Blue Ox BX3332 Installation Instructions

BX3332 Installation Instructions

2008-10 Saturn Vue and Redline

2012-14 Chevy Captiva Sport

Attachment Tab Height: 21-1/2"

Attachment Tab Width: 18-1/2"

Serial Number: [Location indicated on document]

Please read BOTH these Installation Instructions and the General Instructions prior to installing or operating this equipment.

Important Information and Recommendations

  1. Blue Ox® towing products and accessories are intended to be installed by Blue Ox® Dealers who are familiar with their products and possess the necessary equipment and knowledge for proper installation. If needed, Blue Ox® Dealers can be located at www.blueox.com or by contacting their Customer Care Department at (402) 385-3051.
  2. Many Blue Ox® baseplates are designed to utilize existing vehicle holes and hardware for mounting. However, do not assume existing bolts are adequate for baseplate mounting. Always use the hardware supplied in the hardware kit and any existing hardware as specified in these installation instructions.

Bolt Torque Specifications

Torque in Foot-Pounds for Inch Bolts

Bolt SizeGrade 5Grade 8
1/4"1014
5/16"1929
3/8"3347
7/16"5478
1/2"78119
5/8"154230
3/4"257380

Torque in Foot-Pounds for Metric Bolts

Bolt SizeGrade 8.8Grade 10.9
6MM68
8MM1622
10MM3140
12MM5470
14MM89117
16MM161230
18MM222318

▲ 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.

Reference your vehicle owner's manual for manufacturer's towing specifications.

If the front of your vehicle looks different than depicted, please contact Blue Ox at (402)385-3051.

Instruction Notes

The fascia, hood latch, air baffle, air dams, windshield washer fluid reservoir, and (if equipped) coolant lines are removed and reinstalled for the baseplate installation. Some drilling and trimming is required.

Place all removed components on a flat, sturdy surface. All items will be reinstalled unless otherwise noted after the baseplate is installed.

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.

[Image Description: A taillight assembly with an arrow indicating a hole to be drilled according to 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.
  • Ensure 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., as 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.
  • Ensure the dealer or installer provides these instruction sheets to the user.
  • If the baseplate is involved 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
  • Reciprocating Saw
  • Utility Knife
  • Phillips Screwdriver
  • Torque Wrench
  • Drill
  • Tape Measure
  • Loctite® RED
  • 13/32" Drill Bit
  • 1-1/4" Hole Saw
  • 7MM Socket
  • 10MM Socket
  • 12MM Socket
  • 9/16" Socket
  • 9/16" Wrench

Parts List

[Diagram Description: An illustration showing the baseplate assembly with numbered components and connection points for 4-way and 6-way electrical connectors.]
Item No.Part No.DescriptionQty.
161-6416BX3332 Baseplate1
261-52083/8"-16 Nut Plate w/ Wire8
3201-04403/8"-16 x 1-1/2" Hex Head Bolt, Grade 5, ZP8
4203-00103/8" Lock Washer, ZP8
5203-00025/16" Flat Washer, ZP6
6203-00033/8" Flat Washer, ZP4
7101-6645Electrical Bracket, 20 Degree1
8201-00501/4"-20 x 3/4" Hex Head Bolt, Grade 5, ZP3
9203-00081/4" Lock Washer, ZP2
10202-00691/4" Hex Flange Whiz Nut, ZP2
11201-0192#10-32 x 1/2" Slotted Round Head Screw2
12203-0054#10 Lock Washer2
13202-0047#10-32 Hex Nut2
14101-58224 Way Adapter Connector2
15201-0654#10-16 Self Drilling Screw, ZP2
16203-00011/4" Flat Washer, ZP3
1762-3469Attachment Tab Assembly2
1861-6493TT Frame Bracket1
19201-06556MM-1.0 x 30MM Hex Head Bolt, Grade 8.8, ZP1
20203-01616MM Lock Washer, ZP1
21226-0046(not shown)Class III Safety Cables2
22229-0359(not shown)3/8" Quicklink, ZP4
23290-0437(not shown)Black Cap Plug Receiver2
24201-0553(not shown)1/4"-20 x 1/2" Hex Type F TCS2
25202-0102(not shown)1/4"-20 Hex Nylon Nut, ZP1
EExisting Bolt1

Installation Steps

  1. [Image Description: Top of fascia, showing pushpin locations indicated by arrows.]Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove eleven (11) pushpins from the flat plastic piece on top of the fascia.
  2. [Image Description: Edge of fascia, showing a bolt location indicated by an arrow.]Using a 10MM socket, remove the bolt on the top edge of the fascia. Do this on both sides.
  3. [Image Description: Area near the front tire, showing screw locations indicated by arrows.]Using a 7MM socket, remove the screw just forward the front tire (3A). Up above forward the front tire, remove another screw (3B). Do this to both sides.
  4. [Image Description: Fascia below the license plate, showing a screw and pushpin locations indicated by arrows.]Using a 10MM socket, remove the screw directly below the license plate on the fascia. Further underneath, there are three (3) pushpins to remove.
  5. VUE/CAPTIVA MODELS:[Image Description: Area near the front tire, showing screw locations indicated by arrows.]Just forward the front tire, underneath the fascia, use a 7MM socket to remove two (2) screws (white). Using a 10MM socket, remove one screw (gray) as shown. Do this to both sides of the vehicle.
  6. REDLINE MODEL:[Image Description: Area near the front tire, showing screw locations indicated by arrows.]Just forward the front tire, underneath the fascia, use a 7MM socket to remove two (2) screws (white). Using a 10MM socket, remove one screw (gray) as shown. Do this to both sides of the vehicle.
  7. [Image Description: Front of vehicle grille area, showing a pushpin location indicated by an arrow.]Straight down in front of the latch and just behind the upper grille, using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the black push pin. Pull fascia corners out to the side of the vehicle, both sides, then pull fascia forward and set aside carefully.
  8. Driver's Side:[Image Description: Windshield washer reservoir, with arrows pointing to hose and electrical connections to be disconnected.]On the driver's side, disconnect all hoses and electrical connections from the washer reservoir. Also unplug the one main plug in the front (indicated by a gray arrow).
  9. Driver's Side:[Image Description: Washer reservoir mounting bolts indicated by arrows.]Using a 10MM socket, remove two (2) bolts just forward the front tire (8A) and the lower bolt (8B) to remove the washer reservoir.
  10. Passenger's Side:[Image Description: Air baffle mounting bolts indicated by arrows.]On the passenger's side, using a 10MM socket, remove the two (2) bolts from the air baffle.
  11. Passenger's Side:[Image Description: Area behind the bumper near the headlight, showing a pushpin location indicated by an arrow.]On the passenger's side only, remove the push pin that is on the backside of the bumper, just below the headlight, by pushing the center piece out.
  12. Remove four (4) bolts using a 12MM socket. Do this to both sides of the vehicle. Set aside the metal bumper for later reinstallation.[Image Description: Front bumper area, showing four bolt locations indicated by arrows.]
  13. Using a 10MM socket, remove one (1) bolt from the center of the metal H-frame bumper. Also remove two (2) pushpins located behind the metal piece (indicated by gray arrows) from the wire harness (12A). If equipped, unfasten the coolant line bolts on the front of the vehicle and from the passenger side (12B). Carefully move the coolant line aside for baseplate installation.[Image Description: Front bumper area showing wire harness pushpins (12A) and coolant line bolts (12B) indicated by arrows.]
  14. In the center of the metal bumper is a temperature sensor that needs to be removed. Depress clips on the front side of the bracket and push the sensor back and out of the way. This will all be reinstalled in the same place later. Pull the H-Frame bumper forward to release.[Image Description: Center of the metal bumper showing a temperature sensor and its clips.]
  15. On the passenger side, remove the push pin from the top of the air dam. Do this to both sides.[Image Description: Passenger side air dam showing a pushpin location indicated by an arrow.]
  16. On the driver's side, remove the Christmas tree pin holding the wire loom. Pull the wire loom out of the way.[Image Description: Driver's side showing a wire loom held by a Christmas tree pin.]
  17. To remove the frame extension, remove four (4) bolts: two (2) on top (16A) and two (2) on the bottom (16B), using a 12MM socket. Do this to both sides.[Image Description: Frame extension showing top (16A) and bottom (16B) bolt locations indicated by arrows.]
  18. Measure and mark on the side of the frame end 1-1/2" wide. Do this to both sides. NOTE: The 1-1/2" measurement may vary depending on the model of vehicle and is intended to be flush with the side of the frame (refer to photo in Step 19).[Image Description: Side of the frame showing measurement marks for a cut, with a ruler.]
  19. Using a reciprocating saw, start a horizontal cut flush with the frame, 1-3/4" down from the top, and cut down to 8". Then cut down at an angle to miss the bolt hole (indicated by a gray arrow). Do this to both sides.[Image Description: Side of the frame showing the reciprocating saw cut line.]
  20. Reinstall the frame extension, mark, and remove the same area as step 18 with a reciprocating saw. The photos show the extensions after completion. It may be necessary to remove the extensions to cut them. NOTE: Leave the weld nut on the passenger's side, and the threaded stud for the water reservoir on the driver's side. Reinstall the passenger's side frame extension. The driver's side will be reinstalled later.[Image Description: Passenger and Driver sides showing the frame extensions after cutting.]
  21. With a 1-1/4" hole saw, drill a hole into the center of the indent on the frame extension to set the wire nut for baseplate installation. Do this to both sides.[Image Description: Frame extension showing a drilled hole in the center indent.]
  22. Remove two (2) bolts holding the hood latch in with a 10MM socket. Set aside for later reinstallation BEFORE the bumper bracket.[Image Description: Hood latch mounting bolts indicated by arrows.]
  23. With a utility knife, trim the air dam 1-1/2" wide by 2" tall. This is done only on the passenger's side.[Image Description: Air dam showing trim lines.]
  24. Reinstall the driver's side frame extension while sliding the baseplate onto the frame end, then reinstall the extension. Clamp and align the lower edge of the baseplate flush with the ridge on the side of the extension and 1/4" above the top ridge of the frame extension (see photos in Steps 24 and 25 for correct placement). Align the large hole on the passenger side with the existing large hole on the frame extension and adjust the driver side an equal distance forward. Using the baseplate as a template, drill all holes into the frame and extension with a 13/32" drill bit. Do this to both sides.[Image Description: Alignment of driver's side frame extension and baseplate, showing measurement marks and hole alignment.]
  25. Ensure that the baseplate is level with the frame extension ridge before tightening (indicated by gray arrows). Insert nut plates into the frame extension end and align with baseplate holes. Install all 3/8-16 x 1-1/2" hex bolts with 3/8" lock washers into the nut plates and tighten down. Do this to both sides.[Image Description: Baseplate and frame extension showing alignment and bolt locations.]
  26. Place two 5/16" or 3/8" flat washers between the baseplate and extension as needed to fill any gap, then insert a 3/8"-16 x 1-1/2" hex bolt and 3/8" lock washer. Tighten into the nut plate.[Image Description: Baseplate and frame extension showing washer placement for gap filling.]
  27. Reinstall the hood latch assembly and metal bumper by using existing holes and bolts. NOTE: If equipped with coolant lines, install into the existing hole above where the lines were located when removed, using the supplied 1/4”-20 x 3/4" bolt, 1/4” flat washer, and 1/4”-20 lock nut (indicated by gray arrow). Reconnect the coolant line on the passenger side.[Image Description: Front of vehicle showing reinstallation of hood latch, bumper, and coolant line connection.]
  28. Reinstall the washer reservoir with the existing bolts, clip fluid and electrical lines back into place.[Image Description: Washer reservoir being reinstalled with fluid and electrical lines.]
  29. Reattach the air baffle with existing holes and existing bolts.[Image Description: Air baffle being reattached.]
  30. VUE / CAPTIVA MODELS: Keeping a 3/16" gap to the right of the center on the lower metal bumper support, place the connector as high as you can on the webbing and install with #10-16 self-drilling screws and 1/4" flat washers.[Image Description: Connector mounting location on the bumper support for Vue/Captiva models.]
  31. REDLINE MODEL: Use the existing bolt in the top hole of the connector and install with a 6MM x 30MM hex bolt and 6MM lock washers with two (2) 5/16" washers behind to get the bracket flush.[Image Description: Connector mounting location on the bumper support for Redline models.]
  32. 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 the frame of the 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 to both sides of the vehicle.[Image Description: Baseplate safety cable attachment points on the vehicle frame.]
  33. REDLINE MODEL: Hold fascia as close to its original position as possible, trim grille opening as needed. Reinstall fascia, then install connector plug using appropriate hardware for either a 4-way connector plug or 6-way connector plug.[Image Description: Redline model fascia being held in place, showing trim and connector plug installation.]
  34. VUE/CAPTIVA MODELS: Hold fascia as close to its original position as possible, trim grille opening as needed. Reinstall fascia, then install connector plug using appropriate hardware for either a 4-way connector plug or 6-way connector plug.[Image Description: Vue/Captiva model fascia being held in place, showing trim and connector plug installation.]

Customer Service Commitment

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 customer care 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 confidence you have shown in the performance of our products. It is because of customers like you we enjoy the success we have today.

© 2012 Blue Ox
One Mill Road, Industrial Park
Pender, Nebraska 68047
Phone: (402) 385-3051
Fax: (402) 385-3360
www.blueox.com

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