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Designed specifically for heavy-duty applications, direct-connect brackets install onto your Ford Escape's frame to provide attachment points for a motor-home-mounted tow bar. Front arms are easily removable when not in use.
Features:
Note: Direct-connect base plates will work only with the Roadmaster tow bars that slide into a trailer hitch, such as the Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, and Falcon 2. These base plates will not work with tow bars that require a hitch ball.
Direct-connect brackets do not require a crossbar because of the heavy-duty nature of your vehicle's frame. Thus, installation is simplified, the hookup process is faster, and the total appearance is enhanced.
Note: The EZ Hook safety cables included with Roadmaster's Sterling tow bars will not work with direct-connect base plates. These cables connect to an anchor plate on the Quick Disconnect crossbar, which will not be present when you are using these base plates.
The drawbars, or front arms, on the direct-connect base plate kit are simple to mount and remove, easily securing with pins. Once the drawbars have been removed, the remaining brackets are virtually invisible. On most automobiles, the brackets are mounted within the grille, where they remain not only unseen, but protected from scrapes and scuffs as well.
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (374 Customer Reviews)
Designed specifically for heavy-duty applications, direct-connect brackets install onto your vehicle's frame to provide attachment points for a motor-home-mounted tow bar. Front arms are easily removable when not in use.
Works great . The only problem was having to take the bumper off the Escape . But that’s not the Roadmaster’s fault . The installation was not hard and the instructions were great.
The Roadmaster 4414-3 fit my 2009 Escape well with only minor drilling. The most tedious part was enlarging a hole to put lock washers and nuts into a tubular structure to complete the anchor bolts. The finished installation with the help of a neighbor auto mechanic looks great as in the advertised pictures. The baseplate is very solid and an easy hook up with a Falcon All-Terrain tow bar set up. Shipping from etrailer was very fast with great prices an ongoing feed back on my order status.
Superb product, easy to understand instructions, good price.
Excellent service -- ordered online afternoon of July 13; shipped same day and arrived two days later. etrailer video was helpful in outlining steps for installation - especially fascia removal prior to actual install. Installation took about 3 1/2 hours which includes fascia/grill removal and reinstall. Did need to secure additional fender clips to reinstall fascia - many broke during removal as almost 20 years old -- available aftermarket from Dorman. Order arrived correct with all parts/no damage. Fit was excellent. Will order from etrailer again
I originally purchased a Blue Ox baseplate to install since I already had a tow bar. Upon removing the front grill, I was surprised to find the used Element I had purchased already had the front bumper caps removed and 2 braces installed. Thanks to the photos on etrailer reviews and product info, I was able to determine that the vehicle had previously had a roadmaster baseplate installed! I purchased this unit and it fit perfectly onto the already installed braces. Seems very solid and high-quality so far.
The coupling pin point end up being too low relative to the ground. . Therefore to remain within the required 3 inch horizontal limit for the tow bar, a 6 inch drop must be added to the towing vehicle. This creates a significant problem for a motor coach. On rises and falls of the road surface ( speed humps, etc.), the drop of 6 inches creates a rub condition between the drop hitch, safety cable, brake air lines and the road surface. If the adapters where engineered to be extended and the pin coupling points were raised 3-4 inches, the problem would be solved. It appears this designers considered aesthetics more than integrated functionality. Other than the fact that I must disconnect the tow vehicle, remove the tow bar and remove the drop hitch to traverse forward in situations and on many occasions , it is a functional base plate.
This whole system is great!!! Even being a female, it takes less than a minute to connect or disconnect, just a couple of small receivers stick out of the front of the car. And they are removeable when not towing. My brother even bought a set for his Class C. It is difficult to back up in the Class C, IT is ok as it is quick to disconnect, so no worries.
Easy install, remove factory tow hooks slide new brackets in, mark and drill 2 half inch holes for each bracket install and torque all bolts, simple install quality Roadmaster product with excellent workmanship.
I have it it over a year now and preforming flawlessly!Install went well. this so much easier than when I was using a tow dolly. flat towing is really the only way to go
I was shocked at how easy and precise fitting this base plate installed on a 19 year old 2005 Honda Element AWD with +180K miles! I didn't have to trim anything. I did have to use a smaller but same thickness washer on the inside passage side frame rail as the supplied washer was hitting a factory stop plate which I didn't wish to mess with.
it was delivered in a timely manner, I was able to do the complete installation by my self in my driveway. I love the ease of use, I can connect and disconnect in minutes. I would recommend it to anyone who is going to be towing a dingy!!
Received my order and it contained all parts required to install. Installation was a breeze because each part fit as it was suppose to per installtion instructions which were also very easy to understand. Will do more buisness with etrailer in the future!!
Another great product from etrailer. Arrived on time came with everything I needed. Had to trim a little more plastic trim than I expected but it’s all good. Took me about 3 hours including the wiring to the tail lights and breakaway switch for the brake buddy.
Easy installation and works as intended. Quick delivery. I’m very satisfied!
the base plate kit fit very well, I had to do a little bit of grinding but after that it all bolted up well and fits great
The tow bar worked exactly as expected - Excellent! I towed my Jeep behind my motor home from Tennessee to Maine without any problems! Can't wait to use it again!
Very good fit. Easy to install. Directions were fairly easy to follow. Will be towing behind our Winnebago Journey. This is my 3rd baseplate from trailer. Great company and customer service.
The base plate was some what easy to install if you can get your arm to bend in odd directions to each bolts needed. That is just a hummer thing. What would be nice is a template for cutting the skid plate to allow the brackets to fit.
Perfect fit for my 2008 Honda Element SC Automatic! There were questions of whether this model was flat towable or not? After researching the heck out of it, I took the chance and I use the Honda 2005 flat tow instructions from the owners manual of that year (there were no engine or tranny changes from 2005 to 2008 that I could see). Perfect! I've now towed my Element over 500 miles without issue. This baseplate and instructions are great. I already had the Roadmaster Falcon 2 tow bar. I use the invsibrake system for the toad brake and love that also.
Bar fit just as advertised a hydraulic floorJack is a necessity of doing the job by yourself all bolt holes lined up perfectly. About an hour and a half start to finish.
Excellent product. Easy to install on my 2005 Honda Element. Didn't have to cut anything on the frame or the grill fascia. Went with the Roadmaster over the Blue Ox because it is a less conspicuous baseplate and it wasn't necessary to alter any of the frame/metal on the car. I have a Blue Ox tow bar so I also had to have an adapter kit to hook the two together. Etrailer.com was very helpful getting me the correct parts I needed. Their customer service is A+++.
I have attached 'before' and 'after' pictures (I think). I cut the electrical mount and a few tabs off of the baseplate to give it a cleaner look. I will hide the wires behind the grill and bring them out when in use. Also purchased a few plastic caps to cover tubes.
The parts are correct but didn’t come in the oem packaging that uses styrofoam padding. They clanked around in the etrailer box and the powder is scratched up pretty bad.
Knowing how Roadmaster takes pride in their packaging to receiving them in this condition is pretty disappointing. There was not even paper wrapping them up. The cardboard box is in perfect shape.
I was able to install this with the included instructions and video. I thank the company for checking on me one year after I purchased it. I would definitely shop at e-trailer again!
The baseplate went on with relative ease; However, I had to do some modifications accommodate the brush guard. The instructions stated that I needed to remove the brush guard. I was able to work around that, and fixed it so that I could leave the tow bar mounted when arriving at my location. I pull my Suburban behind a diesel pusher motorhome. It Pulls much easier that I thought it would. I don't advise anyone to try this unless they have access to a machine shop, and are ready to drill some holes. It has been in place for over a year and still works good.
I installed the Roadmaster base plate kit myself on my 2008 Jeep Wrangler. I have never installed one and I have basic mechanical skills. I have basic tools, but I did have to purchase a set of crow foot wrenches to reach one nut. It took some time for me to install it, but the instructions were easy to follow step by step. The kit appears to be built very strong. May be priced high for what it is, but what isn't anymore.
As far as etrailer goes, customer service was great. Quinn was informative and seemed to know the product. He followed up with me after the sale. I found a lower price after I ordered and the folks at etrailer gave me a credit on my credit card almost immediately when they verified the lower price. I can highly recommend them and I will always consider them in the future.
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Front H.
2/10/2018
Working as advertised, great product