I installed the Roadmaster MX Direct Connect Base plates on my 2001 GMC Yukon XL myself. To ensure I could measure torque with the basic tools I own, I did have to remove all the front body parts like bumper, grill headlights, air dam, etc. I was a little disappointed that two of the horizontal Roadmaster pre-drilled holes did not accurately lined up to the factory horizontal holes in my frame ends. I had to use a drill bit to elongate the holes abount 1/4 in to get the 1/2 in mounting bolts through. Then torqued everything to 56 lb-ft with red threadlock on bolts, nuts. I've towed this 6K lb Yukon since last September, about 9,000 miles on trips and the braces themselves are rated at 8K each, so it's held up well. I did have to work with Roadmaster tech in Wash State to ensure I ordered the correct part numbers as etrailer seemed less certain. But etrailer did provide the parts on time and packaged reasonably well as they're not lightweight items. The rear-most mounting bolt requires the installer to drill a 13mm hole into the cross member connecting front frame box rails. Measure twice, drill once. 3153743

These brackets are stout - and the directions are top notch. They showed exactly how to install them and I didn't once have to question anything. Took roughly 1.5 hours and now my Jeep is a Toad! 130577

How you ship my towbar so fast is amazing. The installation instructions were right on. Grate job etrailer . Thanks for your helping me order the right part. I am more then pleased with all your help . If I have any other needs I will be calling etrailer. Thanks again james for all your great help. 283027

Great Roadmaster tow brackets. Much cheaper than any where else and wonderful people to deal with. They answered all of my questions, changed the bracket to a better one and were very helpful. After i changed my order 2 days after the order the packages arrived on the earlier promised date. 204422

Etrailer has the best customer service of any company I have dealt with in several years. I ordered a base plate and custom wiring harness for my 2014 Jeep Wrangler. I received a call from etrailer that the wiring harness was back ordered and the company that made the harness could not give a shipping date. I was offered to change to another harness (Hoskins) but I decided to go with the TrailerMate since I had prior experience with that brand. I told etrailer to send the items together when the wiring harness was available. I received an email about a week later that said the harness was still not available and I then ask to have the base plate shipped and I would continue to wait for the harness. Etrailer shipped the base plate and I received the wiring harness a week later. During all these changes etrailer kept me informed of what was taking place and offered to help me in any way I needed. Etrailer is a outstanding company and I try to spread the word to all my RV friends.
The Roadmaster base plate worked well. However Roadmaster needs to have an update on their instructions from 2012. There are some changes for the 2014 but they become obvious as you install the base plate. They also should include shims for the passenger side base plate where it fastens to the main frame or correct the fit. As others have stated make sure you have a die grinder or at the least a drill that will accept a grinding stone to enlarge the holes on the frame of the Jeep.
I used a three inch metal cutting wheel to trim the plastic rock shield around the base plate. I lined up the holes used to attach the shield and marked the area where the base plate needed trimming with a sharpie. The cutting wheel cuts so quick through the plastic I didn’t need very much cleanup of the trimmed area. Just a note the push in plastic pins for the shield must be for one time use because they would not hold the shield tight after they had been removed. I replaced them with bolts, washers, lock washers and nuts. The shield is now solid.
123094

2012 Chevy equinox went very well; if you have a reasonable set of tools and a torque wrench and a little mechanical talent you should be able to do it and save yourself a few hundred dollars. I chose this baseplate because it didn't require any cutting of the chassis to fit. I have a Demco Tow Bar and replaced the ends that connect to the base plate with adapters from Demco for $62; however, neither Roadmaster or Demco supplied the lynch pins so I had to purchase them seperately for another $25.
I did substitute elastic stop nuts for the nuts, lock washers etc. supplied. I felt that if the elastic stop nuts ever came lose, they wouldn't fall off letting a bolt fall out as if I had used the supplied hardware ($4). Also, there is one bolt hole on the chassis that needs to be threaded but the washer supplied with the bolt to fill that hole is inadequate and collapses into the base plate mounting hole; it should be a thick fender type washer.
While the instructions didn't say to, I removed the horns for better access to the nut behind a plate that was being installed.
Also, the torque for the bolt that screws into the suspension, according to the torque chart supplied, should be near 100 ft. lbs. When I took out the original bolts they were no where near that tight; I had a less than one foot ratchet and was easily able to loosen the bolt. I torqued the bolt I installed to 56 ft lbs because I was unsure if the anchor nut could handle 100 ft lbs and the last thing I wanted to do was break a blind nut that I couldn't access.
As for the facia, the only modification I made was to widen the opening for the hitch post by 1.5". I followed the curve of the facia opening when cutting; I used masking tape to guide where I was cutting. The tool I used was a cheap hand coping saw that I could turn the blade a little to keep the saw frame from rubbing on the facia while I cut. The facia material is so soft it only took a minute to make the cuts. Cleaning up the opening with a small file will make the change almost unnoticable.
The instructions say the job should take 2.5 hours and that's pretty close if you have everything at hand and work dilegently; I did not, plus I'm old and creak when I get up and down, so it took me 3.5 hours. The best labor quote I had to install the base plate was $225; but, I had nothing to do anyway. 29456

The Roadmaster base plate worked well. However Roadmaster needs to have an update on their instructions from 2012. There are some changes for the 2014 but they become obvious as you install the base plate. They also should include shims for the passenger side base plate where it fastens to the main frame or correct the fit. As others have stated make sure you have a die grinder or at the least a drill that will accept a grinding stone to enlarge the holes on the frame of the Jeep.
I used a three inch metal cutting wheel to trim the plastic rock shield around the base plate. I lined up the holes used to attach the shield and marked the area where the base plate needed trimming with a sharpie. The cutting wheel cuts so quick through the plastic I didn’t need very much cleanup of the trimmed area. Just a note the push in plastic pins for the shield must be for one time use because they would not hold the shield tight after they had been removed. I replaced them with bolts, washers, lock washers and nuts. The shield is now solid. 123384

My order was place on the 9-4-2015 it was a friday the monday was labor day and to my suprise the parcel was deliverd on thusday noon ,very good service i installed the base plate 4431-3 for a ford f150 2015 it took me 2 hours an a haft the ardess part was to drill the two holes in the side of the frame very bad place to get at, it did a very nice and clean job the information is quite acurate thank you for your exellent service 226105

High quality Roadmaster MX Base Plates. Received in a few days to my home and installed on my 2013 Jeep Unlimited myself in five hours taking my time and double checking all bolting. Following the instruction fully it bolted right on with no problems. Drilling was the only hard project of the installation. Very happy with the kit.


75589

Installation was pretty straightforward and took about 3 hours. The brackets are very strong, well built and solid. Good quality. I like the removeable brackets since you don't have them sticking out the front of the vehicle when not in use. My last vehicle had permanent brackets and I didn't really notice them until now, when they are not there.

I also received very good service from etrailer - same day shipping and they kept me informed of the process by email. I will buy here again. 122501

I ordred this on Friday evening and it arrived on Tuesday. The installation instructions are very detailed and easy to follow. It took me about 3 hours to install it by myself. There is a difference in the cutout of the lower air opening on the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox from earlier models. Neither etrailer.com, nor Roadmaster had the measurements. I figured it out and have submitted photographs and measurements to both etrailer.com and Roadmaster. 178309

The kit arrived within a few days. All the necessary parts were included, and the instructions were clear and concise. Some of the pictures were a bit difficult to interpret, but that was easily overcome. Installation required some basic tools, listed in the instructions, and relatively modest mechanical aptitude. I'd place the difficulty of the task somewhere between an oil change and replacing brake shoes or pads. As another reviewer has noted, make sure you have all the necessary tools that are listed in the instructions. In my case, a few extra plastic automotive fasteners were also handy. 63821

The Roadmaster MX base plate was a snap to install. The instrictions were right on and only took about 2 hours to complete. 223504

Product arrived when promised. Bought for a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Instruction were 95% right on. Luckily I had a die grinder on hand to enlarge one of the factory holes. If I didn't have it I could have probably drilled it larger. It took me almost as long to trim the Rock Guard as it did to install the Base Plates. :) 75198

I have used Roadmaster many times. I will always use them for my towing needs. Service from etrailer.com was FAST and accurate. 109047

I had ordered the tow base from someone else. After 2 weeks it had not shipped. We had planned a trip next week. I ordered from E trailer with 3 day delivery. It arrived in about 48 hours. I installed it yesterday. Everything fit, the instructions were spot on. The hidden receivers look great.

In the future there will not be a search. I will log on the E trailer. 170174

hour installation time has run over seven hours and I am not through yet. If you don't have all the correct tools, don't try to install this base plate yourself. Also the receivers did not fit my 2011 Jeep Wrangler frame. I had to find 1/8th inch thick spacers for both sides 12153

What I like about this company is when I called I talked to a real person who took the time to answer my questions. One call on ordering the correct plate, second call was an installation question.
The plate kit fit like a glove, and shipped on time. 155743

and appear like they will last the life of the vehicle. Thanks to Roadmaster for a great product and etrailer.com for excellent service and a fair price. 52732

Very nice towbar base plate. Watch video before installing. It was pretty easy toke my time toke less then 3 hours.
386694

Good quality product, very easy to install, good instructions and video instructions online. It took me about 2 hours to install on my 2010 Equinox. I highly recommend this product for the DIY person. All holes lined up no jerry rigging, Best of all it was made in the USA. 218859

I had it installed and watched the process. Very simple, I could have done it and if I trade vehicles I will. Fits perfect !!! Very happy with the product !! Thank you etrailer !!! 159537

was very efficient and knew the products well. I was planning to order the 1432 - 1 but she advised that the 1432 - 3 was easier to install and use.

I ordered the baseplate on Friday and received it yesterday (Tuesday). Super service!!!

I haven't installed it yet but when I do I will send you a picture.

Thanks for your assistance.

John 51817

Great product, great price. Comprehensive fitting instructions and additional information available on internet. 220892

Great product, great price. Comprehensive fitting instructions and additional information available on internet. 220889