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If you like a clean, factory look when you’re not towing, this setup keeps things tidy. The streamlined design eliminates the bulky quick-disconnect crossbar found on other systems, and the brackets sit farther back so they’re nearly invisible. Once the removable drawbars are out, only small hidden brackets remain tucked inside the grille, protected from scrapes and scuffs.
Getting ready to tow doesn’t have to be a chore. Each arm slides into the base plate, clicks to lock in place, and releases with a simple pull of the built-in ring—then a twist to remove. The direct-connect setup removes extra steps and hardware, so you can go from parked to ready to roll in less time.
When you’re towing thousands of miles behind a motorhome, strength matters. The computer-cut, all-steel build provides exceptional durability while spreading towing forces evenly across the frame. A black powder coat finish helps resist corrosion from road grime and weather so the brackets stay solid over time.
Bolting this kit on is a simple process that can be handled by anyone comfortable turning wrenches at home. The base plates install directly to the frame with included hardware—no welding needed—and are custom fit for a precise alignment. Clear instructions guide you through each step for a clean, confident install.
Already using a Roadmaster motor-home-mounted tow bar? This base plate is built for seamless compatibility with models like the Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, or Falcon 2 that slide directly into a trailer hitch. It’s a reliable match that lets your existing setup work together without added adapters or hitch balls.
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.
Customer Satisfaction Score:
88% were satisfied with this product
12% of customers were not satisfied
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.
Getting installed at the RV dealership today. Arrived promptly and the cost was reasonable.
Thanks
Lightning Fast Delivery
INSTRUCTIONS DO NOT SHOW THE RIGHT CUTOUT FOR MY GRILL
Great product, took about 2 hours to install, directions were easy to follow and all parts were provided. Tow bar brackets are way overkill, thanks..
etrailer has some of the greatest customer service I have experienced in a long time , I ordered several things to outfit my toad and from start to finish they were a class company to work with .
New customer for life !
The baseplate arrived in excellent condition and I was able to install it in just under 2 hours. Everything fit pretty good but I did have to modify two bolts to make it fit properly on my 2018 Kia Soul. The instructions were right on and the pictures were a great help.
No problems after 1yr, 2000 miles. Installation took some time, but instructions were good. Parts fit well.
This worked out well for my Kia Soul. The removable arms are quick to release and and store away while leaving the front of the Soul looking uncluttered. I would buy again.
Just received the base plate. Nicely packaged and well built. I will update once installed
Baseplate fit my Kia Soul perfectly. Instructions were clear and while not easy, installation went without any problems.
3rd Road master tow bar I have installed on my toads (Miata, Honda Fit and Kia Soul). All are well built but not all interference issues are in instructions and video. On the Kia Soul, wasted 3 hours figuring out bolt was too short for blind assembly inside a pocket. Also radiator air guides needed trimming. Just plan for more time and be patient.
I 1st bought the Blue Ox and found that it called for too many modifications and it was thin and flimsy. When I received the Roadmaster bass plate, I quickly seen that it was a better product. It's a thiker metal and had easy direction to follow. I've towed over 50,000 miles with it and haven't had any problems.
The Roadmaster baseplate has been used for a full season now and I couldn't be happier with the performance. The installation went smoothly and was simpler and less invasive than other brands. The videos provided by etrailer were a great help as well.
Thanks etrailer for the great product, great price and delivery, and great product videos!
Well made but not road tested yet. It looks good once installed. The fish nuts with the wire were very difficult to install. Some kind of a lead wire or something better should be used. And please make a template for trimming the fascia. Half a days work to make and print and include in the instructions. Brighter contrast in the photos would be helpful. I have written install procedures and you fid s fair job, I know. So I'm offering you some improvement suggestions.
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Paul
12/20/2023
Base plate has performed as expected in my first year of use. Instructions were wry easy to follow and install went well. Wet happy with the purchase