BX1995
2011-2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Installation Instructions
Please visit www.blueox.com for the latest version of these installation instructions.
Product Information
Attachment Tab Height: 19"
Attachment Tab Width: 22"
Serial Number: [Field for Serial Number]
Please read BOTH these Installation Instructions and the General Instructions prior to installing or operating this equipment.
Introduction
- 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 “fit work”. If needed, Blue Ox® Dealers can be found at www.blueox.com or by contacting our Customer Care Department at (402) 385-3051.
- 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 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 |
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 this, call us at (402) 385-3051.
Reference your vehicle owner's manual for manufacturer's towing specifications.
⚠️ 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.
Tools Required
- 8MM Socket
- 10MM Socket
- 12MM Socket
- Drill
- Torque Wrench
- 9/16" Socket
- Large Vise Grips
- Tape Measure
- Utility Knife
- 1/4" Drill Bit
- 13/32" Drill Bit
- Reciprocating Saw
- Flat Screwdriver
- Loctite® RED
Parts List
Diagram shows the layout of components with item numbers corresponding to the list below.
| Item No. | Part No. | Description | Qty. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 61-5208 | 3/8"-16 Nut Plate w/ 14" Wire | 11 |
| 2 | 61-6950 | BX1995 Baseplate | 1 |
| 3 | 62-3468 | Attachment Tab Assembly with Hole | 2 |
| 4 | 102-7186 | Breakaway Bracket | 1 |
| 5 | 201-0050 | 1/4"-20 x 3/4" Hex Head Bolt, Grade 5, ZP | 2 |
| 6 | 201-0192 | #10-32 1/2" Round Slotted Head Screw | 2 |
| 7 | 201-0368 | 3/8"-16 x 1-1/4" Hex Head Bolt, Grade 5, ZP | 11 |
| 8 | 201-0418 | 8MM -1.25 X 35MM Hex Head Bolt, Grade 8.8, ZP | 1 |
| 9 | 201-0979 | #12-14 x 1" Self Drilling Screw, ZP | 2 |
| 10 | 202-0047 | #10-32 Hex Nut | 2 |
| 11 | 202-0069 | 1/4"-20 Hex Flange Whiz Lock Nut, ZP | 1 |
| 12 | 202-0102 | 1/4"-20 Hex Nylon Nut, ZP | 1 |
| 13 | 203-0010 | 3/8" Lock Washer, ZP | 11 |
| 14 | 203-0054 | #10 Lock Washer, ZP | 2 |
| 15 | 203-0102 | 8MM Lock Washer, ZP | 1 |
| 16 | 299-0685 | Electrical Bracket | 1 |
| 17 | 226-0046(not shown) | Class III Safety Cables | 2 |
| 18 | 229-0359(not shown) | 3/8" Quicklink, ZP | 2 |
| 19 | 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. Towing behind a non-motorized vehicle will void the warranty.
Baseplate Notes
Removable Tabs: Motorhome mount tow bars are recommended for use with this baseplate. Due to the design of the removable tabs, the RangeFinderII, Acclaim, and Ambassador tow bars can not be used. Adapters, except the BX8833, BX88262 and BX88151, can not be used with this baseplate.
Tow Bar Adapters are NOT to be used with vehicle's weighing over 5,000 lbs.
Instruction Notes: The plastic radiator cover, fascia, and washer reservoir, are removed and reinstalled for the baseplate installation. Drilling is required. Trimming is required.
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 auto manufacturer's tolerances. These minor adjustments may include filing a hole slightly, bending electrical rods or bending end plates.
The BX8848 4-Diode Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle.
Installation Instructions
Step 1: Remove Plastic Radiator Cover
With a flat screwdriver, remove six push pins from the top of the plastic radiator cover. Four are pictured between 1A and 1B. The remaining two push pins are pictured in 1C and 1D and are found at the inside point of each headlight. Remove plastic radiator cover and set aside with push pins to be reinstalled later.
Images 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D show the location of push pins for radiator cover removal.
Step 2: Remove Fascia Bolts
Using a 10MM socket, remove three bolts from the top of the fascia.
Image 2 shows the location of three bolts on the top of the fascia.
Step 3: Remove Fascia Push Pins and Bolt
In front of the tire, remove three push pins with a flat screwdriver as shown in 3A. Also in front of the tire, with an 8MM socket, remove 1 bolt (3B). Do this to both sides of the vehicle. Set push pins and bolts aside to be reinstalled later.
Images 3A and 3B show the location of push pins and a bolt in front of the tire.
Step 4: Remove Fascia Webbing Bolts
On the front of the fascia, with a 10MM socket, remove two bolts from the fascia webbing. Set bolts aside to be reinstalled later.
Image 4 shows the location of two bolts on the fascia webbing.
Step 5: Remove Under-Fascia Push Pins
Underneath the fascia, remove 11 push pins with a flat screwdriver. Set push pins aside to be reinstalled later.
Image 5 shows the location of push pins underneath the fascia.
Step 6: Remove Fascia
To remove fascia, lift up and pull out between the front tire and headlight as shown in the above picture. Do this to both sides of the vehicle. Set fascia carefully aside to be reinstalled later.
Image 6 illustrates how to lift and pull the fascia.
Step 7: Remove Washer Reservoir (Passenger Side)
On the passenger's side only, in order to remove the washer reservoir, remove one push pin inside the driver's side wheel well (7A) and two push pins underneath the washer reservoir (7B). The plastic can now be moved to the side when removing the washer reservoir. Set aside push pins to be reinstalled later.
Images 7A and 7B show the location of push pins for washer reservoir removal.
Step 8: Disconnect and Remove Washer Reservoir
To remove washer reservoir on passenger's side, you must first unplug the electrical connections, disconnect and plug the fluid lines (8A). Push aside plastic piece between washer reservoir and wheel well. Using a 12MM socket, remove one bolt from the back of the washer reservoir (8B). Remove additional two bolts on the front of the washer reservoir (8C). Carefully remove the washer reservoir and set aside with the bolts to be reinstalled later.
Images 8A, 8B, and 8C show the process of disconnecting and removing the washer reservoir.
Step 9: Trim Bumper Horns
Trimming needs to be done on bumper horns. With 12MM socket, remove outer bottom bolt on the horn (9A). Measure 5" up from the bottom of the bumper horn and mark area flush with bumper horn to trim (9B). With a reciprocating saw, trim area flush with bumper horn. Complete these steps for both sides of the vehicle. Picture of completed trimming shown in 9C.
Images 9A, 9B, and 9C illustrate the bumper horn trimming process.
Step 10: Cut Frame Rail Openings
On the side of the frame rail, with a reciprocating saw, make two horizontal cuts as shown above on existing hole (between 1" - 1 1/2" long). Trim additional metal from the area where the horizontal cuts were made. Do this to both sides. These openings will be used to insert the nut plates at a later point in the instructions.
Image 10 shows the location and size of the horizontal cuts to be made on the frame rail.
Step 11: Mount Baseplate to Frame Rails
When mounting baseplate to the vehicle, use the existing holes on the siderails to align and keep level as shown above. Once you have confirmed baseplate is level and aligned with existing holes, clamp baseplate to frame rail on both sides with large vise grips. On driver's side, insert 3/8-16 x 1 1/4 hex head bolt with 3/8" lock washer and 3/8" nut plate into existing hole (11A). Tighten with Loctite Red. On passenger's side, insert 8MM-1.25 x 35MM hex bolt with 8MM lock washer into existing hole (11B). Do not tighten this bolt with Loctite Red. This bolt and lock washer will be removed and used when reinstalling the washer reservoir.
Images 11A and 11B show the baseplate being mounted to the frame rails on the driver's and passenger's sides respectively.
Step 12: Drill Holes and Install Fasteners
On driver's side, drill five holes with 13/32" drill bit (12A). Insert 3/8-16 x 1 1/4 hex head bolt, 3/8" lock washer and 1/4 x 1 x 1 nut plate. Tighten all bolts with Loctite Red. On passenger's side, drill five holes with same drill bit (12B). Insert 3/8-16 x 1 1/4 hex head bolt, 3/8" lock washer and 1/4 x 1 x 1 nut plate. Tighten with Loctite Red.
Images 12A and 12B show the drilling and installation of fasteners on the driver's and passenger's sides.
NOTE: Not all holes will be drilled for the baseplate installation. On passenger's side, the 8MM-1.25 x 35MM hex bolt and lock washer that was previously inserted into baseplate and frame rail need to be removed for washer reservoir reinstallation (gray arrow).
When using power drills be aware of the dangers of torque and drill bit length.
BE SURE TO USE LOCTITE® RED ON ALL BOLTS BEFORE TIGHTENING. TIGHTEN ALL BOLTS ACCORDING TO THE TORQUE CHART ON THE FRONT PAGE OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS OR ON PAGE 3 OF THE BASEPLATE TOWING GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS.
Step 13: Reinstall Washer Reservoir
Reinstall washer reservoir on passenger's side. Use existing bolts referenced with white arrows in pictures 13A and 13B. Replace bolt shown in 13C with 8MM-1.25 x 35MM hex bolt and lock washer that was previously inserted into baseplate and framerail. Reattach fluid lines and electrical connections.
Images 13A, 13B, and 13C show the reinstallation of the washer reservoir.
Step 14: Reinstall Plastic Cover Push Pins
Reinstall three push pins for the plastic cover on passenger's side between the wheel well and the washer reservoir (removal of push pins referenced previously in instruction #7).
Step 15: Attach Safety Cables
Attach the permanent baseplate safety cables to the provided convenience link on the baseplate (gray arrow). The photo above shows the recommended installation of the cables to frame of vehicle (white arrows). 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 15 illustrates the attachment of safety cables.
Step 16: Optional Breakaway Bracket Installation
OPTIONAL: You can install the breakaway bracket and breakaway on either the driver's side or passenger's side of the vehicle. Drill 1/4" hole through the front of the bumper. Insert 1/4-20 x 3/4 hex bolt with 1/4-20 hex nylon nut to secure the bracket (white arrow). Attach breakaway to the bracket with 1/4-20 x 3/4 hex bolt with 1/4-20 whiz nut (gray arrow).
Image 16 shows the optional breakaway bracket installation.
Step 17: Trim Fascia for Access
Hold fascia up as close to original position as possible. With a utility knife, trim fascia to allow baseplate attachment tabs, convenience links and breakaway, if applicable, to come through (17A). Example of completed trimming shown in 17B.
Images 17A and 17B show fascia trimming for component access.
Step 18: Reinstall Radiator Cover and Fascia
Reinstall plastic radiator cover and fascia.
Final Installation Steps
Install the tow bar and safety cables according to the instructions provided in their packages. When demonstrating this to the customer, be sure to include all the contents and packages.
Do not substitute other devices if the tow bar pins and clips are misplaced.
Product Images
Image shows vehicle with removable tabs installed.
Image shows vehicle without removable tabs installed.
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.
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.
© 2015 Blue Ox
One Mill Road, Industrial Park
Pender, Nebraska 68047
Phone: (402) 385-3051
Fax: (402) 385-3360
www.blueox.com
General Information
- 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.
- 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.
Diagrams show Option #1 and Option #2 for permanent baseplate safety cable installation, illustrating connection points to the frame or cross member.
