®
OPERATOR, PARTS AND
INSTALLATION MANUAL
BX4322
Rangefinder® II Tow Bar
Class III (5000 lb) 2 Inch Coupler
TOWING PRODUCTS DIVISION
SAFETY
DO NOT INSTALL, OPERATE OR USE THIS EQUIPMENT UNTIL THE FOLLOWING
OPERATING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS HAVE BEEN READ AND UNDERSTOOD.
This symbol is used to bring attention to safety precautions and instructions. When you
see this symbol, be alert and pay attention to all instructions. YOUR PERSONAL
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
1. Blue Ox tow bars are designed for the coupler to
be parallel to the ground when it is attached to
the towed and towing vehicles. If the tow bar
coupler is at an angle, damage or accident
could occur.
2. Blue Ox tow bars are designed to tow manual
transmission cars or automatics equipped with a
transmission pump, drive shaft disconnect or half
shaft disconnect.
3. The transmission is in neutral when towing.
4. Unlock the steering wheel to allow the front wheels
of the towed vehicle to “track”.
5. Be sure the front end of the car being towed is
properly aligned.
6. The use of safety cables or chains is REQUIRED
BY LAW. Blue Ox Model BX8805 (5ft) or BX8806
(6ft) Safety Cables are recommended. The
shorter BX8805 is normally best.
7. Adjust the coupler for proper fit to the ball (see
coupler fit adjustment). For added security, place
a lock, pin or bolt through the hole provided in the
coupler locking lever.
8. Check clearance between vehicles in a turning
situation.
9. Most states require rear lighting on the towed car.
A BX8811 Wiring Kit is recommended.
10. Prior to a towing trip, be sure all towing accessories and attachment points are secure. Check for
cracked welds and loose bolts. This is important
on all occasions but particularly on a new installation, when they should be checked just prior to
initial towing and again after 100-200 miles of
towing.
11. Do Not Back Up when towing. This may damage
the tow bar assembly or the towed car’s chassis.
12. Avoid sharp turns and rough terrain. Check
assembly after unusual events and periodically on
long trips.
13. Do not use towed vehicle for storing luggage, etc.;
you may exceed the towing capacity of the tow
bar.
SAFETY CABLE INSTALLATION
COUPLER FIT ADJUSTMENT
(Unlocked Position)
Housing
Ball
Clamp
Lock Nut
1.Using a 3/4" socket, tighten or loosen the nut
until firm contact between coupler and ball is
established.
2.Check ball to housing tension periodically and
tighten if needed.
3.Lightly lubricate the ball.
Locking Lever
(Locked Position)
Pin & Chain
(Optional)
Light Spring
Heavy Spring
Channel Lock
292-1190 3/01 1 of 6
1. Using the cable hooks, attach the cables to a solid part
of the chassis of the towed vehicle or to the bracket
convenience links on unibody cars. NOTE: It is best
to have permanent chains that connect the convenience links to the frame.
2. Wrap each cable once or twice around their respective
tow bar leg and cross them under the coupler area.
3. Using the cable hooks, attach the opposite ends of the
cables to a solid part of the chassis of the towing
vehicle if at all possible.
4. Adjust slack so that the cables cannot touch the
ground or become caught beneath the ball. If either of
these things happen, the cables may become damaged and ineffective. DO NOT USE DAMAGED
CABLES!
5. If BX8805 or BX8806 cables are not used, be sure
each cable or chain used has at least the load rating of
the coupler.
INSTALLATION / HOOKING UP
3. Fold the tow bar for storage. (See Unhooking /
Folding section) Check for retainer pin and receiver
tube alignment. NOTE: If adjustment is required,
the retainer pin can be adjusted by loosening the
bolts labeled "D". Be sure to tighten the bolts when
finished.
4. DEALER OR INSTALLER: BE CERTAIN USER
RECEIVES INSTRUCTION SHEETS.
Hooking up:
Figure 1
CAUTION: As with any mechanical product, care
should be taken during installation and operation, to
prevent your fingers from being pinched.
Installation
Refer to figure 1 while installing the tow bar.
1.
the Rangefinder II in position with its tabs aligned
inside the baseplate tabs. Insert the 1/2 in. diameter
pins, provided with the baseplate, through the holes
labeled "A". Be sure to secure the pins with the
hairpin clips provided.
NOTE: If the tabs do not line up, the mount angles
on the tow bar can be adjusted by loosening the
bolts labeled "B". Be sure to tighten the bolts when
finished.
2. Fully extend the tow bar. (See Operating Instructions) Hold the coupler parallel to the ground and
rotate the tow bar up or down until the top surfaces
of the mount angles are parallel with the coupler.
Insert the 5/16 in. diameter pins through holes
labeled "C" in the baseplate and the nearest hole in
the tow bar tab.
NOTE: On baseplates manufactured prior to 1991,
these holes "C" must be drilled. Using a 3/8 drill bit,
drill holes on the center line of the baseplate tabs, 1
7/16 inches from the center of the existing hole.
(Figure 2) Be sure to secure the pins with the hairpin
clips provided.
Hold
Refer to figure 1 for part names.
1.
towing vehicle parking brake. Position the towed
vehicle behind the towing vehicle in the approximate
towing position and engage the parking brake.
Engage the
Figure 3
Refer to figures 3 & 4.
2.
the front of the towed vehicle. Remove the hair pin
clip from the tow bar retainer pin. Swing the coupler
up and away towards the passenger side until the
driver side leg latch locks in place. (Latch is locked
when rubber seal is not exposed. Figure 5) Slide the
driver side leg towards the driver side until the cross
brace latch locks. (Figure 4)
3. Unlock the driver and passenger side leg latches and
compress the tow bar.
unlocked by sliding the collar back to expose the
rubber seal under the collar. (Figure 5)
coupler to the towing vehicle's 2 inch ball and lock in
place. (See Coupler Fit Adjustment On Page 1)
Face the folded tow bar on
NOTE: Leg latches are
Attach the
Figure 2
Caution: It is possible to extend the tow bar by
driving away with the towing vehicle. As you drive
away, the towed vehicle will wander around until,
eventually, both sides may lock. Even though they
may lock this way, we DO NOT recommend towing
any vehicle until the operator has confirmed that
the leg latches have been properly locked as
outlined in the following step.
292-1190 7/96 2 of 6
UNHOOKING / MAINTENANCE
Figure 4
4. On the towed vehicle; disengage parking brake, set
up the transmission for towing, (See SAFETY
section - Page 1, Item 2) and unlock the steering
wheel. Drive the towing vehicle straight forward
approximately 50 ft. to100 ft. or until the leg latches
are engaged and locked. (Latch is locked when
rubber seal is not exposed. Figure 5)
Unhooking / Folding:
1. Engage the towed and towing vehicle parking
brakes. Unhook the rear lighting and safety cables.
Remove the pressure from between the two vehicles
by unlocking the driver and passenger side leg
latches.
NOTE: Leg latches are unlocked by sliding
the collar back to expose the rubber seal under the
collar. (Figure 5)
2. Remove the coupler from the towing vehicle's ball.
Extend both legs and lock the latches.
3. Unlock the cross brace latch and slide it towards the
passenger side until the alignment tab engages the
passenger side pivot bracket.
4. Unlock the driver side leg latch and swing the
coupler towards the driver side, rotating until the
retainer pin and receiver tube engage. Lock in place
with the hairpin clip.
5. Store the safety cables and rear lighting.
Tow Bar Maintenance
1. This tow bar requires periodic maintenance. It will be
subjected to road dirt and weather during use. The
following tips will help maintain the condition of your
new tow bar.
2. Keep the tow bar covered when not in use, on or off
of the towing vehicle. This will cut down on the dust
and dirt build up on the inside legs and latches of the
tow bar. A BX8840 Rangefinder II tow bar cover is
recommended.
Figure 5
NOTE: If only one leg latch is locked, simply turn the
top of the towed vehicle's steering wheel towards the
unlocked side, approximately 1/2 to 3/4 turn, before
continuing forward.
latched properly before towing. IMPORTANT: The
steering wheel on the towed vehicle must be
unlocked at all times while being towed. Failure to
do so will create hazardous driving conditions.
2. Install safety cables or chains and lighting. (See
safety cable installation - page1).
Check to insure both legs are
3. After each trip, after 5000 miles of towing or before
long periods of storage, clean the entire surface of
the tow bar and lubricate the wear points and latches
with WD-40 or a similar product. Wipe dry with a
clean cloth. Using a silicone lubricant, spray the
entire surface of the tow bar. The silicone lubricant
will produce a protective film that will not attract dirt.
Latch Disassembly
If your latches become "sticky" or hard to latch they
may require disassembly for cleaning.
( ) refer to the parts drawing on page 5.
to disassemble your tow bar for cleaning is to take apart
all latches in the order specified below, clean, then
reassemble as outlined.
Driver Side Latch
1. Unbolt the DS outside leg (1) from the coupler (3).
Unbolt the DS inside leg (2) from the DS pivot
bracket (5). Release the latch and remove the inside
leg. NOTE: Care should be taken not to lose the 6
ball bearings (25) that will come out as the leg is
removed.
The numbers in
The best way
292-1190 7/96 3 of 6
MAINTENANCE / LUBRICATION
2. Remove the V-Ring dust seal (37) and snap ring (29)
that hold the latch together. Remove the latch collar,
spring, and latch washer (31, 26, 24).
Passenger Side Latch
1. Unbolt the PS inside leg from the PS pivot bracket
(4). Remove the bolt and safety stop washer from
the PS inside leg. (Refer to DS Reference Numbers
10,14,23) The easiest way is to place a 3/4" wrench
on the safety stop bolt and turn the inside leg using a
punch through the hole at the pivot bracket end.
Release the latch and remove the inside leg. NOTE:
Care should be taken not to lose the 6 ball bearings
(25) that will come out as the leg is removed.
2. Remove the V-Ring dust seal (37) and snap ring (29)
that hold the latch together. Remove the latch collar,
spring, and latch washer (31, 26, 24).
Cross Pivot Brace
1. Remove the bolt (17) at the driver side of the cross
pivot brace. Slide the cross pivot brace out towards
the passenger side. NOTE: Care should be taken
not to lose the 6 ball bearings that will come out as
the cross pivot brace is removed.
2. Remove the V-Ring dust seal (37) and snap ring (29)
that hold the latch together. Remove the latch collar,
spring, and latch washer (31, 26, 24).
Cleaning
1. Clean all of the parts removed with WD-40 or a like
product. Clean the chrome inside legs, cross pivot
brace and all outside legs and collars. NOTE: Be
sure to clean the inside of the collars and legs,
including brushing out the holes where the ball
bearings sit.
Reassembling The Tow Bar
Cross Pivot Brace Latch
1. Replace the washer, spring, and latch collar and
secure with the snap ring. NOTE: Be sure to install
the spring with the narrow end towards the washer.
2. Hold the cross pivot brace (7) vertical and slide the
DS pivot (5) over it until the holes are just above the
end of the cross pivot brace. Insert a ball bearing
into one of the holes and hold it in place with the
cross pivot brace by keeping slight pressure upwards
against the ball bearing. While keeping slight
pressure on the ball bearing, insert the rest of the
ball bearings. Once all ball bearings are in their
holes, release the latch collar and allow the cross
pivot brace to go on through the latch assembly.
Lock the ball bearings into the groove in the cross
pivot brace.
3. Attach the DS mount bracket assembly (6) to the end
of the cross pivot tube with the bolt previously
removed (17). Check the latch to be sure it operates
smoothly.
Passenger Side Latch
1. Replace the washer, spring, and latch collar and
secure with the snap ring. NOTE: Be sure to install
the spring with the narrow end towards the washer.
2 Slide the inside leg through the leg of the coupler.
Reinstall the safety stop washer to the inside leg with
the bolt and lock washer previously removed. Hold
the leg of the coupler (3) vertical and raise the inside
leg until the holes are just above the end of it. Insert
a ball bearing into one of the holes and hold it in
place with the inside leg by keeping slight pressure
upwards against the ball bearing. While keeping
slight pressure on the ball bearing, insert the rest of
the ball bearings.
3. Once all ball bearings are in their holes, release the
latch collar and allow the inside leg to go on through
the latch assembly. Lock the ball bearings into the
groove in the inside leg. Reattach the inside leg to
the PS pivot bracket (4). Check the latch to be sure
it operates smoothly.
Driver Side Latch
1. Replace the washer, spring, and latch collar and
secure with the snap ring. NOTE: Be sure to install
the spring with the narrow end towards the washer.
2 Hold the outside leg (1) vertical and install the inside
leg and ball bearings as done previously with the
passenger side.
3. Once all ball bearings are in their holes, release the
latch collar and allow the inside leg to go on through
the latch assembly. Lock the ball bearings into the
groove in the inside leg. Reattach the inside leg to
the DS pivot bracket (4). Reattach the outside leg
(1) to the coupler weldment (3). Check the latch to
be sure it operates smoothly.
Lubrication
1. Once the tow bar has been cleaned and reassembled, perform the three steps outlined in the Tow
Bar Maintenance Section on page 3 and insure that
all three latches operate smoothly.
292-1190 7/96 4 of 6
REPLACEMENT PARTS
292-1190 7/96 5 of 6
IMPORTANT: Use only genuine factory replacement parts on your Tow Bar. Do not substitute homemade or nontypical parts. If a bolt is
lost or in need of replacement, for your safety and the preservation of your Tow Bar, be sure to use a replacement bolt of the same grade
(Usually Grade 5).
Repair parts may be ordered through your nearest Automatic dealer or distributor.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Rangefinder II Parts List
Ref. No. Qty. Part No. Description
1 1 61-3816.................................................................................Driver Side Outside Leg
2 2 299-0045 .....................................................................................................Inside Leg
3 1 61-3818 ......................................................................... Passenger Side Outside Leg
293-0273 ..........................................................................Class III Coupler Repair Kit
4 1 61-3819....................................................................... Passenger Side Pivot Bracket
5 1 61-3820............................................................................. Drivers Side Pivot Bracket
6 2 61-3821................................................................................................Mount Bracket
7 1 299-0044 ........................................................................................ Cross Pivot Brace
8 1 61-3823................................................................................................... Retainer Pin
9 2 61-3824........................................................................................... Mushroom Mount
10 2 203-0127 ..................................................................................... Safety Stop Washer
11 1 292-1181 ............................................................................ Decal, BX4322 ID Sticker
12 2 290-0345.......................................................................................................... Caplug
13 2 200-1388.....................................................................................5/16 Dia. Pin w/ Clip
14 2 201-0011........................................................ 1/2-13 x 1 1/4 Grade 5 Hex Head Bolt
15 2 201-0051........................................................ 1/2-13 x 1 1/2 Grade 5 Hex Head Bolt
16 2 201-0068........................................................ 1/2-13 x 1 3/4 Grade 5 Hex Head Bolt
17 2 201-0336........................................................ 3/8-16 x 2 1/2 Grade 5 Hex Head Bolt
18 1 201-0369........................................................ 1/2-13 x 3 1/2 Grade 5 Hex Head Bolt
19 1 201-0473........................................................ 1/2-13 x 2 3/4 Grade 5 Hex Head Bolt
20 1 201-0490.............................................................. 1/2-13 x 3 Grade 5 Hex Head Bolt
21 2 202-0090................................................................ 3/8-16 Hex Nut With Nylon Insert
22 7 202-0094................................................................ 1/2-13 Hex Nut With Nylon Insert
23 2 203-0012.......................................................................................... 1/2 Lock Washer
24 3 299-0057 ............................................................................................... Latch Washer
25 18 209-0139 ............................................................................................3/8 Ball Bearing
26 3 222-0062 ................................................................................................. Latch Spring
27 1 229-0210 ........................................................................................... 1 1/2" Split Ring
28 1 229-0244...........................................................................................# 10 Hairpin Clip
29 3 229-0283.......................................................................................... Latch Snap Ring
30 4 290-0266 ...............................................................................................Nylon Washer
31 3 290-0314 .................................................................................................. Latch Collar
32 3 290-0315 .........................................................................................Latch Back Cover
33 3 290-0316 ......................................................................................................Dust Seal
34 1 292-0797 ..................................................................................... Decal, Safety Cable
35 2 292-1035 ............................................................................................. Decal, Blue Ox
36 1 292-1206......................................................................... Decal, Tow Bar Instructions
37 3 250-0167................................................................. Dust Seal, Tow Bar Latch, Outer
292-1190 7/96 6 of 6
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
HOOKING UP & EXTENDING FOR TOWING
1. Align vehicles in towing position with straight driveway
ahead and parking brakes locked.
2. Unfold tow bar and latch cross brace latch.
Place ball coupler on 2 inch ball.
3. Drive towing vehicle forward until both legs are locked.
(Latch is locked when rubber seal is not exposed.)
4. Install safety cables and towed vehicle lighting.
5. Detailed instructions appear on pages 2-3.
TO BE VALID, THE WARRANTY CARD MUST BE
COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY AN AUTHORIZED
DISTRIBUTOR OR DEALER AND SENT TO AUTOMATIC
EQUIPMENT MFG. CO., PENDER, NEBRASKA. FAILURE
TO DO SO WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.
UNHOOKING & FOLDING FOR STORAGE
1. Park vehicles in a straight line on level surface. Apply
towing vehicle parking brake. Place towed vehicle in
park or 1st gear for manual transmissions.
2. Remove safety cables and towed vehicle lighting.
3. Disengage leg latches. Remove coupler from ball.
Place coupler ring on storage post and pin in place.
4. Detailed instructions appear on page 2-3.
Repair parts may be ordered through your nearest
Automatic dealer or distributor .
Product Safety Policy Statement
It is, and shall continue to be, a primary objective of Automatic Equipment Manufacturing
Company to provide customers with safe and reliable products. Automatic will, and has, established safety procedures in product design, manufacture, promotion and sales; and will coordinate
efforts to promote customer safety to the greatest extent possible. Each department has primary
responsibility for the promotion of safety under the guidelines of the Product Safety Committee.
BX4322
Rangefinder II Tow Bar
Class III (5000 lb) 2 Inch Coupler
292-1190 7/96
Automatic Equipment Mfg. Co.
One Mill Road, Industrial Park l Pender, Nebraska 68047
© 1994 Automatic Equipment
Mfg. Co. Pender, NE 68047
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