Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
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2007 Ford Explorer
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2007 Ford Explorer
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When you want a clean, factory-style front end, this setup keeps everything tucked away. The direct-connect brackets sit farther back than standard mounts and remove the need for a quick-disconnect crossbar. Once the drawbars are out, the remaining brackets are virtually invisible and protected within the grille area from bumps and scrapes.
Getting ready to tow doesn’t have to be a hassle. Each arm slides into the bracket, clicks in place, and locks with a twist. To disconnect, just pull the built-in ring to unlock, twist again, and pull it free. It’s a secure system that makes hook-ups fast—whether you’re solo in the driveway or setting up at the campsite.
This base plate is built from computer-cut steel for a precise fit and solid strength under load. The black powder coat finish helps resist rust and corrosion through years of use. By bolting directly to the frame, it distributes towing stress evenly without any welding required.
Designed specifically for Roadmaster motor-home-mounted tow bars like the Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, and Falcon 2, this kit eliminates guesswork in matching components. When combined with compatible safety cables and wiring, it forms a dependable link that’s proven across thousands of towing miles.
You don’t need special equipment to install this kit—just basic tools and patience. The included instructions and mounting hardware guide you through attaching directly to the vehicle’s frame. With clear directions and no welding involved, it’s a straightforward weekend project that leaves you with a solid, ready-to-tow setup.
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
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
Easy installation! Etrailer videos are very informative and helpful! Always great to have a helper too!
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!
It was shipped promply. I installed it myself using the included step by step instructions and videos from etrailer. It all went well (though I had to come back and reconnect the sensor plug- my bad).
I tow a Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and this base plate is nearly invisible when not towing. Works well.
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.
Everything worked out great.
Very solid. Installed neatly and works well.
etrailer support is beyond helpful. they provide answers if you have any question about doing an installation. The printed help is very clear and easy to follow. You can also watch a video if you wish.
Fit the car perfectly. Had some trouble with shipping but 1 call and everything was handled
Only towed 2000 miles so far, then rear ended and pushed into front vehicle. Hope body shop left brackets in place!!!
Install was easy. thank you
Installing is a chore, but once in place it's great. No issues or concerns. Very happy with it.
Randolph
3/22/2025
Installed myself. Still works well. No complaints. Been used over 5000 miles.
This is the second base plate kit I have purchased and installed on a 2020 Buick Envision. The first one, installed on a 2020 Buick Envision, had about 15,000 miles on it before the car was totaled. Installation was a breeze if you are somewhat handy with tools and can follow directions, you shouldn't have any trouble with the installation.
Perfect for installing in my new Buick Envision. The kit went in exactly as was shown on the installation video and works perfectly. I installed the kit at the same time as the roadmaster baseplate so the wiring at the front was very easy! The coiled cord with the kit is high quality and should last me for quite a few years!
This is a high quality plate. Fit our 2019 Buick Envision perfectly. Install is intermediate to advanced skill level. I took my time with this project because of level of complexity. It went well. Overall it took a week because of issues related to auxiliary brake system wiring and it was best to leave vehicle disassembled. The only part I didn’t care for was drilling the frame. A Christmas tree bit works best. Paint wears off the arms quickly, I’m not saying it’s a bad paint job but in this application black color matches vehicle best but paint on arms wears off. So far we have about 4000 miles of towing this vehicle no issues everything is working as advertised. We are very pleased with this product and etrailer team. Video and phone support is tremendous.
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Frank
4/29/2024
Baseplate makes it easy to flat tow. Glad this one was recommended.