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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 (72)
  • Q & A (0)
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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   (72 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:

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:

Easy installation, nice fit



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:

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:

always easy to navigate



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:

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:

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:

It functions as described.

Richard

3/31/2023

Works fine. No issues.



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:

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:
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:

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:

Baseplate has worked flawlessly !.



by:

Have yet to install but it seems what most of the campers are using for flat towing their Jeep’s.



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!


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Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this Blue Ox Base Plates

  • 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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  • Finding an Installer for Blue Ox Base Plates on 2020 Jeep Gladiator
    We don't have a list of Blue Ox installers we can point you towards as Blue Ox does not provide us with that. Best option would be to find a local RV shop that does installs and see if they'd be interested in installing the Blue Ox base plate part # BLU53FR on your 2020 Jeep Gladiator. The other option is that if you know a mechanic local to you that you trust they'd have no problem knocking out the install as well. I attached an install video for more info on it as well.
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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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  • 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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  • Availability of Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar that Fits 2021 Jeep Gladiator
    We carry the Blue Ox Avail part # BX7420 so we have it for you. Then for a base plate kit that fits it and your 2021 Jeep Gladiator you'd want the # BLU53FR and you'd be set. 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...
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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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  • 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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  • 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 the Roadmaster Guardian Tow Defender Work with The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plates?
    The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM-521453-5 is actually not going to work with the Roadmaster Guardian Rock Guard # RM-4000 but I do have another option for you. Instead of using the Roadmaster direct-connect base plates, you can use the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BLU53FR with the Roadmaster Tow Bar to Blue Ox Brackets Adapter # RM-031. This combination will still allow you to be able to use the Roadmaster Sterling and will let you also use a similar rock...
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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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  • Blue Ox Baseplate Kit to Flat Tow a 2020 Jeep Gladiator
    Blue Ox does have a base plate kit that fits your 2020 Jeep Gladiator, it's part # BLU53FR. For a tow bar use the Blue Ox Alpha 2 # BX7380. If you don't have safety cables use # RM-643 for a set that's coiled. This way they don't drag on the ground. You also need wiring and a braking system to flat tow the Jeep. I recommend the diode kit # RM-15267 and Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251. Both get installed onto the Gladiator so you don't need to set them up each time you're ready to tow and...
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  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2022 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
    Hey Mike, so the easiest to use base plate kits are the Blue Ox ones so for your 2022 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon the base plate you would want is the part # BLU53FR which fits the factory steel and plastic bumpers. If you went with an aftermarket bumper I can't guarantee this would work though. 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...
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  • Recommended Base Plate Kit for Flat Towing 2021 Jeep Gladiator with Ready Brute Elite Tow Bar
    The Blue Ox # BLU53FR base plate kits are compatible with the Ready Brute Elite tow bars if the # BX88297 adapter is used, so that's the route I'd recommend going. To wire the taillights of your Gladiator, I'd recommend the # RM-15267 Roadmaster diode kit. You'll also need a supplemental braking system like the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR and you'll also need a # RM-9332 12-v outlet. Also, if the installed base plates have a 3 inch +/- height difference compared to the hitch on the motorhome,...
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  • Blue Ox Base Plate Kit for 2022 Jeep Gladiator with Plastic Bumper
    The correct Blue Ox base plate kit for your 2022 Jeep Gladiator that has the factory plastic bumper is the part # BLU53FR.
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  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2023 Jeep Gladiator
    The easiest to use and highest quality base plate kit that fits your 2023 Jeep Gladiator is the Blue Ox part # BLU53FR which would work great with a tow bar like the # BX7420. We do have custom fit lighting solutions like the Curt part # C96JR that plugs inline with the taillight connectors of the vehicle which would be easier to install than a diode setup. And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is...
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  • Blue Ox Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2022 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
    Hey Mark, so the correct Blue Ox base plate kit to use with the Blue Ox Ascent tow bar part # BX4375. is the part # BLU53FR. For lighting you can use # C96JR, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing as this plugs inline with the taillight connectors. Then for the braking system the Air Force One part # SM99243 would be what you would want and you'd be set.
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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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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.
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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...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Blue Ox Base Plate and Wiring for 2021 Jeep Gladiator
    For your 2021 Jeep Gladiator the correct Blue Ox base plate kit is the part # BLU53FR. 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 wire to go from there to the RV.
    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
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Thomas T

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