Does Installation of Blue Ox Base Plate Kit on a 2014 Ford Explorer Require the Bumper to be Removed
Updated 04/09/2018 | Published 04/06/2018 >
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
The installation instructions step 10, say to remove the metal bumper and it will NOT be reinstalled. In the Q and A it states This base plate kit does not require you to permanently remove the bumper of your vehicle. Which is correct?
asked by: Ken S
Expert Reply:
The Blue Ox base plate kit, part # BX2632, does require the bumper to be removed from a 2014 Ford Explorer. If you're looking for a kit that doesn't remove the bumper we have two from Roadmaster, the XL kit part # 4427-1A and the MX kit part # 4427-3A, that keep the bumper. They fit the 2014 Explorer as long as you don't have the 2.0L EcoBoost engine.
If you need to connect the base plate kit to a Blue Ox tow bar we carry adapters for that. Use part # BX88178 with the XL kit or part # BX88185 for the MX kit.
If your Explorer has the 2.0L EcoBoost then the Blue Ox kit is the only confirmed fit.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Tow Bar Base Plate
- Removable Draw Bars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Completely Hidden
- Blue Ox
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Blue Ox Base Plate Adapter for Roadmaster Sterling Tow Bar With Serial Number Below 14500
- Q&A: Installation of Curt RVi Series Towed Battery Charger+ in 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between the Blue Ox Patriot BRK2019 & BRK2022?
- Article: Can You Flat Tow a Ford Escape?
- Q&A: Best Flat Tow Setup for 2026 Jeep Wrangler
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2013 Ford Explorer
- Q&A: Do You Need to Have the RF Controller for Blue Ox Patriot 2 & Patriot 3 Supplemental Braking Systems
- Article: Must-Have Flat Towing Components
- Q&A: Choosing Between the Brake Buddy Select 3 and the Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System



