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  1. Tow Bar Base Plate
  2. Roadmaster
  3. Removable Draw Bars
  4. Twist Lock Attachment
  5. Completely Hidden
THIS ITEM IS NOT A FIT FOR
2006 Smart Fortwo
etrailer Installation
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Roadmaster

Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: 52181-1
In Stock
$575.00
Retail:$632.50
You Save: $57.50
Tow Bar Base Plate
Not Confirmed to Fit

2006 Smart Fortwo

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In Use/Installed

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Roadmaster's EZ Twistlock series brackets are virtually invisible, easy to mount and simple to remove. Brackets install on your vehicle's frame to provide attachment points for your tow bar. Great Prices for the best tow bar base plate from Roadmaster. Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms part number 52181-1 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 - 52181-1

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Ready for Flat Towing: Installs on your vehicle’s frame to create solid attachment points for your tow bar.
  • Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden bracket design keeps the front end looking clean and factory-original.
  • Connects and Disconnects Fast: Twist-lock removable drawbars let you hook up or remove arms in seconds—no pins or clips.
  • Built to Last: Computer-cut, all-steel construction with durable black powder coat resists corrosion and wear.
  • Fits Seamlessly with Roadmaster Gear: Works with Quick Disconnects and all Roadmaster tow bars for easy system integration.
Made in USA

Features to know about

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

This setup keeps things clean when you’re not towing. The hidden bracket design leaves your front end looking factory-fresh, with no bulky crossbar hanging out. When it’s time to tow, the removable drawbars twist and lock into place—no pins or clips to fumble with. Once they’re out, the remaining brackets are tucked neatly within the grille, protected from scrapes and completely out of sight.

Quick Hookups Made Simple: EZ TwistLock Connection

Connecting the tow bar doesn’t get much easier. The TwistLock system lets you insert each drawbar, give it a quick twist, and you’re ready to roll. To disconnect, twist again and pull them free. It’s a smooth, tool-free process that makes setup and removal fast whether you’re in your driveway or at the campsite.

Strong Where It Counts: All-Steel Construction with Black Powder Coat Finish

This base plate kit is built from computer-cut, all-steel components that bolt directly to the frame for maximum strength. The black powder coat finish adds durability and corrosion resistance so you can trust it through thousands of miles of towing. The solid construction helps distribute towing forces evenly, giving you confidence in your setup every time you hit the road.

DIY-Friendly Setup: Simple Bolt-On Installation with Included Hardware

Installing this kit doesn’t require welding or special equipment. It’s a straightforward bolt-on job that comes with clear instructions and all necessary mounting hardware. The design lines up with existing frame points for a precise fit, so you can complete it in an afternoon and be ready to tow without extra fabrication work.

Compatible and Ready for the Road: Works with All Roadmaster Tow Bars

The EZ Base Plate Kit integrates with Roadmaster’s tow bars through built-in Quick Disconnect compatibility. That means you can connect directly to your existing system without needing adapters or modifications, keeping your flat towing setup simple, secure, and consistent trip after trip.

Specs

Construction and Design

  • Bracket design: Hidden design provides improved aesthetics compared with standard brackets
  • Drawbars: Easily removable – just twist and pull
  • Attachment: No pins or clips required
  • Construction: Computer-cut, all-steel
  • 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 components: Instructions and mounting hardware included
  • Manufacturing origin: Made in the USA
  • Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Features

  • Type: EZ Twistlock series brackets
  • Visibility: Virtually invisible when drawbars are removed
  • Protective positioning: Brackets are mounted within the grille to remain unseen and protected from scrapes and scuffs
  • Operation method: Insert arms into brackets and twist to lock; twist back and pull out to remove

52181-1 Road Master EZ Base Plate Kit

Installation Details 52181-1 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Ratings & Reviews

4.8

494 reviews
5 Stars
(423)
4 Stars
(55)
3 Stars
(8)
2 Stars
(1)
1 Star
(7)
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by:
1999 Saturn S Series
Whoever designed this base plate has probably never seen a Saturn car let alone taken one apart to install the base plate. The instructions has one picture, that doesn't show how any of it is supposed to fit on the vehicle and it implies that you only need to remove the bumper to install. After hours of fumbling with the base plate, I ended up having to remove the bumper cover, bumper, headlights, headlight brackets, and fenders. On top of that, I had to drill four 3/4" holes.
by:
It was as advertised and fit my application perfectly. Have used them to tow a Saturn up and down the coast and no problems what so ever.
by:
2001 Saturn S Series
went on pretty much as discribed. did it in about 3 hours. looks good
Keith profile picture

Keith

2/3/2014

Does the installation require drilling?

Patrick B. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Patrick B.

2/6/2014

The install of base plate kit 52181-1 will require drilling some new holes in the frame as well as enlarging some existing holes.
by:
Performs as expected.
by:
by:
by:
by:
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. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Victoria H.

12/18/2024

That amazing John! Where did you go on your long adventure?

John S. profile picture

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:
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. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

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?

Thomas profile picture

Thomas

7/10/2026

I towed it 200 miles of winding mountain roads. Worked perfectly @JamesD
by:
Installed without a hitch! Matches up perfectly with the Roadmaster Stowmaster towbar we already had. Beautiful!
by:
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:
The baseplate fit perfectly and the video was very helpful
by:
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:
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.
John B. profile picture

John B.

9/19/2013

Did you have to do any drilling on your vehicle to mount this system?

Patrick B. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

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. profile picture

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. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

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:
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
Dave R. profile picture

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. profile picture

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:
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.
Douglas K. profile picture

Douglas K.

4/8/2021

great

by:
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. profile picture

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:
easy to follow instructions, took about 3 hours to install. paper template for holes in facia would be great .
by:
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 profile picture

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:
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 profile picture

William

11/19/2021

They are the boss. So we’ll made.

by:
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:
2005 Dodge Dakota
very well made and just getting pickup ready for flat towing. Fast shipping and excellent service. Highly recommend.
by:
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.
by:
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)
by:
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!
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See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate

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Info for this part was:

Employee Lindsey S
Written by:
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Expert Research:
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Employee Adele M
Updated by:
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