Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit - 5,000 lbs
(57 reviews)
Price: $84.99
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Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit - 5,000 lbs
Item # BX88230
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Blue Ox Accessories and Parts - BX88230
- Base Plates
- Brackets
- Blue Ox
Create your own Blue Ox base plates by bolting these heavy-duty brackets to your bumper. Most bumpers will need to be reinforced or modified. Brackets must mount to a flat, metal surface.
Features:
- Lets you create your own base plates
- Mounts to flat, metal section of your vehicle's bumper
- Most bumpers will need to be modified for use with these brackets
- Fits Blue Ox tow bars
- Includes 2 brackets, backing plates and mounting hardware
- Made in the USA
Specs:
- Capacity: 5,000 lbs
- Mounting hole dimensions:
- Diameter: 1/2"
- Distance between mounting holes: 3-1/8" on center
- Dimensions of bracket and backing plate: 4-1/2" long x 1-1/2" wide
- 1-Year warranty
BX88230 Blue Ox Universal Adapter Tabs - Bolt On
Installation Details
Video of Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit - 5,000 lbs
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Video Transcript for Review of Blue Ox Base Plates - Bolt On Base Plate - BX88230
Ellen: Hey everybody, I'm Ellen here at etrailer.com and we're taking a quick look at the Blue Ox bolt on baseplate. This makes a pretty universal kit for a lot of different vehicles. Really the main thing that you want to have on that vehicle to make this work is a sturdy metal bumper that's relatively flat. These are going to need to attach to a flat surface, and you want to make sure that that bumper is strong enough to take the weight of your vehicle. There's a good chance you'll probably have to do some modification regardless.It does come with everything right out here on the table, so I'll go over those parts with you in just a minute in more detail to make sure that this fits for you, but really it's just going to give you that really basic baseplate. A lot of people will use these on Jeeps, trucks, FJ Cruisers, anything that has that nice flat bumper.
It might be an aftermarket bumper or something, so you do want to make sure that you check it out, make sure all the components are in good working order so you can get these guys installed.The thing that's kind of nice about this kit is that it's pretty low profile. It's just these two brackets, so really this is what you're going to be seeing on the outside of your vehicle with that hardware mounted through it, so if you're using a long bolt have these pushed through, so it's really a pretty discreet or pretty non-obtrusive addition to the front of your vehicle and it can be pretty simple, especially if you have one of those vehicles that I mentioned or a vehicle that it's going to work with. It can be a bit more of an economical choice as well, so that's always a nice component for this piece, or for this kit.So let's jump in and look a little bit closer at each of those components and talk a little bit more about how this is going to be installed. You do need to make some modifications. You need four holes drilled out in that bumper to attach the hardware here.
We have our main bracket. This is compatible with any kind of Blue Ox tow bar. It has that double lug design, so it slides right in and fits up.On the back side you do have a plate to give you a little bit more structure and stability, so you can put that through. You'll get long bolts and short bolts, so whichever one works better for you. You have a tube right behind that bumper.
Usually those longer bolts will be good. Those measure about 6-1/2" long if we go from underneath the head to the very end of it. It's really if we go from overall length about 6-3/4" long. Our short bolts are about 2" long. It does come with split washers, fender washers, and lock nuts to get that hardware installed.
The holes on these brackets are about 1/2" in diameter.As far as the brackets themselves for size, you're looking at about 4-1/2" wide and then about 1-1/2" tall. Kind of hard to see that there. These stick out about 3-3/4". The distance between the mounting holes center to center is about 3-1/4". There is a little bit of an offset as far as where those plates are welded to the bracket, so you do want to pay attention to that and to the instructions on where to place that to make sure that it's right, because it kind of depends on which side as far as which direction you want to put it just puts different stress on those brackets, so you want to make sure you do it right the first time.Of course you always want to check the hardware after a certain number of miles. About every 5,000 miles you want to go back through, torque everything down, make sure it's looking good, the holes aren't elongating or anything. It does have a capacity of 5,000 pounds, so you want to make sure that your vehicle is no more than 5,000 pounds, and also everything else loaded up on it as well is below that number.That's pretty much all there is to it for our quick look at the Blue Ox bolt on baseplate kit. I hope this has been helpful in deciding if this the right kit for you. Again, this is only one component of your complete flat tow setup. Those are all the other parts you will need. Again, you can find those all here at etrailer.com. You want to have your baseplate, which is this kit. You also want to have your tow bar, your wiring and your safety chains if they don't come with your tow bar, as well as a braking system.If you want to see more information, again we have a lot of resources available here at etrailer.com, so check them out. Thanks for watching.
Customer Satisfaction Score:
97% were satisfied with this product
3% of customers were not satisfied
- Wrong item was ordered
- Product did not meet expectations
- Did not fit
Customer Reviews
Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit - 5,000 lbs - BX88230
Average Customer Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars (57 Customer Reviews)
Create your own Blue Ox base plates by bolting these heavy-duty brackets to your bumper. Most bumpers will need to be reinforced or modified. Brackets must mount to a flat, metal surface.by: Pat F02/22/2015
I had been using a homemade A frame tow bar on my '74 Toyota Landcruiser for years but had been contemplating replacing it for some time because it was such a hassle to hook up and release if not perfectly aligned. I finally made the move and purchased a Blue Ox Acclaim from Etrailer. It arrived in the estimated time frame and I installed it the next afternoon. I took a trip this weekend to try it out and I absolutely love it. Hitching and releasing are a simple one person procedure now, regardless how straight the two vehicles are aligned. I was towing my Toyota up a hill when I encountered a road block that I couldn't pass. The road wasn't wide enough to turn around and with my old tow bar I wouldn't have been able to unhook and would have had no choice other than to back down the hill. With the Blue Ox I put the Toyota in gear and applied the parking brake. I operated the tow bar lock levers, let the tow vehicle roll back an inch or so and unhitched the two vehicles. Simple as pie and I was then able to back both vehicles individually down the hill. What a great purchase.
Comments
Thanks for the follow up. I still love the tow bar and can’t believe I wrestled with a fixed bar system for so many years. There did turn out to be a dark side though. With my old tow bar I always had to ensure that I was on flat ground with the tow vehicle perfectly in line with the other vehicle if I had any hope of disconnecting the two. With the Blue OX that was no longer a concern. With that in mind I once disconnected the tow vehicle while on a slight slope but never thought to put it in gear or apply the parking break. I never had to before. You guessed it, I got pinched between the two vehicles trying to stop one from crashing into the other. Dummy. Still, I love the Blue Ox. Pat
Pat F - 03/04/2016by: William05/31/2022
Good quality brackets with nice looking welds and a durable finish. It's also nice that they come with additional hardware (long and shorter bolts) to fit more applications. I haven't towed by vehicle with them yet, but I have installed the brackets. Judging from the appearance, I don't have any concerns with quality and whether or not they're strong enough for towing my Jeep.
by: Brad N. 07/04/2016
I ordered the bx88230 bracket kit for my blue ox tow bar . bracket kit goes on my 99 jeep sport. I used an L metal to bolt my brackets too and then bolted that under bumper to frame works great and is hidden . I didn't like bolting straight to bumper. I was able to get brackets in just a couple of days and etrailer was very helpful with my order plus there videos I will use etrailer again.
by: Don10/05/2020
These brackets are just what I needed to connect my Jeep to my tow bar. They are well finished with clear instructions.
by: Dan K07/08/2020
Attachment accessories for the Blue Ox hitch were as described. Bothe the hitch and connecting pieces are high quality fabrication with powder coated finishes. I would buy these Blue Ox products again.
by: Billy 12/03/2022
Worked out great
by: Joe A.05/22/2017
I'm a full time RVer. One year ago I installed your hitch on my 86 Mustang GT. It's doing great! No problems at all. Very easy to use. I'm very satisfied. Looks good too.
by: Tanner06/08/2021
Product arrived rather quickly and thats where the good stuff ends. The parts were seemingly unfinished from blue ox. The brackets had weld spatter all over them including on the mating surfaces as well as the one bracket had quite a sharp burr I assume from the cutting process of the eye. The paint quality was rather good but I was surprised to only see grade 5 hardware in the box. I understand grade 5's are more then strong enough but having grade 8 bolts would just give that extra piece of mind. Overall a good product but the finishing needs work.
by: Jim W.10/03/2016
Great, I'll buy from etrailer again.
It was as stated, worked great.
Towed jeep over 1000 miles so far no problems.
Blue ox Base Bracket Kit
Comments
Still working Great
Jim - 10/04/2017by: William05/30/2016
I order Blue ox base plate bracket kit BX 88230 and light kit RM-155 for my 1995 jeep so I can tow it with my motor home price was great shipping was
Quick . They were easy to install and made of good quality .The kits had
great instructions I am very happy with purchase William in CA.
by: Richard09/10/2018
it is exactly what I have been looking for. tried a different brand but failed too soon. over 10,000 miles using this flat towing my Wrangler unlimited
Comments
just as good as new. i use it a lot to tow my Jeep unlimited
Richard - 09/10/2019by: Steve05/09/2017
I have installed this product on 2 vehicles. A 2005 Jeep LJ with a custom bumper and a 2006 Jeep Liberty with custom bumper. I use the jeeps as tow rigs behind my motor home. Installation is easy, the brackets are strong and I have no negative comments to make.
by: Robert05/28/2016
great service very personal. product was just as described and technical support was unbelievable.
Comments
They work perfect. Thanks for the follow up
Robert - 01/26/2018by: Richard 06/13/2021
Just what I needed to tow my ROXOR behind the motorhome with Blue Ox towing system. It also arrived 4 days ahead of schedule. Good Co. To do business with.
by: King02/11/2017
Blue Ox is the way to tow. I still have a Roadmaster that lives on my Samurai but I much prefer hooking up my Jeep with the Blue
by: Jerry 07/22/2021
Just what I needed to be able to use my existing towbar with a smaller vehicle
by: K. Murphy10/28/2016
Product was delivered quickly and not damaged. The Blue Ox parts are great and as described. Purchase was very easy and the process of finding the part with both a good price and description will make come back to etrailer in the future.
by: John F08/01/2012
Just exactly what I needed to install tow-bar purchased from etrailer to my Chev Tahoe with an existing plow mount great quality. Will definitely buy from etrailer again.
by: Reid08/05/2020
Good instructions, great hardware and most importantly excellent service from etrailer folks. I initially ordered the wrong item, call them, and they immediately cancel and got me the correct item.
by: Buzz W03/01/2017
Fair price and exactly what I needed for my "toad" behind the motorhome.
by: Eugene06/08/2018
Arrived as requested in a timely manner. Packaging was more than adequate. Products ordered were exactly correct.
Installation is pending time available, but inspection indicates no issues with quality and fitment.
Thanks
by: Melvin 12/11/2021
Good price and super quick shipping.
by: Azhalo08/03/2017
Brackets arrived in timely fashion and were as advertised. Simple instructions and installation was very easy.
by: Lee 12/04/2021
Just got them
by: Mark V12/22/2019
After a year of use, these brackets are just like new.
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See what our Experts say about this Blue Ox Accessories and Parts
- Recommended Base Plate Bracket Kit For 1975 Toyota CorollaUnfortunately we do not have a custom base plate designed for your 1975 Corolla, but I might have a solution for you. I recommend the Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit, part # BX88230. This is a base plate kit that you create by bolting to a flat metal section of your bumper. Most vehicle bumpers will need to be modified to be able to use these brackets. This kit comes with 2 brackets, plates, and hardware and has a 5,000 lb towing capacity.
view full answer... - Availability of a Base Plate Kit for a 1972 Buick SkylarkThe best solution for your 1972 Buick Sylark would a universal base plate kit like the part# BX88230. This will bolt to your bumper. Most bumpers will need to be reinforced or modified. Brackets must mount to a flat, metal surface. I attached some help articles on flat towing for you to check out as well.
view full answer... - Base Plate Recommendation for 2006 Jeep Wrangler with Hansen After Market Front Bumper and WinchI spoke with my contact at Blue Ox and as long as you have an after market steel bumper, the Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit, # BX88230, will work for you. The custom fit frame mounted base plates are designed to only work with the factory bumpers. In order to mount the brackets you will have to drill into your bumper. I recommend contacting Hansen to make sure that this will not void the warranty on your bumper. These mounting brackets should be attached metal to metal on a flat steel...
view full answer... - How Far Apart Do the Tabs in Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit Need to BeIt depends on which tow bar you use. I would go with 24 inches on center between the tabs on Blue Ox base plates # BX88230. That will make them compatible with most, if not all, Blue Ox tow bars. I have included a link to the Blue Ox tow bars for you.
view full answer... - Can Blue Ox Bolt On Base Plate Kit BX88230 be Used with Blue Ox 7330 Tow BarThe Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit # BX88230 will work with your Blue Ox BX7330 that has a 10k capacity since the lugs are the same size but you will need to stay under the 5k weight rating.
view full answer... - Can Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit be Installed at Different Measurement Than 21-1/8"I reached out to my contact at Blue Ox and he said that the 21-1/8" spacing is pretty critical for the installation of the Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit # BX88230 but you can possibly get away with extending or retracting that by about 1". You also need to make sure that your front bumper is strong enough to handle the weight of your 1982 Dodge Ramcharger. For a complete flat towing setup you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking...
view full answer... - Bumper Bolt On Mount Base Plate For 1990 Jeep Wrangler Standard BumperYou can use the Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit - 5,000 lbs # BX88230. You will have to drill some holes in your bumper but if will mount flush and give you the connection points you need to connect to a blue ox tow bar. Just make sure you call the bumper manufacturer and verify that the bumper can handle this application.
view full answer... - Required Spacing to Install Blue Ox Bracket Kit BX88230 on Jeep Wrangler JKAccording to the installation instructions, the brackets for # BX88230 require a spacing of 21-1/8 inches. You will first locate the center of your bumper and measure out 10-1/16 inches to either side, then from the center of each mark, measure over 21-1/8 inches to the opposite side to drill the 17/32 inch holes. I have included a link at the bottom so you can access the complete installation instructions.
view full answer... - What is Weight Capacity of Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Kit # BX88230The 5,000 lb weight capacity of the Blue Ox base plate kit # BX88230 is for the both of the mounting tabs used together.
view full answer... - Mounting Hole Dimensions of Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit BX88230That's hard to say, but we do know that the mounting holes of the # BX88230 are 3-1/8 inch apart and they are 1/2 inch in diameter. You would need to compare that to your bumper.
view full answer... - Can Blue Ox Bolt On Base Plate Kit # BX88230 be Spaced 17 inches ApartSpacing the brackets of the Blue Ox Bolt On base plate kit part # BX88230 17 inches apart on center would be fine. Normal spacings of these brackets is 16 to 34 inches apart on center so 17 inches on center would be perfectly fine.
view full answer... - Full Dimensions of the Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit BX88230The Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit part # BX88230 measure 4-1/2" long x 1-1/2" wide x 1/4" thick. The mounting holes are 1/2" diameter and 3-1/8" apart on center. The length of the tab is about 3-1/8" long. I called Blue Ox and they will not release the full technical diagram.
view full answer...
- Dimensions of Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit BX88230I went to our warehouse and measured the main component parts of the Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit # BX88230. The main mounting plate and the backing plate both have overall dimensions of 4-1/2 x 1-1/2-inches. Hole diameter is 1/2-inch and center-to-center hole spacing is 3-1/8-inch. Installation hardware is included.
view full answer... - Compatibility of Flat-Towing Base Plates for 2015 Jeep Wrangler with Aftermarket Bumper InstalledAll of the base plates we offer for the 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon can be seen on the link at right. Every one of these base plates from Blue Ox and Roadmaster are designed for use on Wranglers WITHOUT aftermarket bumpers, winches, and guards. Any given base plate will deliver its rated capacity only when installed exactly as intended by the manufacturer who has tested the installation. The issue with doing any non-standard installation, such as welding base plates to an aftermarket bumper,...
view full answer... - Will the Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit Fit a Jeep WranglerIn regards to using universal bumper attachments such as the Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit part # BX88230, they are designed for use with all steel front bumpers. The bumper must also be rated for flat-towing per the manufacturer. If both of these are true and it's installed properly then so long as you're under the weight capacity there should not be any issues. That said, a far better option in regards to installation and liability would be to use a base plate kit which do require...
view full answer... - What Is the Gap Between the Two Tabs On the Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket KitThe Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit part # BX88230 is designed to be used with Blue Ox Tow Bars like the Blue Ox Adventurer Tow Bar part # BX7322 which has lugs that are about 5/8" thick. Therefore, the distance between the two tabs is 5/8". That said, we do have adapters that will allow you to use other tow bars as well so if you let me know what you have I can see if we have an adapter for this.
view full answer... - Distance Between Tabs of Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit BX88230The width between the two tabs (as described in your photo) on the brackets of the # BX88230 Blue Ox Universal Adapter Tabs is just a hair over over 5/8 inches. I confirmed this with my contact at Blue Ox. These tabs are designed to accept the triple lug brackets found on Blue Ox Towbars, like the Blue Ox Acclaim # BX4330. That being said, there are adapters available to make other brands of tow bars compatible with Blue Ox baseplates. So, if you can tell me which tow bar you plan on using,...
view full answer...
- Installation of Blue Ox Base Plates on 1997 Jeep TJFor the Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit - 5,000 lbs # BX88230, from the center of the bumper you will measure to the side 10-9/16 inches. That is just a calculate mark for measuring. Then from that mark you measure over toward the opposite side 21-1/8 inches which will be a drill location of the inner bolt of the bracket. Make sure the offset bracket is offset toward the middle of the vehicle and that will be the template for the second hole. If this won't allow for your vehicle...
view full answer... - Availability of Base Plates to Flat Tow a Buick LaCrosse CXL Front DriveI do have a solution for you, however, I would not recommend the Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate, # BX88230. Although the this Blue Ox base plate is an universal fit and more cost efficient than the vehicle specific base plates, the labor time and cost that will be associated with installation will in the end not save you as much as you may think. I recommend the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, # BX1515, for your 2011 Buick LaCrosse. This base plate is custom-fit for you vehicle. The arms will remove,...
view full answer... - Using a Draw-Tite Tow Bar to Flat Tow a 1969 Chevrolet G10 VanBefore towing your 1969 G10 you'll want to do some research (if you haven't already) and make sure it can be flat towed without causing any damage to it. We do not have a custom base plate kit for the G10. So you'll need to use universal bolt-on brakets # BX88230. Once these are installed the adapter # BX8833 connect the base plate brackets to a Draw-Tite tow bar. I've linked an article on flat towing you may find helpful
view full answer... - Tow Bar Recommendation for 1980 Jeep CJ-7The best tow bar for your 1980 Jeep CJ-7 will first be one that is compatible with the base plate brackets you use. However, there are no brackets available from Blue Ox or Roadmaster, so you would need to use the Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit # BX88230 which will need to mount to a flat metal surface and before use normally require bumpers to be modified or reinforced. These brackets are only compatible with Blue Ox tow bars, and I recommend the Blue Ox Alpha # BX7380 due to...
view full answer... - Will Draw-Tite Tow Bar Brackets # 40602 Fit a Blue Ox Tow BarThe Replacement Bumper Bracket Kit # 40602 is not a good fit with a Blue Ox tow bar. Blue Ox does have a similar system, # BX88230, which is rated for 5,000 pounds and will fit Blue Ox tow bars.
view full answer... - Blue Ox Tow Bar and Base Plate Kit Recommendation for a 2014 Jeep WranglerI wish I had a base plate kit that would fit your 2014 Jeep Wrangler, but since you have an aftermarket bumper on the front of your 2014 Jeep Wrangler there are no base plates custom fit for your setup. You might be able to use the # BX88230 as this is a universal base plate kit that can attach to metal bumpers. You would need to determine the capacity of the bumper before going this route making sure it can support weight of your vehicle. If you would be willing to go with a stock front...
view full answer... - Installing Blue Ox Base Plate Bracket Kit # BX88230 on 1989 Jeep YJ with Aftermarket BumperAccording to my contact at Blue Ox, their Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit # BX88230 needs to be installed as close as possible to a 24-inch spread for use with their Alpha Tow Bar. You have at most 1 - 2-inches of leeway either wider or narrower. Since your bumper's D-rings are 28-1/2-inches apart you may be able to fit the brackets inboard of the D-rings and remain within an acceptable spread. It is a good idea to check with the manufacturer of your aftermarket bumper to find out if any...
view full answer...
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