Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
(3013 reviews)
Price: $384.24
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
Retail:$592.90
Our Price: $384.24
You Save: $208.66
Will this fit?
To see if this custom-fit item will work for you please tell us what vehicle you'll use it with.
In Stock
Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.
Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.
- All Info
- Reviews (3013)
- Q & A (0)
- Photos
Blue Ox Base Plates
- 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: 34-1/2"
- Bracket height: 18"
- 3-Year warranty
Simple, Hidden Design
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.
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.
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.
BX1986 Blue Ox Baseplate - Removable Tabs
Item # BX1986
Installation Details
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 2013 - 2014 Ram 1500 excluding Sport and Express
- 2010 - 2012 Ram 1500 excluding Sport and ST
- 2015 - 2015 Ram 1500 excluding Sport, Express, Limited, and Rebel
- 2016 - 2017 Ram 1500 Limited
- 2016 - 2017 Ram 1500 Tradesman
- 2013 - 2014 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 - excluding Sport and Express
- 2009 - 2012 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 - excluding Sport and ST
Customer Satisfaction Score:
88% were satisfied with this product
12% of customers were not satisfied
- Wrong item was ordered
- Defective
- Did not arrive in time
Customer Reviews
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms - BX1986
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (3013 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: Brian 09/21/2023
I already had the tow bar from previous truck, I just needed the base plates. It’s a work truck, and tow bar is down at least once a week. Great product, very robust, and would highly recommend.
by: Larry 05/03/2024
2009 Dodge Ram Pickup
Service was great. Rec item quickly after ordered
by: Randy04/13/2020
2014 Dodge Ram Pickup
Order came very quickly. Nice product. This is my second blue Ox base plate to install. This one was much more difficult to install because of all the extra bolts this unit requires with such a small hole to put the nuts through. It is a good fit, but more design thought should have gone into it to make it easier to install. My first install was on a Jeep Wrangler and was able to do it in about 2 hours. This one took over 5 hours and I had all the right tools .needed. I chose blue Ox because of past experience with this product and do recommend it to anyone. Would have given it 5 stars if it wasn’t so hard to install.
by: Edward 03/26/2024
2013 Ram 1500
Fit perfect
by: David10/21/2020
2016 Ram 1500
High Quality Product. E-Trailer indicated a 2 hour installation. My repair shop indicated it took 7 hours to install (included the wiring harness). They had to drill 14 holes. Happy with the product but installation cost a lot more than I expected. Could not have done it myself.
by: Steve 11/09/2022
I was really impressed with the design and fact that the product was designed for my vehicle. It installed in 2 hours and looks awesome. I also like the fact that it came with safety brackets as well.
by: Robert B.06/24/2013
This is the 4th baseplate I have installed and definitely the hardest one to install because of drilling the 2 holes in the frame, One of the bolt wires was not welded properly but I have a welder so was able to fix it.
With the 5 bolts on each side fastening the baseplate to the frame I think the safety cables are a bit of excessive safety wise.
by: Bob W05/04/2020
2010 Dodge Ram Pickup
Blue ox base plate for 03 Ram 1500
Very good instructions. Took me a little longer than it would have in my younger days. The drilling was where I took my time. I have towed the Dodge just about 10,000 miles with no problems. Great product.
by: Hugh A.07/21/2014
2010 Dodge Ram Pickup
Great product, installation installation instructions were thorough. Installation video which was for our vehicle was helpful, but had to drill some additional holes, guess it was due to model differences. But Blue Ox is a great product!
by: Rob A.06/06/2014
2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Have just finished install and everything went very smooth. It does help to have a lot of tools. I needed a big hammer two times during install to help get things in place. This one was my fourth plate system and it was nice not to have to remove the nose of the vehicle but a lot more drilling on this 2010 1500 pickup. This one took more time.
by: Kenneth 01/22/2022
2015 Ram 1500
I won't be installing the Blue-Ox base Plat kit-Removable Arms until the Spring, Warmer weather. When is all said and done I will send Photos of the install
I have looked at the product and is very well MADE
by: Rob A01/27/2017
2016 Dodge Ram Pickup
Product arrived in three days and box looks good. This BX1986 system is going on a 2016 1500 Crewcab ecodiesel. Installed same one on 2010 Ram and was very pleased. Will install next week.
by: Captain Jeffrey, USCG Ret.02/27/2021
2011 Ram 1500
Box arrived pretty broken apart. Bug hole in the end side panel. The glued areas did not hold at all.
Now all the parts were there and are in good condition.
Thank you for the wonderful service.
by: Jerry08/22/2015
The product and instructions were spot on. I would recommend it.
by: Jerry05/07/2013
2013 Dodge Ram Pickup
Product looks great. Can't wait to start the installation...will keep you posted.
by: Robert09/05/2022
Works perfect
by: Charles05/19/2016
2013 Ram 1500
Great product! I installed it myself, but it took a few days, since I only had a couple of hours a day after work.
by: Sandy03/14/2020
2011 Ram 1500
excellent product everything looks great
by: Sheri 10/13/2023
by: glenn jodan05/08/2014
great product
by: Jack 10/17/2021
Great price, SUPER fast shipping!
by: Alex 09/09/2022
by: William 08/31/2022
by: Curtis 12/06/2023
by: Bryan 11/10/2023
25
3008
Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this Blue Ox Base Plates
- Compatible Blue Ox Base Plate For A 2017 Ford F-150 We do carry the BX2681 but it is listed under a different item number, # BO74FR. The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # BX1986 you linked to is a fit for specific Ram models/years. Since you're planning on flat towing your 2017 Ford F-150 you'll also need a tow bar, tow bar wiring kit, braking system, and safety cables. If you haven't already purchased these items then I have the following recommendations for you: Tow Bar: Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar...
view full answer... - Base Plates For 2016 Ram 1500 Compatible With REady Brute Elite Tow BarI have a confirmed fit for you, however, the Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM-52289-5, are not compatible with the Ready Brute Elite tow bar. You will want the Blue Ox Base Plate Adapter Brackets for Ready Brute Elite Tow Bars # BX88297 along with the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # BX1986 which are custom fit for your vehicle. This will give you base plates and the adapter needed to be compatible with your tow bar. You may also want a locking pin like #...
view full answer... - Recommended Blue Ox Base Plate for a 2017 Ram 1500 Bighorn Since you already have a Blue Ox tow bar you're going to want to install a compatible set of base plates that don't require the use of an adapter. For a 2017 Ram 1500 Bighorn you will want the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit item # BLU74FR. These are custom fit and will connect right up to your tow bar without the use of the adapter. There's a few other options from other manufacturer's for compatible base plates but they all have the same installation method. There's no advantage to using one...
view full answer... - Can 2016 Ram 1500 Automatic Transmission Be Flat Towed Behind a MotorhomeVehicle makers get the final word on whether their cars and truck can be safely flat towed, since there is no better authority. Your owner's manual should reflect the specific equipment in your truck, the particular transmission and differential, which determines whether it can be flat towed wheels down without damage to anything. Page 714 of the online manual for the 2016 Ram 1500 says that the 2WD version cannot be flat towed but the 4WD with automatic transmission can be flat towed...
view full answer... - Base Plate Recommendation for 2014 Ram 1500 for Use with Blue Ox Alpha Tow BarThere isn't currently an adapter to go from a Blue Ox Alpha tow bar # BX7380 to a Demco base plate kit. Your best option is a Blue Ox base plate kit for you 2014 Ram 1500 like the part # BX1986 which is a confirmed fit and will work great with your Alpha.
view full answer... - How to Use the Blue Ox Aventa II Tow Bar on a 2017 Ram 1500The correct base plate kit you will need to use the Blue Ox Aventa II Tow Bar part BX7335 on your 2017 Ram 1500 is the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit part # BLU74FR if you have the Rebel, Big Horn, Laramie, or Laramie Longhorn; part # BX1986 if you have the Tradesman or Limited; and part # BX2409 if you have the Sport or Express edition. I have attached an install video on each of these kits for you. The correct flat-tow wiring harness I recommend for you is the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire...
view full answer... - Recommended Flat Towing System for 2016 Ram 4WD Behind Motorhome with Air BrakesYour 2016 Ram 1500 4WD EcoDiesel is towable without any speed or distance restrictions. Page 714 of the online manual for the 2016 Ram 1500 says that the 4WD with automatic transmission can be flat towed if you follow the guidelines spelled out in the manual. Automatic transmission trucks should be shifted into PARK and the transfer case shifted into NEUTRAL. Pages 714 through 722 detail the procedures required. For your towing, I recommend we start with the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit -...
view full answer... - Base Plate Fit for 2013 Ram 1500 Big HornThe Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # BLU74FR is not a fit for your 2013 Ram 1500 Big Horn. It is only a confirmed fit for 2016-2018 Ram 1500 Big Horn model years. The proper fit for your truck is the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # BX1986. If you are interested in recommendations for a complete system to go with these base plates, let me know and I'd be happy to assist.
view full answer... - Blue Ox Base Plate for 2013 Dodge 1500 Tradesman Quad CabYes, you can still use your Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar item # BX7380 with a 2013 Dodge 1500 Tradesman Quad Cab. It has to be 4WD though. You can not flat-tow a 2WD 2013 Dodge 1500 no matter what trim you have. If you have 4WD you are good to go and will need the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit item # BX2409. This base plate kit has removable arms but will require you to trim into your bumper fascia. Since you are changing vehicles you will also need a new wiring kit. I recommend the Roadmaster...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 with Eco-DieselYou are on the right track! The SMI DUO part # SM99251 is the best supplemental braking system to use so it's a great choice. The Blue Ox base plate kit you'd want is the part # BX1986 which is a confirmed fit and will be a great choice. I attached an install video for you to check out as well. This will work great with your Blue Ox tow bar like the # BX7380. For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. This will splice...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2015 Ram 1500 4x4To flat tow your 2015 Ram 1500 4x4 you will need a base plate, tow bar, safety cables, towed vehicle wiring, and a supplemental braking system. When I checked the owner's manual, the 4x4 model can be towed 4 down, but you will want to check the manual for the steps that need to be taken to flat tow your Ram 1500. The base plate I recommend for your Ram 1500 is the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1986. The Blue Ox base plate features removable draw armsto help maintain the look of your vehicle...
view full answer... - Does etrailer Offer Installation Services?Yes, we do offer installation services here at etrailer. Our shop is located in Wentzville Missouri (near St Louis). I see that you were looking at the Blue Ox Base Plate # BX1986 for the 2100 Ram 1500. This is definitely something we can install for you, along with everything else needed for flat towing. You can give customer service a call for pricing and appointment availability.
view full answer... - How To Use Ready Brute Tow Bar On 2010 Dodge Ram 1500In order to use a Ready Brute Tow Bar on a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 you'll need the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit part # BX1986 with Blue Ox Base Plate Adapter Brackets part # BX88297. This is the only option we offer to use a Ready Brute Tow Bar. In regards to the wiring, the Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit part # RM-154 would give you everything required.
view full answer... - Blue Ox Base Plate and Adapter Recommendation for 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 with ReadyBrute TowbarFirst for an adapter to go from the ReadyBrute Elite tow bars to Blue Ox base plate kit you will need the part # BX88297. For a Blue Ox base plate kit you will need the # BX1986 as it has been confirmed as a fit for your 2011 Ram 1500. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground. For lighting you can use the bulb and socket kit, # RM-155, and not have to worry about cutting and splicing into the vehicle wiring. You will also want...
view full answer...
Do you have a question about this Base Plate?
Info for this part was:
Test Fit:
Joe V
Test Fit:
Nicholas E
Test Fit:
Jacob H
Written by:
Lindsey S
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Expert Research:
Adam R
Video Edited:
Jacob T
Video Edited:
Andrew L
Video Edited:
Chris R
Video Edited:
John S
Updated by:
Adele M
Updated by:
Wilson B
Updated by:
Jenny M
Updated by:
Mike S
Updated by:
Carrie F
Installed by:
Cole B
Video by:
Alan C
At etrailer.com we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.
Product Experts Available Now!
Call 1-800-940-8924
Victoria B.
10/30/2020
There are a number of holes that need to be drilled in order to install the base plates. I have linked the installation instructions for you.
Helpful Links
instructions.aspx?pn=BX1986