Roadmaster vs. Blue Ox Base Plates For 2003 Mini Cooper

Updated 01/18/2024 | Published 01/17/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(477)

$575.00

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4614)

$597.21

Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,500 lbs

(451)

$712.24

Question:

Im looking at a baseplate for a 2003 Mini Cooper S, you have two listed, Blue Ox and Roadmaster. They seem very different in their design, the roadmaster requires a crossbar to connect each side of the mounts, but the Blue Ox does not. Is there an advantage to one or the other? Is the car tow mounting point higher on one or the other?IS one faster /easier to hookup than the other? I will need a tow bar as well and assume you stay with the same brand of baseplate you buy?Thank you

asked by: Patrick M

Expert Reply:

That's a good question, and for your 2003 Mini Cooper, the biggest difference between the Blue Ox # BX1303 and Roadmaster # 521876-1 base plates is indeed the tow bars that are compatible. While technically there are adapters that make them cross-compatible, that is an extra step and honestly just more work for you. The mounting point will be approximately the same height, but the Blue Ox will be easier to connect and disconnect, so I definitely recommend the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1303.

These base plates and a Blue Ox tow bar removes the added step of connecting the Roadmaster tow bar to the crossbar, and then the crossbar to the base plates. It's just a simple connect and go with the Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar # BX7380.

What you do is line up the end of the tow bar to the Blue Ox base plate arms, put the pin in, and then just drive forward to lock the arms in place. The # BX7380 also comes with safety cables included, so you don't have to get those separately.