both the base plate and the vehicle frame, and each cable must meet or exceed the gross weight of the towed vehicle. Base plate safety cables are not a replacement for safety chains connecting the tow vehicle to the towed vehicle.
Each safety cable is rated at 7,500 lbs. Two cables are included, one for each side of the vehicle. Each cable must meet or exceed the gross weight of the towed vehicle.
Never exceed the vehicle manufacturer's recommended gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This is a critical safety requirement stated in the manual's WARNING section.
No. Base plate safety cables are not a replacement for safety chains connecting the tow vehicle to the towed vehicle. Both safety cables and safety chains must be used when towing.
After installation, verify that the base plate is level (confirmed in Steps 12 and 14). Ensure all fasteners are tight and all structural components are sound. Check that safety cables do not pinch or interfere with hoses, wiring or other components. Periodically check the condition of all towing equipment, ensure all fasteners remain tight, and do not tow with worn or damaged parts. Review your vehicle manufacturer's owner's manual for specific towing recommendations, capacities and requirements.
Periodically check the condition of all towing equipment. Ensure all fasteners are tight and that all structural components are sound. Do not tow with worn or damaged parts. Review your vehicle manufacturer's owner's manual for specific towing recommendations, capacities and requirements.
The manual does not list specific vehicle applications. Contact CURT Product Support at 877-287-8634 or visit curtmfg.com to confirm fitment for your vehicle before purchasing.
You will need a torque wrench, drill with 3/8" bit, sockets (7/16", 9/16", 1-1/8", 5.5mm, 10mm, 8mm, 11mm), reciprocating saw, large vise grip, utility knife, nut driver (9/16"), wrenches (7/16" and 9/16"), and fishwire (included). Safety glasses are required.
Yes. The front fascia panels and windshield washer reservoir must be temporarily removed and reinstalled. This involves removing multiple screws, disconnecting electrical harnesses and fluid lines, and carefully setting aside the bumper fascia.
Yes. Trimming is required on the plastic air foil flap, inner bumper cover fascia, radiator shutters, shutter frame, plastic flanges, and front fascia. Use a utility knife, aviator shears, or metal-cutting tool as appropriate. Take care when cutting to prevent injury.
Torque the 3/8" carriage bolts and flange nuts to 37 lb-ft (Step 14). The manual does not specify a torque value for the 5/8" bolts; contact CURT Product Support at 877-287-8634.
1 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 - 2019 | Ford Explorer | Drilling Required Installation Time: 90+ minutes Visibility: Concealed |
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