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If you like a setup that keeps your front end tidy, this design is right on target. The direct-connect base plate hides neatly within the grille and leaves only small brackets behind when the arms are removed. Each drawbar disconnects quickly with two pins, so when you’re not towing, the front end stays clean and protected from scrapes or bumps.
This kit is made for heavy-duty use where strength and precision matter. The all-steel brackets are computer-cut and welded to match frame mounting points for a secure fit. Its black powder coat finish resists corrosion through weather and road grime, giving you the confidence to tow mile after mile without worrying about fatigue or rust.
No crossbar means fewer parts and a faster hookup. These direct-connect base plates are built to handle the load on their own, so you can connect your tow bar straight to the brackets. It gives the front of your setup a sleeker look and saves time every time you line up to tow.
You can pair this base plate with Roadmaster tow bars that slide into trailer hitch receivers, including the Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, and Falcon 2. Installation hardware and instructions come in the box, making it straightforward to bolt up and integrate with your existing setup.
There’s no welding involved, so it’s an approachable job if you’re handy with tools. The custom fit lines up with factory mounts for accurate placement, and the included hardware helps you get it done without chasing extra parts. Once installed, it’s solid, simple, and ready for years of towing duty.
Ratings & Reviews
Excellent base plate, just as my wife requested, she didn’t want too much metal visible in front of the bumper. Installation instructions were a bit confusing for me, but I’ll clarify, for me.
2002 Honda CR-V. Easy to install. Two and a half hours, and stopped to eat a sandwich. To install the spacers inside the roll frame on the car I used an extension magnet to reach in there and position them. As you can see NO cutting was needed on the bumper cover!
Now I have to figure out the easiest way to run the wiring for the lights.
Thanks Lauren A for your help!
Awesome instructions! Install was fairly easy. Product is very high quality and solid construction. Thank you E Trailer!
I installed this base plate on a 2018 Miata RF. I think I recall something about it taking 3.5 hours and my initial estimate was 3.5 days. It actually took a bit longer than that, but I was not pushing myself and did not have the luxury of having the vehicle on a lift but had it up on two ramps for the front wheels.
The order came pretty quickly, probably about 4 or 5 days between the time I placed it and UPS delivered it. The parts were well packaged and it came with a printed set of instructions. I had watched the video install on another Miata and if it weren't for that I'm not sure I would have tried it. I'm not a pro mechanic by any means but have worked on my own vehicles now for over 40 years. And I'm not a spring chicken either, so all the up and down working on the car can tire me fairly quickly. But if you are not in a rush and go carefully it can be done.
It took a day to do most of the disassembly. I removed both headlights and the intake tube on the passenger side. That tube came out much easier then it went back in.
The next day I got the baseplate mounted which helped to start visualizing how it all would work. All of the holes for the 6mm bolts did not quite line up with the holes in the frame. I had to file one sides worth for a bit of extra clearance. From my experience on this install you really want to leave all the bolt on the loose side till you get everything situated.
A couple of days off for rain and the then I got to work on the bracing. Initially I though I didnt need to cut the top lip of the frame but I decided to go ahead and do it anyway since that part didnt seem to sit flat when bolted from the back end. I'm still not sure its really necessary as the hump clears the metal lip without cutting it.
I also ordered a 14" long 1/2" drill bit to cut the holes in the frame. It was a Bosch bit, wasnt very expensive and it went through the metal like the proverbial hot knife. I managed to get all the big bolts installed in a day with a great sense of satisfaction.
The next day I torqued down all the bolts and the mount felt very solid. They stress that you need to install all the bolts, but honestly I can't see the 6mm bolts doing much compared to the half inch bolts that do most or all of the work. But I put them in and tightened them all the same.
A couple of days spent to install the tail light wiring and then I got back on to putting the front clip back on. My car must have had an aftermarket grill since it did not match the pictures or the video. I tried to position it carefully to see where the parts that were going to stick out would be so I didnt cut out more than I needed to. So there was a good amount of back and forth, cut and fit. In the end I had to make some extra cuts for clearance for the safety cable tabs as well as the mount for the 6 wire connector. Until I made the extra cuts the lower part of the front clip would not seat correctly. Getting the clip in the right position so it fits under the lights also takes some finagling.
Figuring out where all the bolts go back in can be interesting. Take pictures where you can. Dont be too aggressive when working with plastic parts. Overall I'm satisfied with the install, but I have yet to try and hook it up to tow.
Easy to install needed to replace some fasteners as they broke removing front grill was able to get them from Amazon cheap
This Road Master Direct connect base plate works perfectly for a 2020 ford transit cargo 250! Awesome service from etrailer as usual! The finished product can barely be seen through the front fascia!
I bought and installed this tow plate one year ago on my 2013 Jeep Wrangler. I bought this particular plate due to the jeep having a Barricade off-road bumper. This plate attaches a bit lower than other plates and prevented having to modify the bumper. Installation was easy involving only hand tools. The plate comes with all needed bolts and attachments. I have towed this Jeep several thousand miles behind my RV with absolutely no issues. As an aside, I use a Roadmaster Night Hawk tow bar which is also an excellent product. Both are expensive, but I believe cheaping-out on safety is no a good idea. I highly recommend this product.
This works perfect with my Roadmaster tow bar. It was a little difficult to install since I had to remove the front end of the Trailblazer, but with the good directions that came with it and some you tube videos made the installation easier.
Had these installed at Lester’s Automotive in Boerne,Texas…First class service all the way. Paul and his crew worked through lunch for over 4 hours to install these on our 2026 Ford Ranger. Also ran the wire and hooked up my auxiliary tow lights. The price for this was very reasonable and would highly recommend them for all r.v. needs even if not real close to the Boerne area. R.V park within reasonable distance if needed.
Etrailer comes through again! This was a great savings as a used kit, but it was even better than the description online. I have installed (4) baseplates on and etrailer.com has given me great videos to watch and good instructions to follow. Couldn't be more pleased with the quality, service and delivery times.
AMAZING PRODUCT WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND AND USE AGAIN
Excellent product, no issues after 1 year of towing.
works very good, thanks for helping on this.
Mike
May be somewhat of an overkill on mounting brackets. But for sure not breaking away from vehicle. Work great. No problems.
very knowledgeable plus quick ship AAA+ ++
Fit perfectly, the video on your website made the installation that much easier
You guys covered all the bases regarding video details and shipping was awesome!
On time delivery, great products, professional service and very knowledgeable staff. I strongly recommend using etrailer for ur needs.
I recently purchased a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 that needs to be set up so that I can tow it behind my motor home. E-Trailer had the best price and their website was easy and efficient to use. This is the fourth vehicle that I've had to equip for towing and E-Trailer made the process a pleasure and I received the base plates in three days.
Thank you
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Michael
1/28/2024
solid with no issues