Recommended Base Plate Kit for a 1999 Jeep Wrangler Using a Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar

Updated 02/03/2026 | Published 07/07/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Tow Bar Adapter Brackets for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plates

(47)

$119.46

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms

(421)

$609.00

Question:

Good morning. I have a Blue Ox Anvil BX7420 tow bar and I would like to flat tow my 1999 Jeep Wrangler Sahara behind my motorhome. The front bumper of the Jeep to be towed has two channel shaped towing brackets that are two inches inside diameter space between the side plates and 2.5 inches OD. See pictures. The holes for the hitch pins are slightly larger than 1/2 inch diameter. The bracket on the Blue Ox tow bar has 3 vertical bars but they do not fit inside the 2inch ID brackets on the bumper. The BX 88185 appears to be 2inch ID with 3/4inch hitch pin holes. Will this bracket work on my tow bar? Is there an adapter or something that can slide over the 1/2 inch hitch pin or do I need to drill the base plates to a 3/4inch hole to match the holes on the BX88185 bracket? Any other ideas? I dont know the make and model of the baseplate on the Jeep. I purchased it used and I know it was towed with these brackets for many thousands of miles but I dont know with what tow bar, etc... Thanks

asked by: James C

Current Base Plate Kit
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hey James, without knowing what base plate you have it is going to be pretty difficult getting you the right stuff. I took a look at the available base plates for a 1999 Jeep Wrangler and I'm not seeing anything that matches what you have now.

What I recommend you do is pop off the old base plate and use the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1120 which will work with bolt your Jeep as well as your Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar # BX7420.

expert reply by: Bryce D

Jameson C.

2/3/2026

Hey James, how did things go after switching to the Blue Ox base plate kit on your Wrangler? Did it end up lining up well with your Avail tow bar? Your update could make it easier for others working with older setups like yours.