Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
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1989 Ford Ranger
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1989 Ford Ranger
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This base plate keeps the front of your vehicle looking clean when you’re not towing. The direct-connect brackets sit farther back than standard ones, so once the removable drawbars are out, the remaining hardware is virtually invisible. Mounted within the grille, the brackets stay protected from scrapes and bumps while preserving a factory-style appearance.
Connecting the tow bar takes just a few seconds. Each arm slides into the bracket, twists to lock, and clicks into place. When it’s time to disconnect, pull the built-in ring to release the lock, give it a twist, and remove. It’s a quick, no-hassle design that’s easy to manage whether you’re setting up in a driveway or at a campsite.
Built from computer-cut steel, this setup offers exceptional strength for long-distance towing. The durable black powder coat resists corrosion and road wear, keeping the brackets in top shape through every mile. It bolts directly to the frame—no welding required—and spreads towing forces evenly for dependable performance over time.
The kit includes everything needed for a precise install—mounting hardware and clear instructions—so you can bolt it on with confidence. The base plate connects directly to motor-home-mounted Roadmaster tow bars like the Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, or Falcon 2. There’s no quick-disconnect crossbar required, keeping your overall setup streamlined and secure.
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:
97% were satisfied with this product
3% of customers were not satisfied
Ratings & Reviews
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.
Great service and the part in stock and shipped the same day
Exactly what I needed! Arrived right aw ay!
The items were Exactly what they said they would be.And packed very Professional. And got del. A day early!
Nice!!
Etrailer was quick in putting this order together and getting it out the door.
Fit perfect.
After receiving the package, reading up and watching a few videos. Installing them was a breeze. Minor trimming on the grill as my truck did not have tow hooks, and trimmed the inside bumper mount, on the bottom of the baseplate slot.
Robert F.
8/2/2024
Very simple to install on my truck. Everything fit perfectly and made my trips pulling the truck behind the Motorhome, as simple as pie.
Fit and installation are fine per the detailed instructions included. Only thing extra is that you probably have to grind away a little material away inside frame rail. Have a Dremel or die grinder handy.Also get red thread locker. Haven't hooked up and towed yet, still have to install lights and Air Force One brake off old truck, along with a hitch riser since there is at least 6 inches difference in heights.
Larry W.
1/13/2022
Still very satisified with this baseplate, although due to Covid we have only towed about 5000 miles so far.
I love them. They were great.
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Robert F.
8/4/2023
So far so good