Base Plate crack..

I had a blue ox base plate fail after 3 or 4 years. Called the company and they sent me a new one, but I had to return the broken one. The new one was redesigned and had a gusset were the original failed. I know of at least one other that broke in the same place as mine. Blue Ox was great about replacing it, even after several years of use. I just bought a new tow car and installed a new blue ox base plate for it yesterday, I like how this one is designed. Trouble with inspecting base plates is that most of it is hidden. Personally, I remove the front fascia and do a complete inspection at least once a year. It only takes about 15 minutes to remove the front fascia, I wish I had done this before mine broke, I'm sure I would have seen problems. Yes, do inspect what is visible every time you tow.