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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
2002 Ford Excursion
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Blue Ox

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: BX2187
In Stock
$447.51
Retail:$834.90
You Save: $387.39
Tow Bar Base Plate
Not Confirmed to Fit

2002 Ford Excursion

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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 BX2187 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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  • Reviews (5243)
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Blue Ox Tow Bar Base Plate - BX2187

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Ready for Flat Towing: Creates solid connection points so you can safely tow your vehicle behind your RV.
  • Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden design and removable arms keep the front end looking seamless.
  • Quick to Hook Up: Twist-lock arms attach and remove easily for faster, simpler connections.
  • Distributes Towing Force Evenly: Sturdy design spreads load across the chassis for steady, reliable towing.
  • Built to Last: Heavy-duty, powder-coated steel resists rust and corrosion through years of travel.
Made in USA

Features to know about

Made for a Clean Front End: Hidden Base Plate with Removable Arms

If you like a clean, factory look when you’re not towing, this setup keeps things tidy. The hidden design leaves no bulky brackets sticking out from the front, and the removable arms twist out easily when you’re done towing. Snap-in receiver covers keep dirt and debris out of the sockets so the arms slide back in smoothly the next time you hook up.

Blue Ox base plate kit with removable arms installed on vehicle front, showing clean, hidden design for flat towing setup.

Blue Ox base plate installed on vehicle front with removable arms detached, highlighting hidden design and easy removal feature.

Blue Ox base plate kit with attached removable arms on vehicle front bumper for flat towing connection.

Blue Ox base plate installed on vehicle with no arms attached showing concealed design when not towing.

Hook Up Fast: Twist-Lock Arms That Secure with a Pin

Getting connected is quick and simple. Each arm slides into the receiver, rotates to lock, and secures with a pull pin. When it’s time to unhook, just pull the pin, twist, and lift the arm out. The system feels solid and reliable every time you use it. With a distance between brackets of 18" and a bracket height of 18-1/2", it’s easy to plan your tow bar height for a level setup.

Close-up of person twisting removable arm into Blue Ox base plate receiver, showing simple twist-lock attachment method.

Hands twisting Blue Ox base plate arm into place demonstrating easy removal and attachment mechanism.

Built for the Long Haul: Heavy-Duty Steel Construction

This base plate bolts directly to your chassis—no welding required. The sturdy steel design spreads towing forces evenly across the frame to help prevent stress on your suspension. A durable powder coat finish helps it resist rust and corrosion through years of weather and road grime.

Stay Flexible: Works with Multiple Tow Bar Brands

You can pair this kit with Blue Ox tow bars right out of the box for a secure connection. If you’re running a Roadmaster tow bar, add adapter RM-031 or RM-031-5 (sold separately). Demco users can connect with adapter DM9523041 (sold separately). Integrated mounting points let you attach an electrical connector plug bracket (sold separately) for a neat wiring setup up front.

DIY-Ready Setup: Straightforward Bolt-On Install

For anyone who enjoys hands-on projects, this is an approachable job that doesn’t require special tools or fabrication. The hardware is included, and everything lines up to bolt securely to your vehicle’s chassis for a solid fit that’s ready to tow.

Specs

Dimensions

  • Distance between brackets: 18"
  • Bracket height: 18-1/2"

Warranty

  • Warranty period: 3-Year warranty

Diagram showing five key components of flat towing setup including tow bar, base plate kit, safety cables, tow bar wiring, and supplemental braking system.

  • 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.
  • 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.

BX2187 Blue Ox Baseplate - Removable Tabs

Installation Details BX2187 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Ratings & Reviews

4.8

5243 reviews
5 Stars
(4517)
4 Stars
(505)
3 Stars
(104)
2 Stars
(47)
1 Star
(70)
Review Sort Icon
by:
Again.... another well built kit.
by:
I will give a 5 star for fit. I had to grind the opening on frame even after using a hammer so the nut plate would fit so overall a 4. By the way this was installed by my daughter and myself, her Mom.
by:
2007 Ford Ranger
No problem with installation. Very satisfied.
Thomas profile picture

Thomas

7/23/2014

I am very happy with Blue Ox Base PLate kit. You have my business as long as I need a hitch.

by:
Saved money by ordering from e-trailer versus going to a hitch shop.
by:
Works like a champ. Easy to install. I just returned from a trip from Michigan to Florida and back. No issues, very satisfied with the base plate
by:
Had to send back the BX2187 base plate as it was the wrong one for my Ranger Sport. Turn around time was very good and the BX2195 was a great fit and relatively easy to install.
by:
Base plate was very easy to install, about an hour to do job.
by:
by:
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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:
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:
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.
by:
Very nice trailer.
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See what our Experts say about this Blue Ox Tow Bar Base Plate

  • Availability of Demco Base Plate Kit for 2008 Ford Ranger XLT 2WD
    Hey Jim! Since Demco doesn't have a base plate kit that fits the XLT model I recommend using the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX2187. You can adapt this to your Commander using the Demco Tow Bar Adapter Brackets for Blue Ox Base Plates # DM9523041. Since you already have safety cables and a high low adapter that leaves wiring and a brake system. I recommend the following: -Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-15267 -Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2011 and 2009 2-Wheel Drive Ford Ranger Behind a Motor Home
    Installation of Curt front mount trailer hitch # C31063 will actually require some trimming of front fascia on a 2011 and 2009 Ford Ranger. I have linked the instructions for you that show where the trimming takes place. This means it will likely be up higher than you think. The tow bar that you have is the same as # 63180. This tow bar is rated for a maximum of 45 miles an hour. Also, to flat tow a vehicle behind another vehicle you will need to have base plates for each vehicle, a compatible...
    view full answer...

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Info for this part was:

Employee Lindsey S
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