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2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
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Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
Part Number: BX1843
In Stock
$416.93
Retail:$639.00
You Save: $222.07
2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
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- All Info
- Reviews (5244)
- Q & A (0)
- Photos
Blue Ox Tow Bar Base Plate - BX1843
Highlights
- Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
- Ready for Flat Towing: Creates secure attachment points for towing your vehicle behind your RV.
- Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden design and removable arms keep the front end looking factory-clean.
- Quick Hookup and Removal: Twist-lock arms insert and release easily for fast setup and storage.
- Built to Last: Durable, powder-coated steel resists rust and corrosion through long-distance use.
- Stays Solid Under Load: Bolts directly to the chassis to spread towing force evenly and prevent stress.
Features to know about
Built for a Clean Front End: Hidden Base Plate with Removable Arms
If you want the front of your vehicle to look clean when parked, this setup keeps it that way. The hidden design leaves no protruding brackets once the arms are removed, giving a seamless appearance. The twist-lock arms pull out easily when you’re done towing, and the included receiver covers keep dirt and debris out of the sockets so they stay smooth for the next hookup.
Quick Connect Setup: Twist-Lock Arms That Secure in Seconds
Hooking up the tow bar is a simple twist-and-lock motion. Each arm slides into the base plate receiver, rotates to lock, and secures with a pin. When it’s time to disconnect, you just pull the pin, twist back, and remove. It’s a straightforward connection that saves time whether you’re in your driveway or at a campsite.
Confidence on the Road: Strong Steel Construction that Spreads the Load
This base plate bolts directly to your chassis—no welding required. Its sturdy steel build spreads towing forces evenly across mounting points to help prevent stress on the suspension. The powder-coated finish resists rust and corrosion, so it stays dependable over long miles of towing. Bracket spacing is 33-1/2" with a bracket height of 13-1/4", giving you solid reference points for your tow bar setup.
Keep Your Gear Working Together: Tow Bar Compatibility and Adapter Options
Already have towing equipment you trust? This base plate pairs directly with Blue Ox tow bars for a secure connection. It can also be used with Roadmaster tow bars using adapter RM-031 or RM-031-5 (sold separately), or with Demco tow bars using adapter DM9523041 (sold separately). Integrated mounting points make it easy to attach an electrical connector bracket so your wiring setup stays tidy and accessible.
DIY-Ready Installation: Bolt-On Design with Included Hardware
You can handle this install at home with basic tools. The base plate bolts securely to your chassis using the included mounting hardware—no welding needed. Once installed, you’ll have a reliable setup that’s ready for thousands of miles of smooth, confident flat towing.
Specs
Dimensions
- Distance between brackets: 33-1/2"
- Bracket height: 13-1/4"
Warranty
- Warranty: 3-Year warranty
BX1843 Blue Ox Baseplate - Removable Tabs
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 2005 - 2018 Nissan Frontier
- 2019 - 2019 Nissan Frontier Manual transmission
- 2008 - 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
- 2005 - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder excluding 5.6L Engine
Customer Satisfaction Score:
97% were satisfied with this product
3% of customers were not satisfied
- etrailer mistake
Ratings & Reviews
4.8
5244 reviews
by:
Mark
04/09/2022
Nissan
Frontier
Build quality is excellent. No issues what-so-ever regarding the integrity and the strength of the design.
Installation was not without issues. Some self-inflicted wounds like when I lost lock on all the fasteners for the bumper and frontend. I bet there were over 50 screws and clips each of which had their own location. I wish I would have put them in separate baggies and labeled everything. Also, suggest you use masking or painters’ tape to line everything up before you take the front bumper and cowling off. That would have saved time.
BlueOx recommends using a 1.25in hole saw. NOT for me. No way you can get the hole saw to bite. Much better is a tapered drill. Available for about the same price as a hole saw, far more versatile, and a LOT EASIER to control.
I’ll admit to not being the sharpest spoon in the drawer and I am a bit retentive, but I spent probably 20 hours on the install. The issue I had was not with the baseplate perse, but rather with taking everything apart and then figuring out how to put it back together again with no leftover parts.
There are two criticisms I would levy at BlueOx. ONE: They provide a helper to install an otherwise inaccessible nut. Well that’s fine, but the threads were fouled and need to be cleaned. That should have been prior to shipment. And TWO: They were explicit in their measurements, which I followed, and messed-up. By the time I found the issue, I would have had to take the bumper off – so I improvised a work-around.
Installation was not without issues. Some self-inflicted wounds like when I lost lock on all the fasteners for the bumper and frontend. I bet there were over 50 screws and clips each of which had their own location. I wish I would have put them in separate baggies and labeled everything. Also, suggest you use masking or painters’ tape to line everything up before you take the front bumper and cowling off. That would have saved time.
BlueOx recommends using a 1.25in hole saw. NOT for me. No way you can get the hole saw to bite. Much better is a tapered drill. Available for about the same price as a hole saw, far more versatile, and a LOT EASIER to control.
I’ll admit to not being the sharpest spoon in the drawer and I am a bit retentive, but I spent probably 20 hours on the install. The issue I had was not with the baseplate perse, but rather with taking everything apart and then figuring out how to put it back together again with no leftover parts.
There are two criticisms I would levy at BlueOx. ONE: They provide a helper to install an otherwise inaccessible nut. Well that’s fine, but the threads were fouled and need to be cleaned. That should have been prior to shipment. And TWO: They were explicit in their measurements, which I followed, and messed-up. By the time I found the issue, I would have had to take the bumper off – so I improvised a work-around.
by:
JOHN T.
09/26/2017
We have used our Blue OX tow baseplate for over 2000 miles with no problem. We would use etrailer again!
by:
Kelly
12/06/2022
2006
Nissan
Frontier
The devices were delivered in a sturdy box and were delivered right on time. etrailer also supplies a video on how to install this item. Harbor Freight doesn't do that!
by:
Larry
11/18/2014
They delivered on their promise. Well satisfied and will use in future. I highly recommend Etrailer.
by:
Lee r
05/05/2018
2016
Nissan
Frontier
Base plate for 2016 Nissan Frontier very quick courertous all parts there would highly recommend you thanks again
by:
Doug
02/07/2019
2013
Nissan
Frontier
Excellent service and a pleasure doing business with, order came as promised and Shawn did a fantastic job. Any more tlr or towing needs e-tlr will get my business, thanks.
by:
John
03/04/2025
Works great
by:
Nakia
10/22/2022
It's been great so far, this is the second one I've owned. When I upgrade to my next vehicle, Blue Ox will be what I use for it. Thanks
by:
Dan duewall
02/21/2017
2016
Nissan
Frontier
Really looks great have to install it now
by:
Rosalyn
05/04/2023
Great service and fast delivery
by:
Paul
08/25/2026
2013
Nissan
Frontier
by:
Michael
05/31/2024
Ordered Sunday, received Thursday, awesome!
by:
Amy
01/17/2024
Great, Fast delivery
by:
Diane
02/13/2024
by:
Larry R
03/26/2025
by:
Bryan
01/09/2024
2005
Nissan
Frontier
by:
Jose
09/15/2022
2017
Nissan
Frontier
by:
Robert
09/05/2024
by:
Roland
07/10/2023
by:
Craig
10/13/2023
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?
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5244
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Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this Blue Ox Tow Bar Base Plate
- Can a 2015 Nissan Frontier 4x4 be Flat-TowedI took a look in the owner's manual for your 2015 Nissan Frontier and was not able to find any conclusive information in regards to flat-towing with all four wheels down. However, I was able to gather information from a few other sources that stated it was possible with a drive shaft disconnect coupling (we don't offer) but I would call the dealer to find out for certain. If it turns out that the vehicle can be flat-towed with all four wheels down then Blue-Ox does offer the components...
view full answer... - Does a 2013 Nissan Frontier 2WD Need a Lube Pump for Flat TowingAccording to a copy of a Nissan Frontier owners manual that I was able to find on-line, flat towing is only recommended for manual transmission version of this vehicle. If you have an automatic transmission Nissan requires that a vehicle dolly be used for towing your 2013 Nissan Frontier. Please double check your owners manual and confirm that your specific vehicle is capable of flat towing. I assume by transmission pump you are referring to a lube pump. A lube pump is used while the...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Tow a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder with an Aventa Tow BarConsidering that the Avail tow bar, # BX7420, is rated for 10,000 pounds, you can certainly tow the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder using base plates # BX1843. The warning regarding 5,000 pounds is in reference to lower capacity tow bars, not the base plates. So you will be fine with the Aventa and these base plates. The Avail tow bar comes with safety cables so you will just need to add lighting and supplemental braking. For lighting you can use the Blue Ox bulb and socket kit # BX8869. This kit...
view full answer... - 2015 Nissan Frontier Parts Needed to Flat TowI think the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1843 is a great choice for your 2015 Nissan Frontier and will pair nicely with the Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar # BX7380. The Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit # RM-152-98146-7 you purchased is also an excellent choice - I really like the diodes that come with this system. This means you just need a braking system and possibly a high-low adapter to keep your tow bar level. For a braking kit I really like the Demco Stay-IN-Play DUO #...
view full answer... - Base Plates For Flat Towing A 2015 Nissan FrontierI spoke with my contact at Blue Ox about your 2015 Nissan Frontier. They said the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, part # BX1843, is confirmed to be a fit for the 2015 frontier. The tabs on the front of the base plates are easily removed when not in use and the system appears almost invisible. If you need any of the other components required to flat-tow your Frontier, you can let me know and I will be happy to make some recommendations that will work for you. I have attached some helpful articles...
view full answer... - Blue Ox Base Plate Fit for 2018 Nissan FrontierWe do have Blue Ox base plates that fit your 2018 Nissan Frontier, but not confirmed to fit means the base plates you referenced will not physically fit on the frame of your Frontier, the model number you referenced, for example, is a fit for a 2010 - 2012 Ford Fusion. So for base plates, a tow bar and the rest of the parts needed to flat tow your 2018 Nissan Frontier, here is exactly what you will need that will fit your truck. - Base Plate Kit: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1843 - Tow...
view full answer... - Recommendations For Flat Towing A 2012 Nissan FrontierFor your 2012 Nissan Frontier extended cab, we need to start with the baseplates for your tow bar. I recommend the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # BX1843 confirmed to fit your truck. I recommend using the Loctite Threadlocker # LT37420 for this installation. Then, we need a tow bar that is compatible and I recommend the Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar - Motor Home Mount - 6,500 lbs # BX7380. This tow bar comes with the safety cables you need. I recommend using the Blue Ox Base-Plate...
view full answer... - Will Blue Ox Alpha 2 Tow Bar Work on Blue Ox Base Plates for 2019 Nissan FrontierThe two parts you mentioned will work together perfectly; the Blue Ox Alpha 2 Tow Bar # BX7380 will fit Blue Ox base plates that are spaced between 16" and 36" apart on center, and the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1843 that fits your 2019 Nissan Frontier has base plate tabs spaced 33-1/2" apart so they're compatible. I have added links below to video reviews for you to check out as well of the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1843 and Blue Ox Alpha 2 Tow Bar # BX7380.
view full answer... - Recommended Base Plate for a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder Something must be different in the 2006-2007 model years because Blue Ox does not have a base plate listed at all for the 2006-2007 model years. Roadmaster has a couple available though but they do not fit the models with a 5.6L engine. I have listed them below: Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms item # RM-344-3B Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms item # 344-1B If you are currently using a Blue Ox tow bar and need an adapter you will want to go with the Direct-Connect...
view full answer...
Do you have a question about this Tow Bar Base Plate?
Info for this part was:
Test Fit:
Joe V
Test Fit:
Brent H
Written by:
Lindsey S
Expert Research:
Michael H
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jeffrey L
Video Edited:
Joshua S
Video Edited:
Kathleen M
Video by:
Dustin K
Video by:
Zach D
Updated by:
Wilson B
Updated by:
Mike S
Updated by:
Carrie F
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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.