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Roadmaster

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: 490-1

2217 Reviews

In Stock

$435.00

Not Confirmed to Fit

2016 Audi S4

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roadmaster tow bar base plate removable draw bars hitch pin attachment

roadmaster tow bar base plate partially hidden crossbar-style kit - removable arms

roadmaster tow bar base plate hitch pin attachment 490-1

roadmaster tow bar base plate removable draw bars partially hidden crossbar-style kit - arms

roadmaster tow bar base plate hitch pin attachment partially hidden

roadmaster tow bar base plate removable draw bars crossbar-style kit - arms

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SCHEDULE AN INSTALLATION

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 490-1 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.

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Reviews (2217)
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Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate - 490-1

Highlights

Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
Ready for Flat Towing: Provides secure frame-mounted connection points for your tow bar.
Blends In When Not Towing: Removable drawbars leave brackets nearly invisible for a clean look.
Built to Last: All-steel, computer-cut construction with black powder coat resists corrosion.
Simple to Set Up: Drawbars attach and remove quickly with hitch pins—no welding required.
Reliable Fit: Custom base plates align precisely and include mounting hardware for easy install.

Features to know about

Made for a Clean Front End: Hidden Bracket Design with Removable Arms

If you like a tidy look when you’re not towing, this kit keeps things simple. The hidden bracket design means the visible portions can be removed when you’re done towing, leaving the front end clean. Once the square drawbars are pulled out, the remaining brackets are tucked inside the grille—virtually invisible and protected from scrapes or bumps.

Built Strong for the Long Haul: All-Steel, Computer-Cut Construction

This setup is made to handle serious miles. The crossbar-style brackets are computer-cut from all-steel for exceptional strength and durability. A black powder coat finish keeps corrosion at bay, so you get a setup that holds up to weather and road grime over time.

Easy Hookups and Quick Disconnects: Hitch Pin Attachment System

Hooking up takes just a couple of pins. The removable drawbars secure with hitch pins, making it fast to attach or remove your tow bar when you’re ready to roll or unhook. It’s a simple setup that saves time every time you tow.

No Welding Needed: Bolt-On Install with Included Hardware

You don’t need special tools or fabrication work to get this installed. The design bolts directly to the frame and comes with mounting hardware and instructions. It’s a straightforward job that fits right into a weekend garage project.

Stay Compatible with Your Existing Setup: Works with Roadmaster Tow Bars

If you’re already running Roadmaster gear, this kit fits right in. It’s compatible with Roadmaster tow bars when used with the quick-disconnect crossbar (910021-00 – sold separately), keeping your towing system consistent and reliable across trips.

Specs

Construction and Design

Bracket design: Hidden bracket design - drawbars are easily removable via 2 pins
Material: Computer-cut, all-steel construction provides exceptional strength
Finish: Black powder coat finish is durable and corrosion resistant

Installation

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)
Included items: Instructions and mounting hardware included

Country of Origin and Warranty

Manufactured in: USA
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

490-1 Road Master XL Base Plate Kit

Installation Details 490-1 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles

1999 - 2002 Nissan Quest
1999 - 2002 Mercury Villager

4.8

2217 reviews

5 Stars		(1869)
4 Stars		(262)
3 Stars		(48)
2 Stars		(13)
1 Star		(25)

by: Bruce A 07/02/2026 One Year Later

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.

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Claire H.

7/6/2026

It really is invisible! It took me a second to even find the base plates in your photo!

by: Christian 05/13/2026

1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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.

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Kate F.

5/14/2026

Thanks for the review and for sharing your installation experience Christian. Your tip about leaving the bumper on during install is really helpful, especially since fitting the ends through the louvers can take a little extra maneuvering. It’s also great to hear the setup works well with your Stowmaster 5000. The install looks great, and we appreciate you sharing the picture! Where did you go for the first trip?

Christian

5/20/2026

@KateF Hudson Parcher County park in Rainier, OR

Kate F.

5/21/2026

@Christian I just looked it up, looks like quite the magical place! Thanks for sharing =)

by: Robert 01/06/2025

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.

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Robert One Year Later

1/7/2026

Everything related to my Mini towing system is working great after a year of use.i do wish I had bought a cover for the tow bar though. Keeping it clean would be easier with the cover. Great products and service from etrailet

by: Robin 11/21/2024

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

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Robin One Year Later

11/25/2025

Working great these are durable tow bars Have no problems with them easy to hook up and tows vehicle without no problems .

by: Charlevoixboy 12/10/2025

2007 honda Element

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!

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by: Michael 12/03/2025 One Year Later

2004 Subaru Impreza

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.

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by: David 05/23/2025

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.

David One Year Later

5/24/2026

It continues to work flawlessly

by: James 07/02/2025 One Year Later

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.

James One Year Later

7/3/2026

New system working fine. As with previous system it requires towed vehicle to be nearly perfectly aligned straight behind motorhome to disconnect without considerable tension.

by: Steven 08/09/2026

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: Thomas 07/29/2026

2015 Chevrolet Equinox

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)

Christopher H.

8/4/2026

Thanks for you feedback Thomas! Sounds like the install went smooth. Hope you have a great summer!

by: Larry 05/05/2026 One Year Later

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.

Claire H.

5/7/2026

Thank you so much for the kind words and being a repeat customer with us! We look forward to helping you out with all your future adventures!

by: Brad 06/22/2026

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: Julie 05/30/2025 One Year Later

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.

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by: Mike 08/16/2026

Install pretty easy. You will have to change directions of one bolt due to obstruction ( frame). Cannot torque a few of the bolts. These are the ones with wire attached.
Rock guard needed addition trimming from factory instructions.

by: Wesley 07/08/2026

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: Todd MobileRVHelp 06/02/2026

2022 Chevrolet Trax

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: Rob 01/19/2019 One Year Later

2019 Chevrolet Equinox

The Jeep project went very well everything fit great and worked well. I really love Roadmaster products and quality and your company is the best place to purchase them. I sold the Jeep and replaced it with a new 2019 Chevy Equinox 2.0 L AWD and just purchased and installed the following items from you and installed them, RM-156-25 & RM-156-75 Battery Charge Line Kit, RM-146-7 Flex Coil Kit, RM-523193-4 EZ4 Plate Kit, RM-88333 Custom Seat Adapter, RM-751489 Stop Light Switch Kit and a RM-98160 Second Vehicle Brake Kit w/brakeaway. All these parts were in stock and arrived quickly and normal with you people, I really enjoy the o-line vidios as I do all my own installs. Thank you so much for your great service.
I will attach pictures of my install, you will see how I was able to fab a bracket and attach it to the existing mount on the base plate to mount the brakeaway switch and the air connection for the brake system.
I also fabricated a tail light bar as I didn't want to use mag-lights or splice into the factory lights and bulbs installed into the lights would not work as the factory brake lights will come on when the brake system is applyed and the turn siginals would not be visable.
Thanks for all you do, I would and do recommend you people to everyone who needs your products. Rob

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Rob One Year Later

1/21/2020

Everything is working great, I installed a base plate kit, battery charging kit, stop light switch kit, second vehicle air brake kit w brakeaway and seat adapter on our 2019 Chevy Equinox and towed it about 14000 miles behind our motor home this past year and everything worked perfect not a problem with any product. These are great products, everything fit perfectly and performed perfectly. Thank you for great service and great products. Rob

by: Chris 03/15/2019

2015 Subaru Outback Wagon

This was the second base plate kit from etrailer that I have installed, the first being on our ‘03 Outback and this one on our new to us 2015 Subaru CrossTrek. As usual the response, shipping and delivery from etrailer was prompt and curious. They are my go to place for anything towing related.
Installation of this kit went well with only a few issues, most of which were related to our vehicle not the kit. I knew the car had been hit lightly on the LF corner, but could find nothing of concern body or frame wise when I looked the car over before buying it. Turns out the front bumper reinforcement had been tweaked a tad which made lining the bolt holes up with the holes in the base plates a tad challenging. This made the small angle brackets that go inside the frame heads tough to line up, but in the end it all fit. I did find that it was unnecessary to pull the washer reservoir or the left headlight to access the nut and washer for the long 1/2” bolt. You can easily reach and see the place from underneath after pulling the plastic encapsulation panel. When drilling that 1/2” hole be sure to angle the drill bit UP a tad otherwise you may end up having to grind a flat on the side of the large, thick washer as you can see in my picture from underneath. I used shrink wrap over the nut and bolt since there’s a wiring harness right against it. The picture of the baseplate differs a bit from the pictures so I guess they made some changes. All in all a great kit!

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Chris One Year Later

3/16/2020

It’s been a year now and probably 7,000 miles later and everything has held up perfectly despite some darn rough roads between MD and Albuquerque, NM and back.

by: Bill F 10/16/2015

2012 Fiat Sport

After comparing Demco, RoadMaster, and Blue Ox base plate costs, mounting procedures, etc for my 2012 Fiat Sport, I decided to go with RoadMaster (Kit #522013-1A) for two main reasons: 1) I had the tow bar and mount adapters from another product that were the same specs as the RoadMaster tow bar and adapters to attach to the base plate, and 2) no drilling or other modifications required to mount the base plates. Blue Ox (Kit #BX2800) required I buy their tow bar and other unique configuration adapters PLUS drill two half-inch holes on either side where the base plate mounted AND hammering flat the tips on the corners of the bumper bracket the frame where the base plate mounted. Blue Ox did provide better details on the removal of the facia and bolt removal and torquing actions required for the Fiat. My biggest challenge was the removal of the facia without damaging the clips or other damage to it. Once it was off, the action of removing the bumper core from the end of the frame rails and bolting on the base plate was slick! I took a little over 4 hours to do this, but it was because I wanted to do it right, without damage, and have the confidence I could tow without issues. (Not sure how sequence will show, but labeled the pictures as "Before," "Removal," "Installation," "Finished," and "Ready to Tow.")

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Bill F. One Year Later

10/15/2016

Hate that every 3,000 miles towing have to re-torque bolts of base plate. Good product otherwise.

Rachael H.

10/18/2016

Thanks for the feedback Bill. You bring up a very good point, I am sure it is pain, but it is specified in the instructions.

by: Billy 09/17/2026

It looks easy to install. I haven’t yet. The brackets look awesome.

by: Bob T. 04/20/2014

2014 Jeep Wrangler

Great product for my 2014 Wrangler. Good materials, solid attachment to vehicle, and looks good. The e trailer installation video was great for assisting installation. Made the install much quicker and easier. The most difficult procedure for me was disconnecting the wiring harness on the back of the bumper. An old tack puller (or tool of similar design) would have been great for leveraging the pins out of their holes. Cutting the air dam was a slow process to ensure I didn't cut too much. A paper template to mark where to cut the air dam would make this process much simpler. Again, I can't emphasize enough how great the installation video was for making the steps easier.

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Bob T. One Year Later

4/20/2015

This item works great. Have towed about 4500 miles using it. I couldnt be happier with the results.

by: J.C. Randall 07/23/2018 One Year Later

2008 Kia Spectra

This base plate was installed on a 2008 Kia Spectra. The bracket is strong and not really hard to work with HOWEVER,,,,,,,,,, I am used to the BlueOx base plate which is much easier to "hook up". Unfortunately, BlueOx did not make a base plate to fit my vehicle. That is not a big problem as I'm usually not in any hurry and it only takes maybe 5 minutes longer to "hook up".

The biggest problem with the RoadMaster base plate is that due to the way it is bolted to the frame, it only allows for a 6-inch ground clearance on the front of the vehicle. I have to be very careful with any "dips" in the road, especially on cross streets. Six inches may not sound like much but since the tires are several feet behind the base plate, it reduces that ground clearance greatly. It also will not clear the concrete "stop blocks" in front of many parking spaces.

If you are not very careful and keep this in mind, you may likely bend the frame of your car when you come to one of these sudden impacts. I haven't bent anything yet but it has certainly been shocking when it hits. Most of the time, the impact will cause the base plate to scrape and lift the car to the height to clear the obstacle.

I've attached a picture with a ruler in the view.

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J.c. R. One Year Later

7/24/2019

Other than the clearance of the mounting bracket I noted in my original review, the base plate worked out fine on the Kia. I ended up replacing the Kia with a new Subaru. I was able to buy a Blue Ox base plate for it and all mounting hardware is up and out of the way of obstacles.

by: Rick S. 06/02/2026

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: SanfordTurbo 08/18/2020

2018 Fiat 500

2018 Fiat Abarth install - Videos of install from etrailer helped a bunch. My 2018 fog lights on the Abarth required some trimming on the inside of the bumper cover. Photos in the instructions did not accurately depict my 2018 Abarth, but taking the grill and fog light assemblies off of the bumper cover allowed me to see what needed trimming. Basically a 1 inch notch with the dremel did the trick. I also got the rock guardian and falcon all terrain tow bar. super quick to assemble and disconnect. CLEAN LOOKING INSTALL WHEN EVERYTHING IS REMOVED.

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Sanfordturbo One Year Later

8/23/2021

Over the past year, i have towed the Fiat behind the motor home for 15000 miles or so. Rock Solid. Highly recommend. Ive had 2 blow outs on the motor home and the tread bounces off the Road Master Guardian without damaging the Fiat. The Guardian is scuffed and scratched and handling it well.

by: Jeffrey 10/29/2017

etrailer service was great. Received my Roadmaster base plate in 3 days. The directions from Roadmaster were fair, but etrailer's video was excellent. I had trouble mounting my base plate as the space between the two baseplate ends were too tight. I needed to use a floor jack and bottle jack to get it on. Once it was in position everything went together fine. I trimmed the Jeep' air dam differently keeping the ends that Roadmaster wants you to cut off. I think it looks better. I also had to modify the center cut in the air dam to accommodate the breakaway switch I have.

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Jeffrey One Year Later

10/29/2018

Base plate has been working out great. Easy putting on and taking off.

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