Maybe I'm overthinking this about the different base plate choices for flat towing. As a Mechanical Engineer I end up evaluating every different design and installation no mater what product.
For the 2014 Honda CRV specifically, I am bothered that both Blue Ox and Roadmaster remove the bumper beam structure and then have just the base plate installed. The base plate sits below where the bumper beam is positioned so it can access the lower bumper cover openings. Both brands use the bumper mounting holes and then some. Those mounts look very well attached for towing. My concern is that removing the bumper beam is a critical structure for frontal impacts. This seems that it would reduce crash protection for the toad. I don't see that the base plate would provide much protection as it is positioned much lower that where the protection is needed.
I did see that etrailer's own base plate keeps the bumper beam and looks like a simpler installation. It also is compatible with all Demco, etrailer, and Blue Ox tow bars.
I think that the automotive aftermarket business is not very regulated. They can put out whatever products they want whether it meets the OEM or government specs. The Blue Ox and Roadmaster I mentioned do seem to be good quality for their purpose, but I have trouble using them for this vehicle. Has anyone else had reservations on this for the CRV? Anyone had a front collision with one of those base plates installed?
I agree they are all meet a minimum acceptability at best. You understand how critical design is so that makes the choice even more of a struggle. Seems they never address everything well. Car manufacturers spend a ton of money designing the cheapest structure that will meet the design and enable proper collapse in a crash to absorb more energy, making it safer for everyone. Being lighter saves fuel. Adding a base plate will deviate, regardless of what their original intent was. The DESIGN crimpled Zone does not generally farewell for Towing in my opinion. Although I like the convenience of the removable tow pins, they always seem like a weak link in my opinion. I would look for a kit that has the most fasteners in Sheer and separated as much as possible. Fasteners in tension won't farewell Towing.
I'm still using full length frame vehicles and on the 1991 bronco I added a receiver hitch to the front of it and added two tow lugs welled to it. It's heavy and the tow lugs should be in about the 20,000 lbs capacity being 1 inch thick lugs.