Community Forums

rgrimm · 01-24-2014, 10:03 AM

As I get closer to purchasing my first Class A (looking at short DPs like the 2006 Journey 34H) I started to look at Base Plates for my 2013 Edge Limited (V-6 FWD) and came across a Blue OX and a Roadmaster. Their exit point on the front of the Edge is rather different, the Roadmaster much lower than the Blue Ox. (see photos below)

So is there any advantage of one over the other or is it just a matter of what 'look' appeals to the purchaser?

Of those out there towing a late model Edge like the 2013 -

What Base Plate did you use?
What Tow Bar are you using?

Thanks,
Russ

Blue Ox Installation Exit point-

The RoadMaster exit Point (lower)

Herman Snerd · 01-24-2014, 03:39 PM

The picture you show are of two different year models of the Ford Edge...might very likely account for the different exit points on the baseplates.

That being said, allow me to make a case for the Demco baseplates. What I like the best about them (and why I purchased mine) was that they eliminate one more potential point of failure by being solid, one-piece units. I can completely understand the appeal of being able to completely eliminate any 'extensions' from the front of the grill, but anytime you create a removable part, that's one more part that must rely on a mechanical connection that's more likely to fail than a single, homogeneous piece.

I'll also add that what you can see from the Demco plates isn't very recognizable unless you're looking for it, it certainly doesn't get in the way, AND it's one less part to lose or damage.

My two cents...

Rmedad · 02-11-2014, 08:02 PM

Russ - we are looking to buy a 2013 Edge soon and have researched the dickens out of everything regarding using it as a toad.

From what I've found on several forums/sites, the Blue Ox base plate in the top picture mounts high to accommodate the Edge Adaptive Cruise Control Sensor (the black box on lower part of grille opening, driver side), which is included in one of the packages for the Edge (302A I believe). This puts the towbar attachments about 27" above the ground and I believe a lot higher than most MH hitches...thus a drop down receiver will likely be needed to keep tow bar level. I think the attachments sticking out thru the chrome part of the grille are a bit obtrusive also...IMO.

We are not buying an Edge with the Adaptive Cruise Control specifically so we can use other base plates that attach lower down on the front of the car and closer to same height as MH hitches. And personally think they look better coming out at the lower part of grille....but just my opinion.

Finally, I did see a post somewhere (don't have a clue where as I've think I've been to the end of the internet and back on 2013 Edge towing) where one resourceful owner relocated the Sensor so he could use a baseplate that mounted lower.

BTW, here are the links for DEMCO and Blue Ox for 2011-later Edge - note differences in connector height above ground for each...

http://demco-products.com/rv-towing-...late-fit-list/

http://blueox.com/Uploads/Docs/BX2628.pdf

Hope this helps.
John

rgrimm · 02-11-2014, 09:05 PM

John,

Thanks for the response. My Edge is a Limited trim level but without the Adaptive Cruise Control so I will go with one of the base plates that come out thru the lower part of the grille like the Demco or Roadmaster.

Russ

walt2137 · 02-16-2014, 10:13 AM

Russ and John i installed the Roadmaster XL 4408-1 on our 2011 Edge without Adaptive Cruise Control Sensor Go here click on the part # to see a picture and instructions also you can click on the little camers to see how it looks.
http://roadmasterinc.com/vehicle_gui...r_brackets.php
When i installed my XL brackets insted of cutting a hole in the bottom grill i just removed it and stored in the bracket box and when we traded it in for the F150 i removed the brackets and reinstalled the botom grill, could not tell i had ever had the bracket installed. On our coach i did not need a upside down drop hitch but you would with the other type.

Easyrider · 02-16-2014, 11:13 AM

You want to use whatever equipment allows you to keep the tow bar attachment points on both ends as level with each other as possible. I'm thinking that for any given vehicle the base plate no matter who makes it will come out of the front of your vehicle more or less at the same area. I may be wrong, but either way you want your tow bar as close to level as you can get no matter what RV/towed vehicle/tow bar/base plate combination you consider.