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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
2016 Volkswagen Jetta
etrailer Installation
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Blue Ox

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: BX1740
In Stock
$569.20
Retail:$609.01
You Save: $39.81
Tow Bar Base Plate
Not Confirmed to Fit

2016 Volkswagen Jetta

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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 BX1740 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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  • Reviews (5149)
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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.
Made in USA

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.

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit with removable arms attached to the front of a truck showing hidden installation design

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit installed on vehicle with arms removed showing hidden receiver design

Blue Ox base plate installed on truck front with removable arms attached for towing setup demonstration

Blue Ox base plate kit installed on vehicle front without arms showing low-profile hidden design when not towing

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.

Close-up of Blue Ox base plate showing twist-lock mechanism for attaching and removing arms

Detail photo of Blue Ox twist-lock receiver showing attachment and removal process for base plate arms

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"

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

Warranty

  • Warranty: 3-Year warranty

BX1740 Blue Ox Baseplate - Removable Tabs

Installation Details BX1740 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.8

5149 reviews
5 Stars
(4437)
4 Stars
(493)
3 Stars
(104)
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:

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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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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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.



by:

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.



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.



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Great quality



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Worked great.



by:

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:

The product is of high quality and very stout! I haven’t installed them yet but they look great. ??



by:

Very very good customer service



by:

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.


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

  • Placement of Slotted Washers on Blue Ox 1740 Base Plate Kit
    Hello 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 2500HD
    We 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...
  • 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...
  • Can 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500hd Duramax z71 Be Flat Towed
    According 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...
  • Does Battery of 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Have to Disconnect to Flat Tow
    I 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...
  • 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...
  • Recommend Parts to Flat Tow 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500
    We 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...
  • Recommended Parts to Flat Tow 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500HD
    First 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...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD
    It 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...
  • Blue Ox Base Plate For 2022 Chevy Silverado 3500 For Blue Ox Tow Bar
    Hey 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 3500
    To 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:

Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Lindsey S
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Employee Michael B
Edited by:
Michael B
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Carrie F
Updated by:
Carrie F
Employee Mike S
Written by:
Mike S

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