Recommended Base Plate Kit for Use with Blue Ox Tow Bar on a 2014 Ford Explorer

Question:

2 questions. what is the difference between the 2 roadmaster base plates mx which is 4427-3a and xl 4427-1a? secondly, is there one that is better to use with my blue ox tow bar and what is the number for the adapter kit I would need to use to convert it to be compatible with my blue ox tow barplease include catalog/model number? I know u have a blue ox tow bar but I do not like it because u have to remove some structural pieces of the car by removing welds which I am not comfortable doing for when I go to sell the car. thank you

asked by: Tom

Expert Reply:

The main difference between the Roadmaster MX Base Plate Kit part # 4427-3A and the Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit part # 4427-1A for your 2014 Ford Explorer has to do with their compatibility of tow bars. The XL Base Plate Kit is compatible with all Roadmaster tow bars whereas the MX Base Plate Kit is only compatible with Roadmaster tow bars that slide into trailer hitch receivers. The XL Base Plate Kit will also require a crossbar and the MX Base Plate Kit will not.

If you are using the XL Base Plate Kit then you will need to use part # BX88178 for use with a Blue-Ox tow bar but if you are using the MX Base Plate Kit then you will need to use part # BX88185 for use with a Blue-Ox tow bar. I wouldn't really say one option is better than the other but I will say that the MX Base Plate Kit and Blue Ox Adapter will be more cost effective.

I was not able to reference the portion of the instructions for the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit part # BX2632 that require you to remove any welded pieces but if you have the EcoBoost engine then this will be your only option as none of the other base plate kits will clear the intercooler.