# 1
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
My E-trailer experience was outstanding! From the great selection guide to the delivery to the installation support. The installation videos were very helpful. I had two installation issues that were answered with a prompt phone call. One call was on a Saturday morning. I highly recommend E-trailer!
Oredering and shipping was fast and easy. Products arrived in good condition. I haven't installed them yet, but it all looks as advertised. Not my first order with etrailer and the customer service was outstanding as always. Why anyone would order from any place other then etrailer I cannot fathom.
# 2
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
Bought it at etrailer as I have with other trailer hitch related parts. Installed it myself, and it was a real job. I figure about 10 hours to get it right so I didn't have to worry if my 'toad' would pass my motorhome as I tooled down the road. Fit was perfect for my 2008 Honda CRV, but make sure you keep that oil cooler line up as high as possible or you will be redoing the fit to get the front cowling back on the car. Bought an angle grinder with cutoff wheels and that made the frame notching a lot easier. Note that if the removeable attachment pins are a tight fit into the base plate, they will loosen up with a good silicone lubricant and the wear of towing. I have towed with confidence for a year without a hitch (pun intended).
The video was invaluable. Had to make minor adjustment but went on in a couple hours. Will be taking to the road in May.
# 3
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
2009 Honda Element. Did installation myself took 2 hours. Buy new 13/16th drill bits. Use vise grips to hold in place while drilling. Be sure to use Locktite red on bolts. I also installed the wiring kit for this vehicle. I added an extra wire from RV braking light in center of RV back to braking light in Element back window. My bicycles block tail lights on Element. I used the six wire kit that came with coiled cord and two recepticals. Used lots of zip ties to secure wires along frame.
Baseplate Installation: I called several RV and trailer hitch centers. Parts and installation ranged from $2,050 to $2,200! Yikes! I read many installation reviews that concerned me about installing this tow bar myself on my 2003 Honda CRV. One reviewer took over 7 hours; some gave up. Yet, some reviewer didn't have difficulties. I view eTrailer's install video on a 2003 Honda Element, similar to the CRV; didn't seem all that difficult, but it's what you don't see that can be the problem. Received the tow bar before the expected delivery date! Read the instruction; watch the video again, and said, what the heck. Before I started, I purchased a new, high-quality 13/32" bit, Locktite (red), and six push rivets from Honda (I figured I break a few, and I did, and some were missing). Working slowly and reading the instructions, I had the front end off in 45 min (Steps 1-4). Removed the metal bumper, drilled and set frame support bolts, and removed the bumper flange in an hour (Steps 5-8). I did grind smooth and primer the removed flange area (photo). My 86 y.o. father-in-law help me with the baseplate attachment. Took our time; did a dry fit to see how the receivers fit through the grill; drilled, set bolts, and safety cable; all in less than an hour (Steps 9-11). I stood back and couldn't believe it was installed; what did I miss? Nothing. Reassembled the front end. Didn't have to cut the grill. I am most pleased.
# 4
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
Heavy well packaged came with all hardware and a concise instruction sheet
Great service and great product.
# 5
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
Blue ox Base Plate BX2221: Well built but very poor fit on my honda CRV 2001, after follow instructions exactly I had to cut and file parts of the car, elongate 4 bolt holes on the baseplate, a lot of thinking on where to cut to minimize modifications on the car. Is not my first baseplate installation, I'm ASE certified master mechanic for more the 30 years so I'm not extrange on this kind of work. I understand the baseplate can't be a perfect fit for every year of every model of car because modifications on the factory production line but be ready to do some thinking, cutting and filing.
# 6
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
GREAT customer service, great product arrived as promised.
2004 Lexus GX 470The size of the box terrified me but I had to do this one myself. This project is not for the faint of heart. When you think about what could go wrong you could wet yourself. I went with my gut and just opened the box. Hmmm, packaged very well with everything you need for the install. No going to the hardware store for this or that. Sat there with a cold sarsaparilla and read the very detailed instructions, went back to the etrailer web site and checked out some vids and pics. Hmm, it didn’t seem that daunting of a job. On my 04 Lexus GX470 most of the holes were drilled. Before I knew it 5 hours had past and I owned a toad! I took it to my local Rv service center for an inspection and it was deemed safe to use. This thing is awesome, tracs straight as an arrow. Now, I have to figure out this diode lighting kit. Camping is fun! Yah!!! :) Noah and etrailer made this a tolerable project. I urge everyone to take advantage of the resources that are on this sight. I always learn something when I’m there. See y’all on the trail….Rod
# 7
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
I must admit the only way that understanding the instructions and installing the BX1126 Base Plate on my 2014 Jeep Wrangler could have been any easier. Would be if there would have been a mechanic in the box to install it for me. The videos on etrailer are great and will answer any questions that you might have.
This product was missing one of the whiz nuts 61-4029 from the package
# 8
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
First we want to rate etrailer service- it was excellent! Items arrived on time. The video on the web was very helpful & Blue Ox sent good instructions in the box. The installation went well, completed in 3 days. Couple of points on the instructions/install; On the bumper fascia you will have to do a LOT of trimming, and it's a matter of trying to get it back on, numerous times. Also once you finally get it trimmed to fit with base plate installed, snapping in the fascia is not easy, it's push & shove to get it back on. The only other issue is getting those hex nuts screwed into the bolts, there is very little room to work & you have to get the nut lined up EXACTLY before the screw will fit. We painted the one side of it white to see it through the drilled holes better, you will also need someone to hold a flashlight while the other person tries to get it bolted on. Then you have to be ready to put the locktite on before the nut slips out of place. Patience, patience, patience!!! Luckily my husband has lots of it - he read & reread the instructions before he started-had all his tools lined up & then went to it - I just kept my mouth shut & held the flashlight & helped him with the bumper fascia. He is out in the garage now installing the wiring harness. We had to wait to order the receiver hitch (10") until the base plate was installed & we could line it up with our RV & figure the difference (2012 Chevy Equinox). We live in Prescott AZ & hope to leave for a trip to the Grand Canyon & Santa Fe New Mexico in about a week.
This base plate is ideal for our use, it was a relatively easy installation but you will need patience. Probably removing the right amount of Styrofoam at the right locations was the most tedious as you will not get the front body work back on. This was money well spent and the technical assistance from etrailer was invaluable.
# 9
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
2004 Lexus GX 470The size of the box terrified me but I had to do this one myself. This project is not for the faint of heart. When you think about what could go wrong you could wet yourself. I went with my gut and just opened the box. Hmmm, packaged very well with everything you need for the install. No going to the hardware store for this or that. Sat there with a cold sarsaparilla and read the very detailed instructions, went back to the etrailer web site and checked out some vids and pics. Hmm, it didn’t seem that daunting of a job. On my 04 Lexus GX470 most of the holes were drilled. Before I knew it 5 hours had past and I owned a toad! I took it to my local Rv service center for an inspection and it was deemed safe to use. This thing is awesome, tracs straight as an arrow. Now, I have to figure out this diode lighting kit. Camping is fun! Yah!!! :) Noah and etrailer made this a tolerable project. I urge everyone to take advantage of the resources that are on this sight. I always learn something when I’m there. See y’all on the trail….Rod
# 10
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
Just what I needed to flat tow my Jeep Wrangler. When I first received the base plate I was thinking about having it installed, but after watching the etrailer.com installation video I decided to do it myself. Couldn't have asked for a smoother install. The permanent base plate safety cables concerned me a little. I came up with a figure-8 over the frame that I think will work ok and I did secure it with some cable ties in a couple of spots. Thanks to Nick at etrailer for the help and to the folks that made the installation video giving me the confidence to do-it-myself.
This is our second tow vehicle. etrailer made it easy to shop for our 2020 Jeep Wrangler Sport. We purchased a Blue OX base plate for our Mini Cooper previously and the videos make it easy to install. We use the Blue Ox Alpha 2 Tow bar and the Roadmaster BrakeMaster System w BrakeAway for RVs w Air or Air Over Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional. Can't wait to get the new Jeep set up.
# 11
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
Received this in two days and planning to install over the weekend. Thanks Etrailer.
After 1year using my Blue Ox baseplate I am still completely satisfied with my purchase. I installed the baseplate myself, it was a little challenging , but the instructions/video made it doable. The removable pins work very well, when they are removed you barely notice anything. You can’t even tell it’s a dinghy when it’s not being towed. I would recommend this baseplate to anyone wanting to tow their Mini-Cooper. I imagine that all Blue Ox baseplate are equally well built and reliable.
# 12
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
Everything as advertised. Followed the videos and instructions for installing the base plates and tow bar and all were good. Did a test pull today and it towed great, straight as a dye. I only have 2 suggestions. There was no mention in the video of the space plate, which was included. Figured it out. Second suggestion, Install a 2" ball on your work bench and adjust the receiver to it. The instructions tell you what socket to adjust it with but that could have been done on the bench before shipping. Great product, so excited. We are off on a few hundred mile trip with the Fit behind the motorhome Wednesday. So excited. No more tow dolly.
The Blue Ox Baseplate and wiring kit was a breeze to install on my 2012 Honda Fit. The instructions were very clear, and the price was the lowest I found on the internet. Buy your products from etrailer.com, they have the best and most comprehensive instructions for this type of installation.
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