Determining Correct Blue Ox Base Plate Kit for 2020 Jeep Cherokee

Question:

Do do I tell the difference between an aluminum and steel bumper on the new Jeep Cherokee KL? My dealer salesperson, and his 3 man service department tell me All Jeep Cherokees KLs come with steel, or they would not be safe off-road. What part of the frame beneath the bumper cover should I be comparing? Do I need to remove the bumper cover first to be able to tell? Thank you! Ps. Have you guys done an install on the BX-1141? Is it much different form the BX-1143??

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

You should be able to determine if your Jeep Cherokee features the steel or aluminum bumper by removing the outer bumper cover/fascia, but there's an easier way that doesn't require you to mess with your brand new vehicle (with regards to choosing the right base plate kit). Based on my research if you have the Overland or Trailhawk model Cherokee, you have the steel bumper. If you have any other model it's the aluminum bumper.

This does kind of line up with what your dealer was telling you since the Overland and Trailhawk are the "off-road" models of the Jeep Cherokee.

For the Overland/Trailhawk you will need the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1143 and if you don't have the Overland or Trailhawk you will need part # BX1144. We haven't yet had the chance to install the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1144 but looking through the installation manual it looks awfully similar to the process for the # BX1143. The main difference is simply the type of hardware that is used.

expert reply by: Chris R