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  1. Tow Bar Base Plate
  2. Roadmaster
  3. Removable Draw Bars
  4. Twist Lock Attachment
  5. Partially Hidden
THIS ITEM IS NOT A FIT FOR
1978 Ford Thunderbird
Roadmaster

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: RM-523198-5
In Stock
$575.00
Retail:$632.50
You Save: $57.50
Tow Bar Base Plate
Not Confirmed to Fit

1978 Ford Thunderbird

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Designed for use with motor-home-mounted tow bars, the direct-connect brackets are virtually invisible, easy to mount and remove, and they eliminate the need for a quick-disconnect crossbar on your tow bar. Installs on your vehicle's frame. Great Prices for the best tow bar base plate from Roadmaster. Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms part number RM-523198-5 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate - RM-523198-5

  • Removable Draw Bars
  • Twist Lock Attachment
  • Partially Hidden
  • Roadmaster

Designed for use with motor-home-mounted tow bars, the direct-connect brackets are virtually invisible, easy to mount and remove, and they eliminate the need for a quick-disconnect crossbar on your tow bar. Installs on your vehicle's frame.


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
    • 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 is durable and corrosion resistant
  • Simple installation - no welding required
    • Custom base plates ensure a perfect fit for your vehicle
  • Compatible with Roadmaster motor-home-mounted tow bars only
  • Instructions and mounting hardware included
  • Made in the USA


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.


The drawbars, or front arms, on this base plate kit are supremely easy to mount and remove. Just insert them into the brackets and twist to lock them in place. To remove each arm, simply tug the built-in pull pin to disengage the lock, twist the arm back and pull it out of the bracket. Once the drawbars have been removed, the remaining brackets are virtually invisible. On most automobiles, the brackets are mounted within the grille, where they remain not only unseen, but protected from scrapes and scuffs as well.



523198-5 Road Master EZ-5 Base Plate Kit

Installation Details RM-523198-5 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles



California residents: click here


Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.8

3502 reviews
Designed for use with motor-home-mounted tow bars, the direct-connect brackets are virtually invisible, easy to mount and remove, and they eliminate the need for a quick-disconnect crossbar on your tow bar. Installs on your vehicle's frame.

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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 Motorhome
    Hey 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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • Recommended Flat Tow Wiring for a 2025 GMC Sierra 1500
    We 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...
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  • Tow Defender Screen Protector for 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 with EZ-5 Direct Connect Base Plate Kit
    Since 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.
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  • 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...
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  • Is an Installation Video Available for the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Kit on a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500
    Hey 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...
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  • What is Diameter of Clevis Pin Hole on Roadmaster Direct Connect Base Plate
    Hey Rodney, the diameter of the clevis hole on the Roadmaster base plate kit part # RM-523198-5 is 3/4 inch.
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  • Does Battery of 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Need to be Disconnected to Flat Tow It
    The 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
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  • Best Flat Towing Components for 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
    The 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...
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  • Flat Towing Package for 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4
    The 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...
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  • Supplimental Braking System For A 2024 GMC Sierra 150 AT4
    Hello 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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
  • Gear Placement for 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 For Flat Towing
    To 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,...
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  • 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.
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  • Will Installing A Base Plate On A 2022 GMC Sierra Denali Interfere With The Adaptive Ride Control
    The 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...
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  • Adapter Needed to Go From Blue Ox Tow Bar to Roadmaster Base Plate Kit
    To use the Roadmaster Direct Connect base plate kit part # RM-523198-5 with a Blue Ox tow bar will require the adapter # BX88185.
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  • Recommended Base Plate For A 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 With A Roadmaster Eagle 8000 Tow Bar
    The 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.
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    Image 1 for
  • Will Roadmaster Base Plate Kit Interfere With Adaptive Ride Control System On 2020 GMC Sierra Denali
    I 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...
    Image 1 for Image 2 for Image 3 for
  • Will the Roadmaster Even Brake Work On a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 With Electric Brake Assist
    Yes, 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...
  • Complete Flat Tow Setup For A 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation
    For 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...
  • Correct Seat Adapter for Roadmaster BrakeMaster System on 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited Denali
    The correct seat adapter for your 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali is the RoadMaster BrakeMaster Custom Seat Adapter # RM-88348. This will allow you to mount your BrakeMaster supplemental braking system. I also recommend the following for a complete setup to flat tow your 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited Denali: Base Plate- Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM-523198-5. Tow Bar- Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - RV Mount - 8K # RM-676. Wiring...
    view full answer...


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Info for this part was:

Employee Lindsey S
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Isabelle B
Updated by:
Isabelle B
Employee Amanda K
Updated by:
Amanda K
Employee Jonathan Y
Video by:
Jonathan Y
Employee Thomas T
Video by:
Thomas T
Employee Mike S
Written by:
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Employee John S
Video Edited:
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Employee Kevin C
Test Fit:
Kevin C
Employee Daniel M
Test Fit:
Daniel M

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