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Please visit www.blueox.com for the latest version of these installation instructions.
BX1719
2003-16 Chevy Express 1500/2500/3500
2003-16 GMC Savanna 1500/2500/3500
Cargo & Passenger Vans
Installation Instructions
Attachment Tab Height: 13-1/2”
Attachment Tab Width: 24”
Serial Number
Please read BOTH these Installation Instructions and the General Information sheet prior to
installing or operating this equipment.
1. Blue Ox® towing products and accessories are
intended to be installed by Blue Ox
who are familiar with our products and have the
equipment and knowledge necessary to do “t
work”. If needed, Blue Ox® Dealers can be found
at www.blueox.com or by contacting our Technical
Service Department at (402) 385-3051.
2. Many Blue Ox
use existing holes and hardware to mount the
baseplate to the towed vehicle. Even though bolts
are there, do not assume they are adequate for
baseplate mounting. Always use the hardware
supplied in the hardware kit and existing hardware
as specied in the installation instructions.
®
baseplates are designed to
®
Dealers
Bolt Torque Specications
Torque in Foot-Pounds for Inch Bolts
Bolt Size Grade 5 Grade 8
1/4” 10 14
5/16” 19 29
3/8” 33 47
7/16” 54 78
1/2” 78 119
5/8” 154 230
3/4” 257 380
Bolt Torque Specications
Torque in Foot-Pounds for Metric Bolts
Bolt Size Grade 8.8 Grade 10.9
6MM 6 8
8MM 16 22
10MM 31 40
12MM 54 70
14MM 89 117
16MM 161 230
18MM 222 318
If the front of your vehicle looks different than
!
WARNING
this, please contact us at (402)385-3051.
Failure to read and follow these instructions
Reference your vehicle owner’s
manual for manufacturer’s towing
could result in separation of the towed vehicle
from the tow bar, causing property damage,
loss of towed vehicle, personal injury or death.
specications.
405-0443 Page 1 of 6 10/12/15
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BX1719
2003-16 Chevy Express 1500/2500/3500 & GMC Savanna 1500/2500/3500
Cargo & Passenger Vans
Installation Instructions
Instruction Notes: The headlights, grille and bumper are removed and reinstalled for the baseplate
installation. Some drilling and trimming is required.
Place all components that are removed on a at, sturdy surface. All items will be reinstalled unless
otherwise noted after the baseplate is installed.
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.
The BX8869 Tail Light Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle.
Drill a hole according to the tail
light wiring kit instructions.
NOTICE
• Handling of some cosmetic parts when installing this product may require the use of protective
covers, rags, specialty tools, etc. to prevent damage.
• When using power drills be aware of the dangers of torque and drill bit length.
• When using a reciprocating saw be aware of objects behind the cutting surface.
• Use a good quality paint to spray cut edges of frame to prevent rusting.
• Be sure that 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.
• Be sure to use a sufcient amount of Loctite® Red on all bolt threads before tightening. Tighten all
bolts according to the torque chart provided.
• Dealer or installer be certain the user receives these instruction sheets.
• 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.
405-0443 Page 2 of 6 10/12/15
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BX1719
2003-16 Chevy Express 1500/2500/3500 & GMC Savanna 1500/2500/3500
Cargo & Passenger Vans
Installation Instructions
Tools Required
Large Vise Grip
Flat Screwdriver
Torque Wrench
Drill
Tape Measure
Loctite
17/32” Drill Bit
10MM Socket
15MM Socket
21MM Socket
®
RED
3/4” Socket
9
4
BREAKAWAY SWITCH
7
1
2
8
6
10
5
3
4 PIN
CONNECTOR
6 PIN
CONNECTOR
Item No. Part No. Description Qty.
1.................................61-4029 .............................1/2”-13 Whiz Nut w/ 10” Wire ........................................ 12
2.................................61-7360 .............................BX1719 Baseplate ...........................................................1
3.................................101-5822 ...........................4 Way Connector Adapter ...............................................2
4.................................201-0051 ...........................1/2”-13 x 1-1/2” Hex Head Bolt, Grade 5, ZP ................12
5.................................201-0192 ...........................#10-32 1/2” Round Slotted Head Screw .......................... 2
6.................................201-0979 ...........................#12-14 x 1” Self Drilling Screw, ZP ..................................2
7.................................201-0654 ...........................#10-16 x 1” Self Drilling Screw, ZP ..................................1
8.................................202-0047 ...........................#10-32 Hex Nut ............................................................... 2
9.................................203-0012 ...........................1/2” Lock Washer, ZP .................................................... 12
10...............................203-0054 ...........................#10 Lock Washer, ZP ......................................................2
11 ............................... 226-0049(not shown) ........Class IV Safety Cables .................................................... 2
12...............................229-0512(not shown) ........1/2” Quicklink, ZP ............................................................2
Important:
Use only genuine factory replacement parts on your baseplate. Do NOT substitute homemade or non-typical parts. If a bolt is lost or in need of
replacement, for your safety and the preservation of your baseplate, be sure to use a replacement bolt of the same grade (In most cases it will be Grade
5, please reference the parts list above). Replacement parts may be ordered through your nearest Blue Ox® Dealer or Distributor. Failing to follow and/
or altering these installation instructions in either installation or required equipment will void the manufacturer’s warranty. Towing behind a non-motorized
vehicle will void the warranty.
405-0443 Page 3 of 6 10/12/15
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BX1719
2003-16 Chevy Express 1500/2500/3500 & GMC Savanna 1500/2500/3500
Cargo & Passenger Vans
Installation Instructions
1. Using a 10MM socket, remove the two (2)
screws from the headlight. Disconnect all
electrical connections and set aside. Do
this on both sides of the vehicle.
Note: The headlights do not need to be
removed on vehicles equipped with sealed
halogen lights.
2. Using a at screwdriver, pry behind the
grille to release the clip and release the
park light from frame. Disconnect all
electrical connections and set aside. Do
this on both sides of the vehicle.
3. Using a 10MM socket, remove the four (4)
screws from the grille. There are two (2)
on each side.
Behind the grille towards the bottom,
release the clips on both sides of the
vehicle. Set the grille aside.
405-0443 Page 4 of 6 10/12/15
4. Position the baseplate onto the frame,
lining up front hole on the underside of the
frame and the back hole of the baseplate.
Square and clamp the baseplate securely
to the frame.
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BX1719
2003-16 Chevy Express 1500/2500/3500 & GMC Savanna 1500/2500/3500
Cargo & Passenger Vans
Installation Instructions
5. Using a 17/32” drill bit, ream out the
bottom back hole. Install a 1/2”-13 x 1-1/2”
bolt with lock washer into the hole and a
1/2” whiz nut on the inside of the frame.
Do this on both sides of the vehicle. Fully
tighten all hardware.
Note: The frame hole may need to be
slightly reamed to allow whiz nut access.
6. Continue drilling the remaining holes
in the baseplate thru the frame. Install
1/2”-13 x 1-1/2” bolts with lock washers
into the holes and a 1/2” whiz nuts on the
inside of the frame. Do this on both sides
of the vehicle. Fully tighten all hardware.
7. Attach the permanent baseplate safety
cables to the provided convenience link on
the baseplate. The photo above shows the
recommended installation of the cables to
frame of vehicle. Additional options may
interfere with suggested mounting; in this
case, 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.
405-0443 Page 5 of 6 10/12/15
Page 6
BX1719
2003-16 Chevy Express 1500/2500/3500 & GMC Savanna 1500/2500/3500
Cargo & Passenger Vans
Installation Instructions
8. Remove the ve (5) push pins from the
lower valance on the bumper. The valance
will not be reinstalled for baseplate
clearance.
CUSTOMER SERVICE COMMITMENT
9. Reinstall the bumper, grille, park lights and
headlights.
Blue Ox® is committed to providing you with exceptional customer care throughout your lifetime
with our products. Our team is here to assist you with any questions you may have regarding the
performance of your product. Simply call (402) 385-3051 and you can speak with our technical
service team.
Additionally, please visit our website to see which rallies our Destination America team will be
attending. For a nominal fee, our service technician will service your towing system to ensure it’s in
proper working condition. Also, as a commitment to our customers, should you visit our factory, you
can stay at our full service Blue Ox® campground at no charge along with enjoying a factory tour.
Again, thank you for being our customer and for the condence you have shown in the performance
of our products. It is because of customers like you we enjoy the success we have today.
405-0443 Page 6 of 6 10/12/15
One Mill Road, Industrial Park
© 2015 Blue Ox
Pender, Nebraska 68047
Phone: (402) 385-3051
Fax: (402) 385-3360
www.blueox.com
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General Information
1. Ensure that your product(s) are registered online at www.blueox.com. It is crucial to register your product(s)
so that you may be alerted of product offerings, updates, upgrades, maintenance and safety bulletins, and/
or recalls.
2. 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
recommended specications.
3. It is the owner’s responsibility to hook up all towing equipment per manufacturer’s instructions/
recommendations.
4. Remove the attachment tabs when not in use (if applicable).
®
Red on all bolts and tighten to the
Notice To Baseplate Installer
1. It is YOUR responsibility to watch for:
• Oil cooler and air conditioner lines
• Electrical wires and hoses
• Missing parts or attaching points on the frame
** If the baseplate is improperly installed and is against a wire or hose, it could cause uid leaks or
electrical shorts some time after the actual baseplate installation.
Permanent Baseplate Safety Cable Installation
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended when towing a vehicle with a tow bar.
The principle function of the permanent baseplate safety cables is to prevent the towed vehicle from
breaking loose in the event the connection between the frame of the towed vehicle and the baseplate
fails or becomes disconnected. The cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail
or cross member of the vehicle’s frame. The illustrations below show the possible arrangements
recommended by Blue Ox®. Each permanent baseplate safety cable must have an adequate weight
rating for the towing system. The weight rating of the two (2) cables together will not qualify.
Do not mount the permanent baseplate safety cables against wires, hoses or brake lines.
These permanent baseplate safety cables should remain installed as long as the baseplate is
installed on the vehicle. Permanent baseplate safety cables are to be used in conjunction with,
and NOT a replacement for legally required safety cables attaching the towed vehicle to the towing
vehicle.
5/11/15
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