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1978 Ford Mustang II
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Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
Part Number: BX1740
In Stock
$504.15
Retail:$609.01
You Save: $104.86
1978 Ford Mustang II
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- All Info
- Reviews (5240)
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Blue Ox Tow Bar Base Plate - BX1740
Highlights
- Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
- Ready for Flat Towing: Provides solid chassis mounting points so your vehicle can be safely towed behind your RV.
- Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden design with removable arms keeps the front end looking clean and factory-style.
- Quick Hookup and Removal: Twist-lock arms insert and release easily without tools for faster setup.
- Built to Last: Durable, powder-coated steel resists rust and corrosion through years of towing use.
- Reliable Tow Connection: Sturdy lugs pair securely with Blue Ox tow bars or adapt for Roadmaster and Demco systems.
Features to know about
Made for a Clean Front End: Hidden Base Plate with Removable Arms
If you like your vehicle to keep a clean, stock look when not towing, this setup is built for that. The hidden base plate design leaves no bulky brackets sticking out, and the removable arms pull out with a simple twist. Once they’re off, the included receiver covers plug in to keep out dirt and debris while giving the front end a finished appearance. No protruding metal to bump into, just a smooth fascia like it came that way from the factory.
Hook Up Fast and Solid: Twist-Lock Arms with Pin-Secure Connection
Getting ready to tow shouldn’t take all afternoon. The twist-lock design lets each arm slide into its receiver and lock in place with a quick turn, then secures with a pull pin. Removing them is just as easy—pull the pin, twist, and they pop right out. Everything lines up cleanly every time, so connecting your tow bar is simple whether you’re at home or at the campsite.
Built to Last the Miles: Durable Steel Construction That Spreads the Load
This base plate bolts directly to your chassis using the included mounting hardware—no welding required. The heavy-duty steel build and precise fit spread towing forces evenly across the frame to help reduce stress on your suspension. The powder-coated finish helps resist rust and corrosion for dependable performance through thousands of miles of towing.
Works with What You Have: Compatible with Popular Tow Bar Brands
Already have a tow bar? This base plate pairs directly with Blue Ox models for a secure connection. If you use a Roadmaster or Demco tow bar, just add the appropriate adapter (RM-031, RM-031-5, or DM9523041, sold separately). Integrated mounting points make it easy to add an electrical connector bracket up front for tidy wiring that’s always ready to plug in.
DIY-Friendly Setup: Straightforward Bolt-On Installation
You won’t need special tools or welding gear to get this mounted. The kit bolts securely to your chassis using factory attachment points and includes all necessary hardware. Receiver covers and clear instructions help make installation straightforward—a solid weekend project for anyone who enjoys working on their own rig. Specs include a 32-1/2" distance between brackets, 22" bracket height, and a 3-year warranty for peace of mind once it’s on the road.
Specs
Dimensions
- Distance between brackets: 32-1/2"
- Bracket height: 22"
Warranty
- Warranty: 3-Year warranty
BX1740 Blue Ox Baseplate - Removable Tabs
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 2020 - 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- 2020 - 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
Customer Satisfaction Score:
93% were satisfied with this product
7% of customers were not satisfied
- Arrived Damaged
- etrailer mistake
- Did not arrive in time
Ratings & Reviews
4.8
5240 reviews
by:
Bryan
07/17/2024
2020
Chevrolet
Silverado 2500
The great service, speed of delivery, and caring to make sure I’m happy of Etrailer is amazing!! The directions from BlueOx are horrible, but the product is awesome.
by:
Phil
11/09/2022
Very very good customer service
by:
Robert
11/20/2024
The product is of high quality and very stout! I haven’t installed them yet but they look great. ??
by:
Steven
05/04/2021
Chris you’re on the ballet for best and fastest Thanks I like to do business with folks who no what they are doing. Thanks Steve B
by:
Nathan
01/04/2024
2022
Chevrolet
Silverado 2500
Worked great.
by:
Joseph
10/05/2026
by:
Ken
01/27/2026
by:
Clayton
03/02/2023
Great quality
by:
William
12/09/2025
by:
Brandon
11/24/2024
2020
Chevrolet
Silverado 2500
by:
Jay
09/05/2025
by:
Clayton
01/23/2024
by:
Jeff
01/06/2023
by:
Ed V
04/27/2026
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!
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:
Mark
07/08/2026
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.
by:
Douglas
09/06/2026
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.
9/9/2026
Thanks Douglas, nice truck you've got there! Nice job on the install.....
by:
Lynn
08/25/2026
Well the blue ox base plate actually fits my turbo engine. The Curt didn't fit as advertised.
by:
Charles
01/02/2026
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.
Nick S.
1/5/2026
I am glad you were able to get it installed with no issues and a little help from our video! What kind of coach are you pulling the Kia Soul with?
by:
Roger
12/10/2024
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.
Also works fine with my Blue Ox tow bar.
Roger
12/12/2025
Still the same no issues...fine product
by:
Matthew
10/07/2025
I installed this myself on a 2012 CR-V EXL AWD. The directions are straightforward. The system works very well and is easy to use.
Fair warning .. because the car is older, just about every clip that holds the grill and bumper in place broke when taking them off. Replacing all those clips with OEM parts is expensive!
BUT, that doesn't retract from the quality of the baseplate or it's use ability.
This is the third different Blue Ox baseplate system I have bought and installed and all of them were excellent!
Fair warning .. because the car is older, just about every clip that holds the grill and bumper in place broke when taking them off. Replacing all those clips with OEM parts is expensive!
BUT, that doesn't retract from the quality of the baseplate or it's use ability.
This is the third different Blue Ox baseplate system I have bought and installed and all of them were excellent!
Matthew
10/12/2026
Its been two years since installation of the Blue Ox Baseplate. Since then, Ive flat towed the CRV from NJ to FL and back three separate times with many other shorter trips in between. Paired with a Blue Ox Tow Bar, the system has worked flawlessly since installation.
Jameson C.
10/12/2026
@Matthew that's great to hear!
by:
Chris
12/17/2025
2013
mini
Cooper
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
Kate F.
12/17/2025
Thanks for the detailed review Chris, and the pointers! This will be most helpful to others. What was your favorite stop in those 7,000 miles? Where did you go, what did you see?
by:
Perry
09/24/2025
2008
Ram
2500
I got a used set for a great price and it worked out well. my only caution is that some of the holes in my 2008 2500 suburban had to be drilled to 9/16 due to misalignment with the tapped holes in the brackets. This minor adjustment made it all go togehter easily though. Be aware, you won't have tow hooks anymore if that is something you use a lot.
Perry
10/1/2026
Follow up. Ive put about 8000 miles on the setup and its been great. A 34 ton suburban pulls nicely behind my Dutch star, and they dont have a steering lock so its nice not to have to retrieve keys when stopping for the night. I have used the safety cable attachment a few times for straight line pulls with a small shackle when working as a rally racing volunteer, its been fine but I wouldnt side pull on it.
by:
Vertical Caver
12/06/2025
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 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.
by:
David
12/17/2025
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.
by:
Art A.
11/27/2025
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland. Good fit. Requires some cutting. Baseplate is heavy, so I paid an installer to do the job.
Nick S.
12/1/2025
I am glad it worked well for you! What kind of coach are you pulling that Jeep with?
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Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this Blue Ox Tow Bar Base Plate
- Placement of Slotted Washers on Blue Ox 1740 Base Plate KitHello Carmen; the 1/2" bolt, lock washer, thick washer, and slotted washer are inserted into the bottom of the baseplate. I'm sure you saw this step in the # BX1740 instructions. Each side of the actual baseplate has a hole towards the rear on the bottom, which is where this goes. If you look at the diagram below from the instructions you can see parts 5, 20, 18, and 9 going into this hole. That is what step 16 from the instructions is referencing.
view full answer... - Recommended Flat Towing Set Up For A 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HDWe definitely have options to flat tow your 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500 and the following will be some recommendations to get you on the road. With that being said, I included some review and install videos of these recommendations for you to check out as well. First, the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # BX1740 is designed to fit your 2021 Silverado 2500 and will bolt directly to the frame. Next, you will need a tow bar that will attach to the # BX1740 . The Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding...
view full answer... - Can 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500hd Duramax z71 Be Flat TowedAccording to the owner's manual, if your truck is equipped with a two-speed transfer case that has a Neutral and a 4WD Low setting, it can indeed be flat towed. There is a very specific procedure for flat towing, so you'll want to give the 'recreational towing' section of your owner's manual a look to familiarize yourself with the procedure. If you do have the 2-speed transfer case with the Neutral and 4WD Low setting, to flat tow the vehicle you'll need a tow bar, base plates, safety...
view full answer... - How Do I Remove The Arms On My Blue Ox Base Plate Kit?In order to remove the arms on Blue Ox Base Plates, like the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1740 you'll just need to pull the pin to disengage the lock, then rotate the arms and remove them from the receiver. If you've already tried this, I recommend using some WD-40 and a mallet to attempt to break the arms loose. Once removed, it's a good idea to use a set of Replacement Cap for Blue Ox Base Plate Kits # BLU96XR to cover the holes.
view full answer... - Getting A 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 With Keyless Access Ready To Flat Tow Even keyless entry fobs will have an small physical key that you can pop out of the fob and use the physically lock/unlock the doors. With the battery being disconnected the fob won't work for unlocking/locking the doors. I've copied the steps below in order to get your 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 with keyless entry ready to flat tow: 1. Position the vehicle being towed behind the tow vehicle, facing forward and on a level surface. 2. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle. 3....
view full answer... - Does Battery of 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Have to Disconnect to Flat TowI pulled up the owners manual of your 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500HD and on page 380 where the instructions for flat towing the vehicle is listed it does state that the negative post of the battery does need to be disconnected. The truck does need to be a 4WD model with a 2 speed transfer case. The Blue Ox base plate kit part # BX1740 that you referenced is the correct kit for your truck. In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and...
view full answer... - Recommend Parts to Flat Tow 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500We do offer all the parts necessary to flat tow your 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD. Starting off with a base plate kit I recommend the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1740 which currently is the only base plate kit available for your vehicle. This base plate kit will allow you to use the Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar # BX7420 which has a 10000lb weight capacity and was designed for towing larger trucks like your Silverado. This tow bar also includes the required safety cables. Next you will need...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HDIt sounds like your motorhome does have the needed capacity to flat tow your truck so I would recommend checking the owners manual to determine it's towing capacity. The first thing you'd need to flat to your 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500 is a base plate kit like the Blue Ox part # BX1740 which is a confirmed fit. 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...
view full answer... - Recommended Parts to Flat Tow 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500HDFirst thing you need to flat tow your 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 is a base plate kit like the easy to install and use Blue Ox kit part # BX1740. Next for a tow bar the Avail part # BX7420 is the best option as it has the higher weight capacity your truck needs, is the easiest to use, and has longer arms which makes turning a bit easier on the towed vehicle. This also comes with safety cables. For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the...
view full answer... - Blue Ox Base Plate For 2022 Chevy Silverado 3500 For Blue Ox Tow BarHey Tom, We can get your 2022 Chevy Silverado 3500 set up with Blue Ox base plates for use with a Blue Ox tow bar like the Avail # BX7420, and the correct part for your truck is the following: - Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1740 I went ahead and verified this fit for you with Blue Ox, and it will work with all Blue Ox tow bars so you're set there. I'm not sure if you have all the other parts you need or not, so just to be thorough I'll go ahead and list out everything else you'll need...
view full answer... - Recommended Base Plate and Flat Towing Parts for a 2023 Chevy Silverado 3500To add a base plate to your 2023 Chevy Silverado 3500, I recommend the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit item # BX1740. This base plate kit is custom fit and has removable tabs. When you are not flat towing your truck you will be able to remove your arms and have a clean looking front grill. For a compatible tow bar with the capacity to pull such a large truck you will need the Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar item # BX7420. This tow bar has a 10,000 lbs capacity. It fits a 2" receiver and weighs...
view full answer...
Do you have a question about this Tow Bar Base Plate?
Info for this part was:
Expert Research:
Mike L
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Edited by:
Michael B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Updated by:
Carrie F
Written by:
Mike S
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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.