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Blue Ox Universal Bolt-On Base Plate Brackets - 5,000 lbs

Blue Ox Universal Bolt-On Base Plate Brackets - 5,000 lbs

Item # BX88230
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Create your own Blue Ox base plates by bolting these sturdy brackets to your bumper. Most bumpers will need to be reinforced or modified. Brackets must mount to a flat, metal surface. Rated for 5,000 lbs. 1-800-940-8924 to order Blue Ox accessories and parts part number BX88230 or order online at etrailer.com. Free expert support on all Blue Ox products. Great prices and Fastest Shipping for Blue Ox Universal Bolt-On Base Plate Brackets - 5,000 lbs. Accessories and Parts reviews from real customers.
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Blue Ox Accessories and Parts - BX88230

  • Base Plates
  • Brackets
  • Blue Ox

Create your own Blue Ox base plates by bolting these sturdy brackets to your bumper. Most bumpers will need to be reinforced or modified. Brackets must mount to a flat, metal surface. Rated for 5,000 lbs.


Features:

  • Lets you create your own base plates
  • Mounts to flat, metal section of your vehicle's bumper
    • Requires modifications to the bumper for most vehicles
  • Works with Blue Ox tow bars
  • Includes 2 brackets, 2 backing plates, and mounting hardware
  • Made in the USA


Specs:

  • Capacity: 5,000 lbs
  • Mounting hole dimensions:
    • Diameter: 1/2"
    • Distance between mounting holes: 3-1/8" on center
  • Dimensions of bracket and backing plate: 4-1/2" long x 1-1/2" wide
  • 1-Year warranty


Dimensions

BX88230 Blue Ox Universal Adapter Tabs for Baseplates - Bolt On - 5K

Installation Details BX88230 Installation instructions



Video of Blue Ox Universal Bolt-On Base Plate Brackets - 5,000 lbs

Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.




Video Transcript for Review of Blue Ox Base Plates - Bolt On Base Plate - BX88230

Ellen: Hey everybody, I'm Ellen here at etrailer.com and we're taking a quick look at the Blue Ox bolt on baseplate. This makes a pretty universal kit for a lot of different vehicles. Really the main thing that you want to have on that vehicle to make this work is a sturdy metal bumper that's relatively flat. These are going to need to attach to a flat surface, and you want to make sure that that bumper is strong enough to take the weight of your vehicle. There's a good chance you'll probably have to do some modification regardless.It does come with everything right out here on the table, so I'll go over those parts with you in just a minute in more detail to make sure that this fits for you, but really it's just going to give you that really basic baseplate. A lot of people will use these on Jeeps, trucks, FJ Cruisers, anything that has that nice flat bumper.

It might be an aftermarket bumper or something, so you do want to make sure that you check it out, make sure all the components are in good working order so you can get these guys installed.The thing that's kind of nice about this kit is that it's pretty low profile. It's just these two brackets, so really this is what you're going to be seeing on the outside of your vehicle with that hardware mounted through it, so if you're using a long bolt have these pushed through, so it's really a pretty discreet or pretty non-obtrusive addition to the front of your vehicle and it can be pretty simple, especially if you have one of those vehicles that I mentioned or a vehicle that it's going to work with. It can be a bit more of an economical choice as well, so that's always a nice component for this piece, or for this kit.So let's jump in and look a little bit closer at each of those components and talk a little bit more about how this is going to be installed. You do need to make some modifications. You need four holes drilled out in that bumper to attach the hardware here.

We have our main bracket. This is compatible with any kind of Blue Ox tow bar. It has that double lug design, so it slides right in and fits up.On the back side you do have a plate to give you a little bit more structure and stability, so you can put that through. You'll get long bolts and short bolts, so whichever one works better for you. You have a tube right behind that bumper.

Usually those longer bolts will be good. Those measure about 6-1/2" long if we go from underneath the head to the very end of it. It's really if we go from overall length about 6-3/4" long. Our short bolts are about 2" long. It does come with split washers, fender washers, and lock nuts to get that hardware installed.

The holes on these brackets are about 1/2" in diameter.As far as the brackets themselves for size, you're looking at about 4-1/2" wide and then about 1-1/2" tall. Kind of hard to see that there. These stick out about 3-3/4". The distance between the mounting holes center to center is about 3-1/4". There is a little bit of an offset as far as where those plates are welded to the bracket, so you do want to pay attention to that and to the instructions on where to place that to make sure that it's right, because it kind of depends on which side as far as which direction you want to put it just puts different stress on those brackets, so you want to make sure you do it right the first time.Of course you always want to check the hardware after a certain number of miles. About every 5,000 miles you want to go back through, torque everything down, make sure it's looking good, the holes aren't elongating or anything. It does have a capacity of 5,000 pounds, so you want to make sure that your vehicle is no more than 5,000 pounds, and also everything else loaded up on it as well is below that number.That's pretty much all there is to it for our quick look at the Blue Ox bolt on baseplate kit. I hope this has been helpful in deciding if this the right kit for you. Again, this is only one component of your complete flat tow setup. Those are all the other parts you will need. Again, you can find those all here at etrailer.com. You want to have your baseplate, which is this kit. You also want to have your tow bar, your wiring and your safety chains if they don't come with your tow bar, as well as a braking system.If you want to see more information, again we have a lot of resources available here at etrailer.com, so check them out. Thanks for watching.

Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

Blue Ox Universal Bolt-On Base Plate Brackets - 5,000 lbs - BX88230

Average Customer Rating:  4.8 out of 5 stars   (65 Customer Reviews)

Create your own Blue Ox base plates by bolting these sturdy brackets to your bumper. Most bumpers will need to be reinforced or modified. Brackets must mount to a flat, metal surface. Rated for 5,000 lbs.

by:

I had been using a homemade A frame tow bar on my '74 Toyota Landcruiser for years but had been contemplating replacing it for some time because it was such a hassle to hook up and release if not perfectly aligned. I finally made the move and purchased a Blue Ox Acclaim from Etrailer. It arrived in the estimated time frame and I installed it the next afternoon. I took a trip this weekend to try it out and I absolutely love it. Hitching and releasing are a simple one person procedure now, regardless how straight the two vehicles are aligned. I was towing my Toyota up a hill when I encountered a road block that I couldn't pass. The road wasn't wide enough to turn around and with my old tow bar I wouldn't have been able to unhook and would have had no choice other than to back down the hill. With the Blue Ox I put the Toyota in gear and applied the parking brake. I operated the tow bar lock levers, let the tow vehicle roll back an inch or so and unhitched the two vehicles. Simple as pie and I was then able to back both vehicles individually down the hill. What a great purchase.

Pat F.

3/4/2016

Thanks for the follow up. I still love the tow bar and can’t believe I wrestled with a fixed bar system for so many years. There did turn out to be a dark side though. With my old tow bar I always had to ensure that I was on flat ground with the tow vehicle perfectly in line with the other vehicle if I had any hope of disconnecting the two. With the Blue OX that was no longer a concern. With that in mind I once disconnected the tow vehicle while on a slight slope but never thought to put it in gear or apply the parking break. I never had to before. You guessed it, I got pinched between the two vehicles trying to stop one from crashing into the other. Dummy. Still, I love the Blue Ox. Pat



by:

I ordered the bx88230 bracket kit for my blue ox tow bar . bracket kit goes on my 99 jeep sport. I used an L metal to bolt my brackets too and then bolted that under bumper to frame works great and is hidden . I didn't like bolting straight to bumper. I was able to get brackets in just a couple of days and etrailer was very helpful with my order plus there videos I will use etrailer again.



by:

Attachment accessories for the Blue Ox hitch were as described. Bothe the hitch and connecting pieces are high quality fabrication with powder coated finishes. I would buy these Blue Ox products again.



by:

The product was late missed all stated delivery dates. Took 3 separate shipments to complete the order.



by:

I'm a full time RVer. One year ago I installed your hitch on my 86 Mustang GT. It's doing great! No problems at all. Very easy to use. I'm very satisfied. Looks good too.



by:

These brackets are just what I needed to connect my Jeep to my tow bar. They are well finished with clear instructions.



by:

I’d order it again!!! …. If I had another Jeep :)



by:

Shipping was very fast. Great customer service



by:

Great, I'll buy from etrailer again.
It
was as stated, worked great.
Towed jeep over 1000 miles so far no problems.
Blue ox Base Bracket Kit

Jim

10/4/2017

Still working Great



by:

it is exactly what I have been looking for. tried a different brand but failed too soon. over 10,000 miles using this flat towing my Wrangler unlimited

Richard

9/10/2019

just as good as new. i use it a lot to tow my Jeep unlimited



by:

I order Blue ox base plate bracket kit BX 88230 and light kit RM-155 for my 1995 jeep so I can tow it with my motor home price was great shipping was
Quick . They were easy to install and made of good quality .The kits had
great instructions I am very happy with purchase William in CA.



by:

I have installed this product on 2 vehicles. A 2005 Jeep LJ with a custom bumper and a 2006 Jeep Liberty with custom bumper. I use the jeeps as tow rigs behind my motor home. Installation is easy, the brackets are strong and I have no negative comments to make.



by:

Product arrived rather quickly and thats where the good stuff ends. The parts were seemingly unfinished from blue ox. The brackets had weld spatter all over them including on the mating surfaces as well as the one bracket had quite a sharp burr I assume from the cutting process of the eye. The paint quality was rather good but I was surprised to only see grade 5 hardware in the box. I understand grade 5's are more then strong enough but having grade 8 bolts would just give that extra piece of mind. Overall a good product but the finishing needs work.



by:

great product, exactly what I needed. I did have to find it myself though. I emailed looking for help and your rep steered me toward another, significantly more expensive item even though I sent pictures of what I wanted. Regardless, you always have what I need/want and I appreciate that.



by:

Good quality brackets with nice looking welds and a durable finish. It's also nice that they come with additional hardware (long and shorter bolts) to fit more applications. I haven't towed by vehicle with them yet, but I have installed the brackets. Judging from the appearance, I don't have any concerns with quality and whether or not they're strong enough for towing my Jeep.



by:

Blue Ox is the way to tow. I still have a Roadmaster that lives on my Samurai but I much prefer hooking up my Jeep with the Blue



by:

Excited with everything very efficient



by:

Well made and exact fit. Great product and customer support!



by:

great service very personal. product was just as described and technical support was unbelievable.

Robert

1/26/2018

They work perfect. Thanks for the follow up



by:

Tows my Jeep, no probs.



by:

Just what I needed to tow my ROXOR behind the motorhome with Blue Ox towing system. It also arrived 4 days ahead of schedule. Good Co. To do business with.



by:

Product was delivered quickly and not damaged. The Blue Ox parts are great and as described. Purchase was very easy and the process of finding the part with both a good price and description will make come back to etrailer in the future.



by:

Just exactly what I needed to install tow-bar purchased from etrailer to my Chev Tahoe with an existing plow mount great quality. Will definitely buy from etrailer again.



by:

Good instructions, great hardware and most importantly excellent service from etrailer folks. I initially ordered the wrong item, call them, and they immediately cancel and got me the correct item.



by:

After a year of use, these brackets are just like new.


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Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this Blue Ox Accessories and Parts

  • Full Dimensions of the Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit BX88230
    The Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit part # BX88230 measure 4-1/2" long x 1-1/2" wide x 1/4" thick. The mounting holes are 1/2" diameter and 3-1/8" apart on center. The length of the tab is about 3-1/8" long. I called Blue Ox and they will not release the full technical diagram.
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  • Can Blue Ox Bolt On Base Plate Kit BX88230 be Used with Blue Ox 7330 Tow Bar
    The Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit # BX88230 will work with your Blue Ox BX7330 that has a 10k capacity since the lugs are the same size but you will need to stay under the 5k weight rating.
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  • Will the etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit Fit a 2005 Jeep Wrangler With Aftermarket Steel Bumper
    The etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit part # e98946 which is a fit for a 2005 Jeep Wrangler is designed for models with the factory front bumper. It actually attaches to the bottom of the bumper beam which you can see in the attached installation instructions. Instead, for an aftermarket steel bumper I recommend using the Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit part # BX88230 which attaches directly to the bumper. This can then be used with a tow bar like the Blue Ox Alpha 2 Tow Bar part...
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  • Best Way to Transport a Vehicle to a Dragstrip
    If at all possible your best option would be to use a trailer to transport your 1964 Ford Fairlane to the drag strip. We have no information on flat towing your Fairline, but instead of the # BX88296 adapters I would recommend the # BX88230 as a base plate kit adapter since it is more designed for what you are trying to do. The # BX88296 is more for vehicles with off-road bumpers. You can't back up at all when you are flat towing. Another reason a trailer might be your best option. You...
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  • Installation of Blue Ox Base Plates on 1997 Jeep TJ
    For the Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit - 5,000 lbs # BX88230, from the center of the bumper you will measure to the side 10-9/16 inches. That is just a calculate mark for measuring. Then from that mark you measure over toward the opposite side 21-1/8 inches which will be a drill location of the inner bolt of the bracket. Make sure the offset bracket is offset toward the middle of the vehicle and that will be the template for the second hole. If this won't allow for your vehicle...
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  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a Jeep CJ-7 Behind an RV with Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar
    Yes, the Blue Ox Alpha tow bar # BX7380 is compatible with the Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit # BX88230. You will just need to make sure that the base plates are spaced 16 inches to 36 inches apart on center. Anywhere within that range will work with the Alpha. In addition to the base plates and tow bar (the tow bar comes with safety cables) you will also need a lighting solution and supplemental braking. If you have enough metal at the back of your CJ-7 then you could use a magnetic...
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  • Parts Needed To Flat-Tow 1982 Jeep CJ-5 With Roadmaster Falcon Tow Bar
    We do not have a custom base plate kit that is designed for your 1982 Jeep, but I do have a solution that will work for you. First you will need to install the Universal Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit, part # BX88230. This attaches to the bumper on your Jeep. Since the brackets must be mounted to a flat metal surface you will most likely need to modify and or reinforce your bumper. You will then need the Roadmaster Tow Bar to Blue Ox Brackets Adapter, part # RM-031. You can...
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  • Installing Blue Ox Base Plate Bracket Kit # BX88230 on 1989 Jeep YJ with Aftermarket Bumper
    According to my contact at Blue Ox, their Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit # BX88230 needs to be installed as close as possible to a 24-inch spread for use with their Alpha Tow Bar. You have at most 1 - 2-inches of leeway either wider or narrower. Since your bumper's D-rings are 28-1/2-inches apart you may be able to fit the brackets inboard of the D-rings and remain within an acceptable spread. It is a good idea to check with the manufacturer of your aftermarket bumper to find out if any...
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  • Base Plate For a 2006 Hummer H3
    The Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit - 5,000 lbs Item # BX88230 is compatible to be used with any vehicle as long as where it will be mounted is structurally sound enough to tow the vehicle. For instance some off road steel bumpers with D-ring mounts can not be used to tow a vehicle because they have not been tested by the manufacturer to see if they can hold up to the stress the movement of the vehicle puts on that area. For your 2006 Hummer H3 I recommend Demco Classic Base Plate...
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  • Can Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit be Installed at Different Measurement Than 21-1/8"
    I reached out to my contact at Blue Ox and he said that the 21-1/8" spacing is pretty critical for the installation of the Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit # BX88230 but you can possibly get away with extending or retracting that by about 1". You also need to make sure that your front bumper is strong enough to handle the weight of your 1982 Dodge Ramcharger. For a complete flat towing setup you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking...
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  • Blue Ox Tow Bar and Base Plate Kit Recommendation for a 2014 Jeep Wrangler
    I wish I had a base plate kit that would fit your 2014 Jeep Wrangler, but since you have an aftermarket bumper on the front of your 2014 Jeep Wrangler there are no base plates custom fit for your setup. You might be able to use the # BX88230 as this is a universal base plate kit that can attach to metal bumpers. You would need to determine the capacity of the bumper before going this route making sure it can support weight of your vehicle. If you would be willing to go with a stock front...
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  • Availability of a Base Plate Kit for a 1972 Buick Skylark
    The best solution for your 1972 Buick Sylark would a universal base plate kit like the part# BX88230. This will bolt to your bumper. Most bumpers will need to be reinforced or modified. Brackets must mount to a flat, metal surface. I attached some help articles on flat towing for you to check out as well.
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  • Using a Draw-Tite Tow Bar to Flat Tow a 1969 Chevrolet G10 Van
    Before towing your 1969 G10 you'll want to do some research (if you haven't already) and make sure it can be flat towed without causing any damage to it. We do not have a custom base plate kit for the G10. So you'll need to use universal bolt-on brakets # BX88230. Once these are installed the adapter # BX8833 connect the base plate brackets to a Draw-Tite tow bar. I've linked an article on flat towing you may find helpful
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  • Will Draw-Tite Tow Bar Brackets # 40602 Fit a Blue Ox Tow Bar
    The Replacement Bumper Bracket Kit # 40602 is not a good fit with a Blue Ox tow bar. Blue Ox does have a similar system, # BX88230, which is rated for 5,000 pounds and will fit Blue Ox tow bars.
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  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara with XRC Bumper
    First of all the Blue Ox Alpha # BX7380 is a great tow bar. And it includes safety cables. To use the Alpha with your XRC bumper you can use the Blue Ox Bolt-On Brackets # BX88230. These bolt directly onto the bumper, like you were saying, and then pair with any Blue Ox tow bar. With the XRC bumper this is your best option because it's unlikely a base plate kit is going to fit properly. To power the lights of your 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara you can use the diode kit # RM-154....
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  • Tow Bar Recommendation for 1980 Jeep CJ-7
    The best tow bar for your 1980 Jeep CJ-7 will first be one that is compatible with the base plate brackets you use. However, there are no brackets available from Blue Ox or Roadmaster, so you would need to use the Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit # BX88230 which will need to mount to a flat metal surface and before use normally require bumpers to be modified or reinforced. These brackets are only compatible with Blue Ox tow bars, and I recommend the Blue Ox Alpha # BX7380 due to...
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  • Complete Setup For Flat Towing A 1978 Toyota LandCruiser FJ40
    I can definitely help you out with finding the necessary parts to flat tow your 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser! The Roadmaster InvisiBrake Supplemental Braking System # RM-8700 that you were looking at would work well for your application. This is a permanent solution which allows you to flat tow on the fly without needing to setup a brake system every time. I think the best and easiest way to provide lighting on your towed vehicle is with Roadmaster Standard Magnetic Tow Lights # RM-2120. This...
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  • Flat Towing a 1969 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser
    Since we don't have a custom base plate kit for your 1969 Toyota Land Cruiser your best option would be a universal one like the part # BX88230. This will bolt to the steel bumper on your vehicle as long as it has the capacity needed to tow the vehicle you should be good. The Stowmaster you referenced is not compatible with this base plate kit though so you will need to upgrade to a Blue Ox one like part # BX7420. This comes with safety cables that are coiled so they will stay off the...
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  • Base Plate Recommendation for 2006 Jeep Wrangler with Hansen After Market Front Bumper and Winch
    I spoke with my contact at Blue Ox and as long as you have an after market steel bumper, the Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit, # BX88230, will work for you. The custom fit frame mounted base plates are designed to only work with the factory bumpers. In order to mount the brackets you will have to drill into your bumper. I recommend contacting Hansen to make sure that this will not void the warranty on your bumper. These mounting brackets should be attached metal to metal on a flat steel...
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  • Bumper Bolt On Mount Base Plate For 1990 Jeep Wrangler Standard Bumper
    You can use the Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit - 5,000 lbs # BX88230. You will have to drill some holes in your bumper but if will mount flush and give you the connection points you need to connect to a blue ox tow bar. Just make sure you call the bumper manufacturer and verify that the bumper can handle this application.
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  • Flat Tow 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport w/ Rampage Mass Articulation Front Recovery Bumper
    I think the best option for your 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport w/ Rampage Mass Articulation Front Recovery Bumper is going to be the Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit - 5,000 lbs, # BX88230. This is designed to let you create your own base plates by mounting to a flat section of a metal bumper. This will of course require a certain level of fabrication to your aftermarket bumper when using these brackets, please note the link to product review video. A second option is the Blue Ox Aftermarket...
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  • Recommended Baseplates for Flat Towable Vehicle When No Custom Options Are Available
    According to your owners manual, if your 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT is a manual transmission, it can be flat towed. However, there are not any custom base plates to fit your SRT4 model. To give you the best option, you can use the Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit - 5,000 lbs # BX88230 or the Blue Ox Heavy-Duty Universal Bolt-On Adapter Tabs - 20,000 lbs # BX88266 to create your own mount. I then recommend the Alpha tow bar # BX7380 which comes with the safety cables. For your wiring,...
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  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
    Your 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 can likely be flat towed behind an RV but you will want to verify this in your owner's manual, as its possible that your particular model has specific restrictions. If you do not have the manual, you can also check with a local Toyota dealer and they should be able to verify its capabilities and go over any procedures that need to be followed. We do not have any custom-fit base plates available for the FJ40, but you can use a universal set like the Blue...
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  • Can Blue Ox Bolt On Base Plate Kit # BX88230 be Spaced 17 inches Apart
    Spacing the brackets of the Blue Ox Bolt On base plate kit part # BX88230 17 inches apart on center would be fine. Normal spacings of these brackets is 16 to 34 inches apart on center so 17 inches on center would be perfectly fine.
    view full answer...


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