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  1. Tow Bar Base Plate
  2. Blue Ox
  3. Fixed Draw Bars
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THIS ITEM IS NOT A FIT FOR
2005 Lexus ES 330
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Blue Ox

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms

Part Number: BX2163
In Stock
$394.94
Retail:$638.43
You Save: $243.49
Tow Bar Base Plate
Not Confirmed to Fit

2005 Lexus ES 330

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etrailer Installation
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Custom designed to fit your vehicle so it can be safely towed behind your RV, this base plate has low-profile reinforcements, leaving only the attachment tabs visible when you're not flat towing. Base plate bolts directly to your chassis. Great Prices for the best tow bar base plate from Blue Ox. Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms part number BX2163 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 - BX2163

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Ready for Flat Towing: Creates solid connection points so you can safely tow your vehicle behind your RV.
  • Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden reinforcements leave only the attachment tabs visible for a clean look.
  • Built to Last: Durable, powder-coated steel resists rust and corrosion through long-distance towing.
  • Distributes Pull Evenly: Sturdy design spreads towing force across the chassis to reduce frame stress.
  • Pairs with Common Tow Bars: Works with Blue Ox models and adapts to Roadmaster or Demco systems.
Made in USA

Features to know about

Built for Long Hauls: Heavy-Duty Steel That Spreads the Load

When you’re logging serious miles behind a motorhome, you want a base plate that feels rock solid. This setup bolts directly to the chassis with no welding required, giving you a secure, even connection that helps keep stress off your suspension. The durable steel construction and precise design spread the towing forces evenly for confident, reliable performance on long trips.

Illustration showing the key components of a flat towing setup including motorhome, car, tow bar, base plate, safety cables, tow wiring, and supplemental braking system.

Keeps the Front End Clean: Low-Profile Reinforcements with Visible Tabs

If you care about how your vehicle looks when it’s not being towed, you’ll appreciate how this base plate blends in. The hidden reinforcements stay tucked out of sight, leaving only the attachment tabs visible. It maintains a tidy, low-profile look instead of a bulky front-end setup when the tow bar’s off.

Straightforward Setup: Bolt-On Install with All Hardware Included

DIY installers will like how direct this kit is to mount. It bolts securely to the chassis using the included mounting hardware—no welding needed. The fixed draw bars are already part of the design, which makes aligning and tightening things down simple without any complicated adjustments.

Ready for Your Tow Bar: Secure Connection and Adapter Options

The sturdy lugs on this base plate pair perfectly with Blue Ox tow bars for a strong, consistent hookup. If you’re already running a different system, it’s 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). That flexibility means you can keep using the gear you trust without changing your entire setup.

Sized Right for Planning Your Setup: 28-3/8" Bracket Distance and 25" Height

When you’re matching components or setting hitch height, exact measurements matter. The brackets on this base plate are spaced 28-3/8" apart with a 25" bracket height, so you can plan your tow bar angle and high-low adapter correctly before hitting the road.

Diagram of a motorhome towing a car with labeled connections highlighting tow bar, safety cables, base plate kit, and other flat towing essentials.

Specs

Dimensions

  • Distance between brackets: 28-3/8"
  • Bracket height: 25"

Warranty

  • Warranty length: 3-Year warranty

BX2163 Blue Ox Baseplate - Standard Tabs

Installation Details BX2163 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.8

414 reviews
Review sort icon
Custom designed to fit your vehicle so it can be safely towed behind your RV, this base plate has low-profile reinforcements, leaving only the attachment tabs visible when you're not flat towing. Base plate bolts directly to your chassis.

by:

Installing it today. I was impressed with the quality of components and construction. I test fitted and it slid right in. Now to drill the holes. Another thing was the quick delivery and packing. I definitely order from etrailer again.



by:

The Blue Ox BasePlate has worked out very well. We've traveled over 3,000 miles on 4 separate trips....with multiple hookups and detachments. Great system. The only constructive comment is the electric hookup for lights/turn signals was a little wonky but my mechanic worked it out with the manufacturer.



by:

The predrilled holes didn't quite match up which required drilling out a little. Other than that it went quite well. It took this eighty year old man about two hours to get the whole thing mounted.



by:

Installed this on a 2014 Chevy Express 3500 15 passenger van. Install was time consuming, as holes needed to be drilled (went through 2 drill bits) and the nuts must be fished through the frame, then "caught" by the bolt. I think there were 12 of them! Instructions were clear, though, and I've safely towed without incident over 7,000 miles in the past year. Definitely rock solid! Paired up with a Blue Ox Aventa 7,500 lb tow bar.



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I had a simple ball hitch setup for my 1999 Jeep Wrangler for towing behind our RV. Our first trip out with it, the bolts that attached the bar connectors to the front of the Jeep came loose. I was fortunate that they didn't come out completely and cause a major accident. I was able to tighten them again, and we had no additional issues on our trip. Of course, this made me extremely nervous with my 'budget' route to tow the Jeep so I began looking for a better, more reliable solution.

Blue Ox was the name that kept coming up so I purchased the BX1120. The build quality is outstanding, it's extremely solid and very durable. Installation time was about an hour and a half once I had the right tools, couldn't find my 1/2 inch socket set! I'm using the Blue Ox Alpha tow bar with this setup.
I will say that having a second set of hands to install is valuable, my son had to come help me get the drivers side bolts in while I held the steering housing in place.

All in all, I'm very pleased with the product. It went in easy and should save my nerves on our next road trip!

1999 Jeep Wrangler Sport
After market front bumper (Plenty of clearance with this specific mount)



by:

Easy enough install on my 86 samurai. Had to do some persuading but nothing major. I did need to notch the bottom of the bumper in two spots to clear the mounting brackets. Seems awfully expensive when you see what you get.



by:

Quality built product! And outstanding customer service by Ashley!!



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First of all, the staff at etrailer has always been there with answers with anything. Fitment, installation, usage etc. Second. The install was easy with the enclosed instructions. I did it by myself with only getting help to raise and lower the bumper. After several thousand miles of towing, still tight and still looks great



by:

1 year later, it’s been used for over 1500 miles and held up great. I did the install and had a weld shop tax the bolts do they wouldn’t back out.



by:

I'm not giving the products the stars as much as the woman who helped me select them and turned me onto the "road-master" product line. Road-master had a "towed-car" hitch for my 2002 Mazda Protege. It was a blessing to have met her acquaintance.



by:

Perfect fit, well built of high quality materials. In my mind you just can't get much better than Blue Ox. The only issue is that the BX1120 doesn't have removable twist lock tabs. The fixed draw bar mounting tabs are at just the right height and position to play havoc with your shins when the draw bar is not installed. I solved that problem with a shin guard I made of 2 inch schedule 40 PVC. (see photo) Fits perfectly, guards the breakaway switch and lighting connector when not in use, and solves the shin interference problem.



by:

Very simple to install, just need to drill a few holes in the frame. Comes with everything you need except a couple basic washers (mine came with 3 lock washers and 2 standard flats for 4 bolts)…

Would be nice to have the torque specs also in the instructions but the busted bolt is on me!



by:

Base plate is well built and fit well. As I would expect from Blue Ox products. My only complaint and the reason for 4 stars would be the horrible instruction. Pictures are absolutely horrible. Not a big deal for the mechanically inclined, but not everyone fits that category.



by:

Outstanding communication. Outstanding customer service. Outstanding towbars and baseplates. Will be back.



by:

Once again just great service from etra iler



by:

Easily installed but proper alignment needs to be maintained before drilling the additional hole required for through bolts.



by:

Not a bad install the nuts on the end of the wires was a little strange and odd to use and bend….. worked out great haven’t towed it yet ….bolted in and ready. There’s not really any place on thes 06 Wrangler to put those safety cables to the frame. Alex T in sales was great.



by:

The kit is well built and comes with all the necessary hardware to install. Installation was a breeze and asthetically blends in well with the front of the truck. Great job on the design and the production!



by:

4 it's in solid, but the [finish] that was used killed it from being a five.

The installation took about four hours. I had a tight interference fit between the frame rails. I wish I had an 18-24" linear ram, but I didn't. So two hydraulic floor jacks, with 4 - 24" welding clamps, and two 12" C-clamps, a short 2# sledge did the trick. Nothing a little spray paint can't fix. Four bolt holes lined up nicely. Two 1/2" drilled holes from the bottom were easy leverage to set up. Two 1/2" drilled holes inside to outside, were quite the challenge to get behind the drill. All fasteners now torqued to specification with red locktite. Added the 1/2" safety cables, made an adjustment in the lower airdam. And presto, here you have it. Now time to set up diode kit, and brake away switch installation.



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Delayed delivery
Poor packaging
Loose
hardware
Paint chipping
Heavy bumper modifications

Katrina D. profile picture

Katrina D.

1/31/2024

I am sorry that your experience wasn't great. I would recommend using a rustoleum type of paint to cover the chipping, so that you do not have any issues with corrosion. I have a link attached for your reference. I see in the instructions that the cross member may require some trimming. Are you referring to that when you mentioned the bumper needing heavy modification? Also, I assumed that you had received all of the hardware, but just to make sure, was all of the loose hardware there? Or did you need to make trips to replace any hardware?



by:

I use the base plate and tow bar in rugged farming conditions and it has proven to be very reliable
Clayton



by:

We really like our blue ox towbar mounts from etrailer. We're excited to be able to flat tow our 2001 F-250 with our ATV in the bed. Real game changer,, Thank You etrailer
A few pictures of how I attach it

Mike L. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Mike L.

4/25/2026

Nice job Jeff, thanks for the awesome photos!


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

  • Can I use My Vevor Tow Bars with a Demco Base Plate on 2000 Ford F-250?
    Hello Al, Vevor is not a brand of tow bar that we carry, they are however compatible with the Blue Ox Base Plates and not the Demco. You will want the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms # BX2163 for your 2000 Ford F-250 Super Duty. Are you new to flat towing? Do you have the other components needed to flat tow? I attached a great help article on the components needed to flat tow a vehicle, it is a great read whether you are seasoned flat tower or just getting started. Let me know if...
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  • Recommeneded Flat Tow Setup For 2003 Ford Excursion With 6 Inch Lift
    I am happy to help you with a complete flat tow setup for your raised 2003 Ford Excursion. You will want to start with base plates Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms # BX2163. I suggest installing your base plates using Loctite Threadlocker # LT37420. For a tow bar, I recommend the Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar - Motorhome Mount - 10,000 lbs # BX7420. You may also want a locking hitch pin like # e98882. For your vehicle wiring, I recommend the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil...
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  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 1999 Ford F-250 Super Duty Behind a Motor Home
    The first thing you are going to need to flat tow your 1999 ford F-250 Super Duty are base plates. The Blue Ox base plates that fit your truck are # BX2163. Since these are a different brand than the tow bar you were looking at they will not work together. I recommend Blue Ox tow bar # BX7380. The tow bar comes with safety cables so you will not need to add any. For lighting a simple magnetic kit such as # RM-2120 will set up fast and easy and you will not have to splice into the truck...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 1999 Ford F-350
    I've got to admit I would have expected the opposite scenario between your trucks for which is the tow vehicle and which is the towed, but either way we can help! First thing you'll need is a base plate kit installed on your 1999 Ford F-350 like the Blue Ox part # BX2163 which is a confirmed fit. Then for a tow bar you'd want the # BX7380 which has the capacity needed for your truck and is very easy to use. For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about...
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  • How to Tow a 2000 Ford F-250 4x4 Behind a Motor Home
    To flat tow a vehicle you will need at least 5 items: base plates, tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. For the specific procedures once you are ready to go, consult the vehicle owners manual in the recreational towing section. For base plates you can use # BX2163. They will install basically where the tow hooks are (if equipped) on the truck. For a compatible tow bar, if your 2000 Ford F-250 weighs less than 6,500 pounds you can use the Alpha, # BX7380. This tow...
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  • Recommended Flat Tow Components For 2004 Ford Excursion
    I would be happy to recommend the parts needed to flat tow your 2004 Ford Excursion 4WD with the 5.4L V8. Starting with base plates I recommend the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX2163 which is confirmed to fit your Excursion and will allow you to use the Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar # BX7420 which has a 10000lb weight rating which will give you comfort in knowing that the tow bar will have the strength to tow your vehicle with room to spare. Since the Avail includes safety cables, you will not need...
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  • Supplemental Flat Towing Equipment and Braking System for Air-Brake Equipped Motorhome Towing F350
    To safely tow your truck, you'll need a base plate, tow bar, safety cables, a wiring solution to ensure the truck taillights work in conjunction with the coach and a supplemental braking system. I'd recommend the Blue Ox # BX2163 base plate kit and the Blue Ox Avail tow bar, part # BX7420. The Avail is rated for vehicles weighing up to 10,000 lbs, which should be fine for your F350. To wire the taillights of the truck, I'd recommend a bulb and socket kit like part # BX8869. You'll also...
    view full answer...
  • Components Needed To Flat Tow A 2002 Ford Excursion
    To flat tow your 2002 Ford Excursion behind your motor home is going to require a few components. I recommend the following: Blue Ox Base Plate Item # BX2163 which bolts to the chassis of your Excursion to provide a solid connection point for a tow bar. Item # BX7420 which is the Blue Ox Avail tow bar. This tow bar has a 10,000lb towing capacity so it will be more than enough for your excursion. It is a non-binding tow bar and fits 2" x 2" receiver tubes. This tow bar comes with safety...
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  • Adapter Needed To Go From A Roadmaster Sterling All Terrain Tow Bar To A Blue Ox Baseplate
    Hi Andy, The Roadmaster Tow Bar to Blue Ox Brackets Adapter # RM-031 would allow you to connect your Roadmaster Sterling All Terrain Tow Bar to the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX2163 as long as the tow bar's serial number is up to up to 16,500. If your serial number is higher you'll need to use # RM-031-5 (works with serial numbers 14,501 and higher) instead.
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Equipment for Flat Towing 2004 Ford F250 King Ranch 4x4
    As long as your truck isn't the Harley Davidson or STX edition, the Blue Ox # BX2163 base plate would be a good choice. If your truck weighs under 5000 lbs, you can use the Blue Ox Acclaim towbar, part # BX4330. This towbar is compatible with the 2 inch trailer ball you were speaking of. If it weighs more, you'd need to use a receiver mount towbar like the Blue Ox Alpha, part # BX7380. You will also need to wire the truck so that the taillights of the truck operate with those of the towing...
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  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 1999 Ford F-250 Super Duty for Just 2 Miles
    There isn't a tow bar that will attach to the plow or the mounting structure for the plow. I can tell you all the parts you will need but honestly, if it is just a one-time need, you would be better off having the truck towed. It will save you a lot of money. Because to flat tow a vehicle behind another vehicle requires base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. For a 2 mile trip, you can get away with not having to use supplemental braking. I will tell...
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  • Base Plate Kit that Can be Used to Flat Tow 2000 Ford Excursion with Blue Ox Tow Bar
    The Demco Classic base plate kit part # DM9517109 that you referenced is a confirmed fit for your 2000 Ford Excursion. That said, since you have a Blue Ox tow bar already it will be easier if you use the Blue Ox base plate kit that fits your vehicle part # BX2163. To use a Blue Ox tow bar with the Demco base plate kit will require the adapter part # DM9523034 instead.
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 1999 Ford F-350 with a 2005 Ford F-350
    We have one base plate kit that fits your 1999 Ford F-350, the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, # BX2163. I recommend using the Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar, # BX7420. One advantage to using this tow bar is that it comes with the safety cables which are required when towing. It also has a 10,000 poud weight capacity. Along with the base plates, tow bar and safety cables, there are two more items that you will need to complete your flat towing setup. You will need a light kit and a supplemental braking...
    view full answer...
  • Base Plate Recommendation for a 2001 Ford F-350 Super Duty
    The base plate kit for your 2001 Ford F-350 is the Blue Ox, part # BX2163. This kit will install in place of your truck's tow hooks. I also recommend using the Blue Ox Avail # BX7420 because with a truck that heavy you need a tow bar that can handle its weight and is compatible with the base plate kit without using adapters. For tow bars I would recommend that you get RoadMaster Sterling Tow Bar with 6-Wire Electric Cord, part # RM-576. For a temporary lighting solution I would recommend...
    view full answer...
  • Base Plate Installation Instructions for 2004 Ford Superduty Truck
    If your 2004 Ford Truck isn't a Harley Davidson model, I'd recommend the Blue Ox # BX2163 base plates or # BX2163 for the Harley-Davidson model. I don't have an install video to offer, but you can see the install instructions by clicking the provided link. There are many different possibilities for providing taillights on the rear of your vehicle, but using a magnetic mounted taillight kit like part # RM-2120 would be the easiest install. The most important thing you'll need to determine...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Base Plate for 2003 Ford Excursion
    The 2003 Ford Excursion has a curb weight between 6,650 and 7,688 lbs based on my research so the tow bar you use has to be rated for above your actual vehicle weight and the use of adapters has to also be rated for the correct capacity. I recommend the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms # BX2163 which are not restricted to 5K, but rather are rated for the GVWR of your vehicle according to my tech contact at Blue Ox. Then I recommend the Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar - Motorhome Mount - 10,000...
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Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Lindsey S
Written by:
Lindsey S
Employee Adele M
Updated by:
Adele M
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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