Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
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1997 Ford Expedition
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1997 Ford Expedition
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When you’re not towing, there’s no bulky hardware hanging off the front. The hidden bracket design keeps the front end looking clean, and the square drawbars come off easily by pulling two hitch pins. Once the drawbars are out, the remaining brackets are tucked inside the grille where they stay practically invisible and protected from scrapes and scuffs.
The base plate mounts directly to the frame with all-steel brackets that are computer-cut for a precise fit. This solid setup spreads towing forces evenly and holds strong through long trips. The black powder coat finish resists corrosion and keeps the steel protected mile after mile.
You don’t need to weld anything or chase down extra parts. The kit comes with instructions and mounting hardware for a straightforward bolt-on installation. Once in place, the connection points line up perfectly with compatible tow bars so you can hook up fast and get on the road with confidence.
This kit pairs with Roadmaster tow bars when used with the quick-disconnect crossbar (910021-00, sold separately). That connection system makes attaching or removing your tow bar quick and easy, keeping your setup simple whether you’re towing across town or across states.
Ratings & Reviews
After ordering the wrong crossbar, etrailer sent the correct one for our Mini Cooper quickly. However I did have to modify most of the holes as the cross bar didn’t quite fit (but close). I had to drill the three main bolt holes to 11/16 so that the bar would go over the Mini’s 3 main bumper bolts on both sides. The two lower bolt holes (each side), needed to be drilled out 3 sizes larger to accommodate the 4 bolts that come with the kit. I had to drill out the Minis lower holes to better align with the crossbars lower holes. I would also like to note it being a pain in the knuckles to reach one of the three (each side) bolts to put the stock nuts on the bolt and then try and get them tight. (The main bolt pattern for the upper bumper is diamond shape, one up tow bolts lower. (The lower “inside” bolt on each side is the one that is hard to get to and tighten.) Sorry I didn’t get picks, I was in a rush to get the car back together. There’s an angle piece on the cross bar that blocks the hard to reach bolt, it would be helpful if that could be made more accessible to reach.
Fit and finish is great, the illustration for what you trim on the bumper isn't great but otherwise pretty easy install (I ended up measuring between the mounts on the draw bar and just trimmed accordingly)
I’ve been purchasing products from ETrailer since 2005 and all the products I’ve purchased have been a great value. The products mentioned above installed perfectly and with the direct assistance from ETrailer everything fit as suggested. I will always interact with ETrailer as needs present themselves.
Overall the installation was great, however the process of drilling 3 - 1/2" holes in that little bumper that has a Rockwell Hardness of about 60, seems to be a bit over the top.The instructions are spot on, delivery was great, the quality of product was accurate. I am a happy boy!
Replaced same part that was damaged in a crash. I had used my original one for close to ten years without issue. Fast shipping from etrailer.
The Base plate kit is well made and came with all the necessary hardware.Installation is relatively straight forward. I did have to enlarge two of the holes that didn't quite line up. But overall I'd recommend it.
Bolted right up. Installation should be done with bumper on, as you can't fit the ends through the louvers without some convincing. Works great so far. Was able to use a Stowmaster 5000 with it.
Installation was a bit trying. Ended up looking very clean and almost invisible.
Using the tow bar worked super easy and our motorhome hardly noticed the Mini Cooper back there.
Came quickly and is very high quality. Great directions/video from road master makes the installation step by step easy to follow.
Skill level is probably at the intermediate level depending on experience.
The #118-3 is a perfect fit on my 1995 Geo Tracker. When you pull off the removable arms you would never know they are there. The Quality is very good easy to put on all you have to do is drill 4 holes the tube on the base plate fits into the tube on the frame of the tracker and with the 2 bolts it is a solid fit. I was worried about the plate nut getting it inside of the frame but it went in easy when you put it over the frame tube and use a thin piece of metal to slide it in place. I’m very happy with it. I probably could of got it on without taking my bumper off but with only 4 bolts holding my bumper on it made it easier
Very easy to install works perfectly
Good product and they fit well. Also e-z to put on just take your time and read the instruction.
I have NEVER had such good service..ordered it on Mon. del on Tues... Even my installer was amazed!!! Thanks again!!
40 yrs in the autobody trade helped .Plus all the tools I have. The hard part for the average person would be cutting the HSLA bumper reinforcement. I would put in your instructions to use a cutoff wheel as a saw blade won't cut it and heat is not to be used HSLA steel.
Great product. Been thousands of miles all over the country and hit has performed perfectly. It does hold water after rain, so be sure to empty the water out of the tubing to prevent rust.
The product arrived very fast and everything was there. I was very impressed on the product and also with etrailer. They made buying from them an easy experience and I will highly recommend them to all my friends. I would not hesitate to purchase from etrailer again.
Every part needed was thereI am definitely not worried about this base plate coming of the truck! It is always a little suprising on stuff like this when all the bolts and steel that are attached to the vehicle eventually pass the stress onto 1 or 2 bolts down the system. I guess overbuilding the base plate is cheaper than engineering a lighter and smaller one. The
It took two of us all day to put it on, but that was to be expected. As careful as we were, some holes didn't line up right, and we had to do some grinding to account for weld beads on the tow vehicle. I'd say that the tolerances were too tight, and un-necessarily so.
Overall the fitment issues were anticipated and we had the tools (large drills and metal grinder) to address them. The effort was worth it to save the $ on a self install. I can see why the RV shops charge so much to install, however.
I love the product! It looks and works great. The only problem I have is with the installation, otherwise I would definately give it an excellent. I did the install by myself, in my own garage, with what I consider, tools that almost every "handy" homeowner has. A set of wrenches (metric and sae), both socket and open/boxed end, screw drivers, hammer, jig saw, cordless drill, torque wrench, etc. The 2.5 hrs shown as installation time was at least doubled, mostly due to somewhat difficult to understand instructions/photos, and several very (and I mean very) close tolerances. I realize I have fairly large hands, but nothing unusual for someone 6 ft tall. I was going to take photos all along the way, but quickly realized it would push the installation into a second day. The finished product looks just like the pictures in the installation instructions. Mine even happen to match the color, so not much point in adding before and after photos. Overall, I say it is a great product that almost any moderatly handy person can install.
Thanks to Jake for making sure I had all the parts required for the installation of cross bar base plate for my tow vehicle behind my motorhome.
Product is well made, but didn't fit very well. I had to reem some holes and play with it a little bit to make it fit.
Base plate kit was fairly easy to install,all hardware was included and directions were clear! I would definitely buy another to install if ever needed. I do have a car lift making it easier,but would not be bad without,just a little harder on the knees!
Richard
5/28/2020
I have towed the vehicle on several long trips and I have had zero problems!
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Robert
11/1/2025
It was fairly easy to install and works great.