
Ask a Question About This Product
Our in-house experts typically reply within one business day.
Our in-house experts typically reply within one business day.
CURT
Verify Fitment
Select your vehicle to confirm this part fits.




Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!




Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
Includes base plate, safety cables and installation hardware (tow bar sold separately)
Not compatible with universal tow bar
Includes base plate, safety cables and installation hardware (tow bar sold separately)
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty (One-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
Finish: GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT
Installation Time Exact (Minutes): 0
CURT tow bar base plates are engineered for a custom fit on each unique vehicle. This custom tow bar base plate fits select years of the Ram 2500 and 3500 (see application info to verify fitment). This Ram 2500 / 3500 tow bar baseplate is constructed from high-quality steel and is precisely welded for a perfect fit. It is physically tested for absolute safety and peace of mind while dinghy towing. It also features a unique co-cured finish of liquid A-coat and highly durable powder coat to protect against the outdoor elements. This base plate for towing comes with attachment tabs, safety cables and installation hardware.

CURT offers a variety of high-quality trailer hitches and accessories for select vehicle models. Find the perfect fit for your towing needs at TowUniverse.
CURT, a Lippert brand, offers a complete line of towing products and is the leading manufacturer of custom-fit trailer hitches. We offer the broadest selection of custom-fit hitches, and each one is designed, welded, and coated in Wisconsin.
CURT is also a leader in flat towing products, as well as 5th wheel, gooseneck, and weight distribution hitches, ball mounts, electrical components, cargo solutions, and other towing accessories.
For everything from passenger cars and vans to full-size pickups and SUVs, CURT is 'The First Name in Towing Products®.'
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-9494Limited Lifetime Warranty (One-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
Rediscover "Us" Time | Tested. Proven. Safe. Towing Products
4 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 - 2010 | Dodge Ram 2500 | Installation Time - Visibility - |
| 2003 - 2010 | Dodge Ram 3500 | Installation Time - Visibility - |
| 2011 - 2018 | Ram 2500 | Installation Time - Visibility - |
| 2011 - 2018 | Ram 3500 | Installation Time - Visibility - |
The CURT 70142 Custom Tow Bar Base Plate Brackets for Dinghy Towing, Fits Select Ram 2500, 3500 (Part #BKDK70142) fits the following vehicles: 2003-2010 Dodge Ram 2500; 2003-2010 Dodge Ram 3500; 2011-2018 Ram 2500; 2011-2018 Ram 3500. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The CURT 70142 Custom Tow Bar Base Plate Brackets for Dinghy Towing, Fits Select Ram 2500, 3500 (Part #BKDK70142) fits 2003-2010 Dodge Ram 2500 models. The 2018 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
Yes, the CURT 70142 Custom Tow Bar Base Plate Brackets for Dinghy Towing, Fits Select Ram 2500, 3500 (Part #BKDK70142) is designed to fit the 2003-2010 Dodge Ram 2500.
The CURT 70142 Custom Tow Bar Base Plate Brackets for Dinghy Towing, Fits Select Ram 2500, 3500 (Part #BKDK70142) Typical installation time is . Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
The CURT 70142 is a tow bar base plate assembly designed for truck front-end towing. It includes a base plate, mounting tabs, two permanent safety cables rated for 7,500 lbs each, hardware (carriage bolts, serrated flange nuts, conical-toothed washers), quick links, and caplugs. The installed assembly measures 25.5" in height and 24" in width.
Yes. If your truck is equipped with tow hooks, the 70142 base plate installs into the existing tow hook holes using the provided 7/16" carriage bolts, washers, and serrated flange nuts. The tow hooks remain installed alongside the base plate. If your truck does not have tow hooks, the base plate still installs into the tow hook mounting points.
Yes. If your vehicle is equipped with a plastic shutter insert on the bumper, you will need to remove it during installation. The shutter insert is held by two bolts on the top edge (removed with a 10mm socket) and four push fasteners on the bottom edge. After removing the shutter insert, you proceed with the rest of the installation and reinstall the bumper.
Required tools are: 10mm socket, 18mm socket, 5/8" socket, ratchet wrench, torque wrench, T-50 Torx bit, flathead screwdriver, and a reciprocating saw. The installation is rated as 'Easy' difficulty level, though time and effort may vary depending on installer expertise, vehicle condition, and tool availability.
Yes. Bumper removal is a required part of the installation process. You will unplug electrical connections to the lower front bumper, remove four nuts from the backside using an 18mm socket (on each side of the vehicle), and remove the bumper. After installing the base plate and safety cables, you will reinstall the bumper and reconnect all electrical wires.
Trimming may be required. You may need to trim the lower radiator shroud to allow clearance for the D-Link on the base plate. This is done after removing tow hooks (if equipped) and before installing the base plate. Use a reciprocating saw and take care when cutting plastic or metal, as injury may occur if done improperly.
No. The CURT 70142 installs into existing tow hook holes on your truck. No drilling is required.
All 7/16" fasteners (carriage bolts, serrated flange nuts, and conical-toothed washers) must be torqued to 60 ft-lbs. Use a torque wrench to ensure proper tightening. This applies to all eight fastener locations on the base plate.
The carriage bolts are 7/16"-14, 2" long, grade 8. Eight bolts are included in the kit. They are installed with conical-toothed washers and serrated flange nuts, all 7/16" size, and torqued to 60 ft-lbs.
The CURT 70142 includes two permanent safety cables, each rated for 7,500 lbs. These cables are designed to help prevent complete vehicle separation in the event of a disconnect during dinghy towing. Each cable must meet or exceed the gross weight of the towed vehicle.
Install one permanent safety cable on each side of the vehicle. Each cable must be connected to the base plate and looped around the vehicle frame, then linked to the base plate using a quick link. Ensure cables do not pinch or interfere with hoses, wiring, or other components. The cables must be installed at all times when dinghy towing. Note: base plate safety cables are not a replacement for safety chains connecting the tow vehicle to the towed vehicle.
Never exceed the vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity. The CURT 70142 is designed to work within your vehicle's factory specifications. Consult your vehicle owner's manual and the trailer manufacturer's recommendations for specific towing capacity limits.
After installation, verify that all fasteners are tight, all structural components are sound, and the safety cables do not pinch or interfere with hoses, wiring, or other components. Periodic inspection of the product should be performed to ensure all hardware and components remain secure. Do not tow with worn or damaged parts.
Periodic inspection of your product should be performed to ensure all hardware and components remain secure. The manual does not specify an exact interval (e.g. before each tow, monthly, annually). Consult the manufacturer at 877.287.8634 or curtmfg.com for recommended inspection frequency.
The kit includes: 8 carriage bolts (7/16"-14, 2", grade 8), 8 serrated flange nuts (7/16"-14, grade 8), 8 conical-toothed washers (7/16"), 2 quick links (1/2"), and 2 caplugs (# dop-1375). All fasteners are grade 8 and torqued to 60 ft-lbs.
The installed tow bar base plate assembly measures 25.5" in height and 24" in width.
Yes. The first step of installation is to use a screwdriver to remove four push fasteners from the plastic shield below the radiator. This shield is removed to access the tow hook mounting points.
When not towing, insert the socket plugs (caplugs # dop-1375) into the ends of the tow bar base plates. When ready to tow, install the tow bar mounting tabs in place of the plugs.
The CURT 70142 is designed for trucks with front tow hook mounting points. Consult your vehicle owner's manual or contact CURT at 877.287.8634 to confirm fitment for your specific make, model, and year.
You will need: 10mm and 18mm sockets, 5/8" socket, ratchet wrench, torque wrench, T-50 Torx bit, flathead screwdriver, and a reciprocating saw. Installation is rated as 'Easy' difficulty.
No drilling is required. You may need to trim the lower radiator shroud for D-Link clearance using a reciprocating saw. Bumper removal is required.
All 7/16" fasteners must be torqued to 60 ft-lbs using a torque wrench.
Yes. Two permanent safety cables (7,500 lbs each) must be installed and looped around the vehicle frame at all times when dinghy towing. They are not a replacement for safety chains connecting the tow vehicle to the towed vehicle.
Verify all fasteners are tight, all structural components are sound, safety cables do not pinch hoses or wiring, and no parts are worn or damaged. Perform periodic inspections to ensure all hardware remains secure.
On Sale Today
Original price was $710.95. Current price is $330.99.




Quick Ship
In stock and ready to ship — order now!
Shipping from Lancaster, TXFREE SHIPPING
Estimated delivery Fri, Sep 18 - Sun, Sep 20
Order before 2 PM EST Monday–Friday for same-day processing
Guaranteed safe & secure checkout
No reviews have been added for this product.