Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
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2000 Ford Excursion
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2000 Ford Excursion
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When you’re towing thousands of miles, you want something solid holding the connection. These direct-connect brackets are computer-cut from all steel for exceptional strength and bolt directly to the frame—no welding required. The black powder coat finish resists corrosion, so you can count on it for the long haul without worrying about rust or wear.
Once the drawbars are pulled, the brackets practically disappear behind the grille. Nothing protrudes from the bumper, so you keep a clean, factory look and avoid bumping into exposed hardware when you’re not towing. It’s a partially hidden setup that protects the front end from scratches and keeps things looking tidy.
These base plates skip the crossbar altogether thanks to their heavy-duty frame connection. That means fewer parts to handle and a faster, sleeker hookup every time. The removable arms secure with two pins—slide them in, lock them down, and you’re ready to roll. Disconnecting is just as easy when it’s time to unhook at camp.
If you already use a Roadmaster tow bar that slides into a trailer hitch receiver—like the Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, or Falcon 2—this kit connects right up. It’s not designed for tow bars that mount to a hitch ball, so matching it with the correct setup gives you a direct, secure link between your rig and your vehicle for dependable flat towing.
Customer Satisfaction Score:
85% were satisfied with this product
15% of customers were not satisfied
Ratings & Reviews
It mounted up just as the instructions said it would. From previous research I was not surprised when some of the mounting did not align perfectly. Had to use a dremel tool to make it work. The product looks very sturdy from its design. I’m happy with it and look forward to RV traveling.
Excellent base plate, just as my wife requested, she didn’t want too much metal visible in front of the bumper. Installation instructions were a bit confusing for me, but I’ll clarify, for me.
2002 Honda CR-V. Easy to install. Two and a half hours, and stopped to eat a sandwich. To install the spacers inside the roll frame on the car I used an extension magnet to reach in there and position them. As you can see NO cutting was needed on the bumper cover!
Now I have to figure out the easiest way to run the wiring for the lights.
Thanks Lauren A for your help!
Awesome instructions! Install was fairly easy. Product is very high quality and solid construction. Thank you E Trailer!
I installed this base plate on a 2018 Miata RF. I think I recall something about it taking 3.5 hours and my initial estimate was 3.5 days. It actually took a bit longer than that, but I was not pushing myself and did not have the luxury of having the vehicle on a lift but had it up on two ramps for the front wheels.
The order came pretty quickly, probably about 4 or 5 days between the time I placed it and UPS delivered it. The parts were well packaged and it came with a printed set of instructions. I had watched the video install on another Miata and if it weren't for that I'm not sure I would have tried it. I'm not a pro mechanic by any means but have worked on my own vehicles now for over 40 years. And I'm not a spring chicken either, so all the up and down working on the car can tire me fairly quickly. But if you are not in a rush and go carefully it can be done.
It took a day to do most of the disassembly. I removed both headlights and the intake tube on the passenger side. That tube came out much easier then it went back in.
The next day I got the baseplate mounted which helped to start visualizing how it all would work. All of the holes for the 6mm bolts did not quite line up with the holes in the frame. I had to file one sides worth for a bit of extra clearance. From my experience on this install you really want to leave all the bolt on the loose side till you get everything situated.
A couple of days off for rain and the then I got to work on the bracing. Initially I though I didnt need to cut the top lip of the frame but I decided to go ahead and do it anyway since that part didnt seem to sit flat when bolted from the back end. I'm still not sure its really necessary as the hump clears the metal lip without cutting it.
I also ordered a 14" long 1/2" drill bit to cut the holes in the frame. It was a Bosch bit, wasnt very expensive and it went through the metal like the proverbial hot knife. I managed to get all the big bolts installed in a day with a great sense of satisfaction.
The next day I torqued down all the bolts and the mount felt very solid. They stress that you need to install all the bolts, but honestly I can't see the 6mm bolts doing much compared to the half inch bolts that do most or all of the work. But I put them in and tightened them all the same.
A couple of days spent to install the tail light wiring and then I got back on to putting the front clip back on. My car must have had an aftermarket grill since it did not match the pictures or the video. I tried to position it carefully to see where the parts that were going to stick out would be so I didnt cut out more than I needed to. So there was a good amount of back and forth, cut and fit. In the end I had to make some extra cuts for clearance for the safety cable tabs as well as the mount for the 6 wire connector. Until I made the extra cuts the lower part of the front clip would not seat correctly. Getting the clip in the right position so it fits under the lights also takes some finagling.
Figuring out where all the bolts go back in can be interesting. Take pictures where you can. Dont be too aggressive when working with plastic parts. Overall I'm satisfied with the install, but I have yet to try and hook it up to tow.
Easy to install needed to replace some fasteners as they broke removing front grill was able to get them from Amazon cheap
I bought and installed this tow plate one year ago on my 2013 Jeep Wrangler. I bought this particular plate due to the jeep having a Barricade off-road bumper. This plate attaches a bit lower than other plates and prevented having to modify the bumper. Installation was easy involving only hand tools. The plate comes with all needed bolts and attachments. I have towed this Jeep several thousand miles behind my RV with absolutely no issues. As an aside, I use a Roadmaster Night Hawk tow bar which is also an excellent product. Both are expensive, but I believe cheaping-out on safety is no a good idea. I highly recommend this product.
This works perfect with my Roadmaster tow bar. It was a little difficult to install since I had to remove the front end of the Trailblazer, but with the good directions that came with it and some you tube videos made the installation easier.
Had these installed at Lester’s Automotive in Boerne,Texas…First class service all the way. Paul and his crew worked through lunch for over 4 hours to install these on our 2026 Ford Ranger. Also ran the wire and hooked up my auxiliary tow lights. The price for this was very reasonable and would highly recommend them for all r.v. needs even if not real close to the Boerne area. R.V park within reasonable distance if needed.
Etrailer comes through again! This was a great savings as a used kit, but it was even better than the description online. I have installed (4) baseplates on and etrailer.com has given me great videos to watch and good instructions to follow. Couldn't be more pleased with the quality, service and delivery times.
great service! fast delivery!
Awesome service, expected delivery on Tuesday got it yesterday (Saturday). Pamela E was very helpful and exceptionally courteous.
Good job Pamela.
Works great. Fairly easy install. Took about 6 hours for me and I have somewhat limited mobility.
The holes i the plates had to be drilled out. None of the bolts would fit through the plate. It would have taken 2 hours but it ended up taking 3 and a half hours
Even I could get installed. Took about 3 hours. It would have been shorter time if they said to cut plastic airfoil before you start instead of last directions.
Used these to tow my 2013 F150 for 6000 miles round trip on a cross country trip behind our RV. They worked great and never had a problem. It was very easy to disconnect and reconnect as needed during our trip.
etrailer was a great help not only selling me a very good product but with advice on how to find the brake controller plug on me new motor home . Thanks
Arrived as advertised. Very tight window. We left next morning to pick up the Ford F150 4x4 super cab I purchased. Couldn't tow F150 on trailer as wheelbase too long. Watched installation video prior to purchase so I was aware of potential obstacles and took required tools with me. Installation was as expected. No surprises. Easy towing back home.
Another great product from etrailer. Arrived on time came with everything I needed. Had to trim a little more plastic trim than I expected but it’s all good. Took me about 3 hours including the wiring to the tail lights and breakaway switch for the brake buddy.
Rick
7/6/2020
Perfectly. Still operates and works as good as the day I installed it. Great product.
Condition: Surface Scratches
Notes: There are scratches and scrapes on the item. All hardware is included.
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Scott K.
7/22/2022
After a year of pulling my F 150 behind the motorhouse it still performs to my expectations. One reminder to anyone, remember to check bolts on towed vehicle.