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Roadmaster

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: 521880-1

2218 Reviews | 6 Questions

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$575.00

Retail:$632.50

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1981 Chevrolet Van

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Product Images

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

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

roadmaster tow bar base plate twist lock attachment 521880-1

roadmaster tow bar base plate twist lock attachment partially hidden 521880-1

roadmaster tow bar base plate partially hidden 521880-1

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

roadmaster tow bar base plate twist lock attachment partially hidden

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

roadmaster tow bar base plate removable draw bars

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SCHEDULE AN INSTALLATION

Roadmaster's crossbar-style 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 Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms part number 521880-1 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.

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Reviews (2218)
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Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate - 521880-1

Highlights

Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
Ready for Flat Towing: Installs on the frame to create secure attachment points for your tow bar.
Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden bracket design keeps the front end looking clean when arms are removed.
Quick Hookup and Release: Twist-lock drawbars insert and remove easily without pins or clips.
Built to Last: Computer-cut, all-steel construction with black powder coat resists rust and wear.
Simple to Install: No welding required and comes with hardware and instructions for setup.

Features to know about

Made for a Clean Look: Hidden Brackets with Removable Drawbars

When you’re not towing, you still want your vehicle to look right. The hidden bracket design keeps the front end clean and uncluttered, with the brackets mounted within the grille for protection from scrapes and scuffs. The drawbars twist and pull out easily, leaving behind a setup that’s virtually invisible until you’re ready to tow again.

Quick Hookups Every Time: Twist-Lock Removable Arms

Getting ready to tow shouldn’t be a hassle. Each drawbar arm inserts into its bracket and locks in place with a simple twist—no pins or clips to fumble with. When it’s time to disconnect, just twist and pull them out. It’s a straightforward system that makes solo hookups fast and frustration-free.

Solid Where It Counts: Computer-Cut, All-Steel Construction

A dependable towing setup starts with strong hardware. This base plate kit is made from computer-cut, all-steel construction for exceptional strength and durability. The black powder coat finish resists corrosion so the brackets keep looking sharp after miles of use. You can trust it to hold up under real-world towing conditions.

Simple Setup: Bolt-On Installation with Included Hardware

Installing this kit is direct and doesn’t require welding. It mounts to your vehicle’s frame using the included instructions and hardware, giving you solid attachment points for your tow bar. Once bolted up, it’s ready to pair with Roadmaster tow bars when used with the quick-disconnect crossbar (910021-00 – sold separately).

Specs

Features

Bracket design: Hidden for improved aesthetics compared with standard brackets
Drawbar feature: Easily removable – just twist and pull
Attachment method: No pins or clips required
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 Roadmaster tow bars with use of quick-disconnect crossbar (910021-00 – sold separately)
Hardware: Instructions and mounting hardware included
Country of origin: Made in the USA
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Design Details

Bracket visibility: Virtually invisible once drawbars are removed
Mounting location: Brackets are mounted within the grille where they remain unseen and protected from scrapes and scuffs
Removal method: Twist the arms back and pull them out to remove the drawbars

Product Facets

Facet 4: Removable Draw Bars
Facet 5: Twist Lock Attachment
Facet 8: Partially Hidden

521880-1 Road Master EZ 2 Base Plate Kit

Installation Details 521880-1 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles

2011 - 2013 Mini Clubman Manual transmission - Base model
2011 - 2013 Mini Cooper Hardtop - Base model

Customer Satisfaction Score:

93% were satisfied with this product

7% of customers were not satisfied

Wrong item was ordered

7% of customers were not satisfied

Wrong item was ordered

4.8

2218 reviews

5 Stars		(1870)
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: Barry 10/07/2026

Got the right part and shipped in a timely manor

by: JonL 07/20/2016

2012 Mini Cooper

Install went well.Takes longer to get front grill off and back on than bolting up base plate.

Jon One Year Later

7/20/2017

Super

by: Steven 01/12/2023

Great product and installation instructions. I had no problems with flawless installation and am grateful for product.

by: Steve 05/20/2023

Had some inventory problems with my original order. The replacement items came early just in time for installation. Thanks

by: Randy 12/27/2022

I am very satisfied with the ordering and fast shipping. The product works very well and the instructions were great.

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: 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: 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: 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.

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See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate

Do you have a question about this Tow Bar Base Plate?

Recommended Flat Towing Equipment For A 2013 Mini Cooper
Your 2013 Mini Cooper will need to be a hardtop base model with a manual transmission in order to be flat towed. There are some notes in the owner's manual that will also need to be followed as well to ensure your vehicle is ready to go. To flat tow you'll need a tow bar, baseplate, tow bar wiring kit, braking system and safety cables. I have the following recommendations for these components: Baseplate: Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit # 521880-1. Tow Bar: etrailer SD Non-Binding...
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Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2011 Mini Cooper
For your 2011 Mini Cooper Hardtop base model the correct base plate kit to start with is the part # 521880-1. This will provide the connection point for the Roadmaster Sterling tow bar # RM-576 that you are interested in. This is one of the nicest tow bars around with all of the features that make it easy to use like telescoping arms. It also comes with safety cables which is nice. For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight...
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Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2011 Mini Cooper S Convertible Behind an RV with Roadmaster Eagle Tow Bar
Since you have a 2011 Mini Cooper Convertible S model you can use Roadmaster base plates # 521879-1A. They are compatible with Quick Disconnects (found on some Roadmaster tow bars) and all Roadmaster tow bars. Base plates # 521880-1 do not fit the design of the Convertible S models. In addition to the tow bar you have and the base plates you will also need safety cables (unless you already have some), lighting, and supplemental braking. for safety cables I recommend # RM-643. The coiled...
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Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2011 Mini Clubman
For your 2011 Mini Cooper the correct base plate kit is the part # 521880-1. This will work well with your Falcon Tow Bar part # RM-520. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground. For lighting you can use the bulb and socket kit, # RM-155, and not have to worry about cutting and splicing into the vehicle wiring. And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set...
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How to Use a Blue Ox Tow Bar with the Roadmaster EZ2 Base Plate Kit on a 2012 Mini Clubman S
The correct Roadmaster EZ2 Base Plate Kit for your 2012 Mini Clubman S with a manufacturer date of 05/12 is part # 521879-1A, not part # 521880-1. You can use most Blue OX Tow Bars which are listed for you below with this base plate kit so long as you also purchase the RoadMaster Base Plate to Blue Ox and Demco Tow Bars Adapter part # RM-033 and the Roadmaster Tow Bar Quick Disconnect Kit part # RM-201. Acclaim Adventurer Aladdin Alexxa Allure Alpha Ambassador Aventa Aventa II Aventa LX Kar Bar
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Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2012 Mini Clubman Behind a Motor Home
On a 2012 Mini Clubman you will have to trim the front fascia to install base plates on the vehicle. There is no modification you can do to get around it. If trimming is something you just do not want to do, or cannot do (if the vehicle is leased for example) then the best thing to do would be to use a small car trailer to carry the vehicle. If trimming is acceptable then starting with the base plates, # 521880-1, you will then need a tow bar. A great compatible tow bar is the Sterling,...
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Info for this part was:

Expert Research:

Michael H

Expert Research:

Jameson C

Updated by:

Wilson B

Updated by:

Mike S

Updated by:

Isabelle B

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