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  1. Tow Bar Base Plate
  2. Blue Ox
  3. Removable Draw Bars
  4. Twist Lock Attachment
  5. Completely Hidden
THIS ITEM IS NOT A FIT FOR
2010 Ram Dakota
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Blue Ox

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: BX1718
In Stock
$473.61
Retail:$639.00
You Save: $165.39
Tow Bar Base Plate
Not Confirmed to Fit

2010 Ram Dakota

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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 BX1718 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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Blue Ox Tow Bar Base Plate - BX1718

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Ready for Flat Towing: Creates solid attachment points so you can safely tow your vehicle behind your RV.
  • Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden design with twist-off arms keeps the front end clean and seamless.
  • Quick Hookup and Removal: Twist-lock arms attach or release in seconds for hassle-free setup.
  • Spreads Force Evenly: Sturdy design distributes towing stress across the chassis for a stable pull.
  • Built to Last: Powder-coated steel resists rust and corrosion for long-term durability on the road.
Made in USA

Features to know about

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

If you like a clean, factory look when you’re not towing, this setup delivers. The hidden design keeps the brackets from sticking out past the front of the vehicle, and the removable arms come off with a simple twist. Once they’re off, you can cap the receivers with the included covers to block out dirt and keep everything looking finished.

Blue Ox base plate kit shown with removable arms detached, illustrating hidden design on vehicle front

Blue Ox base plate kit installed on vehicle with removable arms attached for flat towing setup

Connect and Go: Twist-Lock Arms for Fast Hookups

Getting ready to tow doesn’t have to be complicated. Each arm inserts into the receiver and locks in place with a twist, then secures with a pin. When it’s time to disconnect, pull the pin, rotate, and remove. It’s quick, reliable, and easy to do whether you’re in your driveway or at a campsite.

Close-up of Blue Ox base plate twist-lock mechanism showing how removable arms attach and detach

Built to Take the Miles: Steel Construction That Spreads the Load

This base plate bolts directly to the chassis with included hardware—no welding required. The sturdy steel design spreads towing force evenly across the frame to help reduce stress on your suspension. It’s built for long hauls and powder coated to resist rust and corrosion along the way.

Ready for Different Tow Bars: Adaptable Mounting Options

Already have a tow bar? This base plate pairs directly with Blue Ox models for a secure fit. It can also adapt for use with Roadmaster tow bars (RM-031 or RM-031-5) or Demco tow bars (DM9523041), all sold separately. Integrated mounting points make it easy to add an electrical connector bracket so your wiring stays neat and accessible.

DIY-Friendly Install: Straightforward Bolt-On Setup

This is a solid weekend project if you like doing things yourself. The base plate bolts securely to your vehicle’s chassis using factory attachment points—no welding involved. With clear instructions and all hardware provided, you can get it mounted up cleanly and be ready to tow in short order. The bracket spacing is 22-1/2" center-to-center, with a bracket height of 17-1/2".

Specs

Dimensions

  • Distance between brackets: 22-1/2"
  • Bracket height: 17-1/2"

Warranty

  • Limited warranty: 3-Year

Diagram showing basic components of flat towing setup including tow bar, base plates, safety cables, wiring, and braking system

BX1718 Blue Ox Baseplate - Removable Tabs

Installation Details BX1718 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.8

5139 reviews
5 Stars
(4428)
4 Stars
(493)
3 Stars
(103)
2 Stars
(46)
1 Star
(69)
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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:

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.



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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.



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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.



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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.



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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!



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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



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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.



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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.



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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.



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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).



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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!



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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.



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Awesome product! Works great on our Yukon Denali with adaptive cruise control!



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I live in Canada. Ordered Tuesday around noon. Received Thursday at noon. Wow! Talk about service. I am sure product is fine but I have not installed yet. Remember to use expatiated delivery if going cross border to Canada. They look after all import stuff. "etrailer" service is amazing.



by:

Great fit, easy install.

Mitchell profile picture

Mitchell

5/29/2025

Still very happy with the tow base installed on our Suburban! Works great, had held up well.


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

  • 2015 Chevy Suburban Flat Tow Parts Recommendations
    Hey Ricardo, thanks for reaching out! Picking out the parts for flat towing can be a bit overwhelming, but I'd be happy to help out! Here are the parts I recommend installing on your 2015 Chevy Suburban: - Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1718 (with Adaptive Cruise Control) or Kit # BX1716 (without Adaptive Cruise Control) - Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar for Blue Ox Base Plate # RM-677 - Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit # HM56115 - 6-Way Connector # PK12720 - Roadmaster...
    view full answer...
  • Blue Ox Flat Towing Set Up For 2020 GMC Yukon XL Denali
    Hi Michael! I can definitely get you everything you need to set up your 2020 GMC Yukon XL Denali for flat towing. I have a list of everything below: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # BX1718 Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs # BX7420 Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord # RM-15267 Roadmaster Battery Disconnect for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas Only # RM-766 12 Volt Outlet...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2019 Chevy Tahoe
    Flat towing setups end up pretty involved so I wouldn't say there's a super easy route to go but there are some areas that can be made a little easier. For a base plate kit you would want the Blue Ox part # BX1716 if you do not have adaptive cruise control and part # BX1718 for if you do. 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...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2020 GMC Yukon XL Denali
    The first thing you need to flat tow your 2020 GMC Yukon XL Denali is the Blue Ox base plate kit part # BX1718 which provides the connection point from your tow vehicle to the Yukon. 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 off of the...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2016 Chevy Tahoe
    The correct Blue Ox base plate for your 2016 Chevy Tahoe without adaptive cruise control is the part # BX1716. Had you have adaptive cruise control you would instead need the part # BX1718. This will work great with your Blue Ox Avail part # BX7420. For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-152, and not have to worry about cutting the light sockets. You will also want the # BX88206 to connect this lighting solution to your tow vehicle. This comes with a round 6-way connector that...
    view full answer...
  • Components Needed to Flat-Tow a 2015 GMC Yukon XL With Adaptive Cruise
    Flat towing a vehicle requires base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, a lighting/wiring kit and in most states a supplemental braking system to operate the dingy's brakes. Each of these items is detailed in the linked article. According to my contact at Blue Ox the correct base plate kit for your 2015 GMC Yukon XL with adaptive cruise is # BX1718. A tow bar that will work well with these plates is the Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar # BX7380which includes safety cables. You can use a magnetic type...
    view full answer...
  • 2015 Chevy Suburban LTZ Base Plate Recommendation to Fit with Blue OX Aventa Tow Bar
    You'll need to install one of two base plates on your 2015 Chevy Suburban to fit with your Blue Ox Aventa LX Tow Bar BX7445. The correct kit just depends on if you have the Adaptive Cruise Control or not: - With Adaptive Cruise Control # BX1718 - W/O Adaptive Cruise Control # BX1716 For a complete flat towing setup you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter. If you do not have all of...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
    Yes, the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit part # BX1716 has been confirmed as a fit for the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 as long as your truck doesn't have adaptive cruise control. If you do have the adaptive cruise control instead you need # BX1718 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 part # BX7420 that has a 10k capacity and comes...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2017 GMC Yukon SLT with Blue Ox Base Plate Kit
    Yes, you can use the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1718 to flat tow your 2017 GMC Yukon SLT 4WD as long as it has the Adaptive Cruise Control. If you don't have the Adaptive Cruise Control then you'll use the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1716 instead. For a complete flat towing setup you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter. I recommend using the Blue Ox Alpha 2 Tow Bar # BX7380 because it...
    view full answer...
  • Could Blue Ox Aventa Tow Bar Work With Blue Ox Base Plate Kit for 2016 GMC Yukon
    Yes, the Blue Ox Aventa was a non-binding tow bar. It's no longer made but it had a similar telescoping arm design to the Avail part # BX7420 that you referenced. The triple lug design of the Blue Ox tow bars would not have changed from the older Aventa till now so it would work with current base plate kit fits as well. I believe you have a 2016 GMC Yukon so for a base plate kit you'd want the # BX1718 for if you have adaptive cruise control or part # BX1716 for if you do not.
    view full answer...
  • Does the BX1718 Base Plate Fit the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL
    The Blue Ox Base Plate # BX1718 will still fit the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL. It may involve more trimming than on the standard model.
    view full answer...
  • Baseplates Compatible With 2017 Chevy Tahoe Z71
    There are a few baseplate options for your 2017 Chevy Tahoe Z71. If you have the adaptive cruize control you can use: Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM-523179-5 Roadmaster EZ4 Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM-523179-4 Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # BX1718 Without adaptive cruize control you can use: Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM-523179-5 Roadmaster EZ4 Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM-523179-4
    view full answer...

Do you have a question about this Tow Bar Base Plate?


Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Michael H
Expert Research:
Michael H
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Jeffrey L
Expert Research:
Jeffrey L
Employee Laura H
Written by:
Laura H
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Mike S
Updated by:
Mike S
Employee Carrie F
Updated by:
Carrie F

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