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If you like a factory look when you’re not towing, this base plate keeps things neat. The streamlined design sits tight to the frame with no crossbar sticking out, and the removable drawbars leave the front end looking clean once they’re off. When the arms are removed, the remaining brackets are tucked back within the grille, protected from scrapes and scuffs.
The quick-connect arms slide into place, twist to lock, and click in securely. A built-in pull ring releases the arm so you can twist and remove it in seconds. It’s a straightforward setup that makes solo hookups easy and repeatable whether you’re in your driveway or at a campsite.
This base plate bolts directly to the vehicle’s frame for solid strength without welding. The computer-cut steel brackets spread towing loads evenly across the front end for long-term durability. A black powder coat finish adds corrosion resistance mile after mile.
You don’t need a welder or special tools to install this kit. It’s a simple bolt-on job using the included mounting hardware and instructions. Clear guidance helps you line everything up right the first time so you can get it installed confidently at home.
The direct-connect design pairs with motor-home-mounted Roadmaster tow bars such as the Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, or Falcon 2 that slide into a trailer hitch. This eliminates the need for a separate quick-disconnect crossbar and keeps your setup simple and secure.
Customer Satisfaction Score:
94% were satisfied with this product
6% of customers were not satisfied
Ratings & Reviews
Excellent Product! I choose this base plate because it bolts very securely to the frame of the vehicle. I have been towing with it now for a little over a year and it has performed flawlessly!
Iam very happy with this baseplate, I installed it on my 2019 Chevy Equinox in about four hours. I did watch the install video before hand, which was very helpful.
Excellent product box partly torn in shipping but all made it to me with the excellent interior packaging
Difficult, but possible to install without lift. Video's showed the "easy side" for access to fasteners. The plug-in rods extend too far out and are a hazard. I plan to cut an inch off before completing install. Waiting for braking system to complete wiring installation.
Just arrived here. Opened the box and liked the obvious quality and substantial materials used. Plan to install next weekend.
There are several options for baseplate and associated items to set autos up for towing but I used the expertise of the etrailer reps that recommended the 'correct' items to make it happen. I recommend etrailer often.
This is my third time to setup an auto to be towed. Roadmaster’s directions are very complete. There were 64 screws to remove and reinstall to complete the task of installation. I would very highly recommend Roadmaster products.
The base plate appears to be of very good quality, provides a secure connection and has functioned very well. The removable arms are the easiest I’ve used and really minimize the visibility of the base plate when removed.
I put the road master on my 2020 Chevy equinox. The install went very nice. The roadmaster video and the paper instructions were very helpful. The base plate was better designed than others I looked at. The bolt pattern made for a very strong connection. It fit perfectly. This is a very well thought out product. Thanks John
I've had three tow vehicles and put base plates on two of them. This was by far the easiest install - once I got the car far enough apart to do the actual installation. My only issue was that that I have a Brakemaster braking system and there was no place on the base plate for the connectors for that. The car definitely doesn't have a place for those connectors. I ended up improvising. I have 4,500 miles of towing on the baseplate and there have been no issues.
Saidly, since installing the Roadmaster baseplate on our new 2024 Equinox RS we have only toad about 30 miles. Installation was more challenging then I anticipate with the whole project (including lights and battery charging system took two days. The removable arms, once installed, appear slightly out of square. This causes binding on the tow bar fitting and a challenge when taking the tow bar off. Unrelated to the base plate, GM owners manual instructions for flat towing changed after I purchased the car and did the base plate install. Previously the car remained in auxiliary mode. The new instructions state to disconnect the negative battery terminal. I believe this is because in auxiliary mode the Auto Braking system remains engaged. When towing at 4-5 mph, as in a parking lot, all appears normal. When towing at highway speed the AB engages because the distance between the RV and the toad is too close for the speed. In my case the result was a hub fire requiring the replacement of the entire brake system and tires. GM would not warranty this as they consider brakes a ware item. THis on a car with less than 6K miles. Since this experience the car has not beet towed do to my wife's concerns.
Very pleased with unit. Great install by Jeff Giliam here in Estacada OR on our 2024 Equinox! Very easy to attach and detach tow bar with our Class C RV. Customer service is top notch with prompt and kind staff answering questions! Will definitely use E Trailer again for any future needs!
Great product. Easy install. Fast shipping with tracking.
The roadmaster rm-523193-5 arrived as promised. The box the base plate came is was damage, and a good 5 inch whole was exposed. Good news, was that upon opening the box nothing was damage. The base plate installed as intended, and etrailer videos was so helpful. Very happy with the way it looks on my 2018 Equinox .
Kenneth
1/16/2021
Thanks yes we used the base plate in our equinox and it worked great. Towed the car over 2000 miles on a trip this year. Only complaint, and it is small, is the rust appeared already on the front post. But the product is very sound and clear install manual made the job easy.
Installation took a while but had no issues. Ypur installation video is awesome.
Just finished installing your baseplate on my 2019 equinox redline. Excellent instructions,perfect fit and three day fast delivery. Very happy. I am 73 and will really enjoy the quick connect arms. Thank you etrailer
For the installation the instructions were good, but watching some videos made it much easier to take apart a brand new car. All went well. Installed on a 2020 Chevy Equinox 2.0
Product was actually delivered a day earlier than expected. I've not opened the box, will give to installer. There was slight damage to box, but that's not the fault of etrailer, but carrier.
Great fit, great installation instructi ons.
This kit worked out great for my 2022 Chevy Equinox. I like how it has separate side plates, which make it easier to attach the main bar. The points where it attaches to the frame seem plenty secure. It is important to watch the videos provided by etrailer as Ryan is very thorough and has good tips for installing. I would also recommend installing additional wiring while having the front end off. Overall, I was able to complete in my driveway. The hardest part was sorting out the wiring for whatever braking and tail lights you decide on. William S helped me pick all the necessary components needed for flat towing behind my Jayco RV. I am looking forward to a summer of camping and having more freedom to explore the area, now having a car.
This is a rock solid baseplate. Installed on a 2023 Equinox LT (AWD). I followed etrailer's videos for installation and they are spot on. We connect with a Roadmaster Nighthawk tow bar, charge line kit, smart diode lighting kit, and a Demco Stay-in-Play supplimental braking system. It is fairly well hidden when not in-use. This setup is great!
Installed the baseplate myself. Just followed the directions and it went well. Have used it for about 4000 miles. Easy to connect to the tow bar. Great produce.
Joseph
5/9/2022
I installed the product myself two years ago. Installation instructions were detailed and easy to follow. I have towed the car approximately 8000 miles over the past two years and it has been solid to use and easy to connect to each time.
Installed on a 21 Chevy Equinox premier. Shipping was fast and ordering was very easy online. Watched the online videos and that made the install very easy. It took about 8 hours to install everything I needed to tow our car. This kit makes towing very easy and hooking up takes about 2 min.
Installing the 2020 Chevy Equinox base plate was easy. Perfect directions and videos helped a lot. Taking the front end off a brand new car was scary. Only real hard part came when trying to determine which parts of the from grill to cut the openings for the quick connections and the wiring connector protrusions. The cuts have to be made prior to reinstalling the grill and you can't really see where to cut without the grill in the correct configuration on the fender. So you cut and trim to fit. Then get the grill into the fender connector then check and make additional cuts as necessary. Also I installed a Invisibrake inside of the engine bay, not under the back seat. This was my wife's suggestion and she was correct. It fits and you only have to run the little air tube through the firewall. No taking apart of the interior molding except the driver kick panel for the pneumatic cylinder. Very easy.
Paul
8/7/2021
9000 miles from Myrtle beach SC to Seattle WA and back with no issues. Our towing system works great. My wife and I are a team when hooking up or unhooking our car from the RV. We can do it in under 2 minutes. Great products, and a fantastic wife.
Original sale was great. Austin was a wealth of information. Shipping was immediate! I will always use etrailer for towing supplies.
Brooke M.
2/17/2025
I am so happy to hear that, Steven. Ill be sure that Austin sees this review. Positive feedback is always super encouraging! Thanks for coming back and taking time to write this out. :)
Steven
2/16/2026
Still very happy with the tow bar system that Patrick recommended. Im still able to connect and disconnect with relative ease for an old man. Its sturdy, reliable, and convenient.
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Joseph
1/28/2020
The baseplate for my 2018 Equinox was east to install following the Etrailer video. Is east to use with the Roadmaster tow bar also from Etrailer. Highly recommended.