Blue Ox BX4335 - Manual

SAFETY
292-2098 4/98 1 of 6
DO NOT INSTALL, OPERATE OR USE THIS EQUIPMENT UNTIL THE FOLLOWING
OPERATING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS HAVE BEEN READ AND UNDERSTOOD.
This symbol is used to bring attention to safety precautions and instructions. When you
see this symbol, be alert and pay attention to all instructions. YOUR PERSONAL
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
1. Blue Ox tow bars are designed for the coupler to be
parallel to the ground when it is attached to the
towed and towing vehicles. If the tow bar coupler
is at an angle, damage or accident could occur.
2. Blue Ox tow bars are designed to tow manual
transmission cars or automatics equipped with a
transmission pump, drive shaft disconnect or half
shaft disconnect.
3. The transmission is in neutral when towing.
4. Unlock the steering wheel to allow the front wheels
of the towed vehicle to “track”.
5. Be sure the front end of the car being towed is
properly aligned.
6. The use of safety cables or chains is REQUIRED BY
LAW. Model BX8805 (5ft) or BX8806 (6ft) Safety
Cables are recommended. The shorter BX8805 is
normally best.
7. Adjust the coupler for proper fit to the ball (see
coupler fit adjustment). For added security, place a
lock, pin or bolt through the hole provided in the
coupler locking lever. A BX8860 padlock is recom-
mended.
8. Check clearance between vehicles in a turning
situation.
9. Most states require rear lighting on the towed car. A
BX8811 or BX8869 Wiring Kit is recommended.
10. Prior to a towing trip, be sure all towing accessories
and attachment points are secure. Check for cracked
welds and loose bolts. This is important on all
occasions but particularly on a new installation, when
they should be checked just prior to initial towing and
again after 100-200 miles of towing.
11. Do Not Back Up when towing. This may damage
the tow bar assembly or the towed car’s chassis.
12. Avoid sharp turns and rough terrain. Check assem-
bly after unusual events and periodically on long
trips.
13. Do not use towed vehicle for storing luggage, etc.;
you may exceed the towing capacity of the tow bar.
1.Using a 3/4" socket, tighten or loosen the nut until
firm contact between coupler and ball is established.
2.Check ball to housing tension periodically and
tighten if needed.
3.Lightly lubricate the ball.
Heavy Spring
Light Spring
Ball
Clamp
Channel Lock
Lock Nut
Housing
Pin & Chain
(Optional)
Locking Lever
(Locked Position)
(Unlocked Position)
COUPLER FIT ADJUSTMENT
SAFETY CABLE INSTALLATION
1. Using the cable hooks, attach the cables to a solid
part of the chassis of the towed vehicle or to the
bracket convenience links on unibody cars. Slip the
end of the hook through the neoprene keeper to
prevent the hook from unhooking. (See Fig. 3)
NOTE: It is best to have permanent chains that
connect the convenience links to the frame of the
car. (See Fig. 2)
2. Cross the two safety cables under the tow bar. (See
Fig. 1) NOTE: Do not wrap around legs or damage
could occur to rubber boot.
3. Using the cable hooks, attach the opposite ends of
the cables to a solid part of the chassis of the towing
vehicle if at all possible. Slip the end of the hook
through the neoprene keeper to prevent the hook
from unhooking. (See Fig. 3)
4. Adjust slack so that the cables cannot touch the
ground or become caught beneath the ball. If either
of these things happen, the cables may become
damaged and ineffective. DO NOT USE DAMAGED
CABLES!
5. If BX8805 or BX8806 cables are not used, be sure
each cable or chain used has at least the load rating
of the coupler (5000 lbs.).