Baseplate

Blue Ox baseplate install on the newer CRV is not too bad. I did mine. However, removal and reinstall of the plastic face is a bear. I would see if a body shop in your area would do it. I had to take it to body shop to get the front fascia back on properly.

This was my fourth Blue Ox baseplate install. While the CRV install requires no drilling of the vehicle, the Blue Ox instructions are vague about 6 yellow clips that need to be disengaged to remove the plastic bumper and associated fascia. If you do try it or have someone else do it, suggest they leave those clips alone and remove the grill along with the rest of the front in one piece.

Just a suggestion: unless you're locked in to a Blue Ox, download and read the installation instructions for Blue Ox, Roadmaster, and any others you may consider. See which one looks simpler to install. I know that smlranger said there's no drilling required for the Blue Ox on your CRV. That was not the case on my 2006 CRV; Blue Ox required drilling and chiseling off a couple of brackets. For that reason, I went with Roadmaster. No drill/chisel required.

Like others have said, it ain't rocket science, just basic mechanical work. It took me quite a bit longer than the installation instructions said, but then I read everything twice and verify multiple times. And, these days everything takes me a lot longer than it used to.

Thanks for the replies, turns out I found a local vehicle accessory shop that happens to
be an authorized Blue ox dealer, not only am I able to buy everything through them cheaper than the RV shop, but they have a flat installation charge of $200. They have a fully equipped shop with a decent sized staff. I will update after installation. Hopefully I will be satisfied.

I just bought a brand new 2013 CR-V and I had an RV dealer install the base plate plus do the wiring for the lights and a break away for my brake buddy. I believe they charged me five hundred dollars labor plus the parts. Total around $850.

CamperDaveinPA wrote:
Thanks for the replies, turns out I found a local vehicle accessory shop that happens to
be an authorized Blue ox dealer, not only am I able to buy everything through them cheaper than the RV shop, but they have a flat installation charge of $200. They have a fully equipped shop with a decent sized staff. I will update after installation. Hopefully I will be satisfied.

That is a good price. I did get a quote from a local RV shop before I decided to do my own install on the 2012 CRV. They estimated $750 but that included the baseplate and installation to include wiring the toad for lighting. I thought that was high.

You will not regret having someone do it. I have done my last one for sure.

CamperDaveinPA wrote:
Thanks for the replies, turns out I found a local vehicle accessory shop that happens to
be an authorized Blue ox dealer, not only am I able to buy everything through them cheaper than the RV shop, but they have a flat installation charge of $200. They have a fully equipped shop with a decent sized staff. I will update after installation. Hopefully I will be satisfied.

That's the route I went when we set up our Silverado. Equipment price was good, installation was less expensive and the guy who owns the shop and his tech are friends. Great to work with and five miles from home instead of 75 miles one way to my RV dealer.

I've bought enclosed trailers and a tow dolly from them in the past also with very satisfactory results. The nice thing is their labor rate is about $40 an hour, not $100+.

*** Update ****
I could not be more happier. The job they did for me was beyond my expectations .
First let me explain my total purchase from the vehicle accessory shop,
1 blue ox avanta lx tow bar
2. Baseplate for Honda crv
3. Light kit for crv - non led
4. Pig tail light cord
Parts and install and tax was under 1500.00 but what really put them over in my book was, I supplied a brake buddy and break away switch they installed that along with a battery charging wire for my crv from the coach at no additional charge. If ever you are in the new holland pa area and need vehicle work email me and I will pass their info along , I have no problem referring a great shop, with great service.