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This kit keeps your setup looking clean when you’re not towing. The hidden design means no bulky brackets hanging out past the front, and the removable arms twist out easily for that seamless, factory look. Snap-in receiver covers keep dirt and debris out of the base plate when the arms are removed, so everything stays tidy and ready for your next trip.
Hooking up doesn’t have to be a hassle. Each arm slides into the receiver, rotates until it locks in place, and then pins securely. When you’re done towing, just pull the pin, twist, and remove. The twist-lock attachment makes connecting your tow bar quick and consistent whether you’re in your driveway or setting up at camp.
The base plate bolts directly to the chassis with no welding required. Its sturdy design spreads towing force evenly to help reduce stress on your suspension. Built from durable steel and powder coated for corrosion resistance, it’s made to handle years of road use without worry.
You can pair this base plate with multiple tow bar brands—its sturdy lugs work directly with Blue Ox tow bars. It’s also adaptable for Roadmaster tow bars using adapter RM-031 or RM-031-5 (sold separately), and for Demco tow bars with adapter DM9523041 (sold separately). Integrated mounting points make it easy to attach an electrical connector plug with a bracket (sold separately) for a clean wiring layout.
Installation is straightforward since the base plate bolts directly to your vehicle’s chassis—no welding needed. All necessary mounting hardware comes in the box. Blue Ox notes that an experienced technician can complete the install in about 3 hours, while a first-timer might take longer depending on skill level. Once it’s on, you’ve got a reliable connection that’s ready for miles of towing ahead.
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Today on our 2012 Chevy Malibu, we'll be installing the Blue Ox base plate kit with removable arms, part number BX1679.Speaker 2: I'll go ahead and do a demonstration of installing the removable arms. We'll line up the arm with the base plate tube, slide it in, and turn until it locks into position. Take the removable arm out of the base plate or simply pull back on the locking ring releasing the pin. Rotate the removable arm, it will release from the base plate, then we can install the receiver cap plug to keep out the dust, dirt, and debris.To begin our install, we'll first need to remove the front fascia. To do this, we'll go ahead and raise the hood and remove the top cover between the fascia and front core support. Theyre 00:00:56 multiple bolts and push pin fasteners.
We'll first remove the bolts and then the push pin fasteners. To remove the push pin fasteners, we'll pry out on the center of the fastener and then remove the two-piece fastener completely. Once we have them all removed and set aside, we'll go ahead and remove the top cover.Next, we'll move to the wheel well. Inside the wheel well, there are four push pin fasteners that connect the wheel well to the front fascia. We'll go ahead and remove these four push pin fasteners.
Remove the bolt that secures the front fascia to the front fender. It's secured to the cutout whole in the wheel well. We'll go ahead and repeat this same process for the opposite side. Next, we're going to move underneath the vehicle, noting for this application a good portion of the underbody paneling is missing. However, what does remain still connects the front fascia to the wheel well, so we'll go ahead and remove those fasteners. Once we have all the fasteners removed, we can go ahead and remove the front fascia. To remove the front fascia, we'll pull out in the corner of the fascia where it meets the wheel well, releasing the fasteners underneath.
We'll work the front fascia loose as it goes underneath the headlight. Once we have both sides worked loose, we'll go ahead and remove from the vehicle. Note that it's a good idea to get an extra set of hands to help you do this so the front fascia doesn't fall. Next, on the passenger side, we'll need to remove to air baffle. The air baffle is secured with a push pin fastener which we'll remove. Remove the fastener completely and a bolt that's behind the air baffle near the wheel well and inner frame.
Once we remove the bolt, we can go ahead and pull down on the air baffle and remove it, setting it aside for reinstallation later.Speaker 2: On the inside, there's a fastener connecting the air dam to the frame. Well go ahead and remove it.Next, we'll need to start trimming the air calling 00:03:41 that goes around the radiator and core support. Just below the bumper inside the frame rail, we'll need to trim the air calling 00:03:48. Using a paint marker, we'll go ahead and mark it first. Then using a utility knife or a rotary tool, we can go ahead and trim the plastic. Once we cut it, we'll remove the bottom half by removing the push pin fastener and setting the whole piece aside as it will not be reinstalled. We'll trim out a larger section. Using a paint marker, we'll draw a straight line down the corner of the air calling 00:04:21 to make room for the base plate. Once we have it marked out, we'll go ahead and use our rotary tool or knife to remove this piece. We'll do this to both sides. On the fastener side, we'll need to cut along the top edge and then down the corner.Speaker 2: Next, remove the bolt that holds the horn to the frame. Then unhook the horn wiring. We can set the horn aside for installation later.On each side, there are multiple fasteners to be removed. Some of these fasteners will be secured to you. The underbody fascia, the frame, or the inner fender well. Once they're removed, we'll go ahead and pull the inner fender well out and remove this pieces completely, setting them aside for reinstallation later. Now with that done, we've exposed the frame rails on both sides. We can go ahead and put our base plate in position. As we put the base plate in place, it's a good idea to get an extra set of hands to held it in position. We'll push it up from the bottom of the frame tight and pull it out towards the front of the vehicle hitting the front bumper flange. Once we have in position, we'll secure it with vice grips or clamps. Now, with our base plate in position, we'll use it as a template to drill out our attachment points. We'll have a total of six attachment points, three in each side.Speaker 2: We'll go ahead and take the 13/32 drill bit using the base plate as a template. We'll go ahead and mark the center point for each of the holes. Once we have the center point mark, we can use a step-it 00:06:33 process starting with the smaller pile or bit and working our way up to the 13/32 drill bit size. Now, with each of the attachment points drilled out, we can go ahead and start installing the hardware. As per the instructions, each fastener will get red Loctite applied to the threads before being installed. We'll be using the Loctite part number LT37420. Now, we'll be using a 3/8 by 1 inch long bolt that will go through the two lower attachment points. On the back side, we'll secure it with a split lock washer and nut. For the upper attachment point, we'll use a handle nut. We can take the handle nut feed it to the access hole on the bottom of the frame, then over to the attachment point, and thread the bolt into the handle nut. We'll be using a 3/8 by 1.5 inch long bolt going through a split lock washer to the base plate into the frame and securing it into the handle nut.Once we have all the attachments in place, we'll tighten them down. We can remove the clamps and secure the last connection point on this side. There are three fasteners on the other side and we can repeat the same process. With all of our fasteners tightened, we can then torque the specifications as indicated in the instructions. We can use a pair of side cutters or tin snips to cut off the end of the handle nut. Then we'll push the remaining end inside the frame. Now with our base plate installed and secured, we need to trim the air dam so we can reinstall it. First well take a paint marker and mark out the section to be trimmed. Once again, we can use a utility knife or rotary tool to cut out the sections. Once we have it cut out, we'll put our air dam back into place to resecure it with the fasteners. We'll repeat the same process on the other side. On the driver side, we'll reinstall the horn and then we'll use the open fourth 00:09:21 hole on the base plate. Next, we'll reinstall the air baffle. The fasteners will go through the air baffle to the pre-drilled 00:09:33 hole in the base plate and then secure it. Next, we'll reinstall the front fascia. As we set it back into position as closely as possible, we'll need to mark the cutout section of the lower fascia to make room for the base plate. We'll use our paint marker to mark the sections and then we'll use our rotary tool to cut it out. Now, with the necessary trimming completed, we can go ahead and reinstall the front fascia. With all the fasteners and bolts reinstalled, we need to take each of the safety cables to go around the frame with it and come back up with each of the loops connecting to the base plate using the quick link. Next, we'll use a couple of zip ties. These will assist in keeping the safety cables up and off 00:11:06 the ground and clean up the install up 00:11:08. Now, with everything reinstalled, this will complete the installation. There you have it for our install, the Blue Ox base plate, cable, and removable arms, part number BX1679, on our 2012 Chevy Malibu. .
Ratings & Reviews
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland. Good fit. Requires some cutting. Baseplate is heavy, so I paid an installer to do the job.
solid and simple kit for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. It really appears that the only reason the entire front trim has to come off is to drill two additional 1/2" holes in the truck frame to allow solid attachment of the base plate. If GM provided these, this kit would be sooo fast to install. :)
I had to slightly modify mounting holes as they did not line up with the vehicle. This is the 7th base plate I have installed on various cars and trucks and by far the most challenging.
Great products from etrailer. The videos were very helpful as I was determined to do the install myself. I’m 72 years old and thought I could do it and I did with the help of my lovely assistant, my wife. The tip on running the taillight wiring through the frame rail was great. The one problem I had was that I was never able to unplug the taillights no matter how hard I tugged on them so I had my wife hold each light while I spliced in the diodes. Very happy with the Blue Ox products and the finished look on my Jeep. Thanks again etrailer.
This Blue Ox Baseplate was easy to install and fit great. etralier sent me a video of my same make and year car showing the baseplate installation. Armed with the knowledge the video provided really made my installation job easy. Quality parts and quality service by etrailer.
An added bonus was that the baseplate and tow bar I ordered arrived in 2 days.
Instructions could have been better but was straight forward and easy to figure out. Had to widen two holes on vehicle a tiny bit to align up with plate. Was shorted two connectors to attach the safety cables to the vehicle and base plate. None mentioned on inventory but two were included. Picture showed using four.
Installation was fairly straightforward. Only thing I would add the video doesn’t mention. The hole that needs to be drilled on passenger side. I put a piece of 1x4 wood between the radiator hose and the frame when I was drilling as the hose is pretty close to the frame and could be damaged if you drill too deep. I also put the bolt heads inside engine bay with the threads sticking to roadside as I felt again to close to radiator hose. I removed washer bottle completely to give easier access.
I wasn’t real happy about how much bumper I had to trim . The activ model has a different bumper c er than the RS. The studs for mounting wiring connector wound up really gut under the tag bracket so that was a win.
The bracket seems heavy duty and well made . Follow directions in the etrailer video. Very simple install. Drilling the hole was the hardest part.
Well designed and solidly built base plate. Very good product support from Etrailer and Blue Ox.
The four 1/2 inch by 1 3/4 inch bolts are category 5 bolts. I had a bag full of identically sized bolts which were category 8. But I did not have any whizz nuts that were category 8 nuts so I stayed with the standard Blue Ox Hardware. We used POR 15 rust preventing paint at every location where we cut the steel or drilled holes. The distance from the center of the attachment tab assembly holes to the ground is 20 inches on our 2025 Wrangler Rubicon JLU with "Xtreme" 35 inch tire package. Easy five stars for Blue Ox and etrailer.
The 2025 Trax license plate frame sits lower than shown in the instructions provided with this kit, to the point where it obstructs access to the 7-way electrical connector. An alternate scheme for mounting the plate will be required if your state requires the front plate to be displayed.
The Blue Ox base plate kit was installed without a hitch on our 2024 Maverick Hybrid. It was a perfect fit! It was installed by Fantasy Truck, a referred installer of etrailer, in Odessa, MO. Brett was very easy to work with and did an excellent job! I highly recommend the Blue Ox baseplate and Brett @ Fantasy Truck!
Fits my 2013 mini cooper non turbo. Does take a few hours to install this Fit was good. The hardest part is removing the front bumper and reinstalling it. You do have to cut the lower bumper grill in three places take your time locating the exact spots for cuts. I have pulled Mini Cooper about seven thousand miles now with this Blue Ox and has worked great
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.
looks quality made, quick delievery ,very satisfied, have appt. for install.
fast del. good quality prod. great transaction
The box was damaged and there were parts rolling around inside the box. Base plate looks good.
Info for this part was:
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.
Jenny N.
1/24/2023
Thank you for letting us know. I will have our Customer Service reach out to you in case there was any damage.