bing tracking image
  1. Tow Bar Base Plate
  2. Blue Ox
  3. Removable Draw Bars
  4. Twist Lock Attachment
  5. Completely Hidden
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
etrailer Installation
We'll connect you with nearby partnered installers who know this exact setup.
Blue Ox

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: BX1636
In Stock
$458.15
Retail:$706.44
You Save: $248.29
Tow Bar Base Plate

Will this fit?

To see if this custom-fit item will work for you please tell us what vehicle you'll use it with.

zoom in icon
slider vertical icon
zoom out icon
Comment field cannot be left empty.
Name field cannot be left empty.
By submitting this form, you understand and agree to our Terms of Sale, Website Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.

Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.

Product Images

In Use/Installed

Customer Photos

etrailer Installation
We'll connect you with nearby partnered installers who know this exact setup.
Custom designed to fit your vehicle so it can be safely towed behind your RV, this base plate has easily removable arms that offer a seamless look when you're not flat towing. Base plate bolts directly to your chassis, so no welding is required. Great Prices for the best tow bar base plate from Blue Ox. Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms part number BX1636 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
  • All Info
  • Reviews (5152)
  • Q & A (0)
  • Photos

Blue Ox Tow Bar Base Plate - BX1636

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Ready for Flat Towing: Creates solid connection points so you can safely tow behind your RV.
  • Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden design and removable arms keep the front end clean and seamless.
  • Quick Hookup: Twist-lock arms attach and remove easily for fast setup and storage.
  • Built to Last: Heavy-duty, powder-coated steel resists rust and corrosion through long trips.
  • Reliable Connection: Sturdy lugs pair with Blue Ox tow bars for a secure, stable towing setup.
Made in USA

Features to know about

Made for a Clean Front End: Hidden Base Plate with Removable Arms

If you like a clean look when you’re not towing, this setup keeps things neat. The base plate’s hidden design means no bulky brackets or crossbars sticking out, leaving the front end seamless. Each arm removes with a quick twist, and the included receiver covers plug right in to keep out dirt and debris. It’s a simple way to preserve your vehicle’s factory appearance while staying ready to tow.

Blue Ox base plate kit with removable arms attached to vehicle frame, showing clean hidden installation ready for flat towing

Blue Ox base plate kit installed on vehicle with arms removed, showing concealed design for seamless appearance

Quick Hookups Made Simple: Twist-Lock Arm Connection

Hooking up doesn’t need to be a wrestling match. The removable arms insert into the receivers, rotate to lock, and secure with an easy-to-pull pin. When you’re done towing, pull the pin, turn the arm, and it slides right out. It’s a straightforward system that makes connecting and disconnecting fast whether you’re in your driveway or at the campsite.

Close-up of Blue Ox base plate removable arm showing twist-lock attachment mechanism for easy installation and removal

Strength You Can Rely On: Steel Construction That Spreads the Load

Built from durable steel and powder coated for corrosion resistance, this base plate bolts directly to the chassis—no welding required. Its sturdy design spreads towing forces evenly to help reduce stress on your suspension during long trips. The brackets sit solid, forming a dependable link between your vehicle and tow bar for confident towing mile after mile.

Ready for Your Existing Setup: Adapter-Compatible Design

If you already have towing gear you like, this kit fits right in. The sturdy lugs pair directly with Blue Ox tow bars for a secure connection. It’s also adaptable with Roadmaster tow bars using adapter RM-031 or RM-031-5 (sold separately) and with Demco tow bars using adapter DM9523041 (sold separately). Integrated mounting points make it easy to add an electrical connector bracket up front so everything stays organized and accessible.

DIY-Friendly Install: Bolt-On Mounts with Included Hardware

You don’t need special tools or welding skills to get this installed. The base plate bolts securely to the chassis using the included mounting hardware, making it a solid weekend project for anyone handy with basic tools. With its straightforward fit and clear design, it’s easy to get it mounted up and ready for the road.

Specs

Distance between brackets: 25-1/2" Bracket height: 16-3/4" 3-Year warranty

Specs

Dimensions

  • Distance between brackets: 25-1/2"
  • Bracket height: 16-3/4"

Warranty

  • Warranty: 3-Year warranty

Diagram showing flat towing setup with labeled components including tow bar, base plate kit, safety cables, wiring, and supplemental braking system

  • There are 5 basic components needed when flat towing a vehicle: a tow bar, a base plate kit, a safety cable set, tow bar wiring, and a supplemental braking system.

BX1636 Blue Ox Baseplate - Removable Tabs

Installation Details BX1636 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.8

5144 reviews
5 Stars
(4433)
4 Stars
(493)
3 Stars
(103)
2 Stars
(46)
1 Star
(69)
Review sort icon
Custom designed to fit your vehicle so it can be safely towed behind your RV, this base plate has easily removable arms that offer a seamless look when you're not flat towing. Base plate bolts directly to your chassis, so no welding is required.

by:

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).



by:

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.



by:

Items arrived in 2 days, free shipping. All appeared in new undamaged condition.



by:

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.



by:

Well the blue ox base plate actually fits my turbo engine. The Curt didn't fit as advertised.



by:

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.



by:

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!



by:

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.



by:



by:



by:



by:



by:

Good services



by:

AWESOME THANKS AGAIN!



by:

Quality product, easy install, many tha nks



by:

Instalation was not difficult. I had a harder time taking off the bumper. Looks good and work great.



by:

Everything was fine and working real go od.



by:

Douglas profile picture

Douglas

4/9/2025

Worked great the 2 times I got to use it before frame broke in the Tracker.

Jameson C. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jameson C.

4/9/2025

@Douglas Bummer! What broke the frame?


by:

Excellent quality and engineering. Installation requires a fair amount of mechanical sense and ability.



by:

EVERYTHING WAS DELIVERED AS ORDERED. I AM PLEASES WITH THE HELP THAT WAS GIVEN ON MY ORDER. I HAVE NOT INSTALLED IT YET BUT I AM SURE IT IS OK.



by:

Very Pleased at how quickly the base plate was delivered. Thanks for making that happen. Great team at etrailer!



by:

Always happy with my experiences with my purchases from etrailer. Excellent customer service! Shipping is always fast. Excellent products at an excellent price. Thanks.



by:

Easy to order shipped fast and easy to install the product fit fine. The pin on the passenger side did not fit well had to use hammer to get it in will not come out



by:

The base plate fit perfectly,however the instructions were a little ambigious(remove the bolt from the front tire?). Everything went well and overall I am very happy with the base plate.

Paul B. profile picture

Paul B.

5/27/2016

Awesome! I love the fact that it does not protrude out from the grill. Not too difficult to install and works flawlessly!



by:

This is not a product that the average handyman should attempt because the the complete lack of detailed instructions. There are many decisions that have to be made on your own that could compromise the reliability of the end product and extends the length of the installation process. Luckily, this was not my first installation so I had all the specialized tools to make the installation go more smoothly.


25
25

See what our Experts say about this Blue Ox Tow Bar Base Plate

  • Can 2002 Chevy Tracker with Manual Transmission be Flat Towed
    Hey Tom, yes a 2002 Chevy Tracker with a manual transmission is flat towable. The first thing you'd need is a base plate kit like the Blue Ox part # BX1636 which is a confirmed fit for your vehicle. In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. One of the most popular compatible tow bars is the Blue Ox Avail # BX7420 which comes with safety cables. The coiled design helps keep the cables...
    view full answer...
  • Blue Ox Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2002 Chevy Tracker Behind a 2006 Winnebago Adventurer Motor Home
    There are 5 basic components that you will need to flat tow your 2002 Chevrolet Tracker behind your 2006 Winnebago Adventurer. You will need base plates, a tow bar, a wiring kit, safety cables and a supplemental braking system. You would only want a fuse bypass switch if your vehicle requires fuses to be pulled when flat towing. To determine this, I recommend checking your owners manual under the recreational towing section. From my research, I could not find any information that showed...
    view full answer...
  • Blue Ox Base Plate Kit Recommendation for a 2002 Chevy Tracker
    Since you have a Blue Ox tow bar you would want a Blue Ox base plate kit like part # BX1636 that has been confirmed as a fit for your 2002 Chevy Tracker. Sounds like you have everything else needed for flat towing the vehicle, but I attached a help article that covers flat towing components for you to check out as well.
    view full answer...
  • Equipment Needed to Flat Tow 2001 Chevy Tracker Manual Transmission 2WD
    According to my research, the 2001 Chevy Tracker RWD w/ manual transmission is capable of being flat towed without modification, however it's not recommended to tow the vehicle above 55 mph. Your motorhome would need a hitch and a trailer connector at the rear. For the vehicle, you'll need a tow bar, base plates, wiring so the vehicle taillights work along with those on the motorhome and a supplemental braking system. The Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar, part # BX7380 is an excellent choice for...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2000 Chevy Tracker Behind a Motor Home with an Aladdin Tow Bar
    You would need to use an adapter to use a Blue Ox Aladdin tow bar with the Roadmaster base plates, # 1021-1, because the 2 manufacturers attach differently. Use adapter # BX88178. Or the other option is to use Blue Ox base plates, # BX1636 to match the Aladdin tow bar. Since you already have the Aladdin tow bar which comes with safety cables, you should not need to add any. But if you do you can use # RM-643. You will also need a lighting solution and supplemental braking. For lighting...
    view full answer...


Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Jeff D
Expert Research:
Jeff D
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee John H
Expert Research:
John H
Employee Lindsey S
Written by:
Lindsey S
Employee Adele M
Updated by:
Adele M
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Mike S
Updated by:
Mike S
Employee Carrie F
Updated by:
Carrie F

At etrailer we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time.


Product Experts Available Now!
Call 1-800-940-8924