Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
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2008 Mini Cooper
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2008 Mini Cooper
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If you like a clean, factory look when you’re not towing, this setup delivers. The hidden design keeps the hardware tucked away, and the arms come off with a quick twist so nothing sticks out from the front bumper. Plug in the included receiver covers to keep dirt and debris out of the sockets, so the arms slide in smoothly every time you hook up again.
Connecting your tow bar is fast and reliable. Each arm slides into the receiver, twists until it locks, and secures with a pin. When you’re done towing, pull the pin, rotate the arm, and remove it—no tools or wrestling required. The distance between brackets is 18" and bracket height is 18", giving you exact measurements to match up your tow bar components.
This base plate bolts straight to the chassis—no welding needed. Its durable steel build spreads towing forces evenly across the front end to help prevent stress on suspension components during long hauls. The powder-coated finish helps it resist rust and corrosion through changing weather and road conditions.
The sturdy lugs pair with Blue Ox tow bars for a secure connection. You can also adapt it for use with Roadmaster tow bars using adapter # RM-031 or # RM-031-5, or Demco tow bars with adapter # DM9523041 (all sold separately). Built-in mounting points make it easy to attach an electrical connector plug bracket so your lighting hookup stays organized and within easy reach.
Customer Satisfaction Score:
93% were satisfied with this product
7% of customers were not satisfied
Ratings & Reviews
The safety Cable installation left a little to be desired. I'm not sure if I installed it as designed. The cables we're really long enough to go aroiund the frame rails on our Jeep, under the Radiator mount, Aluminum Frame, I was only able to go around the Raditor mount on both sides. Didn't really seam like it was the right way, but I suspect it's only for if something comes loose that there isn't a catastrophic breakaway.
I was given a Blue Ox Tow Bar and needed Base Plates for my Ford F150. In my online search, E-Trailer had the best price, so I ordered them. Delivery was a few days earlier than expected. I read the installation instructions and it sounded fairly simple to install, so I decided to tackle it myself. I began it about six pm and had the job completed and cleaned up in just over two hours. The job required removal of the bumper and tow hooks and drilling of two holes. Also William at E-trailer was of great help in the correct parts and keeping me informed of the delivery.
After installing over 500 baseplates on various vehicles, this one was probably the toughest one . It had the off road package on it . But it fit great after I had to remove a lot that had been bolted up for 27yrs.
Tried to install this baseplate. It was a challenge to say the least. It did not fit the frame of my Jeep YJ without making modifications to the mounting plates on the driver side. I had to use a cut off wheel and remove 3/16 of an inch from the driver side spacer (which is too long. See pictures) in order to get it to clear the frame. Also, instructions say to drill an additional 1/2 inch hole in the frame for a third mounting bolt. BUT....the internal frame construction doesn't allow the nut on a stick to pass under the existing reinforcements for the bolts that mount the steering gear to the frame. Nut is way too thick to pass under the internal tubing in the frame from manufacturer (AMC).
This was instilled on a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 truck. I watched your video online with this exact model truck and the words I remember most was “and we did not have to do any trimming”. Well my truck was certainly different than what was on video. Guess it’s because it’s a late build 2024 (end of September 2024) and the grill system was maybe what would appear on the 2025 models? There was lots of trimming involved. I also will tell you the mounting holes both for the frame and the bumper back plate did not line up and required some modifications to fit. I would like to say this job is not for the faint of heart. I luckily have a mechanical/machinist background so was able to get the job done. Have not tested it yet but will be soon. Good luck to those of you who are planning on installing it yourself. Just remember it can be done. Just take your time.
Items arrived in 2 days, free shipping. All appeared in new undamaged condition.
The Blue Ox base plate for my 2015 Kia Soul is well manufactured and, with a little bit of mechanical skill, easy to install. It fit perfectly without issues. Brad from etrailer provides a step-by-step installation video that is outstanding and nicely guides through the process from beginning to end. I highly recommend this Blue Ox base plate from etrailer.
Well the blue ox base plate actually fits my turbo engine. The Curt didn't fit as advertised.
Super high quality baseplate for towing by Blue Ox. Instructions, videos, shipping (one day!) and overall experience was awesome. A bit pricey but their quality and the additional support by E Trailer cannot be beat! BTW (E Trailer) the baseplate fits three different Jeep configurations but did not call out the Recon package. After looking at other brands which showed there's to fit the 3 variations AND the Recon, I figured it would fit and it DID. You should definitely upgrade to include the Recon Edition.
lways great to shop at etrailer, especially the tech experts. Royce did an awesome job with our order. Everything fit perfectly and the help video provided the guidance I needed.
We installed the baseplate on our 2023 Encore GX AWD as well as the light harness and breakaway switch. A couple of items were incorrect but Royce corrected the issues with no problems.
Thanks again etrailer!
2019 Ford Ranger baseplate worked and fitted fine for me. 73 yrs old took me a couple hours but took many breaks. Younger could do it less than hour I'm sure.
Also works fine with my Blue Ox tow bar.
Great service. Thanks
Always excellent service and quick deli very.
Fast delivery, everything in the box, best price online!
Works great, the instructional videos are perfect. Thanks
As always Fast delivery and exactly what I ordered. I can find the products cheaper elsewhere but can't get the support etrailer provides.
Fast shipping & Base Plate is heavy duty -- This is not a DIY install because of tools needed -- However, I see no other way to install the plate except the way that`s in the instructions -- I did remove the bumper to cut the slots in it --
All was just great! The only comments I have are: (a) the blind nuts are a pain, and (b) on my Jeep Patriot, I found it much easier to make the bumper/frame cuts by removing the bumper - just 8 easy to do bolts - I do not have a cut-off so I was able to use my recriprocating saw.
This is the seventh Blue Ox baseplate I have installed on my personal vehicles. All have been pretty straight forward until this one. I had noticed on the installation video that positioning the base plate was skipped over and went directly to drilling and bolting into place. Now I know why. It was impossible to get the baseplate into position on my 2012 Jeep Patriot. After 2 hours of fruitless attempts I took a break and gave it some thought. I decided to remove the bumper and attach baseplate and bumper together. I used 2 carpenters clamps and old reliable duck tape. Set the assembly on stands and inched it into place. Worked great, slid easily into place for drilling and bolting. I had previously trimmed the frame but it would have been much easier with the bumper removed. I believe this is a reasonable alternative, maybe better method of installation.
The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit w/removable arms arrived quickly and installed onto my 2016 Jeep Patriot 5 speed just as the instructions indicated. The photos included in the installation instructions were a big plus in helping me stay on track.
The base plate is well made and will provide many years of service being towed behind my 2021 FR3 motor home.
All components required by law for towing are installed and tested. We can't wait for our first trip in July to take our dinghy with us.
Thank you eTrailer
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Brooke M.
2/4/2025
Thanks for taking the time to write this review, Mike! I appreciate you sharing what worked well for you and I think your experience with this will save someone some time! If you ever felt like adding photos, we would love to see them :)