Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
This item does not fit your vehicle
2005 Kia Optima
These items fit your vehicle
2005 Kia Optima
To see if this custom-fit item will work for you please tell us what vehicle you'll use it with.
Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.
Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.
When you’re not towing, this setup keeps everything clean and low-profile. The removable arms twist out easily so there’s nothing sticking past the front bumper, leaving a seamless look and no hardware to bump into. Receiver covers plug into the openings to keep dirt and debris out, so the arms always slide back in smoothly when it’s time to tow again.
Connecting your tow bar is quick and solid thanks to the twist-to-lock design. Each arm inserts into the receiver and locks firmly with a simple rotation, then releases with a pull pin when you’re done. It’s straightforward and repeatable so you can hook up solo without fussing with alignment. The brackets sit 15-1/4" high and the distance between them is 22", giving you exact points for planning your setup.
This base plate bolts right to the chassis with the included hardware—no welding required. The sturdy steel construction spreads towing forces evenly across the frame to reduce stress on the suspension during long hauls. A powder-coated finish adds rust and corrosion resistance so it stays strong through years of towing in all conditions.
Already have a favorite tow bar? This setup pairs directly with Blue Ox models for a precise, secure fit. If you’re using a Roadmaster or Demco tow bar, compatible adapters (RM-031, RM-031-5, or DM9523041, sold separately) let you connect without changing your system. Integrated mounting points make it simple to add an electrical connector bracket (sold separately) up front for neat wiring management.
The kit comes complete with mounting hardware for a bolt-on installation that doesn’t require fabrication. Once in place, it gives you solid connection points every time you tow—no extra parts or adjustments needed after setup. It’s an approachable project that delivers a clean, reliable result for anyone setting up their towing system.
Customer Satisfaction Score:
95% were satisfied with this product
5% of customers were not satisfied
Ratings & Reviews
The safety Cable installation left a little to be desired. I'm not sure if I installed it as designed. The cables we're really long enough to go aroiund the frame rails on our Jeep, under the Radiator mount, Aluminum Frame, I was only able to go around the Raditor mount on both sides. Didn't really seam like it was the right way, but I suspect it's only for if something comes loose that there isn't a catastrophic breakaway.
After installing over 500 baseplates on various vehicles, this one was probably the toughest one . It had the off road package on it . But it fit great after I had to remove a lot that had been bolted up for 27yrs.
Tried to install this baseplate. It was a challenge to say the least. It did not fit the frame of my Jeep YJ without making modifications to the mounting plates on the driver side. I had to use a cut off wheel and remove 3/16 of an inch from the driver side spacer (which is too long. See pictures) in order to get it to clear the frame. Also, instructions say to drill an additional 1/2 inch hole in the frame for a third mounting bolt. BUT....the internal frame construction doesn't allow the nut on a stick to pass under the existing reinforcements for the bolts that mount the steering gear to the frame. Nut is way too thick to pass under the internal tubing in the frame from manufacturer (AMC).
This was instilled on a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 truck. I watched your video online with this exact model truck and the words I remember most was “and we did not have to do any trimming”. Well my truck was certainly different than what was on video. Guess it’s because it’s a late build 2024 (end of September 2024) and the grill system was maybe what would appear on the 2025 models? There was lots of trimming involved. I also will tell you the mounting holes both for the frame and the bumper back plate did not line up and required some modifications to fit. I would like to say this job is not for the faint of heart. I luckily have a mechanical/machinist background so was able to get the job done. Have not tested it yet but will be soon. Good luck to those of you who are planning on installing it yourself. Just remember it can be done. Just take your time.
Items arrived in 2 days, free shipping. All appeared in new undamaged condition.
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.
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.
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!
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.
As a dealer and installer for e trailer, text messages rather than emails, would be far more effective, and enable real time responses to our customers. Can your company work on this?
The install is fairly easy. You will need a good selection of tools. Watch the videos and read the installation instructions carefully, it will save you a lot of time.
Very detailed instructions made this installation pretty easy. Just time consuming.
Installed successfully on my 2024 Trax LT. However, with respect to the following installation steps, I made some changes:
All - Don't use a reciprocating saw! An oscillating tool and saw attachment works best, allowing more precise cuts.
Step #8 - After consultation with BlueOx Tech Support, I elected to re-install the plastic shroud. Wasn't difficult and I felt better about maintaining the integrity of the original equipment.
Step #28 - I moved the temperature sensor to a forward facing position in the grill section directly above the baseplate.
Worked great. Installed myself, so can't speak on labor cost. Towed my Trax around the country for 4 months, not one issue.
The assistance in picking the right baseplate for our 2026 Chevy Trax was the key since Chevy parts and my VIN showed no shutters nor block heater. It took my installer 5 hours to complete the install and I drove the car home attached to the RV. The system performed flawlessly and I installed a switch on the negative battery terminal to forego having to detach the negative lead from the battery. I am extremely happy with the eTrailer support folks, the quick delivery and now I'm a happy camper. I also went with the Falcon 2 two bar, which I have to say married perfectly to this baseplate and has made the hookup a breeze.
The 2025 Trax license plate frame sits lower than shown in the instructions provided with this kit, to the point where it obstructs access to the 7-way electrical connector. An alternate scheme for mounting the plate will be required if your state requires the front plate to be displayed.
Info for this part was:
At etrailer we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time.
Brooke M.
4/21/2025
Thank you for the heads up with the license plate on the 25 Chevy Trax, Greg!