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BlueOx Towing Baseplate Install
After getting some quotes  :o  to provide and install a Blue Ox baseplate for my 2015 Subaru Forester, I've decided to attempt it myself sometime after the Morro Bay GTG.  As usual, you can find just about anything on Amazon and I was able to order the baseplate at a good price that wasn't marked up by an installer.  And, after watching this video from etrailer for an install on a 2017 model (same generation as the 2015), I feel pretty confident about tackling the job myself and saving the bucks to put towards the braking system which will be farmed out.  Just wondering if anyone here has attempted a baseplate install and had any insights to offer?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_BBg8eAQcU
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: BlueOx Towing Baseplate Install
Reply #1 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
After getting some quotes  :o  to provide and install a Blue Ox baseplate for my 2015 Subaru Forester, I've decided to attempt it myself sometime after the Morro Bay GTG.  I feel pretty confident about tackling the job myself and saving the bucks to put towards the braking system which will be farmed out.  Just wondering if anyone here has attempted a baseplate install and had any insights to offer?

Blue Ox and Roadmaster baseplates come with detailed instructions. Check their websites for more installation information.
A couple of dozen baseplates have been installed out in our driveway. You will need a set of metric tools and a jack to lift the front of the Subaru up and jack-stands and wheel chocks for safety. A 1/2" torque wrench, with the proper size sockets, is used for the final tightening of the mounting hardware...this needs to be done and preferably with thread locker.

You have already found, Etrailer is a good source of information. If you have more questions, call Etrailer and talk with one of their salespeople, they are well trained and will contact the manufacturer if deeper issues arise.  I like all the videos they have produced showing how equipment is installed,

Anyone here on the forum that has actually installed a baseplate on a 2015 Forester?
Removing any sheet metal or the front bumper will be the hardest part.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: BlueOx Towing Baseplate Install
Reply #2 –
Greg,

Many years ago, when I was younger and had more upper body strength, I installed a Blue Ox baseplate on my 96 Cherokee.  It wasn’t difficult, but it was heavy to lift in place and bolt it up.  I wouldn’t hesitate at doing it again, but at my age I would definitely have someone with strong arms to help me.  I don’t know what type of hardware came with your kit, but at the time I upgraded the bolts to grade 8.  The hardest thing was wiring the lights.  If you are not comfortable with doing that, then you should farm that out too.  Good luck with your project.

- John
Fulltimer with a 2021 MId-Bath “Babe”, 1996 Cherokee “Scout” and “Bandit” the wonder dog 🐶
Re: BlueOx Towing Baseplate Install
Reply #3 –
I suggest going to a Subaru body parts website and locate the part numbers for all the plastic pushpins holding the plastic body panels you need to remove. Many will get damaged as you rip the panels off the car for access, and that can really delay completing the job...

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: BlueOx Towing Baseplate Install
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Steve  - 
I suggest going to a Subaru body parts website and locate the part numbers for all the plastic pushpins holding the plastic body panels you need to remove. Many will get damaged as you rip the panels off the car for access, and that can really delay completing the job...
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: BlueOx Towing Baseplate Install
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Steve  - 
I suggest going to a Subaru body parts website and locate the part numbers for all the plastic pushpins holding the plastic body panels you need to remove. Many will get damaged as you rip the panels off the car for access, and that can really delay completing the job...

Great idea, Steve!

John, the wiring (and brake system) will be farmed out since my knowledge in those areas is miniscule.  I may need to enlist the help of a neighbor or a willing wife to get the baseplate installed.   ;)
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: BlueOx Towing Baseplate Install
Reply #6 –

The instructions for the baseplate do not look overly complicated except for cutting two notches in the frame. They recommend a reciprocating saw.
An angle grinder with a cut-off blade would work too. A 17/32" drill bit is larger than what comes in common drill sets. A second set of hands will be useful when installing the crossbar, a pair of jacks stands will do if working solo.
https://www.blueox.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/BX3619.pdf
Quite a few plastic pins need to be removed, some may break, order replacements online, or try matching down at the local big-box auto parts store, they will have a selection of them. Your Subaru may use more than one size or type of pin.

To aid in the removal of the pins, a set of inexpensive plastic pin removal tools is a good investment, you will break less of them. Plastic pins are used throughout the exterior and interior of modern cars.
Auto-Trim-Removal-Tool Kit
Amazon.com: Tresalto Auto Trim Removal Tool Set [Non Marring and No Scratch]...

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: BlueOx Towing Baseplate Install
Reply #7 –

In addition to the pin pulling tools, check to see whether Subaru uses push pins or plastic rivets. If the later, you’ll need a rivet applicator. This one includes a removal tool as well as the fastener.

https://www.amazon.com/Swpeet-41Pcs-Removal-Plastic-Rivets/dp/B08CMHQB37/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=plastic+rivet+tool&qid=1614564802&sprefix=plastic+rivet+tool&sr=8-4

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL
Re: BlueOx Towing Baseplate Install
Reply #8 –
Quote from: WhiteElk  - 
In addition to the pin pulling tools, check to see whether Subaru uses push pins or plastic rivets. If the later, you’ll need a rivet applicator.

Warren, the etrailer video says push pins but I haven’t actually looked yet.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
 
Re: BlueOx Towing Baseplate Install
Reply #9 –

Greg;  my newer cars have all of these removable covers, using push pins. They are hard to work on, and many break when removed.  Amazon.com: ANTS PART 330Pcs 12Sizes Car Plastic Rivets Fasteners Push Type...    This has been a big help.    RonB

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB