Availability Of Base Plate For 1981-1993 Ram Pickup

Updated 06/03/2025 | Published 05/28/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Swagman Truck Bed Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Fork Mount - 9-mm Skewer

(276)

$155.19

Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs

(894)

$1043.38

Blue Ox Heavy-Duty Universal Bolt-On Base Plate Brackets - 20,000 lbs

(12)

$450.74

Question:

Does anyone still make a tow bar and baseplate system for a 81-93 Dodge Ram full size pickup? D/W150. Mine weighs 4500 lbs, but would like a system rated for 7500 or more. I would like to tow it behind a Class A motorhome. I have been towing a Subaru, so this is not a new concept to me. Thank you,

asked by: Shayne

Expert Reply:

Hello Shayne, thanks for reaching out. Sadly there are no base plates made for the 1981-1993 Ram pickup anymore. The only option would be to take a universal base plate like the Blue Ox Heavy-Duty Universal Bolt-On Base Plate Brackets # BX88266 to a welder and have them fabricate something for you. The brackets are rated for 20,000 lbs so more than strong enough for your Ram, as long as you can find a way to install them. They will work with any of the Blue Ox tow bars like the Avail # BX7420.

I hope this helps. Hit the reply button below with any other questions and I am happy to assist.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Blue Ox Heavy-Duty Universal Bolt-On Base Plate Brackets # BX88266
(click to enlarge)

Shayne

6/2/2025

Thanks, Jesse, Is there something designed to bolt to a stock C frame that could be adapted? I was looking at Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Part Number: BX1986. Those might be easier to adapt with less welding, and more bolts in shear instead of tension. But I can't find a weight rating on it. I assume it's rated for the heaviest Ram1500 the kit is designed for. So 7500-8000lbs, which would be more than double my old truck. Thoughts? Shayne

Jesse M.

6/3/2025

@Shayne So the # BX1986 base plate you mentioned is a custom fit base plate for a Ram 1500. Custom fit base plates do not have weight ratings. They are rated for well over the GVWR of the vehicle, but there is not a specific number tied to it. As long as your truck weighs less than a say 2017 Ram 1500 the weight rating will be fine. You would just have to get creative and come up with a way to make it work.