Baseplate installation Honda Element - Easy?

[genentina]

I read that guys quickly remove their baseplate off their Element when visiting the Honda dealer so they are not scrutinized for towing it.

My question is how hard is it to install a baseplate on a 2011 Element?

easy? hard?

[wbwood]

Looking at etrailer.com , they mention "Trimming of spoiler, air dam, grill or plastic fascia may be required on some models of this vehicle." on the Roadmaster one and on the Blue Ox one they say "Requires some trimming of bumper (fascia, plastic, and/or grill). Requires some minor drilling."

Just a heads up...

[jarviswin]

Did you install a baseplate yet?

[Big_Katuna]

I paid thru the nose for it but I thought it was worth it. Absolutely mint.

[jarviswin]

WoW, That is a great deal. My oldest son was looking for one like that when I bought his Element. Anyway, I would call Honda HQ in Torrence Ca and ask them about it. They have been very helpful for me.

Bob

[Big_Katuna]

jarviswin wrote:
The last year they made the element is 2011 if I am not mistaken. That being said, most would be out of warranty UNLESS they bought an extended warranty, so why would they worry about it.
BTW, I have a 2007 Element SC with 131k miles on it. I am thinking about towing.

Thats my problem. I found a 2011 last year with 5000 miles and the Honda care ten year 100k bumper to bumper zero deductible warranty.
I plan on driving it till it dies or gets wrecked by one of the thousands of moron drivers in Florida.

[jarviswin]

The last year they made the element is 2011 if I am not mistaken. That being said, most would be out of warranty UNLESS they bought an extended warranty, so why would they worry about it.
BTW, I have a 2007 Element SC with 131k miles on it. I am thinking about towing.

[dateem]

I installed a roadmaster base plate on my 05 Element a few months ago. Not a terribly difficult job but there were lots of small panel screws to remove/replace. The plate bolted on easily. That being said I cannot imagine taking it all apart, replacing the bumper steel etc then putting it back on just to take it to the dealer (then again mine does not have warranty to worry about). Seems like every time on/off would wear parts, lose parts or potential for something being left loose.

[Big_Katuna]

It isn't hard. I have installed baseplates on two Elements and one CRV. The CRV was a little harder. I think I could take it off in an hour. I use Demco plates. There are no holes to be driled on the ELement. Two if I remember on the CRV. On both, you remove the bumper /bumper support which is replaced byt the plate which uses the factory holes.

Add a horn while the bumper cover is off.

[Popsie]

It's likely that even if you remove the baseplate, there will be signs that it was there (like bolt holes) which the dealer can see are not stock.

I'm guessing that those signs could be an issue if a warranty issue came up.

Using a tow dolly might be the best way to hide your usage from your dealer.

[enblethen]

I would download installation instructions from Roadmaster and Blue-Ox and make the determination yourself as to whether you can do it.