From the picture on the web site, that base plate from Northern looks like it might be made of some polymer. If so, it's advaantage would be lighter weight than my metal one made by Hi-Lift.

It looks ike the disadvantage is that the jack is just set into the base plate, and not bolted to it like the Hi-Lift one. Might make a difference as far as the "tippy" factor goes.

Here's a link to a site where a guy made his own base plate:

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/minutemods/hilift_base/

Here's a link to a good article on how to use the Hi-Lift jack in different circumstances:

http://www.oly4x4.com/usinghilift.htm

I found out that my large base plate was not made by the Hi-Lift company, but is an aftermarker one. I think it may have been made by Tomken Machine. Here's a link to a similar steel, bolt-on base plate:

http://www.sor.com/sor/partpict.tam...6%20Hi%2DLift%20Jack%20%26%20Accessories

Have fun.