Blue Ox BX8870 - Manual (Page 4)

INSTALLATION (BLUE OX SELF-ALIGNING TOW BARS)
1. Refer to page 4 while installing the
KarGard. 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. (Aventa
tow bars - same height as your hitch receiver)
IMPORTANT: DO NOT hook the tow bar to
the towing vehicle. During installation, bolts
will be removed and the hook up will make it
difficult to remove bolts.
2. Remove the 1/2" grade 5 bolts attaching the
chrome tow bar legs to the tabs. Set the
tower bases on top of the tabs and fasten
using the 1/2 x 3 grade 5 bolts and nylon insert
lock nuts provided. Install them with the cups
close to the front of the towed vehicle, and the
same distance from the towed vehicle.
NOTE: How the tower bases are oriented will
depend on what type of tow bar you have.
Page 4 shows the orientation for the
Rangefinder II tow bar. Orientation for an
Aventa tow bar uses the center hole in the
tower bases and the cups of the tower bases
point straight backward. (See inset page 4)
Aventa II & Aladdin tow bars are shown on
page 6. NOTE: 2 - 1/2" washers may have to
be used on each side as shown on page 6 so
the tower base clears the rubber boot.
Snug the bolts, but do not tighten at this time.
There should be two or more threads showing
through the lock nut when snug. If this is not
the case, obtain a longer bolt from a hardware
store, but be certain it is Grade 5.
3. Fold your tow bar to the stored position to be
certain that the tower bases will not interfere,
adjust accordingly. The tower bases will work
in a wide variety of locations.
4. Set the towers into the tower bases (plastic
plugs up) and install the spring lock pins.
5. Lift the front of the tow bar up until the towers
almost touch the front of your towed vehicle.
This shows 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Remove the locking rod and unfold the
KarGard. Install the locking rod to keep the
KarGard straight. Set the KarGard upright 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
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.
9. 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.
10. 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 completely.
NOTE: Allow approximately 1/2" 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 tow bar cross bar. Tighten the
1/2" bolts that hold the tower bases firmly.
Page 4 of 12 292-1813 Rev. E 4/20/09