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Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
Part Number: RM-523198-5
In Stock
$575.00
Retail:$632.50
You Save: $57.50
2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
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Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate - RM-523198-5
Highlights
- Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
- Ready for Flat Towing: Provides secure mounting points for motorhome-mounted tow bars.
- Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden brackets sit back in the grille for a clean, factory look.
- Quick Hookup and Release: Twist-lock removable arms click into place and detach in seconds.
- Built to Last: Computer-cut, all-steel construction with black powder coat resists corrosion.
- Simple Setup: Installs on vehicle frame without welding and includes mounting hardware.
Features to know about
Clean Front End When You’re Not Towing: Hidden Mounts with Removable Arms
This setup keeps things sleek when you’re not hitched up. The brackets sit tucked back in the grille, nearly invisible once the arms are removed, so you keep a clean front end and don’t have to worry about scuffs or bulky hardware sticking out. When it’s time to tow, the removable drawbars slide into place and disappear again when you’re done.
Quick Hookup Every Time: Twist-Lock, Pin-Release Connection
The drawbars attach and remove quickly with a simple twist-lock design. Each arm clicks securely in place and unlocks with the built-in pull pin—no tools, no fumbling. It’s a fast, solid connection that makes it easier to line things up even if you’re hooking up solo.
Heavy-Duty Build for Long Trips: All-Steel Construction
The computer-cut, all-steel construction is built for strength and consistency. It bolts directly to the frame with no welding required, spreading the towing load evenly across solid mounting points. The black powder coat finish resists corrosion and holds up through thousands of miles of towing, giving you confidence on long hauls.
No Extra Crossbar Needed: Direct-Connect Design for Roadmaster Tow Bars
These direct-connect brackets eliminate the need for a separate quick-disconnect crossbar, so setup is simpler and cleaner. They work exclusively with Roadmaster motor-home-mounted tow bars that slide into a trailer hitch—like the Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, or Falcon 2—so everything fits and functions as one streamlined system.
DIY-Friendly Install: Bolt-On Kit with Clear Instructions
Installation is straightforward for anyone comfortable turning wrenches at home. The kit mounts to the frame without welding and comes with all necessary hardware plus clear instructions. Once installed, you get a tight, secure fit that’s custom-built for your setup and easy to maintain over time.
Specs
Features
- Direct-connect brackets: Provide attachment points for your motor-home-mounted tow bar
- Streamlined design: Creates supremely clean look
- No obtrusive quick-disconnect crossbar: Ensures cleaner front-end appearance
- Hidden brackets: Sit even farther back than standard brackets
- Drawbars: Attach and remove quickly and easily
- Arms: Click to lock in place in brackets
- Built-in pull rings: Let you unlock arms so you can twist and remove them
- Computer-cut, all-steel construction: Provides exceptional strength
- Black powder coat finish: Durable and corrosion resistant
- Simple installation: No welding required
- Custom base plates: Ensure a perfect fit for your vehicle
- Compatibility: Compatible with Roadmaster motor-home-mounted tow bars only
- Included components: Instructions and mounting hardware included
- Origin: Made in the USA
Design and Construction
- Material: All-steel construction
- Finish: Black powder coat
- Attachment Type: Direct-connect, twist lock attachment
- Draw Bars: Removable draw bars with built-in pull rings
- Mounting Location: Installs on vehicle’s frame; brackets mount within the grille on most automobiles
- Visibility: Partially hidden installation—brackets virtually invisible when arms are removed
Compatibility
- Compatible Tow Bars: Roadmaster motor-home-mounted tow bars that slide into a trailer hitch (such as Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, or Falcon 2)
- Not Compatible With: Tow bars that require a hitch ball
Installation Requirements
- No welding required: For installation
- Mounting method: Mounts directly to the vehicle frame using included instructions and mounting hardware
Note
- 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.
523198-5 Road Master EZ-5 Base Plate Kit
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 2019 - 2022 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2023 - 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 excluding AT4X models with AEV bumper
- 2022 - 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited
Customer Satisfaction Score:
97% were satisfied with this product
3% of customers were not satisfied
- Arrived Damaged
- Wrong item was ordered
Ratings & Reviews
4.8
3699 reviews
by:
William
10/08/2020
2014
Fleetwood
Bounder Classic Motorhome
I have a 2019 GMC Denali and this product from Roadmaster is fantastic. Installation was easy with out having to remove the grill or valance or bumper. There was no trimming on the Plastic. The baseplate installed from the rear with a little push and nudge. there was one bolt just a tad long but this was fixed with a washer. If this is your model of vehicle and you don't want to trash the front get this base plate.
by:
Donald
08/30/2026
Great fit and finish.
Lessons learned, bend and fit the wire nuts first while you can still see the hole openings, then set aside and follow directions.
Lessons learned, bend and fit the wire nuts first while you can still see the hole openings, then set aside and follow directions.
by:
John
11/09/2022
I bought and self installed this on my 2021 GMC Sierra Duramax 1 year ago. Install took about 5 hours and wasn't difficult...I could problty install it in 2-3 hours after leaening the tricks. Weve towed the truck all over the USA since then (over 10,0000 miles) and it works great! I've used other brands and highly recommend Roadmaster tow systems over the competition.
John
11/10/2023
Still works great, no issues.
by:
David
03/23/2026
System works as described - installation was difficult. One of the arms holding the nut so you could reach inside frame rail broke before nut was tight, so I had to have another one shipped out and cut off the bolt that was partially installed.
by:
Aaron
03/31/2024
GMC
Sierra
The brackets are heavy and feel solid. The mounting is straightforward on my 2024 GMC Sierra Denali 1500. You will lose the front tow hooks but I feel the tow bracket inserts will be safe to use if needed for a rescue. They are barely noticeable to the casual person when the inserts are removed for daily driving.
by:
Gary
09/05/2025
2025
GMC
Sierra 1500
Fair price, short delivery. All the pieces were there, instructions were good with pictures. Fairly easy installation with no drilling. Rugged construction. I’ve used Roadmaster base plates before and have never been disappointed.
by:
Tom
05/15/2025
2014
Chevrolet
Silverado
Roadmaster makes great baseplates. I had a set on my 2014 Silverado and then I bought a 2024 Sierra AT4. I put these on the AT4. The nice thing about the AT4 with the 6.2 is that the baseplates can be installed without removing the bumper and grill. As such, I was able to DIY it. They have worked well after about 5000 miles of towing.
by:
Tom
05/19/2024
It was a fantastic base plate. The Blue Ox base plates required the entire bumper, grill, etc be removed. These Roadmaster base plates were installed from underneath and only required the tow hooks be removed. My wife and I completed the installation in a couple hours. The stiff wires attached to the nuts that required installing inside the frame was genius. We bought Roadmaster to Blue Ox adapters and continue to use our Blue Ox towing equipment. The Roadmaster Nighthawk is just too heavy for me (I'm 78). Anyway, I love the Roadaster base plates. And, I'm thankful for the clear installation instructions provided etrailer.
by:
Jason
09/27/2021
2021
GMC
Sierra 1500
Installation was relatively straightforward; my vehicle did not require removal of the bumper, although the instructions indicated that some engine types did. Installing the nut plates (through a hole in the frame), and getting them lined up with the bolts, was difficult to do with a helper, and would be impossible to do with one person. The installed look is excellent, however; when the arms are removed, the baseplate is barely noticeable.
by:
David
12/20/2020
I take these reviews seriously so others can benefit good or bad from my experience. I cannot express strongly enough how very customer service oriented this company really is. They will make every appropriate attempt to work with you. I dealt with Arthur. He not only found an item I had been told by others including the manufacturer was not available. He also came up with a fall back plan if plan A for some reason did not come through. He had my base plates shipped to my door faster than my installer could believe. Truly professionals! I would highly recommend this company and if you are lucky enough to deal with Arthur you have been blessed with the best customer service person I have dealt with in years! Great Products, Great Inventory, Great Company, Great People.
by:
Mark
01/31/2025
The base plate was a perfect fit and is very well made. Works great.
by:
Wayne
08/01/2025
2025
GMC
Sierra 1500
went in almost without a hitch .... maybe a redesign of nuts that go through hole with wire attached they are very difficult to get into position! but i did make itlol
by:
Kim
08/24/2022
Chevrolet
Silverado
Excellent fit to the existing GMC Silverado AT4 frame. Only made a slight increase in the rubber shrould around the removed tow hooks.
The instructions were for the 2021 year trucks. Mine is a 2022. A few changes had to be made but it looks great when finished.
The instructions were for the 2021 year trucks. Mine is a 2022. A few changes had to be made but it looks great when finished.
by:
Tom
07/26/2025
I can,t tell you anything now until I start installing them.
by:
Eric
01/14/2021
The parts I ordered are awesome and Etrailer is great to deal with....
by:
Ronny
02/26/2025
Easy install and works great no problems at all
by:
Michael
02/25/2025
Very Happy I bought this as it didn't require the bumper and more to be removed like some of the other ones.
by:
Donald
01/04/2022
It works just fine
by:
Bobby
06/14/2022
They work good
by:
Vic
08/30/2024
directions very helpful and accurate
by:
George
05/22/2021
1997
Ford
F-150 and F-250 Light Duty
On time and correct part.
by:
Mojave
12/23/2020
Delivered on time as promised
by:
James
11/01/2025
by:
Bob
01/11/2026
by:
Ct
03/21/2026
25
3699
true
Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate
- Flat Tow Setup For Towing A 2024 GMC 1500 With A 2024 Dynamax DynaQuest XL Air Brake MotorhomeHey Kevin, congrats on the new truck and motorhome. Here is what I recommend for flat towing your 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 crew cab with your 2024 Dynamax DynaQuest XL motorhome with air brakes: - Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-523198-5 - Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar # RM-676 - Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 - Roadmaster Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle # RM-766 - Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for...
view full answer... - Is There A Base Plate For A 2024 GMC 1500 AT4X? Hey Brian, thanks for reaching out. No, unfortunately we do not have a base plate fit for the 2024 GMC 1500 AT4X. We have several options for the 2024 GMC 1500 but none of them will fit the AT4X model. This is mostly because generally you cannot flat tow a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X. Most 2024 Sierra 1500 AT4X trucks do not have a true neutral position in the transfer case that’s designed for flat towing, which is the big requirement for towing four-down. That said, some trucks can be...
view full answer... - Is Battery Disconnect Required When Flat Towing A 2019 Chevy Suburban? Hi Edward, thanks for reaching out. This is a good question, and you’re thinking about it the right way. GM requires the battery to be disconnected when flat towing vehicles like your Suburban because the electronic parking brake can self-activate while the vehicle is in accessory mode. Disconnecting the battery removes that risk entirely, which is why a battery disconnect like the Roadmaster # RM-766 is required. That part is non-negotiable for safe flat towing on these models. Using...
view full answer... - Recommended Flat Tow Wiring for a 2025 GMC Sierra 1500We sure do Howard! To control your 2025 GMC Sierra 1500's lights you'll need the Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles item # RM-15267. This kit includes all the wiring, diodes, umbilical cable, and connectors needed to set your truck up to be flat towed behind a motorhome. Here are the rest of the parts you'll need to flat tow your 2025 GMC Sierra 1500, including some additional wiring requirements: Tow Bar and Safety Chains - etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar item...
view full answer... - Tow Defender Screen Protector for 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 with EZ-5 Direct Connect Base Plate KitSince you are wanting to use the EZ-5 Direct Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-523198-5 with the Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All Terrain # RM-422 for your 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 you need to use the Roadmaster Tow Defender # RM-4750 instead of the Roadmaster Tow Defender # RM-4700. If you already own the 4700 version then you'll need the Base Plate Kit # RM-523198-4 instead. I have confirmed all of this with Roadmaster.
view full answer... - can 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Tow Hooks Remain in Place with Base Plate Kit Installed?Hey Chris, thanks for reaching out - those are great questions! You will need a dedicated wiring harness for flat towing your 2025 GMC Sierra 1500, yes. I really like the Flexo-Coil Kit # RM-15267 because of how reliable it is, but if you don't already have a tow bar then I recommend pairing the Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar # RM-676 with the Accessory Kit # RM-9284-2. You'll also need to disconnect your battery for flat towing so adding the Battery Disconnect Kit # RM93MR for each start...
view full answer... - Is an Installation Video Available for the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Kit on a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500Hey Terry, thanks for reaching out! At this point in time (August 2024) we don't have an installation video of the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-523198-5 on a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500, but if you have any specific questions about it I can try to help you navigate through the instructions. We also have our installers who can do the installation for you if you're in the Wentzville area (you'll just call our customer service team), as well as our installer locator I'm linking...
view full answer... - What is Diameter of Clevis Pin Hole on Roadmaster Direct Connect Base PlateHey Rodney, the diameter of the clevis hole on the Roadmaster base plate kit part # RM-523198-5 is 3/4 inch.
view full answer... - Flat Towing Package for 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4The basic flat towing components for your 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 include a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter. There may be a few other parts to make everything easier but here are the parts I recommend for your setup: Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - # RM-523198-5 Nighthawk All Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - # RM-676 (includes partial wiring) Towing Combo Kit - # RM-9284-2 (includes the rest...
view full answer... - Best Flat Towing Components for 2021 GMC Sierra 1500The Roadmaster direct connect base plates like the part # RM-523198-5 that fits your 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 are very easy to install and use and are also very well made so I recommend them highly. In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. The most popular compatible tow bar is the Falcon All Terain, # RM-522. This has non-binding arms which makes the setup very easy to connect/disconnect. For...
view full answer... - Does Battery of 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Need to be Disconnected to Flat Tow ItThe battery of your 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali does need to be disconnected like you mentioned. We have an automatic disconnect that we have installed on a similar Sierra with the part # RM-766 which I attached an install video for on this page. You will need a base plate kit # RM-523198-5 Tow bar # RM-522 Lighting kit part # RM-9243-1 Supplemental braking system part # BLU37TR Outlet kit part # RM-9332
view full answer... - Supplimental Braking System For A 2024 GMC Sierra 150 AT4Hello Kevin. The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 is indeed flat towable. For a brake system I recommend the following: - Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Wireless Monitor - Proportional # DM86VR I like the Demco brake system for a few reasons. It is a one and done install, so when you are ready to tow you just plug in and go. The Demco system is known for being super durable and reliable with little to no maintenance over time. For RVs with hydraulic...
view full answer... - Why Do I Need to Disconnect the Battery to Flat Tow a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4?The electric parking brake could activate while you are flat towing. That's why they tell you to disconnect the battery. The process is covered on page 419 in your owner's manual. On the AT4 model you won't have to worry about trimming or cutting. You are correct the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit item # RM-523198-5 sticks out the same place as the tow hooks do. Here are the other parts you will need to flat tow your 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4: Tow Bar and Safety Chains - etrailer...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2021 GMC Sierra 1500- Yes we do have the parts you'd need to flat tow your 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The first thing you will need is a base plate kit like the Roadmaster Direct Connect part # RM-523198-5 which is the easiest to connect/disconnect. In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. The most popular compatible tow bar is the Falcon All Terain, # RM-522. This has non-binding arms which makes the setup...
view full answer... - Recommended Baseplate For A 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Yes, you'll need the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-523198-5 for your 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali. If you haven't picked out the rest of your flat towing components then I have the following recommendations: Tow Bar: etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate - 10,500lbs # e84ZR. This tow bar comes with safety cables included and also has a bit of adjustability to help keep it level between the motorhome and truck. Tow Bar Wiring: Roadmaster...
view full answer... - Gear Placement for 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 For Flat TowingTo flat tow your 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 you will ultimately put it in park but there are a number of steps you need to take to get there so you'll need to consult your owner's manual (starting on page 406) to walk through all of the appropriate steps. If you don't already have a base plate kit then I recommend checking out the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-523198-5. For a complete flat towing setup you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring,...
view full answer... - Will Installing A Base Plate On A 2022 GMC Sierra Denali Interfere With The Adaptive Ride ControlThe sensors for the adaptive ride control system in your 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited Denali are located in the wheel wells so they will not be affected when installing the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM-523198-5. To flat tow your Sierra you'll also need a tow bar, tow bar wiring kit, braking system, and safety cables. If you haven't already purchased these items then I have the following recommendations for you below: Tow Bar: Roadmaster Nighthawk All...
view full answer... - Recommended Base Plate For A 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 With A Roadmaster Eagle 8000 Tow BarThe Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM-523198-5 is compatible with your Roadmaster Eagle 8000 tow bar and a confirmed fit for your 20212 GMC Sierra 1500. You'll just need to remove the base from the tow bar and connect the arms directly to the base plates.
view full answer...
- Is Drilling Required For Installing The Roadmaster Base Plate RM-523198-5 On A 2024 GMC Sierra 1500?No, you will not have to drill into the frame in order to install the Roadmaster Base Plate # RM-523198-5 on a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500. There will be some trimming/cutting of the spoiler, air dam, grille guard or plastic fascia. Tow hooks, if present, will need to be permanently removed. I have linked the manufacturer instructions below if you want to take a look.
view full answer... - Complete Flat Tow Setup For A 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 ElevationFor your 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation, to complete a flat towing setup you're going to need a: -Base plate kit # RM-523198-5, -A braking system # SM99251, -A set of tow bars # RM-676, & -A set of tow bar wiring # RM-154. I have attached a couple of installation videos for you to check out as well.
view full answer... - Will the Roadmaster Even Brake Work On a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 With Electric Brake AssistYes, the Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Supplemental Braking System part # RM-9400 will work just fine on a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. I spoke with Roadmaster and they stated that there would be no issue with the electric brake assist feature because this will be disabled when the battery is disconnected. Please note, you will need a few other components to use the Roadmaster Even Brake Portable on a GMC Sierra 1500, the Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit part # RM-751495 and the Roadmaster 12...
view full answer... - Adapter Needed to Go From Blue Ox Tow Bar to Roadmaster Base Plate KitTo use the Roadmaster Direct Connect base plate kit part # RM-523198-5 with a Blue Ox tow bar will require the adapter # BX88185.
view full answer... - Will Roadmaster Base Plate Kit Interfere With Adaptive Ride Control System On 2020 GMC Sierra DenaliI reached out to my contact at Roadmaster and he confirmed that the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-523198-5 and Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit # RM-523198-4 will NOT interfere with the adaptive ride control system on your 2020 Sierra 1500 Denali 4WD Crew Cab with the 3L diesel. With that being said, I recommend the Direct-Connect # RM-523198-5 as it offers the same rigidity as the Crossbar-style, but will be one less thing to deal with when installing your tow bar. I included...
view full answer...
- Recommended Roadmaster Base Plates For A 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 LimitedYou're most likely looking at the Roadmaster Nighthawk # RM-677 which is designed to be compatible with Blue Ox base plates. The Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain # RM-676 is compatible with Roadmaster direct-connect base plates like you're wanting. Before going any further I do want to note that only 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 models with four-wheel-drive and a two-speed transfer case that have an N (Neutral) and a 4 Low (Four-Wheel Drive Low) setting can be flat towed. There are also instructions...
view full answer...
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Info for this part was:
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At etrailer we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.
William P.
10/11/2021
update product review I have had no issues with the product it is easy to use and I feel very safe with it.