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2020 Chevrolet Express Van
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Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
Part Number: 521230-1
In Stock
$670.00
Retail:$742.50
You Save: $72.50
2020 Chevrolet Express Van
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- All Info
- Reviews (494)
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Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate - 521230-1
Highlights
- Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
- Ready for Flat Towing: Installs on your vehicle’s frame to create secure tow bar attachment points.
- Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden bracket design keeps hardware virtually invisible when arms are removed.
- Fast Hookup and Removal: Twist-lock drawbars attach and detach quickly without pins or clips.
- Built to Last: Computer-cut, all-steel construction with black powder coat resists corrosion and wear.
- Simple to Install: Bolt-on design requires no welding and includes instructions and mounting hardware.
Features to know about
Made for a Clean Front End: Hidden Bracket Design with Removable Arms
If you want your vehicle to keep a clean look when you’re not towing, this setup fits the bill. The hidden bracket design keeps everything out of sight when the drawbars are removed, leaving the front end looking factory fresh. The remaining brackets sit inside the grille area where they stay protected from scrapes and bumps.
Connect and Go: EZ Twistlock Arms with No Pins or Clips
Hooking up is simple with the EZ Twistlock system. Just insert the drawbars into the brackets, twist to lock them in place, and you’re ready to tow—no pins, clips, or extra tools required. When it’s time to disconnect, twist back and pull them out. It’s a straightforward design that makes setup fast and frustration-free.
Built to Last: All-Steel Construction with Black Powder Coat Finish
This kit uses computer-cut, all-steel construction for strength you can count on through every mile. The black powder coat finish adds durability and resists corrosion, so it keeps looking good even after years on the road.
DIY-Friendly Setup: Bolt-On Installation with Included Hardware
You don’t need to weld anything or chase down extra parts—everything you need comes in the box. The kit bolts directly to your vehicle’s frame for a secure fit. Clear instructions and mounting hardware are included to help make installation straightforward for anyone who likes to handle their own projects.
Ready for Your Tow Bar: Compatible with Quick Disconnects and All Roadmaster Tow Bars
Already have a Roadmaster tow bar? This kit is ready to match up. It’s compatible with Quick Disconnects and all Roadmaster tow bars, so you can integrate it easily into your existing towing setup without any guesswork.
Specs
Construction and Design
- Bracket design: Hidden bracket design provides improved aesthetics compared with standard brackets
- Drawbars: Easily removable - just twist and pull
- Attachment method: Twist Lock Attachment
- Pins or clips required: No
- Construction: Computer-cut, all-steel construction provides exceptional strength
- Finish: Black powder coat finish is durable and corrosion resistant
- Installation: Simple installation - no welding required
- Fit: Custom base plates ensure a perfect fit for your vehicle
- Compatibility: Compatible with Quick Disconnects and all Roadmaster tow bars
- Included items: Instructions and mounting hardware included
- Manufacturing location: Made in the USA
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty
Features
- Product type: EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Removable arms: Yes — just twist to lock or unlock the drawbars
- Hidden design: Completely Hidden when drawbars are removed
- Tow bar compatibility: Works with all Roadmaster tow bars and Quick Disconnects
521230-1 Road Master EZ Base Plate Kit
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 2006 - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
- 2005 - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta New Body
Ratings & Reviews
4.8
494 reviews
by:
Michael
04/02/2023
Product was exactly what I needed. Received package two days earlier than scheduled arrival which was great. Instructions were straightforward but I think the photos could’ve been a little more clear. Overall, I am happy with product so far I haven’t taken it out on the road yet, but it looks like it will do the job fine.
by:
Conrad
09/18/2022
by:
John Shefte
12/18/2024
Many reviews for this base plate said they could not hook up the U bolts. I had no problem using the U bolts. I did not tighten any bolts until I had them all in place. Then, I tightened all the nuts and bolts. I marked them with paint so I could see if any of them backed off. After a year, all of them are still tight. We towed our mini 4,000 miles in the first year.
Victoria H.
12/18/2024
That amazing John! Where did you go on your long adventure?
John S.
12/21/2025
I towed my Mini Cooper on a 5000-mile trip this summer. The Base Plates worked great. I had to replace the water pump on the Cooper this required removing and reinstalling the base plates. I inspected them, and after two years and 9000 miles of towing, they are in perfect shape.
by:
Thomas
07/06/2026
Thanks for being a great knowledgeable person about this tow set up. It fit perfect and the directions made it a no brainer
James D.
7/8/2026
Love to hear this Thomas, glad we were able to assist. Thanks for stopping by and we appreciate you choosing etrailer! Have you flat towed the vehicle yet?
by:
Lisa
08/27/2026
Installed without a hitch! Matches up perfectly with the Roadmaster Stowmaster towbar we already had. Beautiful!
by:
Rob H
08/05/2025
It does what it's supposed to do, which actually seems to be special these days. In all seriousness we purchased this for out Liberty, which blew it's ending the first time we tried to go on a big trip. We had it taken off of that Liberty and put on another and that's what it was on for our tip from AZ to Chicago. We have connected and disconnected probably a dozen times and took the arms off to drive around Chicago. It works just like it should and it is nice to not have to worry about at least one item. Hightly recommend this system.
by:
Frank
09/01/2026
The baseplate fit perfectly and the video was very helpful
by:
Robert
06/27/2026
Seems like a very well-made sturdy product. Instructions were good however the holes did not quite lineup like they were supposed to so I had to do some mild to moderate modification. I like the way it looks without the towbar on the base plate. It’s fairly well hidden.
by:
Bill R.
04/29/2013
2014
Jeep
Grand Cherokee
I installed this base plate system on my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited this weekend. My Jeep had tow hooks which were basically removed and replaced by the base plates in the same location. No modifications to the grill were required and the base plates are no more noticable than the tow hooks were.
Installation was straight forward. Roadmaster forwarded a PDF file of the excellent color instructions with my order confirmation. I was able to view the photographs on my ipad and zoom in where necessary to get more detail.
Overall I would rate the Roadmaster product, instructions and customer service 5 star in every way.
Installation was straight forward. Roadmaster forwarded a PDF file of the excellent color instructions with my order confirmation. I was able to view the photographs on my ipad and zoom in where necessary to get more detail.
Overall I would rate the Roadmaster product, instructions and customer service 5 star in every way.
John B.
9/19/2013
Did you have to do any drilling on your vehicle to mount this system?
Patrick B.
9/25/2013
Yes, there will be some drilling involved in the installation. Check the instructions link on the product page for more information about the drilling that will be required. I believe it will just be four 1/2 inch holes.
Bill R.
5/16/2014
The Roadmaster baseplate and Falcon tow bar are working great with our 2014 Grand Cherokee and Endeavor motorhome. We are in the middle of a 1500 mile trip and have had no problems with the equipment. I have decided that I need to purchase a braking system for the Jeep. Thinking about the Invisi Brake, primarily because it is made by Roadmaster and I had a great experience with your companys customer service when the 2014 Grand Cherokee baseplate kit was being developed. Thanks for the good work.
Rachael H.
5/27/2014
Thanks for the follow up, very happy to hear that you are pleased with your Roadmaster Base plates. If you are considering the Invisibrake # RM-8700 as a braking system this is a great choice. The installation is a long and involved process and if you are looking for a more simplified installation you might like another Roadmaster product such as the Even Brake # RM-9400. This will serve the same purpose as the Invisibrake, but the portable unit will have to be removed after flat towing your Jeep where the Invisibrake is permanently installed in your tow Jeep.
by:
Larry B
06/05/2015
GMC
Terrain
Purchased the towing adapter for my GMC Terrain a few week ago, received it on time & boxed not damaged. Watched the videos’ about three time on how to do it myself and started one evening and finished it the next morning about three hours with Beer Breaks, LoL. All the parts fix perfectly, had no problems with any of the parts, Product is real sturdy and if you don’t know where to look at the bumper you will not see the hide away receiver brackets. Very nice product, do it yourself and save
Up loading two photos if it will let me one is with hide away brackets installed and the other one you can see is my complete tow bar attached to the hide away brackets
Up loading two photos if it will let me one is with hide away brackets installed and the other one you can see is my complete tow bar attached to the hide away brackets
Dave R.
3/15/2016
Larry, Im assuming that youve towed your vehicle by now. Are you still happy with your choice and did you purchase any additional components like the electrical kit, fuse switch..etc Dave R
Larry B.
3/15/2016
Have been using this tow adapter now for a while and everything works out fine, Easy to connect. I did purchase the Wiring harness from the tail lights to the front of the car instead of making it as I usually do and the connection to the RV from that connection and glad I did, the wiring harness also went easy and very fast.
by:
Doug
04/07/2020
2014
GMC
Acadia
Installed on 2014 GMC Acadia. Very sturdy and heavy duty base plate. I installed it myself. You will need a little automotive knowledge and more tools then the average do it yourself-er. It took about 6 hours, by myself. It looks more intimidating then it turned out to be. You can't see it when not in use which makes it nice for the wife, since it's her car.
Pictures show the tow bar adapter. Sorry, no pictures of adapter removed.
Pictures show the tow bar adapter. Sorry, no pictures of adapter removed.
Douglas K.
4/8/2021
great
by:
Paul D
07/14/2016
2010
GMC
Terrain
Roadmaster base plate for 2010 GMC Terrain. Very detailed instructions, great videos. Product was as described, no holes to drill, just replace factory parts with Roadmaster parts. Everything went together very well. I used the instructions supplied along with the video on my laptop. Hardest part was popping the bumper shroud back on due to colder temperature. I have a fair bit of experience with rebuilding classic cars so have lots tools and reasonable mechanical ability.
Paul D.
7/14/2017
I have towed my Terrain about 3500 miles with no issues. It tows and tracks extremely well. I put red paint marks on the bolts that are easily seen, so that I can see at a glance if any bolts have loosened up. I use a Roadmaster All Terrain tow hitch and SMI Duo braking system.
by:
Vince
08/13/2026
easy to follow instructions, took about 3 hours to install. paper template for holes in facia would be great .
by:
David
11/28/2017
Mazda
Miata
I received the base plate for my Miata at 4:30 Monday by 7:00 it was installed and ready to go.A great product fit very nicely.Ordering and follow up went great can’t wait to try it out Just need to decide on the tow bar we will use.The Falcon or Sterling .Thank you for a great product and service.
David
11/30/2018
We are very happy with the baseplate and Sterling tow bar we purchased!We have over 10,000 miles with no problems at all.A great product and your company was very easy to work with.Thank You!
by:
William
11/18/2020
2002
Honda
Civic
Parts came very quickly. The base plates are really well make and of heavy material. If you watch the video it is a breeze to install. Make sure you have some new clips for your bumper as the old ones will break, not all but some. I ordered clips from Amazon. I used a vibrating saw with cutting blade and it did nice job cutting plastic bumper cover.
William
11/19/2021
They are the boss. So we’ll made.
by:
Mark
04/14/2026
It was a very easy install and it did great. Only got to use it for 2 months though before a semi drug his trailer across the back on my toad and totaled the vehicle.
by:
Loren
04/05/2026
2005
Dodge
Dakota
very well made and just getting pickup ready for flat towing. Fast shipping and excellent service. Highly recommend.
by:
Rodney C.
05/17/2013
2010
Honda
Fit
Very happy with this product. Installation was pretty easy. I see no reason to pay someone to install this. True you have to take the bumper off and a large metal support beam but it was pretty easy. You just have to take it slow and not get frustrated. The bumper on the Honda Fit is held on with a gazillion little plastic clips and snap joints. Everything fits tight on a Honda so you have to be patient. My only complaint is they don't give you the exact torque settings. I had to consult a shop manual to get the correct torque values. They give a table at the end of the instructions that gives common torque values for various bolt sizes. I thought that was lame they could have given the correct value from the shop manual. Certainly not enough to lower my rating. This bar is awesome and when the drawbars are removed the base plate is almost completely hidden. My wife wanted nothing to show on the front of the car. She was very pleased with it.
In the picture attached the bar is almost completely hidden. All you see are two small black circles. It takes about 2 seconds to mount the drawbars, just twist and go. VERY sturdy. I tow my Honda behind the motorhome with confidence.
In the picture attached the bar is almost completely hidden. All you see are two small black circles. It takes about 2 seconds to mount the drawbars, just twist and go. VERY sturdy. I tow my Honda behind the motorhome with confidence.
by:
Peter K.
07/27/2013
2005
Nissan
Armada
Even I had to wait almost 2 months, I'm so grateful that I got the Roadmaster base plates and tow bar..:) It is so easy to be mounted and to operate with it... Thank you for the good product.... P.S You don't need to cut anything from the bumper plastic facial...so you can just skip that part from the instructions!
by:
Jim M.
08/19/2017
The Roadmaster base Plate kit does what it was designed to do. A difficult install as the Smart ForTwo did not lend itself to an easy base plate engineering design.
Installed it myself though with help from the instructions and etrailer on line instructions. I like the finished base plate. It is barely visible protruding only slightly from the black lower radiator grill (see photo)
Installed it myself though with help from the instructions and etrailer on line instructions. I like the finished base plate. It is barely visible protruding only slightly from the black lower radiator grill (see photo)
by:
Andrej K
07/15/2012
2011
Honda
Fit
quick on my 2011 Fit (base/non-sport version). Everything fit well (no pun intended).
A few minor changes over the video as my car was slightly different:
- I didn't have to trim anything on the air dam -- the tubes lined up perfectly with the slots on my grill.
- There was a in the wheel on each side where the plastic bumper meets the steel body panel. I didn't realize they were there (they're hidden somewhat) so I ended up cracking the hole this screw was in, but everything came back together nice and tight anyway.
A few minor changes over the video as my car was slightly different:
- I didn't have to trim anything on the air dam -- the tubes lined up perfectly with the slots on my grill.
- There was a in the wheel on each side where the plastic bumper meets the steel body panel. I didn't realize they were there (they're hidden somewhat) so I ended up cracking the hole this screw was in, but everything came back together nice and tight anyway.
by:
Tim W
04/26/2015
2015
GMC
Terrain
Very good product at a great price. Instructions and video are for a 2013 terrain and things were a bit different on my 2015. When all screws and clips are removed the front piece cannot be just pulled forward. There is a rear facing clip and you have to pull to the side to remove from this piece. (pics attached)There was no PS cooler attached in front on mine. Remove washer bottle totally which consists of 2 nuts and 1 bolt otherwise you will never get back up plate for top brackets in. If you remove horns it also makes installing the top brackets much easier.
by:
Christopher
06/16/2020
Easy to install for the do it yourselfer. Good quality and fit. etrailer customer service was great too.
Christopher
6/17/2021
Still working great!
by:
Scott J
05/24/2015
2005
Mini
Cooper
Installed on 2005 mini cooper convertible. Choose this base plate for our mini since it provided highest attachment height for tow bar (12 inches off ground, only requires 3 inch drop from back of RV), and attaches to mini frame more substantially that blue ox. Installation directions are nearly perfect, we had to widen holes on passenger side to line up with frame. Modification was approved by Roadmaster.
by:
Keith W.
07/27/2015
2007
Mini
Cooper S
Very well constructed. Fitting right side took some adjustment, I had to clearance the lower member hole in order to fit the bolt.
I installed the base plates myself, after the prospective mechanic claimed this was the incorrect fitment. Subsequent calls to Roadmaster produced a "No Fit" pronouncement, in spite of the lookup and even the printed instructions. Undaunted, I proceeded, and the fit was successful. YES, this DOES fit a 2007 Mini Cooper S Convertible.
I installed the base plates myself, after the prospective mechanic claimed this was the incorrect fitment. Subsequent calls to Roadmaster produced a "No Fit" pronouncement, in spite of the lookup and even the printed instructions. Undaunted, I proceeded, and the fit was successful. YES, this DOES fit a 2007 Mini Cooper S Convertible.
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Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate
- Can 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Manual Transmission be Flat TowedYes you can flat tow a 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI manual transmission. You'd need the base plate kit part # 521230-1 which is a custom fit kit for your vehicle. 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 Terain, # RM-522. This has non-binding arms which makes the setup very easy to connect/disconnect. For lighting/safety cables,...
view full answer... - Can 2009 Volkswagen Jetta be Flat Towed Behind MotorhomeI wasn't able to find your owners manual online due to it's age but from what I was able to find it looks like the manual transmission models can be but I would recommend pulling out your owners manual and looking for the recreational towing section. You'd first need to start with a base plate kit like # 521230-1 which is a confirmed fit for your 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking...
view full answer... - Wiring a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta for Flat Towing Behind a MotorhomeCongratulations on your decision to have the convenience of a car along when you venture out. To wire your Jetta for towing there are 2 systems available. The first is a kit, # RM154, uses taillight isolating diodes to power your car taillights. This kit will require the use of a vehicle to vehicle taillight converter, # 118158, if you would like the amber turn signals to be active when flat towing. Two additional diodes, # RM-792,would be needed also. If the amber lights do not concern...
view full answer...
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Info for this part was:
Written by:
Lindsey S
Expert Research:
Robert G
Updated by:
Adele M
Updated by:
Wilson B
Updated by:
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Conrad
9/19/2023
Great, well made,I would buy again.Will recommend to my friends to buy this product