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  1. Tow Bar Base Plate
  2. Blue Ox
  3. Removable Draw Bars
  4. Twist Lock Attachment
  5. Completely Hidden
THIS ITEM IS NOT A FIT FOR
1997 Hummer H1
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Blue Ox

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: BX2004
$486.77
Retail:$639.00
You Save: $152.23
Tow Bar Base Plate
Not Confirmed to Fit

1997 Hummer H1

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etrailer Installation
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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. Great Prices for the best tow bar base plate from Blue Ox. Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms part number BX2004 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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Blue Ox Tow Bar Base Plate - BX2004

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Ready for Flat Towing: Provides secure attachment points so you can safely tow your vehicle behind your RV.
  • Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden design with removable arms keeps the front end looking clean and seamless.
  • Quick Hookup and Removal: Twist-lock arms attach and release easily, saving time when setting up or disconnecting.
  • Even Towing Stability: Sturdy steel brackets spread towing force evenly to reduce stress on the suspension.
  • Built to Last: Powder-coated steel resists rust and corrosion for long-term reliability on the road.
Made in USA

Features to know about

Made for a Clean Front End: Hidden Design with Removable Arms

If you like the clean look of your front end when you’re not towing, this base plate keeps it that way. The hidden design keeps the brackets out of sight, and the removable arms come off with a simple twist. When they’re out, receiver covers plug into place to block dirt and debris while giving a finished look. The brackets don’t stick out past the front, so there’s nothing to bump into and nothing that spoils the smooth appearance.

Blue Ox base plate kit installed on vehicle front with removable arms attached for flat towing

Front view of vehicle showing Blue Ox base plate with arms removed for a clean hidden appearance

Quick Hook-Ups Anywhere: Twist-Lock, Pin-Secure Arms

Getting ready to tow shouldn’t take all afternoon. With the twist-lock attachment, each arm slides in, rotates to lock, and secures with a pull pin. Detaching is just as quick—pull the pin, rotate, and slide out. It’s a simple setup that’s easy to handle whether you’re hooking up solo or lining things up at the campsite.

Close-up of person twisting removable arm on Blue Ox base plate to attach or detach it using twist-lock mechanism

Built Strong for Long Miles: Durable Steel That Spreads the Load

This base plate bolts right to the chassis—no welding needed—and its sturdy design spreads towing force evenly to prevent stress on your suspension. The steel construction is powder coated to resist rust and corrosion, so it can handle thousands of miles of road time without worry.

Keep Using Your Tow Bar: Compatible with Multiple Setups

Already running a Blue Ox tow bar? This kit pairs directly with Blue Ox models, including the Ascent Tow Bar (BX4375). It can also be adapted for Roadmaster tow bars using adapter RM-031 or RM-031-5 (sold separately), or for Demco tow bars with adapter DM9523041 (sold separately). Integrated mounting points let you attach an electrical connector bracket (sold separately) to keep everything organized up front.

DIY Ready: Bolt-On Install with Included Hardware

You don’t need a welder or a custom shop to install this kit. It bolts securely to your chassis using the included mounting hardware for a straightforward installation process. Specs include a 31-1/4" distance between brackets and a 14-1/2" bracket height so you can plan your setup with confidence.

Specs

Dimensions

  • Distance between brackets: 31-1/4"
  • Bracket height: 14-1/2"

Warranty

  • Warranty: 3-Year warranty

Diagram showing tow bar, base plates, safety cables, wiring, and braking system components needed for flat towing setup between car and RV

  • 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.

BX2004 Blue Ox Baseplate - Removable Tabs

Installation Details BX2004 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.8

5227 reviews
5 Stars
(4505)
4 Stars
(501)
3 Stars
(104)
2 Stars
(47)
1 Star
(70)
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by:
What I needed was some help in getting the correct pieces for my car. This is a very knowledgeable crew I was talking to. I have ordered several items from etrailer over the last two years and everything always arrives on time and as a complete package.
Bob profile picture

Bob

8/14/2021

Works like it’s designed. Not too tough to install.

by:
Entire order and delivery process was fast, efficient and user friendly.
Product received on time. Blue Ox base plate was of high quality, very impressed. I wouldn't call it an easy install but doable. Excellent installation instructions were very helpful. I would wholeheartedly recommend this product as well as etrailer.
by:
Reasonably easy install on my '16 Smart ForTwo. Entire front end is plastic, peels right off... Biggest challenge was not having a metal hole saw for the frame, so 1/8" drill for the outline, file it smooth, continue install.
Wiring took MUCH longer to do it correctly, believe me.
Temelec T. profile picture

Temelec T.

10/7/2023

We have used this setup along with the e-trailer tow-bar a total of two times, both exceptionally easy drives. First was with our 24 Class C, SF Bay area to Pismo beach. Did not even know it was on the back in either direction, No difference in mileage car is under 2000 pounds. Sold the RV, decided to move to Louisville traded Wine Country for Bourbon Country + our 3 kids live there. Hitched it up behind our 01 Econoline van loaded to the gills and took 5 days driving to Kentucky. Couldnt be more pleased with the base plate kit and the accompanying e-trailer tow bar...

by:
2017 Smart fortwo
Our experience was unbelievable. We ordered Blue Ox equipment to set up our new car for towing and you packed and shipped everything the same day and it all arrived 3 business days later. Great service. Thank you.
by:
Easy to install. Took a couple hours.. would recommend this product to all smart car owners. Safety chains is the part that took longest.. if manual had better pictures the install would be faster.. overall great baseplate!!!!
by:
2017 Smart fortwo
Merchandise arrived on time and well packaged.
I have ordered multiple times from etrailer and each purchase has been delivered on time and well packaged.
Every item which I have ordered from etrailer has been exactly as described.

Very satisfied
by:
Just received the product yesterday so have not installed it but it looks exactly as described. Shipping was very fast as usual from E trailer.
by:
2017 Smart fortwo
Well made, overly strong with all fitting very well. Four stars as I have not towed the vehicle yet, still waiting for the tow bar to arrive.
by:
Great price!!! Fast delivery.
Frankie profile picture

Frankie

12/31/2022

1 year later and the blue ox is still doing the job. No problems..thumbs up!!

by:
by:
2016 Smart fortwo
by:
2026 Ford Maverick
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.
Mike L. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Mike L.

9/9/2026

Thanks Douglas, nice truck you've got there! Nice job on the install.....

by:
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!
Heather A. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Heather A.

5/1/2026

The install looks great Ed! Where are you planning on taking the Encore? I will let Royce know you reached out.

Ed V. profile picture

Ed V.

5/1/2026

@HeatherA Taking a short trip up to Prova Utah in couple of weeks. Then California and hopefully Chicago in the fall. EdnJudy
Heather A. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Heather A.

5/1/2026

@EdV That sounds awesome. Utah is beautiful. Chicago is probably one of my favorite places to visit. Are you going to check out Wrigley?
Ed V. profile picture

Ed V.

5/1/2026

Not really, I grew up in Chicago, basically 45+ years. I have been to Wrigley many times as a child and adult. We lived about 1 mile from the park. Going to see my mom who is 95 years old. Our favorite place to visit in Chicago is Navy Pier. We try to make a day of it. Thanks for asking! EdnJudy
See All (4) Replies to Heather A. ∨
by:
2017 Jeep Wrangler
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.
by:
Well the blue ox base plate actually fits my turbo engine. The Curt didn't fit as advertised.
by:
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.
Nick S. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Nick S.

1/5/2026

I am glad you were able to get it installed with no issues and a little help from our video! What kind of coach are you pulling the Kia Soul with?

by:
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.
Roger profile picture

Roger

12/12/2025

Still the same no issues...fine product

by:
I installed this myself on a 2012 CR-V EXL AWD. The directions are straightforward. The system works very well and is easy to use.
Fair warning .. because the car is older, just about every clip that holds the grill and bumper in place broke when taking them off. Replacing all those clips with OEM parts is expensive!
BUT, that doesn't retract from the quality of the baseplate or it's use ability.
This is the third different Blue Ox baseplate system I have bought and installed and all of them were excellent!
Matthew profile picture

Matthew

10/12/2026

Its been two years since installation of the Blue Ox Baseplate. Since then, Ive flat towed the CRV from NJ to FL and back three separate times with many other shorter trips in between. Paired with a Blue Ox Tow Bar, the system has worked flawlessly since installation.

Jameson C. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jameson C.

10/12/2026

@Matthew that's great to hear!
by:
2013 mini Cooper
Fits my 2013 mini cooper non turbo. Does take a few hours to install this Fit was good. The hardest part is removing the front bumper and reinstalling it. You do have to cut the lower bumper grill in three places take your time locating the exact spots for cuts. I have pulled Mini Cooper about seven thousand miles now with this Blue Ox and has worked great
Kate F. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Kate F.

12/17/2025

Thanks for the detailed review Chris, and the pointers! This will be most helpful to others. What was your favorite stop in those 7,000 miles? Where did you go, what did you see?

by:
2008 Ram 2500
I got a used set for a great price and it worked out well. my only caution is that some of the holes in my 2008 2500 suburban had to be drilled to 9/16 due to misalignment with the tapped holes in the brackets. This minor adjustment made it all go togehter easily though. Be aware, you won't have tow hooks anymore if that is something you use a lot.
Perry profile picture

Perry

10/1/2026

Follow up. Ive put about 8000 miles on the setup and its been great. A 34 ton suburban pulls nicely behind my Dutch star, and they dont have a steering lock so its nice not to have to retrieve keys when stopping for the night. I have used the safety cable attachment a few times for straight line pulls with a small shackle when working as a rally racing volunteer, its been fine but I wouldnt side pull on it.

by:
Well designed and solidly built base plate. Very good product support from Etrailer and Blue Ox.
The four 1/2 inch by 1 3/4 inch bolts are category 5 bolts. I had a bag full of identically sized bolts which were category 8. But I did not have any whizz nuts that were category 8 nuts so I stayed with the standard Blue Ox Hardware. We used POR 15 rust preventing paint at every location where we cut the steel or drilled holes. The distance from the center of the attachment tab assembly holes to the ground is 20 inches on our 2025 Wrangler Rubicon JLU with "Xtreme" 35 inch tire package. Easy five stars for Blue Ox and etrailer.
by:
Great products from etrailer. The videos were very helpful as I was determined to do the install myself. I’m 72 years old and thought I could do it and I did with the help of my lovely assistant, my wife. The tip on running the taillight wiring through the frame rail was great. The one problem I had was that I was never able to unplug the taillights no matter how hard I tugged on them so I had my wife hold each light while I spliced in the diodes. Very happy with the Blue Ox products and the finished look on my Jeep. Thanks again etrailer.
by:
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland. Good fit. Requires some cutting. Baseplate is heavy, so I paid an installer to do the job.
Nick S. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Nick S.

12/1/2025

I am glad it worked well for you! What kind of coach are you pulling that Jeep with?

by:
2012 Ford F-150
It's a great system, it's on a 1998 Holiday Rambler Imperial, pulling a 2012 Ford F150 4x4. Last summer I pulled the truck for over 3000 miles without any problems, didn't feel like the truck was behind me. etrailer did me right on this set up.
by:
Not for the impatient, but everything is provided. I had the front end of my Jetta all over the lawn. It’s definitely a 2 day job, but the instructions are thorough.
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