Does Bumper Need to Be Removed to Install Blue Ox Base Plates on a 2017 Ram 1500
Question:
I am looking at the eTrailer XHD for towing my 2017 Ram 1500 Longhorn behind my diesel-pusher motorhome. Blue Ox has a different part number for the base plate for the Longhorn trim level, Im looking at this one - BX2418. I dont see the BX2418 on the eTrailer website, but you do have the eTrailer classic #98945, which lists the Longhorn there. Two questions: 1. The front bumper has about a half-dozen parking sensors in it, I dont want to remove that - confirming and I looked at the instruction sheet - I dont have to remove bumper to install. 2. I have the Ram lettered logo in the grill, not the horns logo in all of the diagrams, and the chrome bumper on the Longhorn doesnt have the tabs ands such that I think are mentioned in the instruction sheet - double-checking the fit. thanks.
asked by: Scott J
Expert Reply:
Thanks for reaching out, Scott!
The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BLU74FR on our site is actually the same thing as the Blue Ox part number BX2418 and I like that removable pin style much more than the etrailer Classic Base Plate Kit # e98945 with the fixed pin system so I recommend using the Blue Ox Base Plate # BLU74FR along with the etrailer XHD Tow Bar # e67ZR which includes adapters to fit with this base plate kit.
With that being said, you might need to remove the fascia underneath your front bumper to gain access to your front frame for the installation but you won't have to remove the whole bumper. And then whether you go with the Blue Ox or the etrailer base plate kit the arms will stick through the cutouts in the lower part of your bumper so this will be a fairly straightforward installation!
I've attached a photo from the linked Blue Ox installation instructions that shows where the base plate arms protrude from the bumper.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
(click to enlarge)
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
more information >
etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Blue Ox and Curt Base Plates - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10.5K
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 10500 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Fits Curt Base Plates
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
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on Base Plates
Roy S.
3/9/2024
Is there a video for installing the BX74FR on a 2017 RAM 1500 Rebel or similar