Blue Ox Tow Bar that Works with etrailer Base Plate Kit e98948 2021 Jeep Wrangler

Updated 01/01/2026 | Published 12/30/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Acclaim Non-Binding Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - Car Mount - 5,000 lbs

(253)

$620.30

Blue Ox Alpha Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,500 lbs

(482)

$1079.00

etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(756)

$493.96

Question:

re: Flat tow 21 Wrangler The following two items seemed to be compatible, but the installation documentation doesnt agree. Can they be used together with complete functionality fit and store on front? Blue Ox Tow Bar BX4330 install guide says The Acclaim will only fit/store on baseplates with tab widths of 23 to 30 eTrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit e98948 says Distance between brackets: 19-1/2 Thanks.

asked by: W H

Expert Reply:

Hey W, this is a good observation! So the etrailer base plate kit part # e98948 that you referenced would not work with the Blue Ox Acclaim part # BX4330 for the reason you mentioned. The tab width is too narrow.

So you would need to look into a different tow bar that fits this tab width like the Blue Ox Alpha # BX7380. This is generally the preferred style of tow bar that installs in a trailer hitch instead of attaching to a hitch ball like the Acclaim. Would that work or would prefer the coupler style? There doesn't seem to be a coupler style that works with that narrow of a tab width though.

expert reply by: Jameson C

W H.

12/30/2025

Bummer. This will be used with a truckcamper, so we were trying to minimize the amount of "stuff" under the rear stairs and having the tow bar store on the front bumper seemed appealing. We're not married to the base plate so may look for a different one that will work and not require too much modification to fit.

Jameson C.

12/30/2025

@WH So the Blue Ox base plate kit part # BX1139 that fits your 2021 Jeep Wrangler has a tab width of 24 inches and would work with the Acclaim. It's a little more money but it would allow you to use the type of base plate you are wanting.

Gary

12/31/2025

@WH, In the old days (1980) I had a Bronco II that I towed 4 wheels on the ground. I bought a simple A-frame tow adapter and attached a base plate to the front of the Bronco. I installed a simple tow set up on our old motor home with a 2" receiver, that worked well for 19 years, the only problem was I needed my wife to pull the Bronco up with the A frame tow bracket attached to the Bronco and then i guided her (slowly) until i could drop the A frame down onto the 2" ball. Now 27 years later I worked with eErailor to buy a Base plate to install on my 2017 Equinox (CHEV) I installed the base plate my self with the instructions from eTrailor, but i still had the old A-frame to drop over the 2" ball. NOW I purchased (2-years ago) the Great, "Blue OX Acclaim non- Binding Tow bar, and also an adapter to my older base plate. NOW I pull my CHEV up behind out new (2 year old MH) by myself to hook up. First I attach the Non-Binding tow bar to the RV first then i lift the Acclaim up and attach it to the adapter that is attached to my TOW car. I do this myself, and my wife won't have to pull the car up any more. It took a few times by myself to get the process down. Nothing hangs down from the RV or the front of my towed vehicle as i store the Acclaim tow bar in my storage compartment on the RV as well as my 2" ball & receiver It works great and i love the set up. SORRY it is long to read, Gary

Jameson C.

12/31/2025

@Gary Nice! How do you like the modern flat towing setups compared to the one you had 40 years ago?

See All (6) Replies to W H. ∨

Larry B.

1/1/2026

You're right about not working as designed but I wanted to go cheap and had a 2 1/2" receiver. It does work but I need to remove the tow bar and set it aside before using the Jeep. Does pull great and the tow plate was easy to put on.