BX2218 Installation Instructions
1997-99 Honda CR-V
Utilization of Blue Ox baseplates with any tow bar not approved by Automatic Equipment Mfg. Com-
pany invalidates the limited warranty.
Installation of this baseplate requires removing the steel or the plastic belly pan, the round steel bar,
and the tie down brackets.
1.
2.
Read the General Instruction Sheet included with this baseplate.
The baseplate mounts in place of the tie down brackets using six bolts supplied with the
baseplate.
3.
4.
If the CR-V has a steel belly pan it will need to be removed. It can be replaced after the
baseplate is mounted. Using 10mm and 12mm wrenches, remove the bolts attaching the belly
pan to the vehicle. Keep the bolts for replacing the belly pan later.
The plastic belly pan and the round steel bar will need to be removed. There are seven
plastic rivets and six bolts which mount the plastic belly pan to the vehicle. The plastic rivets
can be removed by unscrewing the center with a phillips screwdriver and then prying the rivet
out of the hole. There are four bolts which need a 10mm wrench to be removed and the two
bolts which bolt the round bar to the tie downs will take a 12mm wrench. (If you have a steel
belly pan, the two bolts that take the 12mm wrench were removed in Step 3) The two bolts
that held on the cross bar will be replaced by bolts in the baseplate kit, all other hardware will
be used again.
5.
6.
Using a 15mm wrench, remove the tie down brackets from both sides of the CR-V. Set the
brackets and bolts aside, they will not be used again.
The baseplate end plates bolt in place where the tie down mounts were. With an assistant to
help, hold the baseplate in position and start the 10mm x 30mm bolts and lock washers.
The top bolt on each side should have a flat washer placed between the baseplate and
the vehicle frame. Apply Loctite to the bolts as you start them, but start all bolts
before tightening any of them. When all bolts are started, push the front of the
baseplate up as high as it will go and tighten all bolts completely.
7.
8.
9.
Replace the plastic belly pan and round bar. If you have a steel belly pan, the
round bar will be mounted along with the steel belly pan. Two 5/16 x 1 bolts,
flat washers, and lock washers are provided to mount the round bar to the
baseplate.
If you have the steel belly pan you will need to enlarge the outside rear
access holes to allow a 1/2” socket into the bolt pocket. Once the holes are
enlarged, you can mount the belly pan using the 5/16” hardware provided.
Use of Loctite on these bolts is optional.
Included in the manual package is a dash decal for your CR-V to remind
you how to set up the transmission to tow. Place the decal on the dash
of your CR-V or on the tow bar or anywhere it will remind you to
make sure you transmission will be properly shifted before you tow.
Detailed instructions appear later in this instruction sheet or in
the Owner’s Manual of the CR-V.
Page 1 of 2
292-1823 Rev. B
10/16/09
General Information
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® Red on all bolts and tighten to the
recommended specifications.
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).
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 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.
5/11/15
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