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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
1996 GMC Van
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Blue Ox

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: BX1852
In Stock
$500.99
Retail:$834.90
You Save: $333.91
Tow Bar Base Plate
Not Confirmed to Fit

1996 GMC 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 BX1852 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 - BX1852

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Ready for Flat Towing: Provides secure chassis-mounted points so you can safely tow your vehicle behind your RV.
  • Blends In When Not Towing: Removable twist-lock arms leave a clean, hidden look when disconnected.
  • Built to Last: Heavy-duty, powder-coated steel resists rust and corrosion through years of towing.
  • Protects Your Frame: Sturdy design spreads towing force evenly to prevent suspension stress.
  • Works With Common Tow Bars: Pairs with Blue Ox bars and adapts for Roadmaster or Demco setups.
Made in USA

Features to know about

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

If you like a seamless look when you’re not towing, this setup keeps things clean. The hidden design sits flush with the front end, and the arms remove with a simple twist so nothing sticks out once you’re parked. Receiver covers plug into the openings to keep dirt and debris out and leave a finished look until it’s time to tow again.

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit installed on vehicle front with removable arms attached, showing hidden design and towing connection points.

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit installed on vehicle with removable arms detached, showing minimal visible hardware and clean front-end appearance.

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit installed on vehicle with removable arms attached for secure tow bar connection.

Blue Ox Base Plate mounted on vehicle front with removable arms detached for streamlined look when not towing.

Hook Up Fast Without Hassle: Twist-Lock, Pin-Secure Connection

Each removable arm slides into the receiver, twists to lock, and secures with a pin. The process is quick and easy whether you’re hooking up in your driveway or at the campsite. When it’s time to disconnect, pull the pin, rotate the arms, and they slide out just as easily. The distance between brackets is 23" and bracket height is 23", making setup planning straightforward.

Close-up of Blue Ox Base Plate removable arm showing twist-lock mechanism for easy installation and removal.

Close-up showing Blue Ox Base Plate removable arm being twisted into place using built-in locking mechanism.

Built Strong for Real Miles: Durable Steel That Spreads Towing Force Evenly

This base plate bolts directly to the chassis—no welding required—and its sturdy design spreads towing force evenly to help prevent stress on suspension components. The heavy-duty steel construction is powder coated to resist rust and corrosion through thousands of miles of travel.

Keep Your Tow Bar Setup: Compatible Connection Options

Already have a tow bar you trust? This base plate pairs directly with Blue Ox tow bars for a secure connection. It’s also adaptable for use with Roadmaster tow bars using adapter RM-031 or RM-031-5 (sold separately), or Demco tow bars using adapter DM9523041 (sold separately). Integrated mounting points let you attach an electrical connector plug with bracket (sold separately) for a tidy wiring setup.

DIY-Friendly Installation: Bolt-On Design with Included Hardware

The bolt-on design makes this a straightforward install without any welding. It mounts securely to the chassis using the included hardware, giving you a durable foundation for flat towing that’s ready for long drives once everything’s tightened down.

Specs

Dimensions

  • Distance between brackets: 23"
  • Bracket height: 23"

Warranty

  • Warranty: 3-Year warranty

Diagram illustrating flat towing setup including tow bar, base plates, safety cables, wiring, and supplemental braking system for motorhome towing guide.


BX1852 Blue Ox Baseplate - Removable Tabs

Installation Details BX1852 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Ratings & Reviews

4.8

5234 reviews
5 Stars
(4511)
4 Stars
(502)
3 Stars
(104)
2 Stars
(47)
1 Star
(70)
Review Sort Icon
by:
I cannot believe the awesome service we received from e trailer. When the part I ordered was delayed from the manufacture company Blue Ox themselves, Steve C and George J of e trailer kept me updated, and insured that the part was delivered to me before my scheduled installation date. THANK YOU so much for your concern and follow up, you guys are the best!
Steve B. profile picture

Steve B.

5/26/2017

Great, EXCEPT......... That the twist lock assembly tab makes it a battle to unlock the connection pin, as the end of the safety chain tabs are in the same exact location. Need to think about providing either longer assembly tabs or shorten the safety chain tabs about an inch.

by:
Very fast shipping, excellent communication. The price was great and the quality of the product and installation instructions were spot on. Thanks for so much info on your site
Joseph profile picture

Joseph

2/1/2022

Its been wonderful, no issues. Blue ox is the best

by:
Base plates went on after going through several drill bits. The examples for installing safety cables did not apply to my vehicle but they are on the bottom of the frame. Installing the tail light bulbs was difficult without a one inch hole saw (couldn't find one). Had to trim fascia to install wire receiver. Overall ok.
by:
Pretty much a bold on unit. Everything worked well. I would buy another one I make it
by:
Excellent service. I hag the part within 3 days
by:
Came sooner than expected.
by:
2015 Nissan Versa Note
by:
by:
2015 Nissan Versa
by:
2015 Nissan Versa
by:
2017 Nissan Versa
by:
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.
by:
Well the blue ox base plate actually fits my turbo engine. The Curt didn't fit as advertised.
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.
Nick S. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

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:
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.
Roger profile picture

Roger

12/12/2025

Still the same no issues...fine product

by:
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!
Matthew profile picture

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. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jameson C.

10/12/2026

@Matthew that's great to hear!
by:
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. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

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:
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 profile picture

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:
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.
by:
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:
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland. Good fit. Requires some cutting. Baseplate is heavy, so I paid an installer to do the job.
Nick S. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Nick S.

12/1/2025

I am glad it worked well for you! What kind of coach are you pulling that Jeep with?

by:
2012 Ford F-150
It's a great system, it's on a 1998 Holiday Rambler Imperial, pulling a 2012 Ford F150 4x4. Last summer I pulled the truck for over 3000 miles without any problems, didn't feel like the truck was behind me. etrailer did me right on this set up.
by:
Not for the impatient, but everything is provided. I had the front end of my Jetta all over the lawn. It’s definitely a 2 day job, but the instructions are thorough.
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Show More Reviews

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

  • What Vehicles Does The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit BX1852 Fit?
    Hello Gor, thanks for reaching out. The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1852 will fit the following vehicles: 2015 - 2019 Nissan Versa Manual transmission 2014 - 2017 Nissan Versa Note Manual transmission Do you have a 2019 Nissan Versa you need to set up to flat tow? I am happy to provide a full parts list if you wish. Let me know!
    view full answer...
  • How to Tow a 2017 Nissan Versa Using a Demco Tow Bar and Blue Ox Base Plate Kit
    Hey Donald, thanks for reaching out again! What you'll want to do is install the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1852 on your 2017 Nissan Versa and then use the Demco Tow Bar Adapter Brackets for Blue Ox Base Plates # DM9523041 so you can still use your Demco tow bar. It's a roundabout way of getting things done, but enough people have been in your circumstance that the tow bar companies started coming out with adapters to help keep everyone from having to buy completely new flat tow kits.
    view full answer...
  • Differences Between the Blue Ox Aventa LX and Alpha Tow Bars
    Both the Blue Ox tow bars you mentioned are excellent tow bars that will work well. The Avail # BX7420 is considered the nicer one because it has the higher capacity like you mentioned and because it has longer arms. This allows for more clearance while executing turns. The base plate to use on your 2015 Nissan Versa Note is the Blue Ox kit part # BX1852 which has been confirmed as a fit. I attached review videos for both tow bars for you to check out as well. For lighting you can use...
    view full answer...
  • Which Blue Ox Base Plate Kit Fits 2015 Nissan Versa
    For a 2015 Nissan Versa the correct Blue Ox base plate kit is actually the # BX1852 and not the # BX1854 that you referenced.
    view full answer...
  • Replacement Attachment Tab for Blue Ox Base Plate Kit Installed on 2015 Nissan Versa Note
    The replacemeng attachment tab you need is the part # BX62-3469 since the Blue Ox base plate kit you'd have on your 2015 Nissan Versa Note is the part # BX1852.
    view full answer...
  • Which Base Plate Kit Will be Easier to Install for 2015 Nissan Versa Note
    For your 2015 Nissan Versa Note both the Blue Ox base plate part # BX1852 and the Roadmaster part # RM-52357-4A are going to require very similar installs. Both require removal of an extensive portion of the front end of the vehicle. If it were me I would go with the Roadmaster as it seems the instructions are a bit more thorough and there isn't the same amount of fascia trimming as the Blue Ox. In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting,...
    view full answer...
  • Is Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1852 on Nissan Versa Compatible with Blue Ox Aventa LX Tow Bar
    The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1852 referenced in your question is confirmed to fit your 2016 Nissan Versa. This is a strong and durable kit that features hidden reinforcements, along with removable bracket arms, to provide a clean look when you aren't towing the vehicle. This base plate kit is indeed compatible with your Blue Ox Aventa LX model 7445 tow bar and the combination will work well. I have attached the written installation instructions that you can take a look at. In order...
    view full answer...

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


Info for this part was:

Employee Lindsey S
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Employee Shelly K
Written by:
Shelly K
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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