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  1. Tow Bar Base Plate
  2. Roadmaster
  3. Removable Draw Bars
  4. Twist Lock Attachment
  5. Partially Hidden
THIS ITEM IS NOT A FIT FOR
1999 Ford Taurus
etrailer Installation
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Roadmaster

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: 523196-4
In Stock
$575.00
Retail:$632.50
You Save: $57.50
Tow Bar Base Plate
Not Confirmed to Fit

1999 Ford Taurus

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In Use/Installed

etrailer Installation
We'll connect you with nearby partnered installers who know this exact setup.
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 523196-4 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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  • Reviews (2209)
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Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate - 523196-4

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Ready for Flat Towing: Creates sturdy frame-mount points for safely towing behind an RV.
  • Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden bracket design leaves a clean, factory-style front end.
  • Fast Hookup and Removal: Twist-lock drawbars click into place and detach in seconds.
  • Built to Last: Computer-cut, all-steel build with black powder coat resists corrosion.
  • Simplifies Setup: Integrated points let you mount an electrical connector or bracket.
Made in USA

Features to know about

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

If you want your front end to stay clean when you’re not towing, this setup does it right. The crossbar-style brackets sit far back in the grille, so once the drawbars are removed, the remaining hardware is virtually invisible and protected from scrapes and scuffs. It keeps the vehicle’s look neat while still giving you solid, ready-to-go mounting points when you need them.

Hook Up Fast and Go: Twist-Lock Removable Drawbars

No more fighting with pins or lining things up just right. Each arm on this kit clicks into the bracket and locks in place with a simple twist. Built-in pull rings let you unlock and remove them just as easily. It’s a straightforward, repeatable process that makes connecting or disconnecting quick when you’re setting up or packing up for the road.

Built Strong for the Long Haul: All-Steel, Computer-Cut Construction

The brackets and arms are made from computer-cut, all-steel pieces that deliver precise fit and exceptional strength. The black powder coat finish adds durability and corrosion resistance so the setup stays solid through miles of towing. It’s a heavy-duty design meant to handle long trips without worry.

Easy to Mount and Ready to Use: Bolt-On Install with Hardware Included

This kit bolts directly to the frame with no welding required, so it’s doable for a hands-on installer with basic tools. It comes with instructions and all mounting hardware, giving you everything needed for a clean installation. Integrated mounting points make it easy to add an electrical connector plug or bracket (sold separately) so your wiring stays tidy once installed.

Stay Compatible with Your Setup: Works with Roadmaster Tow Bars

If you already have Roadmaster towing gear, this base plate fits right in. It works with Roadmaster tow bars when used with the quick-disconnect crossbar (910021-00, sold separately). That means you can keep using the equipment you trust while upgrading to a cleaner, hidden base plate design that fits seamlessly into your towing setup.

Specs

Features

  • Hidden bracket design: Provides improved aesthetics compared with standard brackets
  • Crossbar-style brackets: Sit far back for a supremely clean look
  • Drawbars: Attach and remove quickly and easily
  • Arms: Click to lock in place in brackets
  • Built-in pull rings: Let you unlock arms so you can twist and remove them
  • Computer-cut, all-steel construction: Provides exceptional strength
  • Black powder coat finish: Durable and corrosion resistant
  • Simple installation: No welding required
  • Custom base plates: Ensure a perfect fit for your vehicle
  • Integrated mounting points: Let you easily attach an electrical connector plug or bracket (sold separately)
  • Compatibility: Compatible with Roadmaster tow bars with use of quick-disconnect crossbar (910021-00 - sold separately)
  • Instructions and mounting hardware: Included
  • Manufacturing origin: Made in the USA
  • Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Design Details

  • Type: Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit with Removable Arms
  • Attachment Method: Twist Lock Attachment
  • Visibility: Partially Hidden when installed (virtually invisible once drawbars are removed)
  • Material: All-Steel Construction
  • Finish: Black Powder Coat
  • Mounting Location: Vehicle frame (typically within the grille area)

523196-4 Road Master EZ4 Base Plate Kit

Installation Details 523196-4 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Ratings & Reviews

4.8

2209 reviews
5 Stars
(1862)
4 Stars
(261)
3 Stars
(48)
2 Stars
(13)
1 Star
(25)
Review sort icon
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.

by:

The installation took me about 7 hours, the facia removal was tedious , between the installation videos and instructions, I performed the task. This bar has one con, the pull rings on the removal bars are flimsy , my first pull stretched one out. I’m sure trailer has a fix for this under warranty, I hope.



by:

Etrailer was very easy to do business with and made it simple to ship my order directly to the RV shop that was going to install it. This was my first order from them, but I will definitely consider future purchases from them if I'm in need of something for my RV.



by:

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:

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.



by:

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:

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:

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!



by:

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.



by:

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.



by:

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)



by:

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:

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:

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.



by:

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.



by:

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.



by:

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.



by:

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.



by:

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



by:



by:

Excellent service



by:

Arrived 1 day early so looking forward in installing it this weekend.



by:

Works as intended



by:

Easiest to operate and use. We are extremely happy and love your product and customer service



by:

Received my Roadmaster base plate and wiring kits for my 2020 Buick Envision a day early. Just as in the past when I ordered 2 base plate with wiring kits all parts with clear instructions was in the box. All the personnel has been very courteous. I got Lori B.as my salesperson. She was very friendly, knowledgeable, and made ordering easy. When I had a question she responded fast to my request. Thanks Etrailer for a job well done.



by:

unit had all parts that was needed,installed very well


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

  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2020 Buick Envision
    I can definitely help you out with a flat towing setup for your 2020 Buick Envision! You can definitely use the Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit # 523196-4 with the Adapter # RM-033 so that the base plate kit is compatible with a Blue Ox tow bar, but in all honesty it would be much easier to use the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-523196-5 with the Adapter Kit # BX88185 instead because you don't have a whole bar that you need to use as an adapter. I'm guessing that...
    view full answer...
  • Why Would 2019 Buick Envision Need Charge Line When being Flat Towed
    Hey Earl, so if you were going to use a supplemental braking system that drew battery from the Envision like the Blue Ox Patriot part # BLU37TR it would be a decent idea to have a charge line installed like the part # RM-156-25 so that you could keep the vehicle battery topped off. Do you have your flat towing setup all picked out already?
    view full answer...
  • Flat Towing Setup Procedures For A 2020 Buick Envision
    You should always follow the listed instructions in the manual for your vehicle when flat towing. The generic manual online for the 2020 Buick Envision states that you need to: 1. Position the vehicle to tow and then secure it to the towing vehicle. 2. Turn the ignition on, and shift the transmission to N (Neutral). 3. With the transmission in N (Neutral), turn the ignition off. 4. To prevent the battery from draining while the vehicle is being towed, remove fuses 29 and 32. Since the...
    view full answer...
  • Can 2020 Buick Envision be Flat Towed Behind Motorhome
    I pulled up the owners manual of your 2020 Buick Envision and on page 297 it states the vehicle can be flat towed without excluding the FWD models. The first thing you'd need is a base plate kit like the part # RM-523196-5 which is a confirmed fit and would be very easy to use. 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,...
    view full answer...
  • Can Flat Tow Setup be Reversed
    When flat towing a vehicle you cannot reverse the setup at all. You'd have to disconnect the towed vehicle and reverse it by itself before reversing the motorhome. If you attempted to do this you'd most likely damage the tow bar and vehicle. I attached a help article that covers a basic overview of flat towing as well.
    view full answer...
  • What Type of Vehicle Drivetrains are Easiest to Flat Tow
    In general manual transmissions front wheel drive are the easiest to flat tow but there are some automatic transmission vehicles that can be flat towed as well. Specifically if it's a truck that has a manual 4WD gear box. All wheel drive vehicles tend to be harder to flat tow but it really is all vehicle specific. I attached a couple help articles on flat towing for you to check out as well.
    view full answer...
  • Does 2020 Buick Envision Need Supplemental Braking When Being Flat Towed
    Nearly all states now legally require you to install a braking system in the towed vehicle. That said, I would still recommend you use a system even if not required as it makes a huge difference stopping in an emergency situation. If you went with a supplemental braking system like the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR or the SMI DUO part # SM99251 you do not have to first determine what type of brakes your RV has. If you had air brakes in your RV you'd hear them and would know. You'd hear the...
    view full answer...

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


Info for this part was:

Employee Lindsey S
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Dustin K
Video Edited:
Dustin K
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Isabelle B
Updated by:
Isabelle B
Employee David F
Test Fit:
David F
Employee Mike S
Written by:
Mike S

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