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Roadmaster

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: RM-524435-5

3690 Reviews | 15 Questions

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$575.00

Retail:$1,123.99

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1999 Ford Van

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Product Images

roadmaster tow bar base plate partially hidden rm-524435-5

roadmaster tow bar base plate removable draw bars partially hidden direct-connect kit - arms

roadmaster tow bar base plate twist lock attachment rm-524435-5

roadmaster tow bar base plate removable draw bars direct-connect kit - arms

roadmaster tow bar base plate removable draw bars

roadmaster tow bar base plate twist lock attachment partially hidden

roadmaster tow bar base plate removable draw bars partially hidden rm-524435-5

roadmaster tow bar base plate removable draw bars twist lock attachment direct-connect kit - arms

roadmaster tow bar base plate removable draw bars twist lock attachment

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In Use/Installed

2018 ford flex tow bar base plate roadmaster twist lock attachment partially hidden rm-524435-5

2018 ford flex tow bar base plate roadmaster removable draw bars partially hidden direct-connect kit - arms

2018 ford flex tow bar base plate roadmaster removable draw bars partially hidden rm-524435-5

2018 ford flex tow bar base plate roadmaster removable draw bars twist lock attachment direct-connect kit - arms

2018 ford flex tow bar base plate roadmaster twist lock attachment partially hidden on a vehicle

2018 ford flex tow bar base plate roadmaster twist lock attachment rm-524435-5

2018 ford flex tow bar base plate roadmaster removable draw bars on a vehicle

2018 ford flex tow bar base plate roadmaster removable draw bars twist lock attachment on a vehicle

2018 ford flex tow bar base plate roadmaster partially hidden rm-524435-5

2018 ford flex tow bar base plate roadmaster removable draw bars direct-connect kit - arms

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Videos

Installation: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit on a 2019 Ford Flex

Installing the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit on a 2018 Ford Flex

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SCHEDULE AN INSTALLATION

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-524435-5 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-524435-5

Highlights

Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
Ready for Flat Towing: Provides secure attachment points for a motor-home-mounted tow bar.
Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden brackets sit far back in the grille for a clean, low-profile look.
Quick Hookup and Removal: Twist-lock arms click into place and detach easily using built-in pull rings.
Built to Last: Computer-cut, all-steel construction with black powder coat resists corrosion and wear.
Simple Setup: Installs on the vehicle frame with included hardware—no welding required.

Features to know about

Clean Look When You’re Not Towing: Hidden Brackets with Removable Arms

This setup keeps the front of your vehicle looking stock when you’re not towing. Once the drawbars are removed, the remaining brackets sit tucked back within the grille, out of sight and protected from scuffs. There’s no bulky quick-disconnect crossbar, and the streamlined design gives a clean, unobtrusive finish that looks factory.

Connect in Seconds: Twist-Lock, Pull-Pin System

Hooking up is simple and fast. Each steel arm slides into the bracket, clicks to lock in place, and stays secure with its built-in pull ring. To unhook, just tug the ring, twist, and remove. The direct-connect design eliminates extra hardware and lines up perfectly with Roadmaster motor-home-mounted tow bars such as the Falcon 2, Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, and Falcon models that slide into a trailer hitch.

Built for Miles of Towing: All-Steel Construction with Powder Coat Finish

Every bracket is computer-cut from all-steel material for exceptional strength and durability. The black powder coat finish resists corrosion and holds up through years of road use. The design mounts directly to the frame for a solid connection that spreads towing forces evenly without welding.

Do the Job Yourself: Bolt-On Install with Included Hardware

If you like hands-on projects, this kit is designed for a straightforward install using basic tools. It comes with detailed instructions and all mounting hardware needed to bolt it directly to the frame. Most setups require only minimal drilling—no welding—and once done, you’re ready to connect your tow bar and hit the road with confidence.

Specs

Construction and Design

Material: Computer-cut, all-steel construction provides exceptional strength
Finish: Black powder coat finish is durable and corrosion resistant
Design: Streamlined design creates a supremely clean look
Bracket Type: Direct-connect brackets provide attachment points for motor-home-mounted tow bar
Visibility: Hidden brackets sit even farther back than standard brackets; virtually invisible when arms are removed

Features

Draw Bars: Removable draw bars attach and remove quickly and easily
Lock Mechanism: Arms click to lock in place in brackets
Release Mechanism: Built-in pull rings let you unlock arms so you can twist and remove them
Attachment System: Twist Lock Attachment
Installation: Simple installation – no welding required; installs on vehicle’s frame
Fitment: 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
Country of Origin: Made in the USA
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

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.

524435-5 Road Master EZ-5 Base Plate Kit

Installation Details RM-524435-5 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles

2014 - 2019 Ford Flex
2013 - 2013 Ford Flex EcoBoost - with Adaptive Cruise Control
2013 - 2013 Ford Flex EcoBoost - without Adaptive Cruise Control
2013 - 2013 Ford Flex non-EcoBoost - with Adaptive Cruise Control
2013 - 2013 Ford Flex non-EcoBoost - without Adaptive Cruise Control

4.8

3690 reviews

5 Stars		(3214)
4 Stars		(316)
3 Stars		(67)
2 Stars		(30)
1 Star		(63)

by: Donald 07/02/2025 One Year Later

2019 Ford Flex

I purchased this base plate for my 2019 Ford Flex. After watching the video, I was able to install it myself. We towed our car from Spokane Washington to Waycross Georgia behind our 34' RV. The base plate will remain installed and it is hardly noticeable. Thanks

by: Richard 09/16/2021

2014 Ford Flex

Looks great I'll send pics when I install it.

by: Ron 03/09/2018

Lots of help!! great price

by: Mark 09/09/2022

by: William 11/14/2022

by: Bruce M 05/02/2024

by: Jerome 12/22/2021

by: Thomas 07/24/2021

by: John 07/15/2026

2026 ford Ranger

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.

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by: Jeff 02/11/2025

2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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.

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Gwendolyn Y.

2/12/2025

Install looks great, Jeff! Do you have any plans of where you are going to go this season yet?

Jeff One Year Later

2/12/2026

I’ve pulled the Chevy behind our motor home several times over a the last year. It has worked excellent. And when not in tow the tubing is barely noticeable.

by: James 07/25/2026

2019 Ford Transit T250

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!

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by: Mark 02/25/2026 One Year Later

Easy to install needed to replace some fasteners as they broke removing front grill was able to get them from Amazon cheap

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Gwendolyn Y.

2/26/2026

Looks great, Mark! Where are you off to next?

by: Crystal 03/28/2026

Awesome instructions! Install was fairly easy. Product is very high quality and solid construction. Thank you E Trailer!

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Heather A.

4/10/2026

Wow great job Crystal! It looks great! Also, I couldn’t help but notice “Ski Express” on the car, that’s pretty cool. What kind of work do you do?

Crystal R.

4/10/2026

@HeatherA I’m a pilot car driver. We escort oversized loads across the country. Thanks to E Trailer I was able to add a High pole to my car expanding my business and bringing in more revenue already. Thanks!

by: Arthur 05/29/2026

2015 Jeep Wrangler

It mounted up just as the instructions said it would. From previous research I was not surprised when some of the mounting did not align perfectly. Had to use a dremel tool to make it work. The product looks very sturdy from its design. I’m happy with it and look forward to RV traveling.

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by: Larry 09/22/2026

Pathetic and just talking to Noah he states he will get to my issue later when he has time!! My car is on jacks all torn apart and I think Roadmaster gas misled advertising. This 523228-5 baseplate is NOT MADE FOR 2026 CHEVY TRAX!!!

Mike L.

9/23/2026

Which trim is your 2026 Chevy Trax? Per Roadmaster, the # RM25EQ (523228-5) fits all trims of the 2026 Trax except the ACTIV trim....

Larry

9/23/2026

The 523228-5 DOES NOT FIT MY 2026 CHEVY TRAX LT! Look at the side braces in your video of a Demco base plate install (upside down "U"). That is what is needed for my install. In Roadmasters install instructions, page 7, items #2, #3 have no frame in that area to bolt to & #5 has only one ho l e on bact end and putting a bolt in that hole leaves 3/4" short of main base plate. I sent pics to verify this to Noah on 9/22 @ 11:46AM. I know, unless you tried this install personally you are going by Roadmaster's word. BE CAREFUL IN SUGGESTING THIS FIT UNTIL YOU VERIFY. I just do not want someone else to have this experience. Thoughts ?

by: David 08/01/2025 One Year Later

Chevrolet TrailBlazer

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.

David One Year Later

8/2/2026

It’s been a great year. No problems with the base plate. Works great with my tow bar. Towed my trailblazer from Texas to North Dakota and back, and several short trips.

Jerred H.

8/2/2026

@David That is great to hear David! Thanks for coming back and sharing that feedback. I appreciate you taking the time.

by: Gary 06/18/2025 One Year Later

2013 jeep Wrangler

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.

Gary S. One Year Later

6/19/2026

No issues at all. This is a solid piece of equipment.

Heather A.

6/19/2026

@GaryS Thank you for letting us know! What is your favorite adventure so far?

by: Marc 04/12/2026

2017 f150
Customer service was very helpful. Easy to install. No bumper or grill cutting however, you do loose your front hooks. Nice low profile.

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by: Paul 10/23/2026

I just followed your video of the installation and it was on point !

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by: Michael 09/25/2025 One Year Later

I have lots of issues with this tow bar. Initial installation was difficult due to a tight fit. Had to have my mechanic cut holes in frame to get bolts attached. After a few times of use the bolts failed causing the bar to fall fwd that then damaged my hitch arms. To fix I drilled new hole through bar and frame securing it with a #8 bolt. To reinforce it I used turnbuckles attached to my bumper. last tow finally went well.

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by: Joe 05/19/2026

It’s a super strong and wonderfully engineered addition to my new Maverick pickup.. Couldn’t be happier with it!!!!! Well done!!!!

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by: John 10/09/2026

The product is great - I gave 4 vs 5 stars only because I had to drill the rear holes out as they did not align with the holes in my frame and I had to drill out the hole in the bracket to align with my frame extension hole, again bracket did not align with the existing hole. However, in general it appears to be a solid mount.

by: TC 10/10/2026

Great Base plate, had to modify the non-oem bumper a little to get the clearance needed to get mounting holes lined up. Once that was done, everything went pretty quickly finished and tested. Towed 600 miles and worked flawlessly. Much better than using the bumper tow points, as they were elevated causing a very bouncy towed on bridge aprons. Bumper tow points also let the towed have minor side to side movement, this does not, so a lot better towing experience.

by: Tim 10/26/2026

2024 Chevrolet Colorado

I had hoped to employ a mounting bracket assembly I had bought on-line used. It would have required extensive modification with an unsure outcome. I found this assembly at etrailer for a reasonable price and ordered it to remove uncertainty from the installation. Etrailer was helpful in completing the rest of my needs for a brake assembly also. Good people.

by: Steve B. 09/03/2025 One Year Later

The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit has performed flawlessly over the past year. With almost 10k miles logged during our 3 month trip across the US, the components have remained as installed and operated as expected.

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See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate

Do you have a question about this Tow Bar Base Plate?

Will Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit Fit with Guardian Rock Guard
Hey Bill, thanks for reaching out, although I'm sorry to hear about the circumstances. The Roadmaster Base Plate Kits # RM-524435-4 and # RM-524435-5 for your 2013 Ford Flex connect differently enough that the Roadmaster Guardian Rock Guard # RM-4000 unfortunately won't work with the direct-connect base plate kit. Instead, you'll need to use the Roadmaster Tow Defender Protective Screen # RM-4750. I know it won't be pleasant (I hate confrontations), but you're going to need to see if...
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Recommended Parts to Flat Tow a 2019 Ford Flex
To flat tow your 2019 Ford Flex you will need the following parts: Tow Bar and Safety Chains - Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar item # RM-520 and item # RM-643 Base Plate Kit - Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms item # RM-524435-5 Wiring Harness - Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit item # RM-15267 Battery Disconnect Switch - Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect item # RM-766 Supplemental Braking System - SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking...
view full answer...
Difference Between Crossbar-Style and Direct-Connect Base Plates for 2013 Ford Flex
The only difference between a crossbar-style base plate and direct-connect style of base plate is the type of tow bar that is compatible. There are no vehicles that require a crossbar and what the description says of the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-524435-5 is that they "will only work with Roadmaster tow bars that slide into a trailer hitch ... These base plates will not work with tow bars that require a hitch ball." For your 2013 Ford Flex, you can use either the Direct-Connect...
view full answer...
Can 2014 Ford Flex Automatic Transmission be Towed on Roadmaster Tow Dolly?
If your 2014 Ford Flex automatic is AWD you can flat tow it but unfortunately cannot dolly tow it. If your vehicle is front wheel drive, then you can dolly tow it or flat tow it with 4 wheels on the ground. The Roadmaster Tow Dolly # RM-2050-1 is only rated for 4,250 lbs. We don't have a dolly that is large enough for this application, so I recommend flat towing it. If you are interested in flat towing your vehicle, I recommend the following parts: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base...
view full answer...
Parts For Flat Towing 2019 Ford Flex AWD
I can provide you a list of parts needed to flat tow your Ford Flex, utilizing some parts that you already have. You will need a Roadmaster # RM-524435-5 EZ-5 Base Plate Kit which is a confirmed fit for your Flex and will work with the Roadmaster # RM-422 Roadmaster Blackhawk 2 All Terrain tow bar which you already have. You will also want the Roadmaster # RM-152-98146-7 Universal wiring kit for towed vehicles as well as the Roadmaster # RM-88400 Brake-Lite Relay Kit for towed vehicles....
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Base Plate Options for 2013 & 2014 Ford Flex
The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, # BX2645 is a confirmed fit for both the 2013 and the 2014 models of the Ford Flex, all models, with or without Adaptive Cruise Control. The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit, # RM-524435-5, is also a confirmed fit for both the 2013 and the 2014 models of the Ford Flex, all models, with or without Adaptive Cruise Control. I rate each equivalent for ease of install but would lean toward the Roadmaster, # RM-524435-5, and match to a Roadmaster Nighthawk...
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Wiring Recommendation for Flat Towing a 2014 Ford Flex
That is an excellent question. There are multiple options of wiring available for flat towing any vehicle and it can be really overwhelming when doing research. A lot of it stems from wiring kits being fairly universal so when a manufacturer comes out with a fit then it can technically be installed on multiple vehicles. For your 2014 Ford Flex I recommend using the Roadmaster Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 because it has the 7-Way that plugs into your motorhome but then it also has...
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All Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2014 Ford Flex
There are a number of parts you're going to need in order to flat tow your 2014 Ford Flex, starting with compatible base plates. I recommend the Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate Kit # RM-524435-5. For a tow bar I recommend going with the Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar # RM-520 because of how easy the tow bar is to connect to the base plates as well as its long arms, which make it easier to maneuver when towing; you will also need safety chains # RM-643. For wiring kit that will allow your Flex's...
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Installation Comparison of Roadmaster and Blue Ox Base Plate Kit for Ford Flex
The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit, # RM-524435-5 is supplied with all needed hardware for installation. This base plate kit is not designed with same type cables as the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, # BX2645.
view full answer...
Is There Base Plate Kit for 2013 Ford Flex that Doesn't Require Crossbar
Roadmaster does offer direct connect style base plate kits that fit your 2013 Ford Flex like the part # RM-524435-5 but the part # RM-524435-4 does require you use the crossbar. Either will work great with the Roadmaster Sterling part # RM-576 that you have without the included crossbar.
view full answer...
Wiring Kit for Flat Towing a 2013 and a 2014 Ford Flex
The Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit, # RM-15267 is a confirmed fit for both the 2013 and 2014 Ford Flex, all models. Because this kit wires your vehicle as a combined system, (separate wiring for vehicle needed) you will want to use a brake light relay, # RM-88400. When using a supplemental braking system depressing the brake pedal in your towed car every time you apply the brakes in your RV the car's brake lights illuminate. When the engine is off, as is the case...
view full answer...
Are Frame Holes Required To Install Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit On a 2018 Ford Flex
Yes, you will need to drill one hole in each side of the frame in order to install the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part # RM-524435-5 on a 2018 Ford Flex. I have attached a photo for you that shows this per step 15 in the instruction manual. That said, don't let this scare you as there will be no affect on the structural integrity of the vehicle once done so. Furthermore, there is not a no-drill base plate kit available for a 2018 Ford Flex and it is very rare in general that...
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All Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2019 Ford Flex w/ Roadmaster Nighthawk Tow Bar
Great question, and the parts you listed are all indeed compatible with each other and fit your 2019 Ford Flex. And since the Nighthawk comes with the cord, as well as the wiring socket for your Flex, the only other thing you will need is the diode kit as well as a battery disconnect switch as your Flex does need its battery to be disconnected while you are flat towing. I'll list out all the parts you need to make ordering easier: - Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-524435-5 -...
view full answer...
Base Plate Kit Recommendation for a 2015 Ford Flex
The part # 524435-5 is an EZ5 base plate kit that has been confirmed as a fit for your 2015 Ford Flex. 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 2, # RM-520. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground. And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle...
view full answer...
Does the Falcon 2 Tow Bar Connect to EZ5 Base Plates on a 2018 Ford Flex
The arms of the Falcon 2 tow bar # RM-520 will connect directly to the base plate arms on the EZ5 base plates # RM-524435-5. You will not use the quick disconnect system when using the EZ5 base plates.
view full answer...

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