etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
This item does not fit your vehicle
2003 Ford Explorer
These items fit your vehicle
2003 Ford Explorer
To see if this custom-fit item will work for you please tell us what vehicle you'll use it with.
Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.
Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.
If you want your vehicle to keep its factory look when it’s not being towed, this setup does the trick. The invisible design leaves no crossbar or bulky brackets in sight, and the removable drawbar arms stay on your tow bar instead of the bumper. High-density polyethylene receiver covers snap over the openings to keep out dirt and debris, so the tabs slide smoothly into place every time you hook up.
Connecting takes just a twist and a pin. Each arm inserts into the base plate receiver, locks in place with a quick turn, and secures with a pull pin for an extra layer of safety. When you’re unhooking, pull the pin, twist, and slide the arm out—it’s that simple. The brackets sit 28-3/8" apart with a height of 14-1/2", giving you consistent reference points for your tow bar setup.
This base plate’s durable steel build spreads towing forces evenly across the chassis to help minimize stress on the suspension during long-distance trips. It bolts directly to the frame—no welding required—and includes all necessary hardware. The solid design keeps your setup dependable through miles of travel and repeated hook-ups.
Already have a tow bar system you like? You’re covered. This base plate works directly with etrailer, Demco, and Blue Ox tow bars—no adapter needed. If you’re running a Roadmaster system, add one of the matching adapters (e98983, e98984, e98979, or e98981, sold separately) to tie it all together. The built-in electrical bracket makes it easy to mount a round connector plug up front for tidy wiring management.
If you’re handy with basic tools, installation is a solid weekend project. The kit includes clear instructions and all mounting hardware for a simple bolt-on fit—no welding required. Once installed, the hidden look and easy connect system make this base plate a clean and confidence-inspiring part of any flat tow setup.
Customer Satisfaction Score:
93% were satisfied with this product
7% of customers were not satisfied
Ratings & Reviews
Lot of work but all went on as per instructions.
Thanks to all.
They mounted easy after the stock tow hooks came off.
Easy install, just mount it, run the wire to the break operator, plug it in and you’re good to go!
Parts delivered timely. Installation directions online were helpful. The product looks good on my 18 Colorado.
I would like to have seen plugs for when the arms are removed to keep debris out of the holes.
Has performed as advertised. Etrailer personnel have always been helpful in advising the correct products and procedures
Easy to install my self, great how to videos and support from staff via telephone!
This base plate is well made and fit our GMC Canyon perfectly. I pulled the truck over 4000 miles last year and had no problems.
The box had holes in it and I was missing some of the hardware, so I’am having to wait on replacement hardware to be shipped. So now instead of waiting 4 or 5 days now I have to wait 8 to 10 days before I can mount it on my vehicle. If those parts make it.
Came with a part missing and I thought this will be impossible to get resolved.
I can't believe the awesome customer service, one email and they had the missing part out the next day. No hassle, no pain, no arguments!! I will be a customer for life!! etrailer ROCKS!!!
4 1/2 hours to install by two people (one a mechanic on his day off). But quality was very high, once everything was removed it was easy to install, but the safety cables did interfere with the reinstall of the facia (grill, bumper, etc). You need help and someone who's very strong to remount the facia.
the kit came on time and everything looks good, I just wish you could purchase just the baseplates as I already have the other parts.
Components fit and function well but, the rear bolt holes were slightly off causing some extra modifications. The etrailer installation videos were very helpful. However, there were several differences between my 2021 Colorado and the model in the videos. I suggest updating the cutouts in the instructions. They are very undersized this caused major difficulties reattaching the grill and facia.
Great parts easy to install.
Kind of a pain, but not difficult to remove front plastic and mount receivers. I like that the adapters are removable, so I don't have shin knockers sticking out.
Has been reliable and trouble free.
I'm very pleased with them.
Ray.
Great product and great service.
Everything looks great will get put on the truck next week
Working perfect
Excellent instructions, excellent fit. Easy to install
After removing the grill of the truck installation was pretty easy. Works well with my blue ox tow bars
It wasn’t as easy to install as the video said. A lot of grinding plates on truck lower cowling to fit back together. We got the base plate all mounted in 3 hours but it took 6 more hours put the truck back together. And also the hitch adapters I had to grind them to fit the blue ax hitch.
Good product. Had local shop install. Sadly I had to fix some mistakes (stuff not to my liking-otherwise install was fine).
Really excellent baseplate. I had another brand before these that was much smaller and broke twice on me. These feel far more substantial and attach in a much better way. These didn't fit perfectly on a 2022 Chevy Colorado ZR2 but I only needed to buy a couple longer bolts and the other changes were minimal.
I received my base plate and wiring harness in good time. Everything looks to be top quality. As yet I have not installed anything but I'm sure that with the videos that etrailer provides it won't be a problem. Going to install on a 2017 Colorado.
easy to find on your web site, quick delivery, everything needed for a quick and secure installation. The instructions were easy to follow and all parts were included and fit perfectly.
Fit my 2018 Colorado 2WD manual perfectly. I disconnect the drive shaft and hose-clamp it to the gas tank cross-member when I flat-tow it. works perfectly
Do you have a question about this Tow Bar Base Plate?
Info for this part was:
At etrailer we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.
Katrina D.
4/11/2024
Goodness gracious, that is a cruddy situation that sadly is not uncommon. I am so sorry that your project got pushed back. When you finally receive all of your parts, I would love to hear your updated feedback about your experience and the product itself.