Blue Ox BX8870 - Manual (Page 3)

INSTALLATION (TUBE TYPE TOW BARS)
(Blue Ox Standard, Economy, Deluxe, Universal / Duncan A-Frame / Many others)
1. Mount the tow bar to the towed vehicle's
baseplate, as if to tow it. Support the coupler
on blocks or a stand at approximately the same
height as your hitch ball.
2. Bolt the tower bases to the tow bar legs using
the "U" bolts and nuts provided. Snug the nuts
but do not tighten at this time. (See diagram
below) Take care not to damage the threads.
NOTE: If you have a tow bar that flips up for
storage, raise it to the storage position to
determine if the tower bases will interfere with
this operation. If so, the tower bases can be
mounted underneath the tow bar legs as shown
on the left leg in the diagram below.
Refer to diagram on page 4 for steps 3-10.
3. Set the towers into the tower bases (plastic
plugs up) and install the spring lock pins. Align
the towers parallel with each other, close to
vertical, tighten the U-bolts firmly.
4. Assemble the tower clamps to the upper and
lower "L" brackets so you have four bracket
assemblies, an upper and lower right and an
upper and lower left. Be sure to orient the
clamps and "L" brackets as shown on page 4.
Slide a rubber washer over each of the four
dowel pins on the "L" brackets.
5. Slide the four bracket assemblies onto the
towers. Snug to keep in place but do not
tighten at this time.
NOTE: "L" brackets with short pins with a hole
through them are upper brackets.
6. Remove the locking rod and unfold the
KarGard. Install the locking rod to keep the
KarGard straight. Set the KarGard on the tow
bar legs. Slide the upper brackets up until the
dowel pins fit through a hole in the
upper aluminum angle of the KarGard,
and install the two hair pins.
IMPORTANT: Use any holes, but be
sure to use the corresponding hole on
the other half of the KarGard to keep
the KarGard centered in front of the
towed vehicle.
Snug the upper brackets, but do not
tighten at this time. Slide the lower
brackets up until the dowel pins fit
through the same holes in the lower
aluminum angles as used in the upper
angles. Snug the lower brackets, but
do not tighten at this time.
7. Determine if you need to lower the KarGard to
provide maximum protection of your towed
vehicle lower valence. If you need to lower it,
follow the instructions printed on the template
supplied with the KarGard.
8. Once openings are cut, (optional) reinstall the
KarGard onto the dowel pins (bottom first) and
install the hair pins. Slide all mounting brackets
and the KarGard down and tighten the
mounting brackets.
NOTE: Allow approximately 1/4" clearance
between the bottom of the KarGard and the top
of the tow bar legs. Distances may vary due to
tow bar configurations. Keep KarGard parallel
with the ground.
9. Tighten all bolts firmly. Make it a habit to check
all fasteners occasionally for tightness.
10. Lift the front of the tow bar up until the towers
almost touch the front of your towed vehicle.
This will show you how much of a dip or rise
you can go through before contact occurs.
This is a judgement that only you can
determine. You may need to adjust the tower
bases forward slightly if clearances appear too
close.
The manufacturer accepts no responsibility for
any damage caused to the KarGard or to the
towed or towing vehicle from improper
installation of this product.
Be sure to read page 1 where you will
find important information about your
KarGard, as well as installation and
storage instructions for everyday use.
Page 3 of 12 292-1813 Rev. E 4/20/09