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Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
Part Number: 523102-1
In Stock
$575.00
Retail:$632.50
You Save: $57.50
2016 BMW X5
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- All Info
- Reviews (494)
- Q & A (0)
- Photos
Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate - 523102-1
Highlights
- Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
- Ready for Flat Towing: Mounts to your frame to create solid connection points for a tow bar.
- Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden bracket design keeps the front end clean and unobtrusive.
- Quick Hookup and Removal: Twist-lock arms insert and release with a simple turn—no pins or clips.
- Built to Last: Computer-cut, all-steel construction with black powder coat resists rust and wear.
- Hassle-Free Setup: Custom design and included hardware allow straightforward, no-weld installation.
Features to know about
Made for a Clean Front End: Hidden Brackets with Removable Drawbars
When you want your vehicle to keep a clean, factory look, this setup makes it happen. The base plate’s hidden bracket design sits neatly behind the grille so it’s practically invisible when not towing. The removable drawbars twist out in seconds—no bulky hardware left behind and no pins or clips to fumble with. Once the arms are out, there’s nothing sticking out to bump your knees on or spoil the front-end appearance.
Quick Hookup Every Time: EZ Twistlock Attachment
Connecting your tow bar doesn’t get much simpler. Each arm slides into place and locks with a quick twist—no tools, pins, or extra steps needed. The EZ Twistlock system makes it easy to line up and secure even when you’re working alone in the driveway or at a campsite. When it’s time to disconnect, just twist and pull the arms free and you’re done.
Built Strong for the Long Haul: All-Steel Construction with Black Powder Coat Finish
The computer-cut, all-steel construction gives this base plate serious strength for thousands of miles of towing. The black powder coat finish adds corrosion resistance that holds up through weather and road grime. It bolts directly to the frame with no welding required, spreading loads evenly for dependable performance over time.
Ready for Your Setup: Works with Popular Roadmaster Tow Bars
This kit is compatible with Quick Disconnects and all Roadmaster tow bars including options like the Falcon 2 (# RM-520), Falcon (# RM-5250), and StowMaster (# RM-501). That means you can plug it right into an existing Roadmaster system without needing extra adapters. Instructions and mounting hardware are included so you can get everything lined up correctly from the start.
Specs
Features and Construction
- Bracket design: Hidden bracket design provides improved aesthetics compared with standard brackets
- Drawbars: Easily removable - just twist and pull; 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
- Fitment: Custom base plates ensure a perfect fit for your vehicle
- Compatibility: Compatible with Quick Disconnects and all Roadmaster tow bars
- Inclusions: Instructions and mounting hardware included
- Country of manufacture: Made in the USA
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty
Design Details
- Base plate type: EZ Twistlock series
- Attachment mechanism: Twist to lock and remove drawbar arms
- Appearance when arms removed: Remaining brackets are virtually invisible, typically mounted within the grille for protection from scrapes and scuffs
523102-1 Road Master EZ Base Plate Kit
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 2000 - 2002 Saturn L Series
Ratings & Reviews
4.8
494 reviews
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.
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.
by:
William
10/06/2025
Dodge
Dakota
I had my tow car blow its engine in South Dakota while on vacation. It needed to be replaced. I bought a used car and ordered a tow bracket for it and had it shipped to one of my destinations so I could install it there.
Unfortunately that car also broke down but I was able to return it. I asked to return that bracket and etrailer accepted it back.
I found a different car and ordered the bracket for it plus a wiring kit. etrailer shipped those and they were there when I got there.
They were easy to install and fit exceptionally well. After having my wife drive the new tow car for 1000 miles we were happy to get back in the motor home while we traveled.
Unfortunately that car also broke down but I was able to return it. I asked to return that bracket and etrailer accepted it back.
I found a different car and ordered the bracket for it plus a wiring kit. etrailer shipped those and they were there when I got there.
They were easy to install and fit exceptionally well. After having my wife drive the new tow car for 1000 miles we were happy to get back in the motor home while we traveled.
by:
Gary
09/15/2022
Great installation instructions and video. Was an interesting and fun project installing in our Mini-Cooper
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See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate
- Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2002 Saturn L SeriesYour 2002 Saturn L Series can be flat towed behind a motor home but there may be speed and distance restrictions along with other specific requirements. You will need to check your owner's manual for additional information. There are at least 5 items needed to flat tow a vehicle: base plates, tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. In order to safely and legally flat tow a vehicle you are going to need all of the required items. My contact at Roadmaster looked at your...
view full answer...
- Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2001 Saturn L SeriesYes, the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit # 523102-1 is compatible with the RoadMaster StowMaster Car-Mounted Tow Bar # RM-501. This tow bar comes with quick-disconnects so you would not need to purchase them separately. There are several other components needed to flat tow your 2001 Saturn L Series. 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. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design...
view full answer... - Which Receiver Covers Fit Roadmaster EZ Style Base Plates for a 2000 Saturn L SeriesOn the Roadmaster EZ base plates # 523102-1 you will need Receiver Covers # RM-210. There are other base plates for some vehicles designated as EZ2 base plates and they take the # RM-212. But you will need RM-210.
view full answer... - Roadmaster Base Plate Installation for 2000 Saturn L SeriesThe Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # 523102-1 is a confirmed fit for 2000-2002 Saturn L Series models. We do not currently have a video of this installation available, but I have attached the installation details that have very specific step by step directions. If you have questions in the process or if you'd like recommendations to complete your towing setup, let me know.
view full answer... - Will the Roadmaster Falcon 5250 Tow Bar Fit Roadmaster Base Plates on a 2000 Saturn LS1My guess is that your Falcon 5250 tow bar is missing the quick disconnect crossbar assembly, # 910021-00. This comes up frequently. This assembly has plates that bolt to the draw bar arms on the base plates. The crossbar pins to these brackets and the Falcon 5250 pins to the crossbar. I have included a link to a video review for you.
view full answer... - Will Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit for 2001 Saturn Work with Blue Ox Tow BarThe Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit # 523102-1 that fits your 2001 Saturn L Series will work with your Blue Ox Tow Bar by using the Adapter # RM-033 and the Quick Disconnect Kit # RM-201. This adapter is compatible with the following Blue Ox tow bars: Acclaim - # BX4330 Adventurer - # BX7322 Aladdin Alexxa Allure - # BX7460P Alpha - # BX7380 Ambassador Avail - # BX7420 Aventa Aventa II Aventa LX Kar Bar
view full answer... - Recommendation For 2002 Saturn VUE And Saturn L Series Base PlatesFor base plates, I recommend the Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit, Item # 3111-1, for a 2002 Saturn VUE and the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit, Item # 523102-1, for a 2002 Saturn L. For flat-towing either vehicle, you will also need a tow bar, safety cables, wiring, a braking system, and maybe a high-low hitch adapter. For a tow bar that works with both base plate kits and vehicles, I recommend the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain, Non-binding Tow Bar, Item # RM-522. For safety cables, I recommend...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2000 Saturn L SeriesThe Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit, part # 523102-1 will work with the Roadmaster Falcon 5250 Tow Bar on your 2000 Saturn L. The Falcon 5250 tow bar is a discontinued tow bar. The EZ base plates feature removable draw bar arms that you can remove when you are not flat towing the vehicle. In addition to the base plates and tow bar, you will also need safety cables, lighting, and a supplemental braking system for the Saturn. For safety cables, I recommend the coiled cables, part # RM-643....
view full answer... - Tow bar and base plate kit for 2000 Saturn L-seriesThe base plate kit for your 2000 Saturn L-series is Roadmaster EZ Twistlock Brackets, part # 523102-1. As far as towbars, the RoadMaster Tracker Tow Bar for 5,000 lbs, part # RM-020, will work nicely for you. You will also need the Roadmaster Tow Bar Quick Disconnect Kit, part # RM-201, to use with the base plate kit. Also check out the Tail light Isolating Diode System with Wiring Harness, part # 38955, which you will need to power the lights on your Saturn while towing it.
view full answer... - Base Plates, Tow Bar, Safety Cables, Lighting, and Braking System to Flat Tow a 2009 Chevy MalibuWe do have base plates to flat tow your Malibu, but the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit, # 523102-1, is designed to fit the 2000 - 2002 Saturn L Series All Models, so it is not a fit for a 2009 Chevy Malibu and it cannot be modified to fit. Instead, you will need to use # 523145-5. These are EZ style base plates that are compatible with several different tow bars. A good economical tow bar is the RoadMaster Tracker Tow Bar, # RM-020. To make the EZ base plate arms removable, you will also...
view full answer... - Base Plates and Flat Towing Accessories for 2003 Saturn L SeriesFor a 2003 Saturn LW200, you would need the Roadmaster Base Plate Kit, part # 523114-1. As you said, the 194-3 will fit the same model year Malibu, as well as the Olds Alero and Pontiac Grand Am SE, but not the Saturn L series. The # 523102-1 fits the 2000-2002 Saturn L series, but not the 2003 model. In addition to the base plates, you will also need a tow bar, safety cables, lighting and a supplemental braking system. I can recommend the Falcon 2 towbar, part # RM-520 and the # RM-643...
view full answer... - Replacement Arms for Roadmaster Base Plates 523102-1 on 2002 Saturn L SeriesYou can purchase the arms of the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit # 523102-1 that fits your 2002 Saturn L-Series. What you need are the Roadmaster Replacement Arms for Base Plate Kits # RM-ARMS. On that product page, just click on the "Installation Details" which will allow you to get the correct arms. These are the "EZ" series of base plates, and they are compatible with the newer tow bars such as the Roadmaster Falcon Tow Bar # RM-522 or Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar # RM-520.
view full answer...
Do you have a question about this Tow Bar Base Plate?
Info for this part was:
Expert Research:
Mike L
Expert Research:
Michael H
Expert Research:
Jeff D
Written by:
Lindsey S
Updated by:
Adele M
Updated by:
Wilson B
Updated by:
Isabelle B
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Victoria H.
12/18/2024
That amazing John! Where did you go on your long adventure?