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  1. Tow Bar Base Plate
  2. Roadmaster
  3. Removable Draw Bars
  4. Hitch Pin Attachment
  5. Partially Hidden
THIS ITEM IS NOT A FIT FOR
2015 Ford Edge
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Roadmaster

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: 435-3
In Stock
$575.00
Retail:$632.50
You Save: $57.50
Tow Bar Base Plate
Not Confirmed to Fit

2015 Ford Edge

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The crossbar-style hidden brackets attach to your vehicle's frame to provide attachment points for your tow bar. The visible portions of the brackets can be removed when you are not towing. Great Prices for the best tow bar base plate from Roadmaster. Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms part number 435-3 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate - 435-3

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Ready for Flat Towing: Attaches to your vehicle’s frame to create solid, secure tow points.
  • Blends In When Not Towing: Removable drawbars leave hidden brackets for a clean front end.
  • Built to Last: Computer-cut, all-steel construction with black powder coat resists corrosion.
  • Easy to Use: Square drawbars mount and remove quickly with two hitch pins.
  • No Welding Needed: Custom base plates bolt directly on for a straightforward installation.
Made in USA

Features to know about

Made for a Clean Front End: Hidden Brackets with Removable Arms

If you prefer a clean, factory look when your ride isn’t hooked up, this setup keeps things tidy. The hidden bracket design leaves the front end looking uncluttered once the removable square drawbars are pulled. Each arm slides out easily by releasing two hitch pins, leaving behind brackets that sit tucked inside the grille—protected from scrapes and out of sight until you’re ready to tow again.

Built to Handle Long Miles: All-Steel Construction with Powder Coat Finish

When you’re logging serious miles, you want gear that’s built to last. This kit uses computer-cut, all-steel construction for dependable strength and a black powder coat finish that stands up to corrosion over time. The solid build helps carry towing forces evenly through the frame so you can trust it through long hauls or repeated trips without worry.

Quick Connections Every Time: Hitch Pin Attachment for Easy Hook-Up

Connecting or disconnecting doesn’t take much effort here. The crossbar-style arms secure with simple hitch pins, making it straightforward to line up and lock into place. Whether you’re setting up in your driveway or at a campsite, it’s an easy process that gets you ready to tow without hassle or extra tools.

Straightforward Install: Bolt-On Fit with No Welding Required

If you like doing things yourself, this one’s approachable. The kit includes clear instructions and mounting hardware, and it bolts directly to the frame—no welding needed. Each base plate is custom-fit for the specific application, so alignment feels intuitive, and once everything’s tightened down, you’ve got a solid, reliable foundation ready for your tow bar connection.

Keep Using Your Current Setup: Works with Roadmaster Tow Bars via Crossbar

If you already have a Roadmaster tow bar setup, this base plate ties in seamlessly with the quick-disconnect crossbar (910021-00, sold separately). That means there’s no need to overhaul your existing gear—you can keep towing with what you already trust while adding a clean-looking front end and an easy connect system designed for repeat use.

Specs

Construction and Design

  • Bracket Style: Crossbar-style hidden brackets attach to vehicle's frame
  • Visible Portions: Removable when not towing
  • Drawbars: Removable via 2 pins
  • Construction Material: Computer-cut, all-steel construction
  • Finish: Black powder coat finish – durable and corrosion resistant
  • Bracket Appearance: Improved aesthetics compared with standard brackets
  • Installation Type: Simple installation – no welding required
  • Fit: Custom base plates ensure a perfect fit for your vehicle
  • Compatibility: Compatible with Roadmaster tow bars with use of quick-disconnect crossbar (910021-00 - sold separately)
  • Mounting Hardware: Instructions and mounting hardware included
  • Origin: Made in the USA
  • Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Features

  • Hidden Bracket Design: Drawbars are easily removable via 2 pins
  • Aesthetic Advantage: Improved aesthetics compared with standard brackets
  • Strength: Exceptional strength due to all-steel construction
  • Protection: Brackets are mounted within the grille, where they remain unseen and protected from scrapes and scuffs when drawbars are removed

Note

The square drawbars, or front arms, on the crossbar-style base plate kit are simple to mount and remove, easily securing with hitch pins. Once the drawbars have been removed, the remaining brackets are virtually invisible.

435-3 Road Master XL Base Plate Kit

Installation Details 435-3 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.8

2197 reviews
5 Stars
(1855)
4 Stars
(258)
3 Stars
(47)
2 Stars
(12)
1 Star
(25)
Review sort icon
The crossbar-style hidden brackets attach to your vehicle's frame to provide attachment points for your tow bar. The visible portions of the brackets can be removed when you are not towing.

by:

I’m very handy with tools so drilling the four holes required was a simple task. Everything fit as advertised and the quality was on point. Since I already owned a roadmaster tow bar this kit was a no brainer. My vehicle is 2017 Silverado so it was slightly different teardown of the front end. Thankfully i found a u tube video



by:

The installation took me about 7 hours, the facia removal was tedious , between the installation videos and instructions, I performed the task. This bar has one con, the pull rings on the removal bars are flimsy , my first pull stretched one out. I’m sure trailer has a fix for this under warranty, I hope.



by:

Etrailer was very easy to do business with and made it simple to ship my order directly to the RV shop that was going to install it. This was my first order from them, but I will definitely consider future purchases from them if I'm in need of something for my RV.



by:

The representative (Sarah) was very helpful and knowledgeable, the prices are very reasonable and all my items arrived on time. When I called with a question, she was very polite, friendly and genuinely sounded like she enjoyed her job. When I discovered one of the items I ordered wasn’t needed, getting help to return was hassle free. I would recommend etrailer to anyone that needs anything RV or trailer related. I will definitely do business with them again. I am impressed.



by:

We towed our 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 3000 miles last year, this is an ideal setup, discreet when not in use, solid, and easy to get on/off. Very please with the support I received from Roadmaster as one of the bolt was missing, was sent super quickly.



by:

Not an easy install on a Trax but it is very well made and gives a clean look. I did customize by cutting down the 6 pin bracket supports to get it flush with front of the car.



by:

Awesome delivery speed, and a well made base plate for my 2007 Element. Installation was a breeze (thanks to my son’s heated shop) and I had to do no cutting to make this fit. I had a Stowmaster tow bar that came with my RV and etrailer was able to steer me to the correct missing parts to make this a really affordable installation. Now to get out of this snow!



by:

Purchased for a 1997 Subaru Impreza. Delivery was amazingly fast! I didn't have it installed until a few months later, as my travel plans had stalled. It didn't quite bolt right on, but was close, and a friend had to modify it some to make it work. I still hear a grating noise when I turn too sharp on one side, but otherwise it's fine.
The front connection plates didn't line up with the holes, so had to have those modified, as well, in order to line up and attach to the tow bar. Once the new holes were drilled, I was able to hook up and go.
It's relatively easy to connect after finding a way to do it alone.
I've towed from CO to TX and all over TX with it with no problems.



by:

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.



by:

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.



by:

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.



by:

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.



by:

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.



by:

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.



by:

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.



by:

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



by:

fast and great quality



by:

Great product well made real quick deli very



by:

Worked great!



by:

The product was just as described and fit fine. I would order from etrailer again.



by:

Fit my ranger perfectly and I was able to install it by myself in about three hours. I'm setting this ranger up to tow. This was the most difficult part of the project and it was not to bad at all! I'll be headed out as soon as this covid is corralled.



by:

Well made ,and easy to install.

Jon profile picture

Jon

10/29/2020

Still working excellent!!!



by:

Recieved today. The box was not packed very well. Holes threw the side and bottom and taped by UPS? I will check tonight about the contents. Looks like every thing is there. If not I will call you on tuesday with the results.

Thanks Mike Hicks



by:

Great product great peopele, thanks etr ailer



by:

The baseplate and crossbar arrived one day earlier than expected. Directions were included which made the installation pretty easy.
I am happy with etrailers products and will buy from them again.


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See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate

  • Can 1997 Ford Ranger with Manual Transmission be Flat Towed with 4 Wheels on the Ground
    I did some checking and yes, your 1997 Ford Ranger with a manual transmission is flat-towable without having to remove or disconnect the drive shaft. You'd want the base plate kit part # 435-3. In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. The most popular compatible tow bar is the Falcon All Terrain, # RM-522. This has non-binding arms which makes the setup very easy to connect/disconnect....
    view full answer...
  • Flat Towing a 1997 Ford Ranger
    The only way Roadmaster recommends flat towing your 1997 Ranger with a tow bar is to install a base plate like # 435-3 to the frame of your 1997 Ford Ranger. They do not recommend bolting anything directly to the vehicle bumper. Before attempting to flat tow the vehicle, check with Ford or your owners manual for the proper flat towing procedure. Some vehicles will need modification such as driveline disconnects, lube pumps or free wheeling hubs in order to be safely flat towed. In addition...
    view full answer...
  • What Parts Are Needed To Tow A 1994 Ford Ranger Behind A Winnebago Motorhome
    To flat tow your 1994 Ford Ranger you will need the tow bar, base plates, safety cables, and the wiring for lights. The Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar # RM-520 is an excellent choice to tow your 1994 Ford Ranger. It is a non-binding tow bar which means the towed vehicle can be disconnected with a switch even when the vehicle is at a hard angle or not level with the tow bar. I am sending a video link to a review on the Falcon 2. The base plates you will need are the Roadmaster XL Base Plate...
    view full answer...
  • Can a 2WD Automatic 1997 Ford Ranger be Flat Recreational Towed and What Parts are Needed
    I was able to find an online version of the owner's manual for your 1997 Ford Ranger and on page 244 it looks like you can flat (recreational) tow your vehicle but you will need to disconnect the driveshaft at the rear differential and properly support it under the vehicle otherwise you can only travel 50 miles at a max speed of 35 mph. I recommend checking your owner's manual to verify this and for any other specific flat towing instructions. For a complete flat towing setup you will...
    view full answer...
  • Is Drive Shaft Disconnect Needed to Flat Tow a 1996 Ford Ranger
    I took a look at the online owner's manual for a 1996 Ford Ranger and it looks like the 2WD manual can be flat towed, you just need to release the parking brake and place the transmission gearshift into the neutral position prior to towing. You won't need to disconnect the drive shaft. For a complete flat towing setup you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter. I recommend the following: Crossbar-Style...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Parts To Flat Tow 1996 Ford Ranger 4x4 Pickup
    You'll need base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, a wiring solution, a supplemental braking system and possibly a high/low adapter. For base plates, use # 435-3 which fits all but Splash models. For a tow bar, use the Roadmater Falcon 2, part # RM-520. The Falcon 2 is self aligning, which means the Ranger won't need to be perfectly lined up behind the tow vehicle in order to hook up. For safety cables, the # RM-643 work well. To operate the taillights while the vehicles's being flat towed,...
    view full answer...
  • Are There Pictures Available of Roadmaster Base Plate # 435-1 on Ford Ranger
    The Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate # 435-1 that you referenced is confirmed to fit your 1994 Ford Ranger, however we don't have any pictures available it installed on this specific truck. I have attached a couple images of the very similar Roadmaster # 435-3 installed on a similar model year Ranger that you can take a look at. This will give you a really good idea of how they will look on your truck. The only real difference between the two kits is that the arms on the # 453-3 can...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for Image 2 for
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 1996 Ford Ranger with a Blue Ox RangeFinder II Tow Bar
    Yes, the Blue Ox Rangefinder II to Roadmaster Bracket Adapter # RM-037 that you referenced would with your Blue Ox Rangefinder II tow bar part number BX4322 as long as you install a Roadmaster base plate kit on your 1996 Ford like part # 435-3. There are a few other flat towing products you may also be interested in as well. For lighting you may be interested in the Diode Tow Bar Wiring Kit Part # # RM-154. This kit will allow your motorhome to activate the taillights of your Ranger while...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 1997 Ford Ranger with a Reese Tow Bar
    A 2005 Ford Ranger and a 1997 Ford Ranger are different enough that you would not be able to use base plates from one on the other. You would need to get a new set for your 97, the Roadmaster XL Base Plate kit part # 435-3 would be an excellent choice. Now to get these base plates to work work with your Reese tow bar # 63180 you would need the Roadmaster Base Plate to Tow Ready Tow Bar Adapter # RM-025. For a lighting solution I would recommend the Hopkins Magnetic Tow Lights # C6304....
    view full answer...
  • Base Plate Recommendation For Flat Towing A 2002 Ford Ranger XLT
    I spoke with my contact at Roadmaster about your 2002 Ford Ranger. They told me that the Roadmaster part # 477-1 is not a fit for the 2002 Ford Ranger. They said the only base plates they have that are designed to work with a 2002 Ranger is part # 483-1 if it is not the STX model or if the truck has the RockGuard installed. These base plates will work for all other models of the Ranger for that year. I have attached a few helpful articles about flat-towing you can check out. When...
    view full answer...
  • Base Plate Availability for a 1996 Ford Ranger Splash 5-Speed
    I believe I have a solution for you, but I checked with Roadmaster and they cannot confirm a base plate fit for your 1996 Ford Ranger Splash because they have only had a chance to fit the the Splash models from 93-94. I checked with Blue Ox and they confirmed that their base plate kit part # BX2117 would work on your 96 Splash Ranger. A popular tow bar with Ranger owners is the Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar # BX7380. This is a non-binding tow bar that will be much easier to use than most. This...
    view full answer...
  • Can Roadmaster Tow Bar Tow 1997 Ford Ranger with Roadmaster Base Plate Kit # 435-3
    If you have a Roadmaster tow bar currently it would work well with a Roadmaster base plate kit installed on your 1997 Ford Ranger # 435-3. Sounds like you are looking for the Roadmaster quick disconnects like part # RM-201.
    view full answer...
  • Roadmaster Tow Plates for 1996 Ford Ranger
    Roadmaster offers the XL Base Plate Kit, # 435-3, for your 1996 Ford Ranger. In addition to the base plates, you will also need a tow bar, safety cables, a lighting solution and in most states, a supplemental braking system. I am including a few recommendations for you. Roadmaster Tracker Tow Bar, # RM-020, has a 5,000 pound capacity and connects to any 2 inch ball. Roadmaster Coiled Safety Cables, # RM-643, provide the extra security required in your tow system. Optronics Magnetic...
    view full answer...
  • Will the Roadmaster Guardian Work on a 1993 Ford Ranger Being Flat Towed
    Yes, the Roadmaster Guardian part # RM-4000 that you referenced has been confirmed as a fit for all Roadmaster base plate kits except for MX and MS kits. The only base plate kits that are available for your 1993 Ford Ranger are Classic and XL kits which are both compatible with the Guardian.
    view full answer...
  • 1996 For Ranger Flare Side Short Bed Flat Towing Equipment
    For your 1996 Ford Ranger Flare Side Short Bed I recommend the following flat towing items: Baseplate: Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms Item # 435-3 which is a confirmed fit for your Ford Ranger. Tow Bar: Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar Item # RM-520 which offers a 6,000lbs weight capacity so you can load your truck bed up as well and will match perfectly with # 435-3 baseplates for an easy install. Wiring for Lights: Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit...
    view full answer...
  • Will Base Plate Kit from 1996 Ford Ranger Fit a 2001 Ford Ranger
    The base plate kit you purchased for your 1996 Ford Ranger is part # 435-3 which fits up through 1997. It looks like there was a generation change with the Ranger for the 1998 model year. So, unfortunately, the kit you have will not fit on your 2001. For your newer truck the Roadmaster kits we have are part # 483-1 for the XL and XLT or part # 477-1 for the Edge. Either kit works with whatever tow bar you were using to tow the 1996 truck because they have the same type of connections.
    view full answer...
  • Availability of Base Plates to Flat Tow a 1996 Ford Ranger 2 Wheel Drive
    The Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit, part # 435-3, will fit your 1996 Ford Ranger as long as you do not have running lights on the front. These XL brackets are compatible with all Roadmaster tow bars. It sounds like you have quick-disconnects on your current tow bar that can be used with these removable XL base plates. If not, I have the Roadmaster Tow Bar Quick Disconnect Kit, part # RM-201, that will allow you to easily remove the tow bar from your vehicle. You will also need safety cables....
    view full answer...
  • Base Plates and Tow Bar Compatible with a 2003 Ford Ranger
    We do have two possible options for a 2003 Ford Ranger. First are base plates # 483-1, which will fit the XL and XLT models. Second is # 477-1 which will fit the Edge model with a tow hook. The base plates for a 1997 Ford Ranger, # 435-3, will not fit on a 2003 Ford Ranger. If you need a tow bar, I recommend the RoadMaster Tracker Tow Bar, # RM-020. With this tow bar, to make the XL extensions removable, you would also need Roadmaster Tow Bar Quick Disconnect Kit, # RM-201.
    view full answer...
  • Compatibility of StowMaster Tow Bar RM-501 with Roadmaster Base Plates 435-3
    The base plate fits we have for your 1997 Ford Ranger are shown on the linked page and these include the Roadmaster kit # 435-3. These base plates are compatible with the StowMaster Tow Bar # RM-501. You may care to refer to the linked article that covers the essentials of flat towing.
    view full answer...
  • Parts Included with Roadmaster # 435-3 Base Plate Kit
    The # 435-3 includes the frame mounted receiver brackets, the removable draw bars and all necessary installation hardware. Roadmaster typically sells the draw bars and hardware kits as replacement parts, but the frame brackets are not separately available. To get the frame brackets, you would need to purchase the entire kit. I have linked you to some FAQ articles with more information about flat towing.
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Wiring, Base Plates, Tow Bar and Accessories Needed to Flat Tow a 1997 Ford Ranger
    To flat tow your 1997 Ford Ranger behind a motor home, you will need a special wiring set up. A regular wiring harness will not work. There are a couple of options for you. First, if you will not be towing the truck very often, I recommend using a magnetic light kit like # RM-2120. If you will be towing the truck frequently, I recommend a diode kit, # RM-154. I have included a link to a video that shows a typical installation of this kit for you. Installation of a magnetic kit is simple...
    view full answer...

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Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Michael H
Expert Research:
Michael H
Employee Jeff D
Expert Research:
Jeff D
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Jeffrey L
Expert Research:
Jeffrey L
Employee Lindsey S
Written by:
Lindsey S
Employee Adele M
Updated by:
Adele M
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Mike S
Updated by:
Mike S
Employee Isabelle B
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