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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
1997 Acura RL
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Blue Ox

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: BX2727
In Stock
$468.55
Retail:$834.90
You Save: $366.35
Tow Bar Base Plate
Not Confirmed to Fit

1997 Acura RL

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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 BX2727 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 - BX2727

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Ready for Flat Towing: Creates secure attachment points so you can safely tow your vehicle behind your RV.
  • Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden design with removable arms keeps the front end looking factory-clean.
  • Quick to Connect or Remove: Twist-lock arms insert and detach easily for fast setup and teardown.
  • Distributes Towing Force Evenly: Brackets bolt to the chassis to help prevent stress on suspension parts.
  • Built to Last: Heavy-duty, powder-coated steel resists rust and corrosion for long-term reliability.
Made in USA

Features to know about

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

If you want your vehicle to keep a clean, factory look when you’re not towing, this setup does exactly that. The hidden design keeps brackets tucked behind the fascia, and the removable arms come off with a simple twist so nothing sticks out from the bumper. Each receiver has a cover that blocks dirt and debris, keeping the sockets clean and giving the front end a finished look when the arms are removed.

Blue Ox base plate kit on vehicle with arms removed, showing hidden installation and clean factory appearance when not towing.

Blue Ox base plate kit with removable arms attached on vehicle front, showing clean hidden installation and secure tow bar connection points.

Hook Up Fast Every Time: Twist-Lock Arm System with Pin Release

Connecting is quick and repeatable thanks to the twist-lock attachment. Insert each arm into the receiver, rotate until it locks, then secure it with the pull pin. When you’re done towing, pull the pin, twist to release, and remove the arms—no tools needed. The distance between brackets is 23" and bracket height is 15", so your tow bar lines up easily for a smooth connection every time.

Close-up of Blue Ox base plate twist-lock arm mechanism showing how removable arms attach and detach from receivers.

Built Strong for Road Miles: Steel Construction That Spreads the Load

This base plate bolts directly to the chassis using included hardware—no welding required. Its sturdy steel design spreads towing forces evenly across multiple attachment points to prevent stress on your vehicle’s suspension during long hauls. The powder-coated finish helps resist rust and corrosion for lasting strength mile after mile.

Keep Your Current Setup: Works with Multiple Tow Bar Brands

Already have a tow bar you like? This base plate pairs seamlessly 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) and with Demco tow bars using adapter DM9523041 (sold separately). Integrated mounting points make it easy to attach an electrical connector bracket up front so your wiring stays neat and ready to plug in.

DIY-Friendly Install: Straightforward Bolt-On Fit

If you enjoy tackling projects yourself, this kit makes installation manageable. It’s a direct bolt-on fit with no welding required and comes with all necessary mounting hardware. The clear design layout means you can mount it right to the chassis for a secure, professional-looking result without specialty tools or fabrication work.

Specs

Dimensions

  • Distance between brackets: 23"
  • Bracket height: 15"

Diagram labeled showing key flat towing components including tow bar, base plate, safety cables, tow wiring, and supplemental braking system for motorhome towing setup.

  • 1) Tow bar — links your towed car to your motorhome. It attaches to base plates that install on your towed car.
  • 2) Safety cables — ensure that your towed car does not separate from your motorhome if the tow bar detaches.
  • 3) Tow bar wiring — allows your towed vehicle’s signal lights to sync with your motorhome’s tail lights.
  • 4) Supplemental braking system — brakes your towed car when the motorhome brakes, reducing wear and stopping distance.

Warranty

  • Warranty length: 3-Year warranty

BX2727 Blue Ox Baseplate - Removable Tabs

Installation Details BX2727 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles

  • 2020 - 2021 Kia Soul Manual transmission



Ratings & Reviews

4.8

5164 reviews
5 Stars
(4450)
4 Stars
(495)
3 Stars
(104)
2 Stars
(46)
1 Star
(69)
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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.

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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.



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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.



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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).



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First, the packaging is first rate - super-heavy duty cardboard box, stapled together, not taped! Filled w/industrial grade packing paper - lots of it! Way to go, Shipping!!! Secondly, after thoroughly reading the Installation Instructions before dinner this evening, I decided that at 76 years old, maybe I should drive down to my Chevy Dealer and have a chat with my Service Manager about an after-market, add-on job!!! Looks a bit too involved for me (these days, anyway)!



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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.



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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.



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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!



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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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I Haven't done the install yet, but great price (the best I could find) very short delivery time. Don't know how it could have one better.



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tow bar worked like you said it would fit my car perfect,thanks



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The brackets that the crossbar slides into were too narrow on one side and I had to grind down the driver side 'post' and use a dead blow hammer to get it to fit. There were also a couple of factory bolts that protrude into the driver side frame rail that the post slides into. I had to cut about 1/4" of both to get the post to seat properly. I wasn't planning on having to modify the base plat to get it installed.



by:

I purchased a Blue Ox flat tow plate for a 2020 Kia Soul manual transmission. Greg was great in getting my order shipped so quickly and the plate was installed locally by a trailer & hitch shop (Blue Ox helped me find a local installer). The silver prongs for towing shown in the picture are removable so there is very little difference in the look of the car when they are removed for driving. Thanks Greg!


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

  • Can a 2020 Kia Soul With Manual Transmission Be Flat-Towed
    According to Kia, the 2020 Kia Soul is flat-towable with all four wheels down if it has the manual transmission. The note in the owner's manual is for models with the automatic transmission. I do however recommend you speak with them yourself before a new vehicle purchase. If you like, I have attached for you below a list of parts that you will need to flat-tow your Kia Soul. Blue Ox Alpha 2 Tow Bar part # BX7380 Blue Ox Base Plate Kit part # BX2727 SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking...
    view full answer...
  • Comparing Roadmaster And Blue Ox Baseplates For A 2020 Kia Soul
    Hi Al, The installation for both the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521643-5 and Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX2727 are pretty much the same when it comes to the installation. The only real difference is that the arms on the Roadmaster will sit right in from of the frame rails whereas the Blue Ox arms are a few inches inward from the frame rails. I personally think the Roadmaster baseplate is a bit less conspicuous with its placement so I'd choose it over the Blue Ox. If...
    view full answer...
  • Flat Towing a 2021 Kia Soul
    We have items available for flat towing a Kia Soul because depending on specific specs of each vehicle some are able to be flat-towed. We always defer to the recommendation that our neighbors follow their vehicle specific guidelines. If your vehicle specific owners manual states that your 2021 Kia Soul is not to be flat-towed then I would be cautious about attempting to do otherwise. From information available to me a manual transmission equipped 2021 Kia Soul can be flat-towed with...
    view full answer...
  • Can 2020 Kia Soul with DCT Transmission be Flat Towed
    You definitely did all of your homework! Based on the research you did that I also checked out the Blue Ox base plate part # BX2727 does work on the models of the 2020 Kia Soul that have the DCT and also Kia has stated the vehicle configuration is flat towable as well. 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 tow bars is the Blue Ox Avail # BX7420...
    view full answer...
  • Flat Tow 2020 Kia Soul GT Turbo with DCT transmission
    We have items available for flat towing a Kia Soul, depending on specific specs of each vehicle some are able to be flat-towed while other trim levels are not. We always defer to the recommendation that our neighbors follow their vehicle specific guidelines. If your vehicle specific owners manual states that your 2020 Kia Soul is not to be flat-towed then I would be cautious about attempting to do otherwise. From information available to me, a manual transmission equipped 2020 Kia Soul...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Flat Towing a 2021 Kia Soul
    You are correct that we have base plates available for the 2021 Kia Soul as some configurations of this model are able to be flat towed, providing specific conditions are met. The vehicle specific owners manual should always be followed and recognize that the OEM, in this case Kia, is the authority on how to successfully tow their vehicle. If your vehicle specific owners manual states that your 2021 Kia Soul is not to be flat-towed then I would be cautious about attempting to do otherwise. From...
    view full answer...
  • Can My Manual 2021 Kia Soul with a Manual Transmission be Flat Towed?
    From information available to me a manual transmission equipped 2021 Kia Soul can be flat-towed with certain conditions and must be a FWD vehicle, same for the FWD DCT (7 speed) all other configurations can not be. For more in depth information, there are at least 7 transmission options available for the 2021 Kia Soul within the options of FWD, AWD, RWD, Hybrid and electric vehicles. However, it is best to confirm with your owner's manual whether your manual transmission on your soul can...
    view full answer...
  • Best Parts to Flat Tow 2021 Kia Soul With Manual Transmission
    There are a number of parts you will need in order to flat tow your 2021 Kia Soul with a manual transmission, and I'll be happy to recommend the best parts that are the easiest to use for you. The best parts for you are the following: - Base Plate Kit: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX2727 - Tow Bar: Blue Ox Alpha 2 Tow Bar # BX7380 - Wiring Kit: Demco 4-Diode Universal Towed Vehicle Wiring Kit with 7-Wire to 6-Wire Coiled Connector # DM9523010-54 - Supplemental Braking System: Demco SBS Stay-IN-Play...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2021 Kia Soul
    Yes I just checked with Blue Ox and the part # BX2727 is a confirmed fit for the 2021 Kia Soul so this would be a great option. For a tow bar the Avail part # BX7420 would be a great option that's easy to use and also tracks the vehicle behind the motorhome better. For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. This will splice into your taillight wiring to allow your tow vehicle to control the taillight assemblies...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Base Plates for a 2021 Kia Soul With Fog Lights
    The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit part # BX2727 is a fit for a 2021 Kia Soul (All Models) and it works with fog lights. This will be a great base plate kit option which can be paired with the Blue Ox Alpha 2 Tow Bar part # BX7380. In order to complete this setup I also recommend adding the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit part # RM-15267 and the Blue Ox Patriot Portable Braking System part # BLU37TR.
    view full answer...
  • Items Needed Flat Towing a 2021 Kia Soul with Manual Transmission
    We have items available for flat towing a Kia Soul depending on specific specs. You should follow your vehicle specific guidelines or consult your dealership. What we have available is lited as follows, I suggest the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, # BX2727 as it is a confirmed fit for 2021 Kia Soul models. The Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar, # BX7420 is a great tow bar that is easy to use with self-aligning arms that telescope to automatically center and lock in place. For lighting, I suggest...
    view full answer...

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Info for this part was:

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

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