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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
1987 Chevrolet Van
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Blue Ox

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: BX1722
In Stock
$502.31
Retail:$730.80
You Save: $228.49
Tow Bar Base Plate
Not Confirmed to Fit

1987 Chevrolet Van

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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 BX1722 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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  • Reviews (5227)
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Blue Ox Tow Bar Base Plate - BX1722

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Ready for Flat Towing: Creates secure attachment points so you can safely tow your vehicle behind your RV.
  • Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden base and removable arms keep the front end clean and seamless.
  • Quick to Connect or Remove: Twist-lock arms insert and release easily for faster setup and storage.
  • Even Pull Every Trip: Sturdy design spreads towing force evenly to prevent stress on suspension parts.
  • Built to Last: Powder-coated steel resists rust and corrosion through long-distance towing.
Made in USA

Features to know about

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

If you want your vehicle to look stock when it’s not being towed, this kit makes it happen. The hidden design keeps the hardware out of sight, and the removable arms twist off in seconds so nothing sticks out past the bumper. When the arms are off, snap in the receiver covers to keep dirt and debris out of the sockets and give the front end a clean, finished look.

Blue Ox base plate kit shown with removable arms detached to demonstrate hidden design and clean vehicle appearance

Blue Ox base plate kit with removable arms attached, installed on a vehicle front frame to show complete towing setup

Blue Ox base plate kit with removable arms attached on front of vehicle highlighting hidden design and durable build

Blue Ox base plate kit shown without removable arms to demonstrate hidden look when vehicle is not being towed

Quick Hookups Made Simple: Twist-Lock, Pin-Secure Connection

Connecting your tow bar doesn’t need to be a struggle. Each arm slides into the base plate’s receiver, twists to lock, and pins in place for a solid fit. When you’re done towing, pull the pin, twist again, and slide them out. The straightforward setup means it’s quick to hook up or disconnect whether you’re at home or on the road.

Close-up of Blue Ox base plate twist-lock attachment showing how removable tow bar arms connect to the receiver

Detail view showing Blue Ox twist-lock mechanism on base plate arm for easy attachment and removal during setup

Solid Build for Long Hauls: Steel Construction That Spreads the Load

This base plate bolts directly to your chassis with no welding required. Its sturdy design spreads towing forces evenly to help protect your suspension from stress over thousands of miles. The durable steel is powder coated to resist rust and corrosion, so it stays reliable through long-distance travel and changing weather.

Adaptable Setup: Works with Popular Tow Bars and Accessories

Already have a tow bar you like? This kit pairs directly with Blue Ox tow bars for a secure connection. It’s also adaptable for Roadmaster tow bars with adapter # RM-031 or # RM-031-5 and Demco tow bars with adapter # DM9523041 (sold separately). Integrated mounting points make it easy to add an electrical connector plug bracket for tidy wiring up front.

Straightforward Install: Bolt-On Design with Included Hardware

This is a bolt-on project that doesn’t need welding and comes with all required mounting hardware. The base plate secures right to the chassis, lining up for a solid fit. With specs like 18" between brackets and a bracket height of 22-1/2", it’s built for precise alignment and dependable performance once installed.

Specs

Dimensions

  • Distance between brackets: 18"
  • Bracket height: 22-1/2"

Towing basics diagram illustrating five core components for flat towing setup including tow bar, base plates, safety cables, wiring, and braking system

Warranty

  • Warranty length: 3-Year warranty

BX1722 Blue Ox Baseplate - Removable Tabs

Replaces BX1704

Installation Details BX1722 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.8

5227 reviews
5 Stars
(4505)
4 Stars
(501)
3 Stars
(104)
2 Stars
(47)
1 Star
(70)
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by:
2015 Chevrolet Spark
Ordered products on Monday and received on Thursday, installed on Friday. Excellent kit for Chevy Spark which fit without any problems.
Darrell D. profile picture

Darrell D.

8/30/2016

Still towing strong. No problems

by:
Fast shipping professional service. I will be installing it soon
by:
My only negative comment is that this base plate sets the tow bar connections 23" above the ground making it somewhat of a pain to fine towbar and hitch connections. It mounts relatively easy.
Dale C. profile picture

Dale C.

4/17/2024

Last summer we took a 5,407 mile trip out west pulling the Spark behind our a camper. The plate that I installed last spring worked as it should and we had no problems. It was a reasonable install, with only an issue with AC hoses needed to be carefully moved to clear the plate. To prevent wear, I used larger rubber hose around the AC hose at the contact area.

by:
I had to cut a notch on the right side end plate so the air conditioner hose had clearance. The base plate and end piece had to really fight to get the bolts in. Other than that went so so. PS Blue Ox said that I could cut that notch.
by:
2013 Chevrolet Spark
I attempted to order directly from Blue Ox and it was going to be 6-8 weeks for delivery, Went to etrailer and it was at my door within 48 hours! Impressed!
by:
Great delivery not yet installed. Arranging for a installer.
by:
2014 Chevrolet Spark
Directions could have been better could have had a template for cutting out the grill pictures weren't very clear
by:
5 star. Works as described. No problems!
by:
Great service. Package shipped out same day ordered. I know I can get help if needed.. thanks
by:
2015 Chevrolet Spark
Great product! Great service! Great price! Can't ask for more
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2014 Chevrolet Spark
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2013 Chevrolet Spark
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2015 Chevrolet Spark
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2015 Chevrolet Spark
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2014 Chevrolet Spark
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2015 Chevrolet Spark
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2026 Ford Maverick
I looked into every brand/model available and this was the beefiest. There is cutting and trimming required on all brands, so why not get the strongest? If you're slightly handy with a toolbox, you can easily do the install yourself and save thousands.
Mike L. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Mike L.

9/9/2026

Thanks Douglas, nice truck you've got there! Nice job on the install.....

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!
Heather A. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Heather A.

5/1/2026

The install looks great Ed! Where are you planning on taking the Encore? I will let Royce know you reached out.

Ed V. profile picture

Ed V.

5/1/2026

@HeatherA Taking a short trip up to Prova Utah in couple of weeks. Then California and hopefully Chicago in the fall. EdnJudy
Heather A. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Heather A.

5/1/2026

@EdV That sounds awesome. Utah is beautiful. Chicago is probably one of my favorite places to visit. Are you going to check out Wrigley?
Ed V. profile picture

Ed V.

5/1/2026

Not really, I grew up in Chicago, basically 45+ years. I have been to Wrigley many times as a child and adult. We lived about 1 mile from the park. Going to see my mom who is 95 years old. Our favorite place to visit in Chicago is Navy Pier. We try to make a day of it. Thanks for asking! EdnJudy
See All (4) Replies to Heather A. ∨
by:
2017 Jeep Wrangler
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.
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See what our Experts say about this Blue Ox Tow Bar Base Plate

  • Is The Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar Compatible With All Blue Ox Baseplates
    The attachment points on a Blue Ox tow bar will be compatible with all Blue Ox baseplates so you would be able to save some money and just keep using your Avail # BX7420 with the new vehicle. Whenever you decide which vehicle you'd like to flat tow just let me know what the year/make/model is and I'd be happy to list out all the parts you'll need in order to flat tow it.
    view full answer...
  • Recommendation for Flat Towing a 2013 Chevy Spark with Manual Transmission
    First let's get you set up with a base plate kit. The Blue Ox # BX1722 is the custom fit base plate kit for your 2013 Chevrolet Spark with a manual transmission. Next we will need a tow bar. I recommend the # BX7420, because it's easy to use and comes with the safety cables. Supplemental Braking Systems are required in most states and Canadian provinces, so you will want to look up your state and see what towing laws they enforce. Surge brakes operate by using a mechanical braking...
    view full answer...
  • Demco Classic Baseplate Compatibility With Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar
    The Demco Classic Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms Item # DM9518310 are not a confirmed fit for your Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar and there currently aren't any adapters. In its place I recommend the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms Item # BX1722. You won't need an adapter if you use these base plates instead.
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2014 Chevy Spark
    Hey Steve, if your 2014 Chevy Spark is an automatic transmission the only way to tow it would be with a tow dolly like the Demco Kar Kaddy SS part # DM9713045. If you have a manual transmission you can flat tow it will all four wheels on the ground safely without causing damage to the transmission. For that you would need to start with a base plate kit like the Blue Ox part # BX1722. In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2013 Chevrolet Spark with 2014 Tiffin Allegro Breeze
    The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1722 and the Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar # BX7380 will work well for you to flat tow your 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The other components needed to flat tow are a lighting kit and a supplemental braking system. The Alpha tow bar includes the needed safety cables. For a lighting kit, I recommend the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267. This kit includes the diodes and wiring needed to splice into your Spark's stop and taillight circuits...
    view full answer...
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  • Base Plates and Other Items Needed To Flat Tow 2013 Chevrolet Spark
    You are looking for the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, # BX1722 with removable arms. These are custom designed to fit your Chevrolet Spark for towing behind your RV. This base plate has easily removable arms that offer a seamless look when you're not flat towing and they bolt directly to your chassis. For a tow bar, I suggest the Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar, # BX7380. This comes with the needed safety cables. For a lighting kit, I recommend the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Supplemental Braking System Recommendation for 2013 Chevy Spark
    Supplemental braking is required by law when flat towing a vehicle. Even if the vehicle is smaller like your 2013 Chevy Spark. The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles. Since your vehicle will require the battery get disconnected when flat towing you'll also need the outlet kit part # RM-9332.
    view full answer...

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


Info for this part was:

Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Chris R
Video Edited:
Chris R
Employee Wilson B
Written by:
Wilson B
Employee Mike S
Updated by:
Mike S
Employee Manda E
Updated by:
Manda E
Employee Carrie F
Updated by:
Carrie F
Employee Ethan H
Video by:
Ethan H
Employee Jesse B
Test Fit:
Jesse B

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