Blue Ox BX3770 Baseplate Installation Instructions
For 2006-2012 Toyota RAV4 (Includes Sport/Limited)
Attachment Tab Height: 24 inches
Attachment Tab Width: 22 inches
Important Information
Please read BOTH these Installation Instructions and the General Instructions prior to installing or operating this equipment.
- Blue Ox® towing products and accessories are intended to be installed by Blue Ox® Dealers who are familiar with our products and have the equipment and knowledge necessary to do "it work".
- Many Blue Ox® baseplates are designed to 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 specified in the installation instructions.
Bolt Torque Specifications
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 |
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 |
Reference your vehicle owner's manual for manufacturer's towing specifications.
WARNING
⚠️ Failure to read and follow these instructions could result in separation of the towed vehicle from the tow bar, causing property damage, loss of towed vehicle, personal injury or death.
Instruction Notes
The fascia, radiator cover, belly pan, air baffle, horns, styrofoam supports and windshield washer fluid reservoir are removed and reinstalled for the baseplate installation. Some drilling and trimming is required.
Place all components that are removed on a flat, 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 BX8848 4-Diode Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle.
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.
- Do not use the towed vehicle for storing luggage, equipment, etc. This may cause you to exceed the towing capacity of the tow bar, baseplate and its accessories.
- Be sure to use Loctite® Red on all bolts before tightening. Tighten all bolts according to the torque chart provided.
- Dealer or installer be certain the user receives these instruction sheet.
- 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.
Tools Required
- Large Vise Grip
- Flat Screwdriver
- Utility Knife
- Reciprocating Saw
- Torque Wrench
- Drill
- Tape Measure
- Loctite® RED
- 13/32" Carbide Drill Bit
- 3/4" Socket
- 9/16" Socket
- 9/16" Wrench
Parts List
| Item No. | Part No. | Description | Qty. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 61-6297 | BX3770 Baseplate Crosstube | 1 |
| 2 | 101-6979 | BX3770 End Plate, DS | 1 |
| 3 | 101-6980 | BX3770 End Plate, PS | 1 |
| 4 | 201-0443 | 3/8"-16 x 1" Hex Head Bolt, Grade 5, ZP | 8 |
| 5 | 201-0011 | 1/2"-13 x 1-1/4" Hex Head Bolt, Grade 5, ZP | 4 |
| 6 | 203-0012 | 1/2" Lock Washer | 4 |
| 7 | 202-0005 | 1/2"-13 Hex Nut, ZP | 2 |
| 8 | 203-0010 | 3/8" Lock Washer, ZP | 6 |
| 9 | 202-0003 | 3/8"-16 Hex Nut, ZP | 8 |
| 10 | 201-0979 | #12-14 x 1" Self Drilling Screw, ZP | 2 |
| 11 | 201-0192 | #10-32 x 1/2" Slot Head Screw | 2 |
| 12 | 203-0054 | #10 Lock Washer, ZP | 2 |
| 13 | 202-0047 | #10-32 Hex Nut, ZP | 2 |
| 14 | 101-5822 | 4 Way Connector Adapter | 2 |
| 15 | 62-3468 | Attachment Tab Assembly | 2 |
| 16 | 226-0046(not shown) | Class III Safety Cables | 2 |
| 17 | 229-0359(not shown) | 3/8" Quicklink, ZP | 2 |
| 18 | 290-0437(not shown) | Black Cap Plug Receiver | 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.
Installation Steps
Step 1: Remove Radiator Cover
Image description: Front view of the engine bay of a Toyota RAV4. Arrows indicate locations of four (4) push pins to be removed from the gray radiator cover. Repeat on the other side of the vehicle. In the center of the radiator cover, remove one (1) push pin (white) and remove the cover from the vehicle.
Step 2: Remove Grille Push Pins
Image description: Front view of the Toyota RAV4 grille area. Arrows indicate two (2) corner push pins (gray) to be removed. Then above the grille, remove the two (2) inner push pins (white).
Step 3: Remove Wheel Well Screws
Image description: Side view of the front wheel well area of a Toyota RAV4. Arrows indicate a screw to be turned 90 degrees [arrow pointing right] on the outer edge of the wheel well. Some models will have two (2) additional screws to remove using a 10MM socket [arrow pointing left]. Repeat on the other side of the vehicle.
Step 4: Remove Fascia Screw
Image description: Close-up view behind the wheel well cover at the top of the fascia. An arrow indicates one (1) screw to be removed with a 10MM socket. Repeat on the other side of the vehicle.
Step 5: Remove Fascia Screws
Image description: Underside view of the Toyota RAV4 fascia. Arrows indicate five (5) screws to be removed with a 10MM socket. Some models may have an additional gray push pin to remove. Repeat on the other side of the vehicle.
Step 6: Remove Belly Pan and Fascia
Image description: Underside view of the Toyota RAV4 belly pan. Arrows indicate three (3) driver's side push pins (white) to be removed. Repeat on the passenger side. Towards the rear of the belly pan, remove the two (2) push pins (gray). Set the pan aside and carefully remove the fascia from the vehicle.
Step 7: Remove Air Baffle Bolts
Image description: Driver's side view of the engine bay, showing the air baffle. Arrows indicate two (2) bolts to be removed with a 10MM socket from the air baffle. If equipped, the upper gray bolt will also need to be removed to free the air baffle tube from the vehicle.
Step 8: Disconnect Washer Reservoir
Image description: Passenger side view of the engine bay, showing the windshield washer fluid reservoir. Arrows indicate electrical connections to be disconnected from the reservoir. Disconnect and plug the fluid lines. Using a 10MM socket, remove the bolt from the rear of the reservoir.
Step 9: Remove Washer Reservoir Bolts
Image description: Front side view of the windshield washer fluid reservoir. Arrows indicate the fill tube (gray) to be disconnected. Using a 10MM socket, remove the front and top bolts (white) and set the reservoir aside.
Step 10: Remove Fascia Support
Image description: Front view of the Toyota RAV4 radiator area. Arrows indicate bolt(s) to be removed with a 10MM socket from the fascia support. Remove the support and the styrofoam supports around it.
Step 11: Disconnect Horns
Image description: Front view of the Toyota RAV4 engine bay, showing horns. An arrow indicates an electrical connection to be disconnected from both horns. Move the wiring aside to clear the baseplate installation.
Step 12: Trim Air Deflectors
Image description: Side view of the Toyota RAV4 front bumper area, showing air deflectors. A measuring tape indicates an area to be trimmed: 4-1/4 inches deep by 3 inches high, with the bottom flush with the bumper. Trim these areas out for baseplate clearance.
Step 13: Notch Frame and Bumper Bracket
Image description: Side view of the Toyota RAV4 frame rail. A measuring tape indicates an area to be marked 1-1/2 inches down from the top of the frame and flush with the frame rail. Using a reciprocating saw, notch the frame and bumper bracket. Do this on both sides of the vehicle.
Step 14: Drill Frame Holes
Image description: Side view of the Toyota RAV4 frame rail and endplate. Arrows indicate aligning the bottom of the endplate flush with the bottom of the frame. Align the existing hole (gray) to the baseplate hole and clamp the endplate. Using a 13/32" drill bit, drill the four (4) holes into the frame (white). Do this on both sides of the vehicle.
Step 15: Dry Fit Mounting Bolts
Image description: Side view of the Toyota RAV4 frame rail with endplate attached. Arrows indicate dry-fitting four (4) holes with 3/8"-16 x 1" bolts, 3/8" lock washers, and 3/8"-16 nuts, using the hole in the frame opening. Hand tighten bolts for now; these bolts will be torqued after the crosstube is installed. Do this on both sides of the vehicle.
Step 16: Install Crosstube and Torque Bolts
Image description: Side view of the baseplate crosstube being attached to the endplates. Arrows indicate installing the crosstube with a 1/2"-13 x 1-1/4" bolt and 1/2" lock washer in the front holes (white). Then a 1/2"-13 x 1-1/4" bolt, 1/2" lock washer, and 1/2"-13 nut on the rear holes (gray). Reinstall the 3/8"-16 bolts with Loctite® and torque all bolts to specifications.
Step 17: Attach Safety Cables
Image description: Underside view of the Toyota RAV4 frame and baseplate. Arrows show attachment points for permanent baseplate safety cables to the provided convenience link on the baseplate and the vehicle frame. The photo above shows the recommended installation of the cables to the 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.
Step 18: Reinstall Washer Reservoir
Image description: Passenger side view of the windshield washer reservoir. An arrow indicates a tab on the backside to be trimmed (white). When reinstalling the reservoir, use three (3) 1/4" flat washers between the reservoir and frame as a spacer on the front bolt (gray). Reinstall the fascia support bracket and styrofoam supports.
Step 19: Reinstall Air Baffle
Image description: Front view of the Toyota RAV4 engine bay. An arrow indicates the reinstallation of the air baffle.
Step 20: Reinstall Fascia and Covers
Image description: Front view of the Toyota RAV4 fascia. Arrows indicate holding the fascia up to the vehicle as close to its original position. Mark and trim the fascia for clearance of the attachment tabs and convenience links. Reinstall the fascia, belly pan, and radiator cover.
Final Appearance
Two images showing the front of the Toyota RAV4: The left image shows the front of the vehicle without removable tabs installed. The right image shows the front of the vehicle with removable tabs installed.
General Information
- 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.
- It is the owner's responsibility to hook up all towing equipment per manufacturer's instructions/ recommendations.
- Remove the attachment tabs when not in use (if applicable).
Notice To Baseplate Installer
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 fluid 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.
Option #1
Diagram description: Diagram illustrating Option #1 for permanent baseplate safety cable installation, showing connection from the baseplate's convenience link to the vehicle's frame rail or cross member.
Option #2
Diagram description: Diagram illustrating Option #2 for permanent baseplate safety cable installation, showing connection from the baseplate's convenience link to the vehicle's frame rail or cross member.
