Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
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1996 Ford F-150
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1996 Ford F-150
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If you like your setup to look clean when you’re not towing, this base plate nails it. The hidden design keeps the brackets out of sight, and the removable arms twist out easily when you’re done towing. Receiver covers plug into the openings to keep dirt and debris out, giving the front end a finished look and keeping the sockets clean for your next trip.
Getting hooked up doesn’t have to be a struggle. The removable arms slide into the receivers, twist to lock in place, and secure with a pin—no tools or extra steps needed. When you’re unhooked, pull the pin, rotate to unlock, and slide them out. It’s a straightforward system that makes solo hookups at home or on the road fast and reliable.
Durable steel construction with a rust-resistant powder coat means this base plate is ready for long-distance towing. The sturdy design spreads towing forces evenly across your chassis to help reduce stress on the suspension over time. It bolts directly to the frame using the included hardware—no welding required—so once it’s on, it stays solid mile after mile.
Already have a tow bar you trust? This base plate pairs directly with Blue Ox tow bars and can be adapted for use with Roadmaster (RM-031 or RM-031-5) or Demco (DM9523041) setups when paired with the correct adapter brackets (sold separately). That flexibility lets you reuse your existing gear without starting from scratch.
With a distance between brackets of 21" and a bracket height of 24-3/4", it’s easy to line up your tow bar for proper fitment. Every piece is designed to bolt securely in place, creating a strong, balanced link between your vehicle and motorhome for reliable flat towing performance backed by a 3-year warranty.
Customer Satisfaction Score:
93% were satisfied with this product
7% of customers were not satisfied
Ratings & Reviews
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
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Items arrived in 2 days, free shipping. All appeared in new undamaged condition.
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.
Well the blue ox base plate actually fits my turbo engine. The Curt didn't fit as advertised.
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.
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!
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.
Excellent. Excellent. Excellent.
Works great
Very difficult to install on Toyota FJ Cruiser!! Very easy to hook up to Motorhome!! Recommend for someone with mechanical skills or professional install!!
Great service and incredibly quick shipping! We delay with Britney and she was extremely helpful and a nice young lady! We will continue to do bu. The wife E Trailer!
Overall very good fit and quality. The 2 area's I believe would need better detail in the installation instructions are: 1) Instructions say to use a hole saw, better tool is a step bit 2) The washers that should be used as a spacer between the frame and the base plate - this needs clarification.
The instructions were not written by a professional tech writer and the pictures needed to be twice the size and in color.
Instructions were good and installation was straight forward.
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