I haven't had a chance to tow my Raptor behind my motorhome yet, but the hardware to install this product appears quite substantial - which was welcome (I installed this kit myself). Heavy duty Grade 5 nuts/bolts and thick steel side plates, plus extremely thick cable wraps were intimidating upon opening the package but installed with relative ease. The only non-standard tool you will need for this installation is a crowfoot 19mm (preferably 3/8" drive with an attachment that will allow it to be used with a 1/2" torque wrench).
You will need a 15mm and a 19mm end wrench and socket drive to remove parts (which is relatively easy and will probably not take more than 45 minutes even if you take your sweet time like I did). For installation you will need the 19mm socket drive plus the crow foot wrench (that can be connected to your torque wrench for the necessary 78 ft lbs tightening torque).
Two items of interest:
I thought about marking this down to 4 stars because two lock washers split, failed, and broke during installation and had to be replaced (because grade 5 hardware hardware is not really necessary for washers, I simply replaced them with galvanized washers from Lowes).
Additionally, you need to be prepared to modify the front OEM brackets that mount the skid plate. If you have a cordless grinder with a metal removal wheel, then it's a ten minute job. If you don't have this tool, then borrow one (if you can only borrow a grinder without the grinding wheel, the grinding wheel can be purchased at a box store for just a few bucks - it will be unnoticeably used when you're done, so give it back to the person you borrowed from as thanks).
Normally you can't buy a crows foot wrench individually, so if you can't borrow one (plus if you don't have access to a grinder and need to buy that too and the grinding wheel), then you might want to consider having this professionally installed (buying these tools could cost over $200, which might be at least half of the kit installation cost). If you have (access to) these tools and are mechanically inclined, I would rate this job about a 3 out of 5 stars. It isn't necessarily hard, but it is a bit tedious (particularly with the wire nuts). I planned on half a day and it took me all day, but I painted all holes drilled into the frame before installing hardware and whatever other details were necessary to make sure I'd never see rust or problems with this installation.
It's a good kit with heavy duty hardware that needs a couple specialized tools not itemized in the directions. If you are up to it, plan on a full day to install. It's not hard but it is tedious. But the heavy gauge hardware will give you comfort that it is not likely to fail you.
UPDATE - August 2014: I have now towed my Ford Raptor approximately 13,000 miles with this device, and I can say unequivocally that it works brilliantly. From south Florida all the way to New Mexico and Utah for some four-wheeling, then on to San Diego, and all the way back (this was my first trip post installation). Lots of big hills up and down, no doubt putting all of the towing hardware to a supreme test. I re-torqued these bracket nuts but did not find even one of them to be loose. This year I towed to the Smoky Mountains and up to Wisconsin, again without a hitch. Just now starting to be in need of a little wire brushing and touch up spray paint, but other than that, all is great. I still highly recommend this product.
| Color | blue |
|---|---|
| Brand | Blue Ox |
| Vehicle Service Type | Truck |
| Fit Type | Vehicle Specific Fit |
| Item Weight | 30 Pounds |
| Finish Type | Powder Coated |
| UPC | 798459085234 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00798459085234 |
| OEM Part Number | BX2630 |
| Manufacturer | Blue Ox |
| Model | BX2630 |
| Item Weight | 30 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 6.5 x 6.88 x 18.5 inches |
| Item model number | BX2630 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Manufacturer Part Number | BX2630 |
