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Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Item # BLU53FR
Our Price: $592.90
Base Plates

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Shipping Weight: 46 lbs
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Custom designed to fit your vehicle so it can be safely towed behind your RV, this base plate has easily removable arms that offer a seamless look when you're not flat towing. Base plate bolts directly to your chassis, so no welding is required. 1-800-940-8924 to order Blue Ox base plates part number BLU53FR or order online at etrailer.com. Free expert support on all Blue Ox products. Great prices and Fastest Shipping for Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms. Base Plates reviews from real customers.
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  • Reviews (73)
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Blue Ox Base Plates - BLU53FR

  • Removable Drawbars
  • Blue Ox
  • Twist Lock Attachment

Custom designed to fit your vehicle so it can be safely towed behind your RV, this base plate has easily removable arms that offer a seamless look when you're not flat towing. Base plate bolts directly to your chassis, so no welding is required.


Features:

  • Custom-fit base plate provides attachment points for your tow bar when flat towing
  • Hidden design provides a clean, seamless look
    • Arms remove with a simple twist when not in use
    • Brackets won't protrude past the front of your vehicle
  • Sturdy design spreads towing force evenly to prevent stress on your vehicle's suspension
  • Integrated mounting points let you easily attach an electrical connector plug with bracket (sold separately)
  • Receiver covers keep dirt and debris out of the base plate when arms are removed and provide a finished look
  • Durable steel construction is powder coated to resist rust and corrosion
  • Straightforward installation - no welding required
    • Base plate bolts securely to your vehicle's chassis with included mounting hardware
  • Sturdy lugs pair with Blue Ox tow bars to form a secure and reliable connection
    • Adaptable for use with Roadmaster tow bars - adapter (RM-031 or RM-031-5) sold separately
    • Adaptable for use with Demco tow bars - adapter (BX88310) sold separately
  • Made in the USA


Specs:

  • Distance between brackets: 24"
  • Bracket height: 17-1/4"
  • 3-Year warranty


Simple, Hidden Design

Blue Ox Base Plate With Arms AttachedBlue Ox Base Plate Arms Removed

This base plate's hidden design creates a clean and seamless look. The bracket arms are easily removable, creating a slick appearance when you're not flat towing. Because the arms can be removed, you also won't have to worry about banging your leg into any protruding arms when you walk by.


Blue Ox Base Plate Removable Arms

Attaching and removing the bracket arms is a breeze. To attach the arms to the base plate, simply insert them into the receivers and rotate them until they lock into place. Once you're finished towing and want to remove the arms, pull the pin to disengage the lock, rotate the arms, and remove them from the receivers. Finally, plug up the now empty receivers with the included receiver covers to help keep dirt and debris out of the base plate and provide a finished look.


Guide to Flat Towing

Flat towing your vehicle is much more convenient than using a trailer or a tow dolly. These other options take up much more storage space, leaving you less room both at home and at the campsite. In addition, securing your vehicle to a trailer or tow dolly can be a hassle and more time consuming than hooking up with a tow bar.


There are 5 basic components needed when flat towing a vehicle: a tow bar, a base plate kit, a safety cable set, tow bar wiring, and a supplemental braking system.


Towing Basics

The tow bar links your towed car to your motorhome. It attaches to the custom-fit base plates that install on the frame of your towed car. Safety cables ensure that your towed car does not separate from your motorhome in the event that your tow bar becomes detached. Tow bar wiring allows your towed vehicle's signal lights to sync up with your motorhome's tail lights, which is required by law in most states. Finally, the supplemental braking system - also required in most states - brakes your towed car when the brakes in your motorhome are activated, preventing wear on the motorhome and decreasing braking distance for your entire setup.



BX1145 Blue Ox Baseplate - Removable Tabs

Replaces BX1142

Installation Details BLU53FR Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms - BLU53FR

Average Customer Rating:  4.9 out of 5 stars   (73 Customer Reviews)

Custom designed to fit your vehicle so it can be safely towed behind your RV, this base plate has easily removable arms that offer a seamless look when you're not flat towing. Base plate bolts directly to your chassis, so no welding is required.

by:

We bought this base plate one year ago. I installed it on our 2021 JLU Wrangler that we tow with a class a motorhome. Let me start by saying this is not our first TOAD, we had a '17 Wrangler that I put a no-name (China) plate on just to try and save a couple bucks. That was a mistake! Installing a part that is this critical you want all the parts to fit properly and use quality hardware. This Blue Ox base plate made installation easy and paired nicely with our Blue Ox tow bar. I would highly recommend it. Shipping and support from etrailer is always great.



by:

Easy installation, nice fit



by:

Fit perfectly and has held up well still looks like new. Installed it a year ago, pulled my Gladiator from NY to Utah with no problems.



by:

The service was fantastic, salesperson was really knowledgeable about the product. The only problem is when I opened the boxes, the insulation parts bag was open & missing parts.



by:

Good, sturdy baseplate from BlueOx. My only recommendations would be for etrailer to update the product summary and Blue Ox to update the manual. You can look at the picture and pretty much tell that it isn't 'hidden'. The crossbar is definitely in front of the belly plate: not a deal breaker for me and it isn't obnoxious either, just not hidden (see the Roadmaster fittings if you really want less metal and see the pictures below). The BlueOx installation manual has SEVERAL wrong sizes annotated for bolts: again, not a big deal if you actually have a socket set (grab the one you need). The manual is otherwise very well done: if you follow it, you won't have any problems. Be sure you have a reaming bit, or a good hack saw, or a side cutter: you will have to cut a tab on the front bracket of the frame.



by:

Heavy duty bar! Had to cut slots in the skid plate with a grinder. No advice so trimmed a little at a time until it fit good then cleaned up and painted plate an orange that matches the trim on the Jeep Gladiator Mojave.



by:

I installed this on a 2021 Gladiator Rubicon. Installation was pretty straight forward the more difficult step is the cutting of the steel belly pan but with some patience I was pleased with the finished look. Although the parts diagram showed item 8, a spacer, it is not mentioned in step 10 of the installation directions. Be sure to install these spacers to avoid damaging the baseplate.



by:

always easy to navigate



by:

Arrived in a timely manner and the fit was very good. The only negative was the directions. Not very clear direction at all. If it wasn’t for [online] this could have been a frustrating project.



by:

Completely satisfied. It works as advertised; easy hook up and unhook, tows like a champ.

John A.

6/9/2023

It has performed as advertised. Have probably towed my Jeep Gladiator 8-10 thousand miles with it with no issues.

Etrailer Expert

Mike L.

7/8/2023

@JohnA It sounds like your # BLU53FR base plates have seen a lot of use!


by:
2023 Jeep Gladiator

exceptional service and delivery.....



by:

This is a review of Etrailer's excellent service. (I have not installed the base plate yet.)
Jesse at Etrailer was fantastic with his helpful comments and followup. I highly recommend to by when you can from Etrailer!



by:

Martha helped me get the right tow plate



by:

It took us a while to get the correct Base Plate to fit on our new Jeep Gladiator. We were trying to be compatible with our other Blue Ox towing equipment. We also wanted a single plate with no added piecing. This is the best and was easy to install. We have been towing all over on rugged twisty roads. The smooth towing of our jeep behind our RV makes life easy. No sway or issues even on windy curvy roads.



by:

The product (Blue Ox Base Plate ) arrived in a Damaged box with exposed contents. Powder coat damaged on Base Plate , Contents box inside broken open, Have not check parts contents list yet. Have photos of box outside my garage door where they droppedc/ left it.

Etrailer Expert

Sierra K.

1/7/2022

Customer Service will reach out to you.



by:

Every item fit well and was easy to install. Had to order two little parts to complete the installation and the service department was a big help assuring I go the correct parts. Bracket for under the seat to connect the air cylinder. A bracket and light switch for the indicator light on the motorhome dash.



by:

It functions as described.

Richard

3/31/2023

Works fine. No issues.



by:

Will do a more thorough review after installation. Very prompt delivery!!!! One day only. Ordered Thursday. Delivered on Friday!!! Almost too quick as I’m not back yet to inspect and start installation. Haha. 5 stars on delivery and customer service for sure !!!

Rick

6/14/2022

Working great. Still. FIVE stars!



by:

great customer service!! ordered on Monday and received on Wednesday.
will have parts installed this week and will send pic.
thank you for the great service and knowledge. something you don't see much of anymore.



by:

Greg helped me put together a multi item order for setting up a tow vehicle behind an RV and was extremely helpful. He also went out of his way to research availability and fast-tracked an item to put the full package together. Awesome customer support!



by:
Jeep

Fit our 2021 Jeep Gladiator perfectly. Install was easy - my son and I had it in place in about an hour.



by:

Outstanding group of people. etrailer is the one stop shop. They really care about the customers and the experience. Unheard of on these days. Would recommend to anyone.



by:

Baseplate has worked flawlessly !.



by:

As usual, etrailer exceeded my expectations with extremely fast service. I have purchased the tow system before and know to expect great quality and exact fit!



by:

Ordered on Sunday and got it Wednesday! WOW!!! Terri N knew exactly what I needed for my 2021 Jeep Gladiator and made it happen! Fits great and looks awesome!


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Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this Blue Ox Base Plates

  • Can a Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar Be Used On a 2020 Jeep Gladiator with Demco or Blue Ox Plates
    I do have an option for you but there are no adapters available for the Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar part # RM-501 because this is a tow vehicle mounted tow bar and said adapters will only work with motorhome mounted tow bars. Therefore, your only option will be to sell your Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar and then obtain one that is specially made for either the Demco Tabless Base Plate Kit part # DM9519336 for Overland, Sport, Sport S models and part # DM9519339 for Rubicon models or the...
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  • Will Blue Ox Base Plates 1142 Fit on 2020 Jeep Gladiator with Factory Steel Bumper and Winch
    As long as your 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon has the factory steel bumper, the Blue Ox Base Plates # BLU53FR will fit with your winch installed. I was able to confirm this with my contact over at Blue Ox for you. These base plates are compatible with most Blue Ox tow bars, like the Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar - Motorhome Mount - 10,000 lbs # BX7420, which comes with safety cables included. If you also still need tow bar wiring, supplemental braking or a high low adapter to complete your setup,...
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  • Recommended Flat Towing Components For A 2023 Jeep Gladiator
    To flat tow your 2023 Jeep Gladiator you'll need the following components: Baseplate: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BLU53FR. Tow Bar: Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar # BX7420. This tow bar will also come with safety cables included so you won't have to purchase them separately. Tow Bar Wiring Kit: If your Gladiator has ParkSense Proximity Sensors then you'll need the Roadmaster Smart Diode Wiring Kit for Variable Voltage LED Tail Lights # RM63MR. If you do not have these sensors then...
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  • Can Blue Ox Base Plate BLU53FR Be Flat Towed with Ready Brute Elite Tow Bar
    You can use the Blue Ox base plate kit # BX53FR with a Ready Brute Elite Tow Bar as long as you use the correct adapter part # BX88297. For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. This will splice into your taillight wiring to allow your tow vehicle to control the taillight assemblies of the towed vehicle. This comes with a round 6-way connector that you will install on the front of your towed vehicle and enough coiled...
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  • Base Plate Kit to Tow 2020 Jeep Gladiator with Roadmaster Falcon for Blue Ox Base Plate Kits
    In the picture you sent in the end of the tow bar has the triple lug setup of a Blue Ox tow bar. This would indicate that the tow bar you have is the Falcon for Blue Ox base plate kits part # RM-525 which means the base plate you should have ordered was the Blue Ox part # BX1142 for your 2020 Jeep Gladiator.
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    Image 1 for
  • Recommended Flat Towing Components For A 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
    To flat tow your 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon you'll need the following components: Baseplate: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BLU53FR. This baseplate is compatible with the factory bumpers that come with a Rubicon and would be compatible with your Blue Ox tow bar, without needing adapters. Tow Bar Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267. This wiring kit will splice into your factory tail light wiring and display your motorhome's traffic signals through...
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  • Base Plate Kit for a 2020 Jeep Gladiator to Use the Roadmaster Nighthawk Tow Bar
    The Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar for Blue Ox Base Plates # RM-677 you mentioned would require a Blue Ox base plate kit for your 2020 Jeep Gladiator. But the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1134 you mentioned is not a fit for your Gladiator. You would need the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BLU53FR. But I recommend going with the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5 with the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar # RM-676 (for Roadmaster base...
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  • Will the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit Fit 2021 Jeep Gladiator With Steel Bumper and Winch
    The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BLU53FR will fit your 2021 Jeep Gladiator with the factory steel bumper even with the winch installed, which has been confirmed by Blue Ox. This kit has a hidden design with removable arms to provide a clean, seamless look when you are not flat towing. It has a bolt on installation, so no welding is required. I have attached an installation video on a 2021 Jeep Gladiator for your reference.
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  • Base Plate Kit that Fits Curt Rambler and 2021 Jeep Gladiator
    The Curt Rambler Steel Tow Bar # C26FR that you referenced can only be used with Curt and Blue Ox base plate kits and not the etrailer base plate kits. So your best option would be then the Blue Ox base plate kit # BLU53FR.
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  • Comparing etrailer and Blue Ox Baseplate Kits For A 2023 Jeep Gladiator
    Hey Dave, In my opinion the etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit # e98948 is going to be the stronger option compared to the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BLU53FR. Blue Ox started adding safety cables to their baseplate kits as a last resort backup in the event that the baseplate breaks off from the frame. Our etrailer line of baseplates are all made by Demco, which is a well-known name in the RV and towing industry and do not require additional safety cables during the installation. With the...
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  • Base Plate Options For 2023 Jeep Gladiator Mojave For Flat Towing Behind Motorhome
    There are a couple options for base plates on your 2023 Jeep Gladiator Mojave, which are the Roadmaster you mentioned, as well as Blue Ox. Here are the part numbers for both: - Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM77VR - Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BLU53FR To be frank, the difference between these two base plates is essentially nil. For most people it comes down to what tow bar they have, but since you don't have a tow bar yet, go with the Roadmaster. Reason for that is their tow...
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  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2020 Jeep Gladiator
    All of the base plate kits we offer for your 2020 Jeep Gladiator have about the same difficulty when it comes to installing them but since the Blue Ox kits tend to be the easiest to use overall once installed that would be what I would recommend. So for your vehicle I would recommend the part # BLU53FR. In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. One of the most popular compatible...
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  • Will Blue Ox Baseplate BLU53FR Fit the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave?
    Yes, the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # BLU53FR is compatible with your 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave.
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  • Blue Ox Flat Towing Base Plate Fit for 2021 Jeep Gladiator
    According to Blue Ox, the Gladiator uses a slightly different base plate, part # BLU53FR. According to Blue Ox, there are slight differences at the front of the vehicle that would prevent the # BX1139 from fitting. For a compatible tow bar, I'd recommend the etrailer brand SD non-binding tow bar, part # e47ZR. The non-binding feature allows for each disconnecting even if the vehicle isn't on level ground. The tow bar will self-align which is also a nice feature as the vehicle won't need...
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  • Tow Bar Wiring For Flat Towing A 2020 Jeep Gladiator
    There are most likely components of the existing tow bar wiring that you can re-use when flat towing the Gladiator but since I am not sure which wiring setup you have I cannot say that you definitely can or cannot. The 2020 Jeep Gladiator does not have a custom plug in harness available for flat towing so if the wiring harness you are referring to is custom it will not fit the Gladiator. If you tell me what harness or wiring kit you are referring to I can tell you which if any parts of...
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  • Comparing Roadmaster & Blue Ox Base Plates For 2023 Jeep Gladiator For Towing With Ready Brute Bars
    For your 2023 Jeep Gladiator Mojave your options are either the Blue Ox Base Plate # BLU53FR which you found or the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM77VR. The kit # RM-521453-5 you found does not fit your Mojave package. Both the Roadmaster and Blue Ox options are very similar in design with the main difference being Blue Ox requiring you to use safety cables as a safety device. Personally I recommend going with the Roadmaster as their parts I find have better quality and you...
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  • 2021 Jeep Gladiator Mohave Edition Blue Ox Base Plate Recommendation
    The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms Item # BLU53FR is a confirmed fit for a 2021 Jeep Gladiator Mojave edition. Since you have a Blue Ox tow bar you'll be able to connect to these base plates without an adapter. The # BLU53FR requires very minimal trimming of your fascia and will bolt on to your frame similar to the JL base plates.
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  • Correct Blue Ox Base Plate Kit to Flat Tow 2021 Jeep Gladiator
    The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, # BX3759 that you refer to is not for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, this is for a Toyota Corolla and Matrix model. Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, # BLU53FR is the correct Blue Ox base plate kit for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator. This base plate has easily removable arms that offer a seamless look when you're not flat towing, the base plate bolts directly to your chassis, so no welding is required. For flat towing your Jeep you will also need a tow bar, safety cables, a wiring...
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  • Can 2020 Jeep Gladiator be Flat Towed behind Motorhome
    Your 2020 Jeep Gladiator is flat towable with a Blue Ox tow bar with the Blue Ox base plate kit part # BLU53FR. Your vehicle is definitely not too heavy to be flat towed. In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. One of the most popular compatible tow bars is the Blue Ox Avail # BX7420 which comes with safety cables. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground. Sounds...
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  • Recommended Base Plate for a 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
    Hey Reggie! Would you be able to shoot me a photo of the sticker on your Blue Ox tow bar? I tried looking up that part number but wasn't able to find anything. Your 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon has a curb (unloaded) weight of 5,050 lbs so unless you have one of the lower-end Blue Ox bars you should be just fine. If you can send me a photo of the sticker though I'll be able to look into this a little further for you. If you don't already have a base plate kit then the Blue Ox Base Plate...
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  • What Parts do I Need to Flat-Tow My 2022 Jeep Gladiator with Factory Steel Bumper?
    If you have a factory steel bumper on a 2022 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon with a factory steel bumper, you need a base plate, a tow bar, a tow braking system, safety cables, and vehicle tow wiring. You also need additional parts for the battery charger kit. For that setup, I recommend the following parts: - Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # BLU53FR - Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar for Blue Ox Base Plates - Motorhome Mount - 2" Hitch # RM-525 - RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Base Plate Kit for a 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
    That one does not but I do have a Blue Ox one that will fit your 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. It is the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit item # BLU53FR. This one fits both the Rubicon with factory plastic bumper and the models with the factory steel bumper.
    view full answer...
  • Comparing Blue Ox And etrailer Baseplates For A 2023 Jeep Gladiator
    Hi Dave, The etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit # e98948 and Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BLU53FR are designed slightly different, but both are compatible fits for your 2023 Jeep Gladiator. The # e98948 is going to be an easier installation since you won't have to cut into the frame rails and shows as a compatible fit with Blue Ox tow bars without the need for an adapter.
    view full answer...


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Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Lindsey S
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Employee Joshua S
Video Edited:
Joshua S
Employee Jacob T
Video Edited:
Jacob T
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Michael B
Updated by:
Michael B
Employee Noah M
Updated by:
Noah M
Employee Shane H
Test Fit:
Shane H
Employee Ryan G
Test Fit:
Ryan G
Employee Mike S
Written by:
Mike S
Employee Thomas T
Video by:
Thomas T

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