Best Base Plate For A 1994 Suzuki Samurai Set Up For Off-Roading
Updated 11/09/2026 | Published 11/05/2026
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Question:
Hi, I am looking to get a tow bar and baseplate for a 1994 Suzuki Samurai. The two options that come up are the blue ox and the roadmaster. I unfortunately didnt see any installation pictures of the blue ox. Im wondering if you have any images of what it looks like with the blue ox base plate installed, I would prefer the base plate to not stick out below and in front of the car, because it might be more limiting when we take the samurai on 4x4 trails. this is my concern with the roadmaster Could you give any info on the blue ox base plate? If you have pictures of the installation guide final steps that would be extremely helpful if theres no installation images on the samurai. Thanks so much!
asked by: Nathaniel W
Expert Reply:
Hi Nathaniel!
While I can confirm the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms # BX3501 will fit your 1994 Samurai, we haven't had the chance to install it yet. So unfortunately, we do not have any pictures of it being installed. We also haven't had anyone who has bought it post any pictures in a review, so I'm striking out on that. Sorry.
With that being said, I think this will actually be bulkier than the Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms # 1003-1. It doesn't look like it would stick out as far as the Roadmaster, but it will sit lower under the bumper. Since you mentioned going off-roading, I'm leaning more towards the Roadmaster being the better option between the two.
However, we do also have the Blue Ox Universal Bolt-On Base Plate Brackets - 5,000 lbs # BX88230. This can technically bolt onto anything, but you may need to fabricate some braces to make sure you have enough support behind the bumper for these to work. We have had people use this kit with a Samurai before and I included a picture from a review we have with this base plate. If it were me, this is the kit I would go with. Even with some customization being probable.
Where do you typically take your Samurai off road?
(click to enlarge)
Joseph B.
11/7/2026
I installed the Blue Ox baseplate on my ‘87 Samurai, it was a pretty straightforward install, the front bumper has to be removed and the baseplate bolts to existing factory holes in the front frame rails, when installed, everything is above the front spring shackles so I don’t think there would be any problems with it interfering with any off roading, the attaching tabs for the tow bar do stick out beyond the front bumper about 3 inches if that is a concern. I’ll try and add some pictures here if I can figure out how.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms
- Tow Bar Base Plate
- Fixed Draw Bars
- Visible
- Blue Ox
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Alec
11/7/2026
I installed it on my '87 Samurai in less than an hour. Far easier than trying to make a wiring harness work, but that's another story. Once I figure out how to attach photos, I will.