Comparing etrailer And Blue Ox Base Plate For 2017 Jeep Wrangler Willys

Updated 01/27/2025 | Published 01/26/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(5240)

$609.00

etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(836)

$458.18

Question:

Trying to decide between etrailer or blue ox base plate for my 2017 Jeep Wrangler Willys. I already have the blue ox 10k towbar on my Coach. It says both will work. Can you tell me the difference in the two?

asked by: Charles R

Expert Reply:

Hello Charles, thanks for getting in touch. We do offer base plate from both Blue Ox # BX1126 and our etrailer brand # e98949 that will fit your 2017 Jeep Wrangler Willys. They are similar in a lot of aspects since both are basically different manufacturers versions of the same base plate. Our etrailer brand is actually made by Demco, which is a pretty well known brand. Both are going to require some drilling and trimming of the bumper and belly pan. Also, both use the same attachment tabs for the tow bar, so they are compatible with the same brands. They are both in the same category as far as quality and durability in my opinion.

One difference is the Blue Ox base plate has a 3-year warranty, while the etrailer base plate is 1-year. Aside from that and a few minor structural differences, there are no other noteworthy differences.

If it were me, I would go with the etrailer Base Plate # e98949. It will work with your Blue Ox 10K tow bar, and it costs quite a bit less than the Blue Ox alternative.

Are you needing other parts for your flat tow setup? If so, reply below and let me know because we will undoubtedly have what you need like tow bar wiring and braking system and such. Say the word and I'll get back to you.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Charles R.

1/27/2025

Thanks for the quick reply. I have watched tons of videos over the weekend to basically come to the same conclusion you did below. However, I think I am going to go with the Blue Ox plate because my coach came with a bag full of all the accessories except the base plate. In that bag are the two tow inserts for the plate and looking at the videos, they appear to be Blue Ox because they have a pin release on the side of them. The eTrailer inserts appear to have a pine that goes through them sideways. So my thought is that I would have 2 spare inserts should I lose or break one. Does that sound correct? Also, the coach has Demco Air Force One already installed as well with the air fitting at the back and all the air and electrical connections in that bag. So in my shopping cart I have: Base Plate BX1126 Second Vehicle Kit for AF1 SM99209 (Coach already has the air tank and fitting) Blue Ox 6 Pole Round Pin Socket BLU43XR (bag contains the 8 to 6 pin coiled cable.) Blue Ox 4 Diode Universal Tail Light Wiring Kit BX8848 I also just added Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit RM88400 because my stop lights come on when I press the brake with the key off. Does this looks correct and do you see anything I'm missing? Thanks, Chuck

Jesse M.

1/27/2025

@CharlesR Hey Charles, so yes you are correct about the "tow inserts" or "arms" as we call them. The etrailer and Blue Ox arms are the same on the tow bar end, but the end that inserts into the base plate is different. If you go with the Blue Ox base plate you will have a few extras which is not a bad idea since the arms are notorious for going missing. The Air Force One is a great choice for the braking system. I would recommend getting it even if you didn't already have those components, but since you do it will just save you time and money. Your parts list is spot on. The # BX1126 base plate and # SM99209 second vehicle kit are exactly correct. The # BLU43XR socket and # BX8848 wiring kit are also correct. it sounds like you also correctly diagnosed your need for the # RM88400 relay. I do recommend that you add a charge line to your 6-pin plug, part # RM-156-25 to keep the Jeeps battery topped off. That is the only main component you are missing. As always just reply below if you need anything else.