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Once the drawbars are removed, the remaining brackets sit tucked back within the grille—virtually invisible and protected from scrapes. The streamlined design skips the bulky crossbar entirely, leaving a clean, factory look up front. When you’re ready to tow again, just insert the removable arms, twist to lock, and go.
Connecting your tow bar is simple and fast thanks to Roadmaster’s twist-lock attachment. Each arm clicks into place and locks securely in the bracket. Built-in pull rings let you unlock each arm when it’s time to disconnect—no tools or fuss required. It’s a straightforward system that makes setup easy, even solo at the campsite or driveway.
These computer-cut brackets bolt directly to the frame for a solid connection that spreads towing forces evenly. All-steel construction gives it exceptional strength, while the black powder coat finish stands up against corrosion and road wear. The design eliminates welding during install but still feels as tough as a welded mount once in place.
This kit works exclusively with Roadmaster motor-home-mounted tow bars like the Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, or Falcon 2. It removes the need for a quick-disconnect crossbar altogether—the direct-connect brackets handle that support on their own. The result is a simpler, cleaner hookup that’s both sturdy and dependable mile after mile.
Note: Roadmaster direct-connect base plates will only work with Roadmaster tow bars that slide into a trailer hitch, such as the Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, or Falcon 2. These base plates will not work with tow bars that require a hitch ball.
Ratings & Reviews
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.
Well packaged and nice quality
got the stuff
stuff in good shape
needed more stuff so called back
now waiting on that stuff
jp
Well designed and fairly easy to install. Directions were easy to follow. Excellent product.
Great base plate. Easy to install and it almost invisible on the Soul.
The base plate and hardware was great and it fit well. The only issue was that the instructions for the 2015 Kia Soul was missing quite a bit. It left out many critical steps and I had to work it out myself by referring to the drawings.
The product came on time, and in pretty decent shape. Will be installing it soon. Using a professional RV hitch/Towbar installer, since I have no patience for something like this. Would use etrailer.com again. Very good service.
Really great service...
Thanks you so much...
Everything about this base plate and wiring for our 2016 Kia Soul was exactly as advertised. We are very happy with it and the installation went great. We used a video and printed step-by-step directions and got the job done. It took us longer than advertised but that was OK. When the job was finished we hooked up to the RV and everything went great. The installation crew consisted of son-in-law Ken, grandson Kenny age 13, and myself.
Van S.
5/19/2021
The base plate and hook-up between the RV and Kia Soul have worked great. Everything I said in May 2020 is still valid.
I love this base plate. Installation instructions were great. I installed the unit myself, and consider myself an average to above average do it yourselfer. The removable arms are a nice feature that I would not do without. When removed, the base plate is not visible unless you are specifically looking for it. I would definitely purchase it again.
Gary Y.
8/19/2017
The Roadmaster product is performing as expected, no disappointments.
Easy to install with on line video and works perfect.
John
10/14/2025
Works great and easy to hook up.
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Claude-henri
8/11/2025
Very satisfy with that easlily installation for my manual transmission Kia Soul 2014..and it work perfectly with my tow bar...