Community Forums

RJOL · 08-02-2016, 06:56 PM

When we bought our "new to us" Dutch Star, I wanted to use the Blue Ox system to tow our 2007 Saturn Ion. I asked the local RV service center what they would charge to put the base plate on, and they said about $500 labor. Being a "back yard" mechanic, in my younger days, I decided to tackle this.

Let me say that I'm still happy with the Blue Ox setup, but the instructions that came with it were TERRIBLE. Bad photos, that you couldn't even tell what they were talking about, steps that they didn't document, erroneous size nuts and bolts to remove from the Saturn, nuts in the bumper that needed to be taken out, but not mentioned, etc.

All I can say is that if you're not mechanically inclined, with a lot of imagination, I'd leave this to a mechanic, that's done this before.

Anyway... Here is the photos of the hitch without the tabs in and one with the tabs. We will try it out, tomorrow and see how the setup works...

Ray,IN · 08-02-2016, 08:50 PM

I suggest contacting Blue Ox with your recommendations and report about poor installation instructions. From what I've read on this and other RVing forums, the company owner does listen to his customers and makes every attempt to satisfy them.
My Chevrolet 1500 is in-line to have a Blue Ox base-plate and everything else required for flat-towing.

Fiesta48 · 08-04-2016, 08:08 AM

I agree. I threw the roadmaster baseplate instructions aside for my 07 Accord baseplate. I think I saved time and aggravation. After 10k miles it's still tight. At times it was a 2 person job aligning, accessing holes, and tightening. But it saved me $500. Total cost less than $900 for everything. Used Sterling towbar and working Brake Buddy.

dennis45 · 08-04-2016, 09:45 AM

I installed my first on on my 2010 Taurus myself and the BlueOx instructions were pretty much spot on but next time around with the CRV I elected to have it done by a hitch shop. Gotta say, IMO, it was money well spent as my old bones just don't hinge like they used to.

You will find the nice little plastic plugs that come with the plate won't last long. A pair of 1 7/8" trailer ball covers fit over the tubes just perfect.

RJOL · 08-04-2016, 10:22 AM

That's a good idea about the covers. I wondered If I should just get ahead of the game and buy replacement spares, but the hitch ball cover is a better idea...

RJOL · 08-04-2016, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

I suggest contacting Blue Ox with your recommendations and report about poor installation instructions. From what I've read on this and other RVing forums, the company owner does listen to his customers and makes every attempt to satisfy them.
My Chevrolet 1500 is in-line to have a Blue Ox base-plate and everything else required for flat-towing.

Ray... I was going to call Blue Ox, but just decided it wasn't worth the effort. If they can't tell that some of the photos they used, in there instructions are "unreadable," I just don't think they are interested. I've attached just two of the photos/instructions, as an example. The first one is not doctored. This is what it looks like online and in the enclosed instructions. The second is the mysterious location of where to put the vise grips (never did figure this one out). I'm sure Blue Ox makes a good product, and I know it's tough to include examples of installation, but they just didn't hit the mark with this one.

PanJH · 08-07-2016, 08:25 AM

I've installed Blue Ox base plates on 3 vehicles-- a Geo Tracker, a Ford Ranger and a Ford F-150. At least for these, I found the instructions to be spot on and the installations went smoothly.

RJOL · 08-07-2016, 09:16 AM

This is my first installation of a Blue Ox baseplate. I've installed several hitches to cars and trucks, including a heavy duty B&W Companion hitch for my 5th wheel. Would I use this company again... yes... Would I recommend them to someone who wanted to do the work themselves... Not without a word of caution about the instructions I received. That being said... We tested the system out, yesterday, and it worked like a charm....

Brockx · 08-07-2016, 08:03 PM

My Sons and I installed my Blue Ox Plate on my 2013 KIA Soul. I agree with you on the poor instructions. One good example; they instructed to cut the ends off the steel sub bumper, definitely not required or wise. We could not understand why they were saying to do so and proceeded without doing it. Worked out fine and i still have a full sub bumper. So far as the unit it matched up great with the Facia and is not an eyesore.

Click twice for close-up