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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
2008 BMW M3
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Roadmaster

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: 477-1
In Stock
$575.00
Retail:$632.50
You Save: $57.50
Tow Bar Base Plate
Not Confirmed to Fit

2008 BMW M3

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etrailer Installation
We'll connect you with nearby partnered installers who know this exact setup.
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 477-1 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 - 477-1

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Ready for Flat Towing: Hidden brackets attach to the frame to create solid tow bar connection points.
  • Blends In When Not Towing: Removable drawbars leave brackets nearly invisible for a factory-style look.
  • Built to Last: Computer-cut, all-steel construction with black powder coat resists corrosion and wear.
  • Easy to Remove or Attach: Square drawbars secure with two hitch pins for quick setup or removal.
  • Simple, No-Weld Install: Bolts directly to the frame using included hardware and clear instructions.
Made in USA

Features to know about

Built for a Clean Front End: Hidden Brackets with Removable Drawbars

If you like keeping your rig looking stock when you’re not towing, this setup does it right. The crossbar-style hidden brackets mount directly to the frame, and the square drawbars remove easily by pulling two hitch pins. When the front arms are off, the remaining brackets are nearly invisible and sit inside the grille where they stay out of sight and protected from scrapes.

Simple, No-Weld Mounting: Bolt-On Strength with Custom Fit

The base plates bolt straight to the frame—no welding needed. Each bracket is computer-cut from all-steel and finished in a black powder coat that stands up to corrosion. Because the kit is custom designed for each vehicle application, alignment is spot on and the included hardware and instructions make installation straightforward for a DIY project or shop install.

Connect and Go: Quick-Disconnect Crossbar Compatibility

Hookups are smooth with the Roadmaster quick-disconnect crossbar (910021-00, sold separately). The design uses hitch pins to lock everything in place, so attaching or removing your tow bar takes just a minute. The same crossbar also gives you the option to mount accessories like EZ Hook safety cable anchors or other add-ons that bolt right to it.

Ready for Long Hauls: Durable All-Steel Construction

This setup is built to handle serious miles without flex or fatigue. The heavy steel construction spreads towing forces evenly through the frame for reliable performance across long trips. It’s a solid piece of gear that you can count on each time you hit the road with your flat-towed setup.

Specs

Features

  • Hidden bracket design: drawbars are easily removable via 2 pins
  • Improved aesthetics: compared with standard brackets
  • Computer-cut, all-steel construction: provides exceptional strength
  • Black powder coat finish: is durable and corrosion resistant
  • Simple installation: no welding required
  • 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)
  • Included components: Instructions and mounting hardware included
  • Origin: Made in the USA
  • Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Design

  • Style: Crossbar-style hidden brackets
  • Visible portions: Removable when not towing
  • Drawbars: Square drawbars/front arms, mount and remove easily, secure with hitch pins
  • Bracket visibility: Virtually invisible when drawbars are removed; brackets typically mounted within the grille for protection and concealment

Note

  • Fishwires (C58400 - sold separately): are required for complete installation.

477-1 Road Master XL Base Plate Kit

Installation Details 477-1 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Ratings & Reviews

4.8

2205 reviews
5 Stars
(1859)
4 Stars
(260)
3 Stars
(48)
2 Stars
(13)
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:

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:

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!



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:



by:

Great service. Always ready to help with your order and answer
questions.
Will use again.



by:

Looks massive, and somewhat complex to install. Will provide feedback, once I've got it installed.



by:

product just arrived , prompt so thats excellent. sure would be nice if it had a decent set of intructions with it. sure is solid and sturdy construction so well done for that . i tried to get intructions (pdf file) but nothing popped up.



by:

Installation was more difficult than I thought it would be. I decided to have it professionally installed.



by:

I haven't seen the product yet as I am out of town but the people at etrailer have been really great. Prompt,helping to get us the product safely abd saving us money.



by:

Perfect fitment, quick shipping as always.



by:

When you replace the bumper it does hit the brackets on both sides. So maybe they could improve that. Everything else works fine.



by:

Overall the customer service from etrailer has been exceptional. Quick phone response, knowledgeable staff, and website full of videos and information. The Base Plate instructions were pretty easy to follow and all parts were included.



by:

The Roadmaster baseplate seems to be well made. I did have problems with 4 of the bolt holes for the bumper not matching up. Had to take a file to the bumper holes to widen them a little. Overall I'm not displeased. I did end up with my tab height gaining an extra inch over the Blue Ox baseplate so that was a plus since the pintle hitches I connect too are about 30 inches off the ground. Overall I'm pleased. It remains to be seen how well the unit will hold up to 50,000 miles a year of towing.



by:

Very impressed with how complete the kit was and the detailed instructions although a few detailed photos or diagrams to go along with the instructions would have helped. Everything looks very well made and good quality hardware (could have included the loctite that they recommend using though).
Only problem I had is that 4 of the bolt holes needed to be enlarged due to variations in the vehicle frame. They could have made the holes a little larger since you use large area washers or plates on almost every hole.
Structurally it seems like a little overkill but I have no worries that it will hold up well.
Would have given 5 stars if I didnt have to grind the holes egg shaped.

Jim profile picture

Jim

10/25/2020

Still working great - no problems



by:

I installed the base plate my self with out a lift. It didn't require any special tools. As the instructions said I had to enlarge the frame slots to get the bumper to go back on. Over all I'm pleased with the fit and look of the unit

Tom K. profile picture

Tom K.

8/23/2019

The product is working very well. I have had to make a few very hard stops at highway speed and after inspection everything is in great shape



by:

No problem installing.

Alan profile picture

Alan

1/17/2022

No problems, works great



by:

Installed on a 2010 Ford Ranger Sport 2wd
Have
towed over 10000 and not one issue. I did the install without one issue, picture perfect, I did use a online video to get a general idea of install otherwise I primarily used manufacturer's. . Be sure to use the recommended/ required locktite product.
Enjoy!!!

David C. profile picture

David C.

4/12/2020

Product is still in A1 condition! Because I used the Locktite during install not one nut has come loose in over 8000 miles.


25
25

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

  • Can a 2011 Ford Ranger be Flat Towed and Parts Needed to do so
    I took a look at the online version of the owner's manual for your 2011 Ford Ranger and it looks like on page 149 that you can flat tow it if you have a manual transmission. If you have a 4WD with the automatic transmission then you can purchase an accessory from your local Ford dealer. If you have a 2WD automatic then you need to tow it with all 4 wheels off of the ground. Be sure to verify this and any specific instructions on flat towing in your copy of the owner's manual. For a 4WD...
    view full answer...
  • How to Install the Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit Part # 477-1 on a 2004 Ford Ranger Edge
    The Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit part # 477-1 is indeed a confirmed fit for your 2004 Ford Ranger Edge. I looked up some photos online and compared them to the install instructions for the this kit. From my understanding, the base plate kit brackets sandwich the bumper support and use pre drilled holes like the ones that are present for your tow hooks once they have been removed. Now, I understand you are a bit skeptical about fitment but the majority of the holes will not be revealed...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed To Flat-Tow 2001 Ford Ranger
    In order to safely flat-tow your 2001 Ford Ranger you will need 5 items. You will need base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, lights for the towed vehicle and most states now require a supplemental braking system. If your Ranger is an Edge with the tow hook, I recommend part # 477-1. These base plates have drawbars that can be removed when not towing making the remaining hardware almost invisible. If your Ranger is an XL or XLT, then the base plates I recommend is part # 483-1. The...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2006 Ford Ranger Behind a Motor Home
    If your 2006 Ford Ranger is an XL or XLT then use # 483-1 for base plates. Use # 477-1 if it's a Sport model or # 477-5 for the STX. All of these sets are compatible with the Blackhawk 2 tow bar # RM-422 The tow bar is rated for 10,000 pounds. You will also need safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. For safety cables use # BX88196, rated for 7,500 pounds. For lighting you can use a simple magnetic light kit # TLL21RK. Most states now require a supplemental braking system...
    view full answer...
  • Can 2001 Ford Ranger 2x4 Be Flat Towed
    You can flat tow your 2001 Ford Ranger 4x4 as long as you have the manual transmission. If you have the automatic transmission you will be limited to 50 miles/35 mph unless you disconnect the driveshaft. Make sure to verify this information by checking your owner's manual. To safely flat tow your truck you will need a tow bar, base plates, safety cables, wiring, and a supplemental braking system. I recommend the following: -Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit # 483-1 (Fits XL and...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2011 Ford Ranger with Manual Transmission
    Yes, I did some checking and your 2011 Ford Ranger with a manual transmission can be flat towed as-is. You'll need to check the owners manual though for the correct procedures on this. You should be able to just put it in neutral though. For a base plate kit you'll want the part # 477-1 for if you have a 4WD or Sport 2WD. Then if you have an XL or XLT 2 wheel drive you'll want the part # 477-5. In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting,...
    view full answer...
  • Flat Tow the 2002 4x4 Ford Ranger Edge
    Yes, you should be able to flat tow a 2002 Ford Ranger 4x4 with automatic transmission but as always, we suggest you reference your vehicle specific owners manual to ensure. Sometimes there may be a limitation to the maximum distance you can safely flat-tow. I do think you will be okay with the Ford Ranger 4x4 though, I think in neutral the transfer case will still oil components as needed. Again though, please check your specific vehicle manual against what trim package you have that...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Flat Towing Set Up for a 2010 Ford Ranger
    I would be happy to help you. In order to flat tow your 2010 Ford Ranger behind your 2013 Coachman Encounter you are going to need a high low adapter, tow bar and safety cables, base plate kit, wiring harness, and a supplemental braking system. The braking system is required by law in most states and Canada no matter how big your motorhome is. Tow Bar - The most popular compatible tow bar is the Roadmaster Falcon 2 item # RM-520. For safety cables you can use item # RM-643. The coiled...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Flat Towing Parts for a 2010 Ford Ranger 4WD
    It is absolutely possible and I'd be happy to help. In order to flat tow your 2010 Ford Ranger 4WD behind your 2013 Coachman Encounter you are going to need a high low adapter, tow bar and safety cables, base plate kit, wiring harness, and a supplemental braking system. The braking system is required by law in most states and Canada no matter how big your motorhome is. To flat tow your 2010 Ford Ranger 4WD you will need the following parts: Tow Bar and Safety Chains - Roadmaster Falcon...
    view full answer...
  • Baseplate for 2010 Ford Ranger 4x4 Sport Package with Skid Plate
    The Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms, # 477-1, is a confirmed fit for the 2010 Ford Ranger 4 Wheel Drive Sport showing no exceptions listed. If you need a two bar, I suggest the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar, Motorhome Mount, # RM-522. Unless you want a coupler type mount, then the Roadmaster Stowmaster Tow Bar part # RM-501. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground. For lighting you...
    view full answer...
  • 2004 Ford Ranger Step-Side Pickup 2 wheel Drive Base Plate Fitment
    The base plate that will fit your 2004 Ford Ranger step side 2 wheel drive extended cab truck is the Roadmaster Tow Bars for the Ford Ranger, part # 483-1, I have linked the page below. Along with the base plate you may also need the following: Tow Bar # RM-020 or # RM520 Tow Bar Wiring # RM-154, # RM-155 or #RM-2120 Safety Chains # RM-645 or # RM-643 There are also various accessories available for Tow Bars, which I have linked below. If your 2004 Ford Ranger is the Edge...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2010 Ford Ranger 4 Wheel Drive
    For a base plate kit for your 2010 Ford Ranger you would want the Roadmaster XL Kit part # 477-1. This would work well with your Roadmaster Stowmaster Tow Bar part # RM-501. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground. For lighting you can use the bulb and socket kit, # RM-155, and not have to worry about cutting and splicing into the vehicle wiring. And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Base Plates for 2003 Ford Ranger with Roadmaster Tracker Tow Bar
    ***emailed customer for year of Ranger 5-23
    view full answer...
  • Front Mount Trailer Hitch and Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2008 Ford Ranger 2-Wheel Drive
    Curt front mount hitch # C31063 will fit 2-wheel drive models of the 2008 Ford Ranger unless manufactured in a Canadian assembly plant. A front mount trailer hitch does not replace the need for base plates to flat tow a vehicle. Flat towing requires 2 attachment points on the vehicle, not a single one like a hitch would offer. For base plates, if you have a Sport model use # 477-1. For an XL or XLT 2-wheel drive, use # 477-5. For a compatible tow bar you can use any Roadmaster tow bar,...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed To Flat-Tow a 2008 Ford Ranger Sport
    In order to flat-tow a 2008 Ford Ranger Sport you'll need a tow bar, base plates, safety cables, braking system, and wiring. I have attached for you below my recommendation on each of these components. Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit part # 477-1 Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar part # RM-522 RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables part # RM-643 Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Supplemental Braking System part # RM-9400 Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring...
    view full answer...
  • Roadmaster EZ Hook Safety Cable Anchors Compatible With Roadmaster XL Base Plates
    Yes, even with the Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit # 477-1, which are the XL model, you will be able to use the Roadmaster EZ Hook Safety Cable Anchors # RM-910653, or with the cables it is the Roadmaster EZ Hook Safety Cables with Anchors - 64" Long # RM-655. That said, it isn't the base plates the EZ hook anchors are compatible with, it is the quick-disconnect crossbar they will connect to, the Replacement Quick Disconnect Crossbar Assembly for Roadmaster Motorhome Mounted Tow...
    view full answer...
  • Correct Roadmaster Base Plate Kit for 2010 Ford Ranger Sport
    The correct Roadmaster Base Plate Kit for your 2010 Ford Ranger Sport is the part # 477-1. This is specifically designed for your Sport model Ranger and will work perfectly. The Roadmaster # 483-1 that you referenced is for earlier model Ford Rangers (1986-2006) so it won't fit your 2010 model truck.
    view full answer...
  • Tow Bars Directly Compatible with Roadmaster Base Plates #477-1
    The Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # 477-1 will work with the following tow bars: Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - 6,000 lbs # RM-520 Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar - 2" Ball - 6,000 lbs # RM-501 Roadmaster Tracker Tow Bar - 2" Ball - 5,000 lbs # RM-020 Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar - 6,000 lbs # RM-522 The Quick Disconnects found on many of these tow bars allow easy hook up for one person and gives you an additional crossbar to add stability. I've attached...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2010 Ford Ranger
    For supplemental braking for your 2010 Ford Ranger with a tow vehicle with power assist hydraulic brakes you would want the part # RM-9060 which has been confirmed as a fit by Roadmaster. The recommended seat adapter is part # RM-88151 so that you wouldn't have to make your own adapter. For a magnetic set of lights to attach to the rear of your Ranger you could use the Hopkins part # C6304. You will also need a base plate kit, tow bar and safety cables. For a base plate you would want...
    view full answer...
  • Which Roadmaster Base Plate Kit and Tow Bar for 2007 Ford Ranger Sport 2WD
    Yes the Roadmaster base plate kit part # 477-1 is a fit for your 2007 Ford Ranger Sport 2WD. Then for a tow bar the Roadmaster Falcon 2 part # RM-522 is much easier to use than the Stowmaster # RM-501. The Falcon attaches directly to a hitch instead of to a ball mount and has an arm design that easier to connect and disconnect from. For lighting/safety cables, locks, and covers for the tow bar we have the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain kit part # RM-9243-1 which comes with all of that as...
    view full answer...
  • Base Plate Kit Recommendation for 2010 Ford Ranger 4WD
    The removable arms of the Roadmaster base plate kits are not universal. They are all made very specifically to the base plate kits they fit. In fact, in most cases the radius of the corners on the arms is so different between two of the same part numbers that you can't even interchange them between the same base plate part number. What you need is a whole new base plate kit. For that you'd want the part # 477-1 which is confirmed to fit the 4WD 2010 Ford Ranger you have.
    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...
  • Recommended Base Plates For 2002 Ford Ranger
    If your 2002 Ford Ranger is an XL or XLT model, I recommend are the Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit, part # 483-1. These feature removable drawbars which make the baseplates almost invisible when removed. If you have a Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar like part # RM-501, it will attach to the base plates with the plate on the towbar crossbar. If you need the Quick Disconnect Kit for your StowMaster tow bar the part you need is part # RM-201. If you have the Edge model, the base plates would...
    view full answer...
  • Will Roadmaster Base Plates # 462-1 Work with a Stowmaster Tow Bar for a 2002 Ford Ranger
    The Roadmaster Stowmaster tow bar is compatible with standard base plate kit # 477-1 for your 2003 Ford Ranger if you have an Edge model. The XL kit, # 483-1, for the XL and XLT truck models has removable arms so that when you are not towing the truck they can be removed making the rest of the kit virtually invisible. I have included a link to a video and a link to the instructions for the Stowmaster, # RM-501.
    view full answer...


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