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Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms
(424 reviews)
Price: $608.95
In Stock
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Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms
Part Number: BX1616
In Stock
$608.95
Retail:$730.80
You Save: $121.85
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- All Info
- Reviews (424)
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Blue Ox Tow Bar Base Plate - BX1616
Highlights
- Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
- Ready for Flat Towing: Provides secure attachment points so you can safely tow behind your RV.
- Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden reinforcements leave only the tabs visible for a clean look.
- Built to Last: Durable, powder-coated steel resists rust and corrosion mile after mile.
- Spreads Towing Load Evenly: Reinforced design helps prevent stress on your suspension.
- Works With Major Tow Bars: Pairs with Blue Ox bars; adapters available for Roadmaster or Demco.
Features to know about
Built for Long Hauls: Solid Steel Construction That Distributes Towing Forces
When you’re logging miles across the country, you need gear that can take the load. The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit – Fixed Arms is made from durable steel and powder coated to resist rust and corrosion. Its sturdy design spreads towing forces evenly across the chassis to help prevent stress on your vehicle’s suspension. The setup bolts directly to the frame with the included mounting hardware, so there’s no welding needed to get a secure connection you can trust for the long run.
Keeps Your Front End Clean: Hidden Reinforcements with Visible Tabs Only
If you want a simple, low-profile look when you’re not towing, this kit keeps your front end neat. The reinforcements sit behind the fascia so only the attachment tabs remain visible. That means no bulky crossbars or brackets hanging out front—just a clean finish ready for the next trip. With fixed draw bars, the attachment points are always ready for quick hook-up without extra assembly.
Straightforward Setup: Bolt-On Mounting with Clear Alignment
This kit is designed for a straightforward installation that most DIYers can handle over a weekend. It bolts securely to the chassis using standard tools and doesn’t require welding. The included hardware lines up cleanly with factory mounting points for a precise fit and solid feel once tightened down. It’s an approachable project that delivers a dependable foundation for your flat tow setup.
Ready to Match Your Tow Bar: Reliable Connection and Adapter Options
The Blue Ox base plate pairs directly with Blue Ox tow bars for a secure fit every time you hook up. If you’re running a different setup, it’s adaptable too—compatible with Roadmaster tow bars when used with adapter RM-031 or RM-031-5, and with Demco tow bars using adapter DM9523041 (sold separately). This flexibility makes it easy to build your system around what you already own and keep everything working smoothly together.
Sized Right for Planning Your Setup: Bracket Dimensions and Warranty
The bracket spacing measures 24" between mounts with a bracket height of 14". These exact specs make it easier to plan bar alignment and connection height relative to your RV hitch setup. The kit also includes a 3-year warranty, giving you added confidence in its long-term reliability for all your trips ahead.
Specs
Dimensions
- Distance between brackets: 24"
- Bracket height: 14"
Warranty
- Warranty length: 3-Year warranty
- 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.
- Base plates: install on the frame of your towed car and provide the attachment point for the tow bar.
- 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.
- Supplemental braking system: 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.
BX1616 Blue Ox Baseplate - Standard Tabs
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 1995 - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer 4 Wheel Drive - excluding ZR-2
- 1995 - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer 4 Wheel Drive - ZR-2
- 1996 - 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada
- 1999 - 2001 GMC Jimmy 2 Wheel Drive - 2-Door
- 1999 - 2001 GMC Jimmy 2 Wheel Drive - 4-Door
- 1995 - 2001 GMC Jimmy 4 Wheel Drive
- 2000 - 2000 GMC Jimmy 4 Wheel Drive - excluding Diamond Edition
- 2004 - 2004 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup 4 Wheel Drive - Crew Cab
- 1994 - 1998 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup 4 Wheel Drive - excluding ZR2
- 1999 - 2003 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup 4 Wheel Drive - excluding ZR2 and Xtreme
- 1994 - 1998 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup 4 Wheel Drive - ZR2
- 1999 - 2003 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup 4 Wheel Drive - ZR2 and Xtreme
- 2004 - 2004 GMC Sonoma 4 Wheel Drive - Crew Cab
- 1994 - 2003 GMC Sonoma 4 Wheel Drive - excluding ZR2 Highrider
- 1994 - 2003 GMC Sonoma 4 Wheel Drive - ZR2 Highrider
Ratings & Reviews
4.8
424 reviews
by:
Richard
06/02/2026
4 it's in solid, but the [finish] that was used killed it from being a five.
The installation took about four hours. I had a tight interference fit between the frame rails. I wish I had an 18-24" linear ram, but I didn't. So two hydraulic floor jacks, with 4 - 24" welding clamps, and two 12" C-clamps, a short 2# sledge did the trick. Nothing a little spray paint can't fix. Four bolt holes lined up nicely. Two 1/2" drilled holes from the bottom were easy leverage to set up. Two 1/2" drilled holes inside to outside, were quite the challenge to get behind the drill. All fasteners now torqued to specification with red locktite. Added the 1/2" safety cables, made an adjustment in the lower airdam. And presto, here you have it. Now time to set up diode kit, and brake away switch installation.
The installation took about four hours. I had a tight interference fit between the frame rails. I wish I had an 18-24" linear ram, but I didn't. So two hydraulic floor jacks, with 4 - 24" welding clamps, and two 12" C-clamps, a short 2# sledge did the trick. Nothing a little spray paint can't fix. Four bolt holes lined up nicely. Two 1/2" drilled holes from the bottom were easy leverage to set up. Two 1/2" drilled holes inside to outside, were quite the challenge to get behind the drill. All fasteners now torqued to specification with red locktite. Added the 1/2" safety cables, made an adjustment in the lower airdam. And presto, here you have it. Now time to set up diode kit, and brake away switch installation.
by:
Jeff K.
04/24/2026
We really like our blue ox towbar mounts from etrailer. We're excited to be able to flat tow our 2001 F-250 with our ATV in the bed. Real game changer,, Thank You etrailer
A few pictures of how I attach it
A few pictures of how I attach it
Mike L.
4/25/2026
Nice job Jeff, thanks for the awesome photos!
by:
Randy
06/22/2026
The kit is well built and comes with all the necessary hardware to install. Installation was a breeze and asthetically blends in well with the front of the truck. Great job on the design and the production!
Kate F.
6/25/2026
Install looks great Randy! Where are you headed for the first big trip with the new set-up?
by:
Grant
02/06/2026
Not a bad install the nuts on the end of the wires was a little strange and odd to use and bend….. worked out great haven’t towed it yet ….bolted in and ready. There’s not really any place on thes 06 Wrangler to put those safety cables to the frame. Alex T in sales was great.
Lazer S.
2/10/2026
Glad the install went smoothly, Grant! Even with those weird handle nuts (which I agree are kind of odd). What's the first trip you have planned? And I will let Alex know what you said as well! : )
by:
Dan B
05/12/2026
2005
Hummer
H2
Easily installed but proper alignment needs to be maintained before drilling the additional hole required for through bolts.
by:
Joshua
05/05/2026
1 year later, it’s been used for over 1500 miles and held up great. I did the install and had a weld shop tax the bolts do they wouldn’t back out.
by:
Pop
04/12/2019
Perfect fit, well built of high quality materials. In my mind you just can't get much better than Blue Ox. The only issue is that the BX1120 doesn't have removable twist lock tabs. The fixed draw bar mounting tabs are at just the right height and position to play havoc with your shins when the draw bar is not installed. I solved that problem with a shin guard I made of 2 inch schedule 40 PVC. (see photo) Fits perfectly, guards the breakaway switch and lighting connector when not in use, and solves the shin interference problem.
Alan B.
4/13/2020
After a year of occasional use I am still very happy with the BX1120 baseplate. Its a joy to use high quality products from a high quality supplier. Ive always gotten the highest quality support from the folks at Etrailer. Thanks folks.
by:
A
11/07/2026
Fits well, tows well. Took less than an hour to install.
Lazer S.
11/11/2026
Thanks for adding the pictures! Will Definitely help other when choosing base plates for their Samurais! ^___
by:
Michael
08/31/2026
Once again just great service from etrailer
by:
Keith
03/18/2026
Outstanding communication. Outstanding customer service. Outstanding towbars and baseplates. Will be back.
by:
Shay
05/09/2025
Base plate is well built and fit well. As I would expect from Blue Ox products. My only complaint and the reason for 4 stars would be the horrible instruction. Pictures are absolutely horrible. Not a big deal for the mechanically inclined, but not everyone fits that category.
by:
Christopher
03/05/2026
2002
Mazda
Protege
I'm not giving the products the stars as much as the woman who helped me select them and turned me onto the "road-master" product line. Road-master had a "towed-car" hitch for my 2002 Mazda Protege. It was a blessing to have met her acquaintance.
by:
Justin
03/25/2026
Very simple to install, just need to drill a few holes in the frame. Comes with everything you need except a couple basic washers (mine came with 3 lock washers and 2 standard flats for 4 bolts)…
Would be nice to have the torque specs also in the instructions but the busted bolt is on me!
Would be nice to have the torque specs also in the instructions but the busted bolt is on me!
by:
James
01/22/2026
First of all, the staff at etrailer has always been there with answers with anything. Fitment, installation, usage etc. Second. The install was easy with the enclosed instructions. I did it by myself with only getting help to raise and lower the bumper. After several thousand miles of towing, still tight and still looks great
by:
Carl V
09/24/2018
1999
Jeep
Wrangler
I had a simple ball hitch setup for my 1999 Jeep Wrangler for towing behind our RV. Our first trip out with it, the bolts that attached the bar connectors to the front of the Jeep came loose. I was fortunate that they didn't come out completely and cause a major accident. I was able to tighten them again, and we had no additional issues on our trip. Of course, this made me extremely nervous with my 'budget' route to tow the Jeep so I began looking for a better, more reliable solution.
Blue Ox was the name that kept coming up so I purchased the BX1120. The build quality is outstanding, it's extremely solid and very durable. Installation time was about an hour and a half once I had the right tools, couldn't find my 1/2 inch socket set! I'm using the Blue Ox Alpha tow bar with this setup.
I will say that having a second set of hands to install is valuable, my son had to come help me get the drivers side bolts in while I held the steering housing in place.
All in all, I'm very pleased with the product. It went in easy and should save my nerves on our next road trip!
1999 Jeep Wrangler Sport
After market front bumper (Plenty of clearance with this specific mount)
Blue Ox was the name that kept coming up so I purchased the BX1120. The build quality is outstanding, it's extremely solid and very durable. Installation time was about an hour and a half once I had the right tools, couldn't find my 1/2 inch socket set! I'm using the Blue Ox Alpha tow bar with this setup.
I will say that having a second set of hands to install is valuable, my son had to come help me get the drivers side bolts in while I held the steering housing in place.
All in all, I'm very pleased with the product. It went in easy and should save my nerves on our next road trip!
1999 Jeep Wrangler Sport
After market front bumper (Plenty of clearance with this specific mount)
by:
Brody
01/22/2021
Installed this on a 2014 Chevy Express 3500 15 passenger van. Install was time consuming, as holes needed to be drilled (went through 2 drill bits) and the nuts must be fished through the frame, then "caught" by the bolt. I think there were 12 of them! Instructions were clear, though, and I've safely towed without incident over 7,000 miles in the past year. Definitely rock solid! Paired up with a Blue Ox Aventa 7,500 lb tow bar.
by:
Safi
11/11/2026
Great product!
by:
Joe H
08/31/2022
The Blue Ox BasePlate has worked out very well. We've traveled over 3,000 miles on 4 separate trips....with multiple hookups and detachments. Great system. The only constructive comment is the electric hookup for lights/turn signals was a little wonky but my mechanic worked it out with the manufacturer.
by:
Joe
09/18/2026
It mounted right up to my 2001 jeep. Ive only used it a couple times but worked well. no issues.
by:
Merlin
11/03/2022
My blue ox base plate kit came right on schedule. I met my mechanic at the shop and with a hydraulic lift and air tools we had it installed and secured in about 30 minutes. I could have done it alone at home in about 1.5 hrs. It fits perfect and looks like it was part of original car frame.
Thx
Thx
by:
Randy M
08/25/2017
2006
Hummer
H3
I thought price was a little high, but they worked very well. Fit perfectly and looked good. Came with clear installation instructions. The nuts on steel wires made it possible to slide them deep inside the frame where the support plates bolted on without any trouble.
by:
Curtis
01/12/2019
Dodge
Dakota
A friend needed a tow bar on his Dakota , I was referred to etrailer.com and they carried everything I needed ! The instructions are easy to understand making installation simple . etrailer.com has all the information from deciding what is best for your needs to the end of the project !
by:
James
05/06/2026
Quality built product! And outstanding customer service by Ashley!!
by:
Al
12/20/2022
everything bolted up easy, i simply drilled hole’s into were needed and supplied my own bolts straight through for easy installation.
Al B.
12/21/2023
it still looks nice and working as it should. i made it also double as a base to bolt up my winch. the bonus thing is when i need to tow it i can undo 4 bolts and take my winch off. i think you guys at e-trailer should consider making something like this as a option. i have pictures of it installed but how do i send them to you?
Mike L.
12/21/2023
@AlB Just use the provided link below!
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Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this Blue Ox Tow Bar Base Plate
- Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2003 Chevy S-10 ZR2 Behind an RVI spoke with my contact over at Blue Ox and he said that # BX1616 base plates are the ones that you can use for your 2003 Chevy S-10 ZR2 and you should be good to go. For a compatible tow bar I recommend the Alpha, # BX7380. This tow bar is rated for 6,500 pounds and comes with safety cables. For lighting I recommend going with a magnetic kit # RM-2120 because it is low cost, easy to set up, and bypasses the vehicle wiring. You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level....
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat-Tow a 1997 Chevrolet BlazerYou will need to check with the manufacturer and/or your vehicle owners manual for instructions on the proper procedure for towing your 1997 Chevrolet Blazer because some vehicles must be equipped with a transmission lube pump, an axle disconnect, drive line disconnect, or free-wheeling hubs before they can be towed. If your Blazer can be flat towed you will need a tow bar, base plates, safety cables, wiring for lights, and a supplemental braking system as required by law. The Blue Ox...
view full answer... - Flat Towing Equipment Recommendations For A 1996 GMC Sonoma 44 AutomaticBased on the generic owners manual I found online your 1996 GMC Sonoma should be able to be flat towed. I recommend checking your specific owner's manual to verify, it'll be under recreational towing, and for any steps that need to be followed to ensure the safety of your vehicle's components. To flat tow you'll need a tow bar, tow bar wiring kit, base plate, braking system, and safety cables. I have the following recommendations for you below: Tow Bar: Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar for...
view full answer... - Flat Towing Setup For 2001 Chevrolet S-10 ZR-2A great choice for your vehicle is the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1616 which is a guaranteed fit, and features a hidden design only exposing the attachment tabs. For an all terrain tow bar, I recommend the Roadmaster Sterling # RM-576. This is a non-binding, all terrain tow bar, that comes with safety chains and a 7 way to 6 way cord. Both of which are absolutely essential for flat towing. To finish your flat tow set up, you'll just need wiring and a braking system. For the wiring, I...
view full answer... - Base Plates, Tow Bar, Wiring, and Safety Cables to Flat Tow a 1999 GMC JimmyIf you have a regular model 1999 GMC Jimmy (not an S-15 model) then you will need to use a tow dolly like the RoadMaster Tow Dolly with Electric Brakes, # RM-2050-1, as there are no base plates available for the Jimmy. If you have an S-15 Jimmy, there are base plates available depending on what model you have. For a Jimmy Envoy, 4 wheel drive and not a Black Diamond, ZR2, or Xtreme, use # 179-2. For a S-15 Jimmy, 4 wheel drive and not a Black Diamond or Xtreme, use # 165-2. For a S-15...
view full answer... - Flat Towing Parts Recommendation for a 1996 GMC SonomaWe have everything you will need to flat tow your 1996 GMC Sonoma 4x4. First let's start with a base plate kit. For that you would want the part # BX1616 as this is the confirmed kit for your vehicle. Now for a tow bar the Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar # BX7380 would be a great choice. It comes with safety cables and has telescoping arms which will make connecting and disconnecting on uneven ground easier. I attached a review video for you to check out. For lighting I would recommend the magnetic...
view full answer...
Do you have a question about this Tow Bar Base Plate?
Info for this part was:
Expert Research:
Mike L
Written by:
Lindsey S
Updated by:
Adele M
Updated by:
Wilson B
Updated by:
Mike S
Updated by:
Carrie F
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Kate F.
6/5/2026
Thanks for your review, Richard! It sounds like this was a fairly involved installation, but we're glad to hear everything came together successfully in the end. We appreciate you sharing the details of your process, especially the tips about the tight frame rail clearance and drilling challenges, as those insights may help other RV owners tackling the same project. Thanks for including the photo as well. Your finished installation looks great! Now that it's installed and you're moving on to the diode kit and brake away switch, what adventure are you looking forward to most this summer in your RV?