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PF_PM's avatar
PF_PM
Explorer
Aug 13, 2015

Base Plate crack..

Recently had to remove the front bumper on our '05 Honda Pilot for repair. (Shredded tractor tire on hwy hit us) . Low and behold we found a crack in the Blue Ox base plate. Removed ground down and welded and painted.. Just sayin' folks.. check them out when you get a chance.
  • randallb wrote:
    In response to contacting BO about a potential problem on their end. The following is from the BO owners manual since they can not possibly design their product for every bit of abuse the end user can subject it to.

    8. Prior to a towing trip, check to be sure all the towing accessories and attachment points are secure. Check for cracked welds and loose bolts/pins on baseplate and tow bar. This is important on all occasions, but particularly on a new installation, when they should be checked just prior to initial towing and again after 100-200 miles of towing.


    This isn't them saying they won't help you out if your equipment fails. This is them making the lawyers happy and telling you to inspect before use. (Which is good advice in any case)

    As already said, if a piece cracks, just give them a call. I'd rather have a new plate than patch together a broken one. Worst case scenario, they say they can't replace it.
  • 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.
  • In response to contacting BO about a potential problem on their end. The following is from the BO owners manual since they can not possibly design their product for every bit of abuse the end user can subject it to.

    8. Prior to a towing trip, check to be sure all the towing accessories and attachment points are secure. Check for cracked welds and loose bolts/pins on baseplate and tow bar. This is important on all occasions, but particularly on a new installation, when they should be checked just prior to initial towing and again after 100-200 miles of towing.
  • Glad you found it. Did you contact Blue Ox to let them know there may be a problem on their end?