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Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Item # BX1703
Retail:$592.90
Our Price: $459.45
You Save: $133.45
Base Plates

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Shipping Weight: 43 lbs
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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. 1-800-940-8924 to order Blue Ox base plates part number BX1703 or order online at etrailer.com. Free expert support on all Blue Ox products. Great prices and Fastest Shipping for Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms. Base Plates reviews from real customers.
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  • Used (1)

Blue Ox Base Plates - BX1703

  • Removable Drawbars
  • Blue Ox
  • Twist Lock Attachment

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.


Features:

  • Custom-fit base plate provides attachment points for your tow bar when flat towing
  • Hidden design provides a clean, seamless look
    • Arms remove with a simple twist when not in use
    • Brackets won't protrude past the front of your vehicle
  • Sturdy design spreads towing force evenly to prevent stress on your vehicle's suspension
  • Integrated mounting points let you easily attach an electrical connector plug with bracket (sold separately)
  • Receiver covers keep dirt and debris out of the base plate when arms are removed and provide a finished look
  • Durable steel construction is powder coated to resist rust and corrosion
  • Straightforward installation - no welding required
    • Base plate bolts securely to your vehicle's chassis with included mounting hardware
  • Sturdy lugs pair with Blue Ox tow bars to form a secure and reliable connection
    • Adaptable for use with Roadmaster tow bars - adapter (RM-031 or RM-031-5) sold separately
    • Adaptable for use with Demco tow bars - adapter (BX88310) sold separately
  • Made in the USA


Specs:

  • Distance between brackets: 18"<
  • Bracket height: 13-1/2"
  • 3-Year warranty


Simple, Hidden Design

Blue Ox Base Plate With Arms AttachedBlue Ox Base Plate Arms Removed

This base plate's hidden design creates a clean and seamless look. The bracket arms are easily removable, creating a slick appearance when you're not flat towing. Because the arms can be removed, you also won't have to worry about banging your leg into any protruding arms when you walk by.


Blue Ox Base Plate Removable Arms

Attaching and removing the bracket arms is a breeze. To attach the arms to the base plate, simply insert them into the receivers and rotate them until they lock into place. Once you're finished towing and want to remove the arms, pull the pin to disengage the lock, rotate the arms, and remove them from the receivers. Finally, plug up the now empty receivers with the included receiver covers to help keep dirt and debris out of the base plate and provide a finished look.


Guide to Flat Towing

Flat towing your vehicle is much more convenient than using a trailer or a tow dolly. These other options take up much more storage space, leaving you less room both at home and at the campsite. In addition, securing your vehicle to a trailer or tow dolly can be a hassle and more time consuming than hooking up with a tow bar.


There are 5 basic components needed when flat towing a vehicle: a tow bar, a base plate kit, a safety cable set, tow bar wiring, and a supplemental braking system.


Towing Basics

The tow bar links your towed car to your motorhome. It attaches to the custom-fit base plates that install on the frame of your towed car. Safety cables ensure that your towed car does not separate from your motorhome in the event that your tow bar becomes detached. Tow bar wiring allows your towed vehicle's signal lights to sync up with your motorhome's tail lights, which is required by law in most states. Finally, the supplemental braking system - also required in most states - brakes your towed car when the brakes in your motorhome are activated, preventing wear on the motorhome and decreasing braking distance for your entire setup.



BX1703 Blue Ox Baseplate - Removable Tabs

Installation Details BX1703 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms - BX1703

Average Customer Rating:  4.8 out of 5 stars   (2740 Customer Reviews)

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.

by:
2019 Chevrolet Sonic

This is not my first order from etrailer.com, nor is it my most recent. As always they ship fast and their instructional videos are top notch. This product looks so nice all mounted up the powder coated black looks very nice on my 2019 sonic. The install was more difficult then I had anticipated but the video was very clear and detailed. On the sonic you do have to cut our a little triangle of the metal bumper corner so you need an angle grinder and drilling the holes into the frame to mount it is no joke. My dad broke like 50 percent of his drill bits trying to drill out the 8 holes required. And that's even going up one bit size at a time well until we didn't have that size anymore cause it broke. So make sure you have the right tools (angle grinder and good drill and drill bits)it's not hard but it was time consuming. Couldn't have done it without etrailers excellent videos. 10/10 on the videos and quality products and shipping.



by:

Never having to flat tow a vehicle presented a problem for me to get it set up properly. I was thoughtfully guided through the purchase of the tow hitch, wiring, tow bar connection and safety required in installation. Great service!



by:

Well made, easy install, very easy and quick to hook up and tow with, great product for the price

Curtis

8/15/2023

After using this tow bar for over a year I could not be more happy with it. It is very well made and is very quick and easy to hook up and disconnect.



by:

From a mechanical standpoint and installation everything worked great and installed well however a year later I'm having paint peeling problems which are not covered by my warranty

Etrailer Expert

Jenny N.

2/10/2023

Hey I am glad to hear it is holding up. The paint issue is a common one as it will pick up nicks and scratches over time that will wear down the powder coat. For this we recommend keeping a can of Rustoleum on hand to touch up the base plate when you notice any peeling paint or rust.



by:

Delivered on time



by:
2017 Chevrolet Sonic

I installed this myself with the help of my wife. We were a bit apprehensive about doing it ourselves but after watching the etrailer.com video instructions we decided to undertake the installation ourselves. The video was of a 2016 Chevy Sonic and we have a 2017 model so a few things were different than the video but nothing major. Just follow the video instructions and it is easy. The written instructions are good but the video of the technician doing the installation is fantastic and easier to comprehend than the written instructions. We took our time, had the correct tools to do the job, followed the video instructions and all went perfect. Highly recommend this product, it is a very non intrusive looking installation to the front of our car.

Edp

8/15/2018

Thanks for the follow up. Everything is working just fine, no problems, nothing but good performance.



by:

The instructions for the install were very good..We were able to put it on in the morning and I was home for lunch..The garage that helped with the install had never done this before.. Their comment about the directions was the same...



by:

Fast Shipping too!



by:

I installed this on my car myself It wasn’t too bad. Everything is exactly like it said. It works great. If ever change vehicles I will perches from them again.



by:
2012 Chevrolet Sonic

Very nice. heavy duty. works great. no problems. Towed a car behind RV all around the country. Makes it easy to connect and disconnect on inclines or odd angles. Installing the associated connections to the front of the Chevy Sonic wasn't bad, took about 3 hours; medium screwdriver/drill/wrench skillz needed. I got the associated fuse kill switch also, makes it all look real nice. The folks at etrailer walked me through all the ordering and needs and were very helpful. Highly recommend them and this product.



by:
Chevrolet Sonic

Hey Etrailer, your service was great the delivery was super fast !!!! The blueox baseplate fit like a glove, it took me about 3 hours to install. The only hard part was installing the nuts inside the chassis tube, the nuts were attached to stiff wires so you had to twist and bend the wires so that they line up with the holes that you must drill into the tube, this took the longest over any other part of the job!!! The bolts could be about an extra 1/2 inch longer also. No other complaints or problems. Looks great on my Chevy Sonic. Thanks. B.D.



by:
2020 Chevrolet Sonic

Excellent service from Etrailer. The instructions from BlueOx were non-turbo and RS. My LT is not an RS, but is a turbo. I almost skipped over the RS part before realizing that those instructions needed to be followed for turbo. Would not have gotten far, but nice to know for sure. All other instructions were very good. I trimmed the corners on the upper rear mounting flanges so as to be able to rotate the plate into position without too much stress on the inter-cooler hoses. Good, strong base plate. Very happy with it.



by:

Works and fitted as it should...one note: they do not need the nut on wire,(very difficult to install) ,,all that is needed is drill holes completely thru and use longer bolts thru frame.

Alpagano50

3/27/2021

still working great installed battery disconnect, easier to use



by:
Chevrolet Sonic

Installed this base plate on a Chevy Sonic. Was a little difficult and had to trim some of the frame to fit. Very sturdy and easy to attach to RV when towing.



by:

Great service with speedy delivery even during holidays . Used Blue Ox on last tow vehicle so purchased another, very solid product



by:
2014 Chevrolet Sonic

Received it very fast and the videos on the website was super helpful on installing it



by:
2015 Chevrolet Sonic

Baseplate fit my Chevy Sonic perfectly.



by:

This product was easy to order and identify. It was delivered intact . Thank you all for this order.

Henry

3/9/2022

No problems after one year.



by:

Had to move outside air temperature sensor before it would fit my 2017 Sonic



by:
2019 Chevrolet Sonic

Excellent service, quality product, no reason to complain, etrailer made my new 2019 Sonic a real dingy. RV flat towable.



by:

great product highly recommend



by:

A bit of work to install but fits well and works great

Bill M.

11/9/2017

Great Product bit hard to install but works well



by:
2013 Chevrolet Sonic

Timely delivery. Accurate. Nice phone s upport.



by:

It's just been a great product and val ue.



by:

KorrenC is an awesome lady. She’s very helpful, professional, and when she said she’ll call us back she
does. Great customer service from her!


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Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this Blue Ox Base Plates

  • Choosing Good Automatic Transmission Vehicle to Flat Tow Behind RV
    We do not have a comprehensive vehicle list available but we do have a great article on the best and most popular vehicles to flat tow behind an RV, which I have attached below. One of the most popular vehicles to flat tow is the Jeep Wrangler. This is due in large part to its general adventurous nature, modest size, and the fact that both the manual and automatic transmission models can be pulled with all 4 wheels on the ground. When going through the process of selecting a new vehicle...
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  • How to Prevent Steering Wheel From Locking Up When Flat Towing 2017 Chevy Sonic
    In order to prevent the steering wheel in your 2017 Chevy Sonic from locking up when flat towing it behind your RV, you will just need to make sure to follow the steps in the vehicle's owner's manual, specifically the proper key position. I took a look at the online copy of your Sonic's owner's manual and it lists these steps to take before flat towing the vehicle: 1) Shift the automatic transmission to P (Park) or a manual transmission into 1 (First) gear, then turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF....
    view full answer...
  • What is Acceptable Height Difference Between Base Plate and Trailer Hitch Height
    You can have the height difference between the hitch height and base plate height 3 inches higher or lower. Check out the picture I attached to see that. Ideally you are as level as possible, but based on the height difference you have of 2 inches you'd be totally fine. I attached a help article that covers more on this topic if you're interested.
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  • 2015 Chevrolet Sonic RS and Blue Ox Base Plate Kit with Removable Arms
    Yes, the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit with Removable Arms, # BX1703 is a confirmed fit for your 2015 Chevrolet Sonic and specs state a distance between brackets of 18" fitting the Blue Ox Adventurer, Aladdin, Allure, Alpha, Avail, Aventa, and Trion tow bars.
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  • Troubleshooting Steering Wheel Lock with Keyless Ignition System on 2021 GMC Sierra 2500
    If the steering wheel is locking then one of the steps in the flat towing procedures has been missed; my guess is that it is the part where the battery is disconnected. I do believe that the steering wheel locks when the vehicle is put into Park, so I would go through the complete flat towing procedures as outlined in the owner's manual and disconnect the negative terminal on the battery and then complete the remaining steps. If you want to make the disconnect process quick and easy then...
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  • Non-Exhaustive List of 2018 or 2019 Compact Cars with Automatic Transmission That Can Be Flat Towed
    There are a few options I can give you but it is not an exhaustive list by any means. Chevy Cruze, Sonic, Spark Fiat 500 and 500 Abarth Ford Fiesta, Focus, Fusion Hyundai Accent and Elantra Kia Rio, Soul, Forte Nissan Versa and Sentra Toyota Corolla and Yaris If you have questions about a specific model I highly recommend looking at the online owners manual to confirm the ability to dingy tow or recreational tow the vehicle. There are many models like many Hondas that have the...
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  • Can a 2015 Chevy Sonic RS be Flat Towed Behind an RV
    According to the owner's manual for the 2015 Chevy Sonic the RS models with automatic transmission cannot be flat towed. It can be towed on a dolly though. To tow the vehicle using a dolly, follow these steps: 1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly manufacturer's instructions. 2. Drive the front wheels onto the dolly. 3. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission into 1 (First) gear. 4. Set the parking brake and remove the key. 5. Clamp the...
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  • Recommended Braking System For Flat Towing A 2020 Chevy Sonic
    Miles will not be added to your odometer because your 2020 Chevy Sonic has an electronic odometer that only tracks mileage when the vehicle is running. You won't have the vehicle running so no need to worry about any mileage. State laws and even county/city laws could affect you're ability to go without a braking system so you would need to look into the laws of every area you plan to tow through. The dry weight on a 2020 Chevy Sonic is around 2921lbs so if you put anything into it you...
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  • Pulling Fuses to Flat Tow 2019 Chevy Sonic with Keyless Entry
    Pulling those fuses are supposed to disconnect the power so that your battery doesn't drain so, naturally, your 2019 Chevy Sonic won't start without power. I recommend using the FuseMaster # RM76512 for the BCM1 and BCM2 fuses and then the FuseMaster # RM76511 for the F07 fuse. I'm not able to find the owner's manual online so you may need to use another # RM76511 for the DLIS 1 fuse as well. These FuseMaster units make it so that you just flip a switch to disconnect the fuses instead...
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  • How Fast Can Chevy Sonic be Flat Towed
    You didn't mention what year Chevy Sonic you have but I checked a few different years and I found that the vehicle has a 65 mph speed limit when being flat towed. The Blue Ox base plate kit part # BX1703 is a fit for 2012 to 2018 Chevy Sonics ( as of November 2018). You'll also need a tow bar like the part # BX7380 which is very easy to use and comes with safety cables. For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing....
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2019 Chevy Sonic with Push Button Start
    I did some checking and your 2019 Chevy Sonic is flat-towable as-is and you'll need to follow the guidelines in the owners manual and you'll be set on the proper procedure for getting the vehicle into the correct gear and unlocking the steering wheel. Typically with push button start vehicles to unlock the steering wheel you need to press the push button start button without touching the brake pedal and it will put the ignition into a setting that allows the wheel to be unlocked without...
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    Image 1 for
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2017 Chevy Sonic Turbo
    For your 2017 Chevy Sonic we have the Blue Ox base plate kit part # BX1703 which is confirmed to fit all models of the 2017 Sonic so it would work well for you. I attached an install video for this for you to check out too. 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 # BX7420 which comes with safety cables. The coiled design...
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  • Can 2020 Chevy Sonic Hatchback RS be Flat Towed Behind Motorhome
    Yes, the 2020 Chevy Sonic Hatchback RS with an automatic transmission can be flat towed. The first thing you'll need is a base plate kit which for that you'd want the part # BX1703. 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 which comes with safety cables. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground. For...
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  • How to Tow a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic RS
    I do not have specifics as to why the manufacturer does not allow a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic RS to be flat-towed with all four wheels down unfortunately, you would need to contact the manufacturer for this. The owner's manual states that, "If the vehicle is towed with all four wheels on the ground, the drivetrain components could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not tow the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground". In order to tow a 2017 Chevrolet...
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  • Can 2019 Chevy Sonic RS be Flat Towed
    Yes your 2019 Chevy Sonic turbo can be flat towed with the Blue Ox base plate kit part # BX1703. 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. The most popular compatible tow bar is the Blue Ox # BX7420. This has non-binding arms which makes the setup very easy to connect/disconnect. For lighting you'd want the part # RO94FR. The diode kit that comes with this allows you to splice into...
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  • Recommended Blue Ox Flat Towing Set Up for 2015 Chevy Sonic
    We can help you get set with flat towing gear from Blue Ox. Flat towing requires 5 essential components: tow bar, safety cables, and a lighting solution, base plates and supplementary braking system for the toad. Let's start with the base plates for the 2015 Sonic. Blue Ox offers their # BX1703 with removable bracket arms for a clean appearance when you're not flat towing. With these base plates I suggest their Alpha Tow Bar # BX7380 because it includes the required safety cables. Optronics...
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  • Can 2019 Chevy Sonic RS with Automatic Transmission be Flat Towed Behind RV
    According to my research it looks like your 2019 Chevy Sonic RS with the automatic transmission can be flat towed behind an RV like what you're asking. To do this you need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter. I recommend going with a Blue Ox setup and the parts that you'll use are listed below: Base Plate Kit - # BX1703 Avail Tow Bar - # BX7420 Towing Accessories Kit - # BX88308 Stay-IN-Play DUO...
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  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2015 Chevy Sonic Behind a Motor Home
    To flat tow a vehicle behind a motor home you will need 5 items: base plates, tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. For base plates for your 2015 Chevy Sonic you can use Blue Ox base plates # BX1703. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you. For a compatible tow bar that comes with safety cables I recommend the Alpha, # BX7380. I have included a link to a video review featuring this tow bar for you. For lighting our installers prefer the bulb...
    view full answer...
  • Can a 2017 Chevy Sonic RS Be Flat Towed
    What I think you are asking is if your 2017 Chevrolet Sonic with RS trim is able to be flat towed. We always suggest that you refer to your vehicle specific owners manual for most accurate information as the OEM should be final authority on vehicle specs. However, from the information available to me, it does not appear that the RS trim package equipped models can be safely flat towed. If your vehicle specific owners manual does state that your 2017 Chevrolet Sonic can be flat towed,...
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  • Flat Towing A 2020 Chevy Sonic Hatchback RS
    Before flat towing any vehicle it's always best to check the owner's manual to ensure your vehicle is able to be flat towed and the steps needed to make your vehicle ready to flat tow. Tow Bar: Blue Ox Alpha 2 Tow Bar - Motorhome Mount - 6,500lbs Item # BX7380. Tow Bar Wiring: Roadmaster Smart Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Wiring Kit for Variable Voltage Incandescent Tail Lights Item # RM26FR. This will splice into your vehicle's tail lights and connect your RV to your vehicle to use your...
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  • Blue Ox Flat Towing Setup Recommendation for a 2013 Chevy Sonic
    You could certainly use a Blue Ox flat towing setup on your 2013 Chevy Sonic. The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1703 would be an excellent choice for a base plate kit and is compatible with the Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar # BX7380 that you also referenced. I would still recommend using the Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass # RM76511 so that you do not have to pull a fuse every time you flat tow. Most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. For an easy to use system...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2015 Chevy Sonic
    To flat tow a vehicle behind a motor home you will need 5 items: base plates, tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. For base plates for your 2015 Chevy Sonic you can use Blue Ox base plates # BX1703. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you. For a compatible tow bar that comes with safety cables I recommend the Alpha, # BX7380. I have included a link to a video review featuring this tow bar for you. For lighting our installers prefer the...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Parts to Dinghy Tow a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic LT Sedan
    I have the perfect setup to dinghy tow your 2017 Chevrolet Sonic LT. For a tow bar I recommend using the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, part # BX1703. This kit does not require any welding and has base plate tabs that can be removed for a very clean look when you are not towing your Sonic. The next thing that you will need is a tow bar. I really like the Blue Ox Alpha, part # BX7380, for this setup because it works well with the base plate kit and it comes with safety cables. This tow bar it...
    view full answer...


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Used Picture for Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Condition: Like New

Notes: May have damaged packaging or minor cosmetic blemishes.

Our Price: $457.95
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