What is the Difference Between Blue Ox and etrailer Base Plate for 2020 Ford Ranger?
Updated 09/08/2026 | Published 08/27/2026
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Question:
I have a 2020 Ford Ranger that I want to flat tow. What is the difference between part e84FV and part BLU77XR except price and the connecting bar on e84FV? Is e84FV an easier DIY install? Thanks
asked by: Mark M
Expert Reply:
Hello Mark,
Thanks for writing in.
The installs for the etrailer Base Plate Kit # e84FV and Blue Ox # BLU77XR are going to be very similar. The crossbar on the # e84FV makes it look like a harder install, but with either kit you will still need to remove the front fascia to get everything mounted to the frame, so I would not consider one significantly easier to DIY than the other.
The main difference is the connection style. The # e84FV uses a tabless design where the removable tabs stay with the tow bar, while the # BLU77XR uses Blue Ox's traditional removable arms. Both give you a nice clean look when you aren't towing. If it were me, I would save the money and go with the etrailer, then take the saved money and go buy a nice Ribeye or T-Bone =)
I attached a video of the Demco install, our etrailer one will install the exact same way.
Do you already have a tow bar picked out, or are you putting together the entire flat tow setup for your Ranger?
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal Fit
- 7 Blade to 6 Round
- Roadmaster
more information >
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on Flat Tow Wiring Harness
Jeff
9/4/2026
I used the blue ox base plate as the camper we purchased already had a blue ox tow bar. I I stalled it myself on a 2013 Subaru Forester. The instructions and videos we extremely helpful. I also installed the 4 diode tow kit and added a emergency brake away switch to activate the brake buddy brake assist. We also installed a charge circuit to keep tow vehicle battery charged. That is important as the brake buddy would drain the vehicle battery. We towed vehicle for a 5 week vacation and system work great.