Quality Of The Blue Ox Baseplate BX2803

Updated 05/28/2025 | Published 05/15/2025

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Question:

I WAS LOOKING INTO BUYING THE BX2803 BUT WHEN I LOOK AT THE UPPER ARM THAT GOES FROM THE FLAT MOUNT PLATE OVER TO THE SQUARE TUBE - IT LOOKS VERY THIN AND NOT SOMETHING THAT INSTILLS VERY MUCH CONFIDENCE... I HAVE BEEN TOWING MY 2014 FIAT 500C POP 2 YEARS AND THE BASE PLATE LOOK TO BE MORE STURDY... IF I ORDER THIS - HOW DO I GET CONFIDENCE IN THIS OR WHAT CAN YOU SAY THAT WOULD INSTILL CONFIDENCE... I NEED THIS BUT AFTER SEEING REVIEWS - IS THERE A REASON TO WORRY... HONESTY PLEASE...

asked by: MARK

Expert Reply:

Hey Mark,

Blue Ox has a great reputation for quality and are one of the best when it comes to flat towing items, especially base plates. I understand your worry with those reviews, but I will add that majority of those low reviews on the page for # BX2803 are not reviews on that specific product, but similar base plates with all different vehicles and circumstances. The reviews on that product only, reflect great quality. That base plate has a 3 year warranty from Blue Ox.

Since you are towing a Fiat, the base plate won't be as heavy duty as one for a F150. I have not had any issues come back to me with this specific one for your vehicle. This is a direct fit and as long as it is installed as the instructions say, this is going to be a great base plate option for you.

expert reply by: Nick S

Mark

5/19/2025

Apparently, you did not look at the two bars and tell me why one of them looks so thin and flimsy versus the one that is extremely strong looking as they both have different designs, but one part number meaning, blue ox BX2803… Which one is the actual proper one for the 500 L trekking as there are multiple designs in, why does one of them look so thin metal on the top section…?

Nick S.

5/20/2025

@Mark The correct baseplate for that 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking is the # BX2803. The reason there is a smaller metal piece is there is a part on the fiat it is designed to install around. I have attached the install instructions that shows the solenoid or airbag of sorts on page 6 it needs to fit around to install. The other baseplate for that vehicle is the Roadmaster # RM-522014-5, this installs higher on the vehicle so it does not need to accommodate that part like the Blue Ox. It is just in the design and how it fits on the vehicle, there is not a difference in the integrity of the product.

Helpful Links

instructions.aspx?pn=bx2803

Mark G.

5/20/2025

@NickS THANK YOU FOR SENDING THE DIRECTIONS BUT FORTUNATELY I DID HOWEVER ALREADY FIND THEM. THE ONLY QUESTION I NOW HAVE IS RE: THE PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS... FROM THE INFO I CAN FIND (LIMITED) - THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE OPENING FOR THE REMOVABLE ARMS MAY TO GREAT TO REACH NEAR THE GRILL AREA. YES - I MAY BE ASK HOW THIS MAKES UP THE 16" BETWEEN THE FRAME FACE AND THE GRILL? DOES THE BASE PLATE MAKE UP 10+ INCHES? JUST RECEIVED MY CAR (DELIVERED) AND I AM PREPARING TO DO ALL MY ORDERING FROM SOUP TO NUTS...... THANKS...

Nick S.

5/28/2025

@MarkG I am not to sure I understand what you are wondering. I do know on page 7 of the instructions it shows having to cut and trim the fascia or grille in order for the removable arms to come through that grille. I am not sure what 10" of make up you mean, but it will require trimming in order to install. That is the case with any base plate for the Fiats.