Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
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2000 Ford Explorer
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2000 Ford Explorer
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When you’re not towing, this setup keeps things looking clean. The hidden design means the brackets won’t stick out past the front of your vehicle, leaving a seamless look. Each arm removes with a simple twist and then locks back in place when you’re ready to tow again. Receiver covers are included to keep dirt and debris out of the base plate when the arms are off, so it always looks finished and stays protected.
Connecting up for a trip is quick and reliable thanks to the twist-lock attachment. Slide the arm into the receiver, rotate it until it locks, and secure it with the pull pin. When you’re done towing, release the pin, give it a twist, and remove it. It’s an easy system that makes solo hookups manageable whether you’re at home or at the campsite.
This base plate bolts directly to your chassis, so there’s no welding required. The durable steel build spreads towing force evenly to help prevent stress on your suspension during long hauls. The powder-coated finish resists rust and corrosion while keeping the hardware looking clean mile after mile.
The sturdy lugs on this kit pair right up with Blue Ox tow bars for a secure connection. It’s also adaptable for Roadmaster tow bars using adapter RM-031 or RM-031-5 (sold separately) or for Demco tow bars using adapter DM9523041 (sold separately). Integrated mounting points make it easy to attach an electrical connector plug bracket up front so your wiring stays tidy and ready to go.
With 24" between brackets and a 12" bracket height, you can line up your tow setup accurately before hitting the road. Every detail is built for reliability and confidence on long trips, backed by a 3-year warranty for extra peace of mind.
Customer Satisfaction Score:
94% were satisfied with this product
6% of customers were not satisfied
Ratings & Reviews
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).
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.
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.
was as offered
Excellent product
Got my order in 3 days. Going to install this weekend.
Works good and had no problems installi ng
I've ordered a few products from etrailer, and it's always been accurate, and promptly delivered.
Everyone in customer service is friendly, and know their stuff.
I recently ordered a base plate, and the manufacturer could not have one out to me until the end of the year. I worked with Alex, and we decided on a different manufacturer with conversion tabs, and had it out to me in less than a week. I've installed it and I'm ready for our trip in December. Thank you etrailer.
2004 VW New Beetle tow frame mounting is a very difficult job as the front bumper skin is mounted with four hidden torx bolts at the fender and bumper skin joint. The instructions say the frame can be mounted by leaving that seam connected and lifting the bumper skin but it is likely that damage will occur. So remove the skin. Reinstalling requires replacing the torx bolts and threaded plates with large sheet metal screws and clip nuts that can be purchased at a parts store. Also, be sure to check that the pins will insert after the frame is bolted on. I had clearance issues on the drivers side and had to remove the frame to trim the radiator support with great care as the A/C condenser has a tube within the area of trimming. Also, the braces below the frame fit poorly and require shimming and wiring harness and power steering cooler adjustment. It’s best to install brace to car frame bolts with the tow frame off using the provided nuts on wire rods. Leave loose and tighten when installing frame. The job took three days in my home garage with minimal tools. In retrospect I should have found a Jeep to tow but I owned the Beetle. Good luck.
Need better instructions, especially for a turbo model.
Pretty easy to do my self but the instructions could have been a bit larger with more pictures. I think the hardest part was drilling the holes to attach the two brackets as there was only one hole on each frame. Getting the square nuts with wire attached were difficult to get both aligned because the wire on the first one got in the way each time
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James
7/19/2023
Still working great over a year later. Towed the Beetle with no issues from WV across to NE and then to SD, WY, MT, WA, OR, CA, NV, AZ, NM, CO, KS, and back to NE. Outstanding product.