BX2901 Installation Instructions

1999-02 Lexus RX300 (5 Door Sport Utility Vehicle)

The plastic bumper needs to be removed and holes need to be drilled to install baseplate. It may be easier to
install the baseplate by removing the headlights but is not necessary.

1. Remove the small center plastic grill ( in front of radiator ) by removing the seven Phillips screws.
2. Remove the four Hex bolts (10mm socket) from the middle of the bottom bumper plastic and the plastic
rock guard/ belly pan. Also remove the four Hex bolts from the rear of the rock guard/belly pan and the four
lower outside Hex bolts (10mm Socket)
3. Reach behind the bumper molding just in front of the tires and remove the Hex bolt
(10mm socket) connecting the fenders to the bumper molding.
4. Looking through the front bumper molding (drivers side) locate and release the white
plastic clip forward of the bolt just removed. Use a small screwdriver and pry out the mid-
dle of the clip. Once released pull the bumper out position. On the passenger side reach
in from the fender well to release the clip. Once released pull the bumper out and off the
car.
5. Locate and remove the thermal sensor from the metal bumper (drivers
side area). It needs to be moved inboard once the baseplate has been
installed.
6. Approximately 1 inch outboard from the slotted hole where the sensor
was fastened is a hole (bottom of metal bumper). Drill this hole out to
3/8".
7. Feed the 3/8" bolt plate with wire (Item 2) through the lower channel of
the metal bumper and into the drilled hole. Bolt the baseplate to metal
bumper, hand tighten only.
8. Center the baseplate (Item 1) on the bumper and mark
the passenger side hole (bottom of the bumper). Note:
Before drilling make sure the baseplate is centered
on the car. Drill a 3/8" hole and feed the 3/8" bolt plate
(Item 2) with wire through lower channel into the 3/8" hole
and baseplate brace, hand tighten only.
9. Bolt the braces (Items 10) to the outside holes on the
baseplate (Item 1) using 1/2-13 x 1 1/2" Hex bolt and
hardware (Items 8, 4 and 5). As shown in diagram on
page 2. Thread nuts slightly so braces are loose.
10. Sandwich the tow hooks between the rear supports (Item
11) and the braces (Item 10). Be sure to place two of the spacers (Item 9) inside of the tow hook before
bolting the pieces together. Use the 1/2-13 x 1 3/4" bolts, nut and lock washer (Items 3, 4 and 5).

Automatic Equipment Mfg. Co. Page 1 of 2 292-5554 Rev. B 5/10/10

One Mill Road, Industrial Park  Pender, Nebraska 68047
11. Dimensional variations between otherwise identical cars can be considerable. While the location and size
of the holes in the baseplate were designed to allow for easy installation, it may be necessary to file a hole
slightly to allow a bolt to clear. Once both side braces and center braces have been started apply Loctite to
each bolt and torque bolts according to the Bolt Torque Chart in the General Instruction Sheet.
12. The sensor which was removed in Step 5 can now be fastened to bumper. Drill a 3/8" hole inboard of the
baseplates braces and refasten sensor using existing clip.
13. Replace the rock guard and plastic bumper
14. DEALER OR INSTALLER: BE CERTAIN THE USER RECEIVES THE INSTRUCTION SHEET.

Tools Required
3/4" Socket 9/16" Socket 10mm Socket
Short Extension 3/4" Socket 3/4" Wrench
Loctite Blue 3/8" Drill Bit Small Flat Screwdriver

Parts List
Ref. No. Qty. Part No. Description
1 1 61-5330....................................................................... Weldment, Baseplate, BX2901
2 2 61-5331................................................................Weldment, 3/8" Bolt Plate with Wire
3 2 201-0068...................................................................1/2-13 x 1 3/4 Hex Bolt, Grade 5
4 4 203-0012............................................................................................1/2 Lock Washer
5 4 202-0005............................................................................... 1/2-13 Hex Nut, Grade 5
6 2 203-0010............................................................................................3/8 Lock Washer
7 2 202-0003............................................................................... 3/8-16 Hex Nut, Grade 5
8 2 201-0051...................................................................1/2-13 x 1 1/2 Hex Bolt, Grade 5
9 4 102-5738............................................................................................ Spacer, BX2901
10 2 102-5730.............................................................................................. Brace, BX2901
11 2 102-5731.................................................................................Support Brace, BX2901
12 2 201-0979................................................................#12-14 x 1" Self Drilling Screw, ZP
13 2 101-5822............................................................................ Adapter, 4 Way Connector
14 2 201-0192........................................................... #10-32 x 1/2 Slot Round Head Screw
15 2 203-0054...........................................................................................#10 Lock Washer
16 2 202-0047............................................................................................. #10-32 Hex Nut
2 226-0046..........................................Baseplate Safety Cable, 36" CL III (Not Shown)
4 229-0359..................................................................... Quicklink, 3/8, ZP (Not Shown)

© 1999, 2010 Automatic Equipment

Page 2 of 2292-5554 Rev. B 5/10/10 Mfg. Co. Pender, NE 68047
 General Information
1. 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.
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