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Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
Part Number: RM-524445-5
In Stock
$575.00
Retail:$632.50
You Save: $57.50
2027 Subaru Ascent
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- Reviews (3689)
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Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate - RM-524445-5
Highlights
- Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
- Ready for Flat Towing: Direct-connect brackets create solid, secure attachment points to your RV-mounted tow bar.
- Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden design leaves brackets nearly invisible when arms are removed for a clean look.
- Quick Hookup and Removal: Twist-lock removable arms click in place and release fast with built-in pull rings.
- Built to Last: Computer-cut, all-steel construction with black powder coat resists corrosion and road wear.
- Simple DIY Setup: Installs on the vehicle frame with included hardware—no welding required.
Features to know about
Made for a Clean Front End: Hidden Design with Removable Arms
If you like a setup that doesn’t change your vehicle’s look when you’re off the road, this kit keeps things tidy. The direct-connect brackets sit farther back than standard ones, so when the drawbars are removed, the front end looks clean and uncluttered. Nothing bulky or sharp sticks out, and the remaining brackets stay tucked within the grille where they’re protected from scrapes and scuffs.
Quick Hook-Up Every Time: Twist-Lock, Pull-Pin Connection
The removable arms make connecting to your tow bar simple and repeatable. Slide each arm into place, twist to lock, and it clicks in securely. When you’re done towing, just pull the built-in ring to disengage the lock, twist it back, and remove the arm. The twist-lock setup makes one-person hookups easy—no fumbling or fighting alignment.
Strong Enough for the Long Haul: All-Steel, Bolt-On Construction
This kit bolts directly to your vehicle’s frame with no welding required. Each bracket is computer-cut from all-steel stock for precise fit and exceptional strength. The black powder coat finish keeps rust at bay on long trips through weather and road grime. It’s a straightforward build that’s made to handle repeated towing over thousands of miles without loosening up.
Simplifies Your Setup: Direct-Connect System for Motorhome Tow Bars
The direct-connect design removes the need for a separate quick-disconnect crossbar. That means fewer parts to line up and a faster hook-up process at each stop. It works with Roadmaster motorhome-mounted tow bars that slide into a trailer hitch—including the Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, and Falcon 2—so you can plug straight in with the gear you already know. Instructions and mounting hardware come in the box to help you get started smoothly.
Specs
Features
- Compatibility: Designed for use with motor-home-mounted tow bars
- Mounting Style: Direct-connect brackets provide attachment points for your motor-home-mounted tow bar
- Design: Streamlined design creates supremely clean look
- Crossbar Requirement: Eliminates need for a quick-disconnect crossbar on your tow bar
- Bracket Position: Hidden brackets sit farther back than standard brackets
- Drawbar Connection: Drawbars attach and remove quickly and easily; arms click to lock in place in brackets
- Locking Mechanism: Built-in pull rings let you unlock arms so you can twist and remove them
- Material: Computer-cut, all-steel construction provides exceptional strength
- Finish: Black powder coat finish is durable and corrosion resistant
- Installation: Simple installation - no welding required; installs on vehicle’s frame
- Fitment: Custom base plates ensure a perfect fit for your vehicle
- Tow Bar 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
Product Facets
- Facet 4: Removable Draw Bars
- Facet 5: Twist Lock Attachment
- Facet 8: Partially Hidden
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.
524445-5 Road Master EZ-5 Base Plate Kit
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 2016 - 2017 Ford Explorer
- 2018 - 2019 Ford Explorer without Adaptive Cruise Control
Customer Satisfaction Score:
91% were satisfied with this product
9% of customers were not satisfied
- Wrong item was ordered
Ratings & Reviews
4.8
3689 reviews
by:
Fred
09/16/2019
Ford
Explorer
Excellent attention to detail on my phone order and the shipping was prompt. I have access to an automotive lift and I highly recommend its use. Ford didn't make this an easy task on its Explorer, including installing the universal tail light wiring kit it took me and a willing son-in-law about 8 hours to complete. Only minor grill trimming required for access to arm mount receivers and safety cable eyes. The bolt-up of baseplate was straight forward after drilling the frame and securing the mounting brackets. The weld nuts made a simple task of bolting those brackets. I'm fairly handy with a slightly above-average tool collection but if that is not the case, a professional installation by a garage, RV service center, or body shop would be a good call. Took the rig and Explorer out for a test tow and found everything secure and solid. I'm 65-years old and crawling around under the front bumper is not as easy as it used to be. The bayonette-style removeable arms with the spring-pin locks make connecting and disconnecting to my Falcon2 bar a stand-up pleasure. Well designed and well thought out. Every part/fastener is included.
by:
Gary A.
06/13/2017
2016
Ford
Explorer
Instructions complete and easy to follow. An exact fit. No difficulties. Unit works perfectly. Very pleased with price, quality and appearance.
Gary A.
6/13/2018
We used it for about 18 months, then sold the MH. May buy another soon, and if so, will definitely continue using the one installed on the tow car. During the 18 months of use, it accumulated over 13K miles. Absolutely no problems.
by:
Cody
10/28/2021
Amazing customer service and super fast shipping. Easy and flawless process!
by:
Don
09/08/2018
Work's great.
by:
Dennis
01/17/2020
2016
Ford
Explorer
excellent service
by:
Anthony
01/25/2022
by:
Robert
06/21/2022
by:
Jason
02/01/2024
2018
Ford
Explorer
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.
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.
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
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!
by:
Mark
02/25/2026
Easy to install needed to replace some fasteners as they broke removing front grill was able to get them from Amazon cheap
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!
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?
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.
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....
by:
David
08/01/2025
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
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:
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.
Customer service was very helpful. Easy to install. No bumper or grill cutting however, you do loose your front hooks. Nice low profile.
by:
Gary
06/18/2025
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.
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:
Paul
10/23/2026
I just followed your video of the installation and it was on point !
by:
Michael
09/25/2025
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.
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!!!!
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
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
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
- Flat Towing 2018 Ford Explorer Behind MotorhomeAccording to the owner's manual, you can flat tow a 2018 Ford if and ONLY if it's equipped with the 3.5L engine. If you have the 4 cyl engine, you must use a tow dolly or a trailer. You'll want to consult your owner's manual for yourself to confirm this. The owner's manual lists a specific procedure that must be followed before towing: If the vehicle has keyless start, start the engine while holding the brake pedal down. While still holding the brake, shift into Neutral. Turn off the...
view full answer... - Recommended Flat Towing Set Up for a 2016 Ford Explorer 3.5LTo flat tow your 2016 Ford Explorer 3.5L you are going to need a tow bar, base plate kit, wiring harness, supplemental braking system, and charge line to keep your battery from dying. I have listed all the parts you will need below along with any installation videos I was able to find. Tow Bar: Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar w/ LED Lights item # RM-676 Base Plate Kit: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms item # RM-524445-5 Wiring Harness:...
view full answer... - Difference in Tow Bar Wiring Kits for 2017 Ford ExplorerI'm glad to hear that you are doing your research when it comes to flat towing your 2017 Ford Explorer, there are several components needed and it can be a lot to figure out. The main difference between Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 and the Tow Ready Tail Light Isolating Diode System with 4-Pole Connector # TR118821 is how they install, and what is included. The # RM-15267 kit comes with 4 separate diodes, 27' of wire, connectors, a 6 way plug to mount...
view full answer... - All Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum With 3.5L EcoBoost EngineHi Chris, Yes, your 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine can be flat towed, and I'll go ahead and list out all the parts needed for that. Just be sure to take note there's a couple different options for base plates depending on if you have Adaptive Cruise Control or Active Air Shutters. - WITH Adaptive Cruise Control & WITHOUT Active Air Shutters: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-524446-5 OR - WITHOUT Adaptive Cruise Control (does work with Active Air Shutters):...
view full answer... - Recommended Flat Towing System for a 2017 4WD Ford Explorer SportThe 2017 Ford Explorer 4WD (3.5L Only) can be flat-towed with all four wheels down behind a motorhome without issue. In order to flat-tow the vehicle you will need base plates, tow bar, safety cables, flat-tow wiring harness, and a supplemental braking system. I have attached a list of recommended options below. Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part # RM-524445-5 (No Adaptive Cruse Control) Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part # RM-524446-5 (No Active Air Shutters) Roadmaster...
view full answer... - Can I Flat Tow a 2018 Ford Explorer with EcoBoost Engine and Adaptive Cruise ControlI have a solution for you, but the Ford Edge, Explorer and Taurus vehicles equipped with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 or 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine CANNOT be towed four wheels down. The 3.5L EcoBoost Engines do allow for flat towing. For the FWD versions of the 2018 Ford Explorer with EcoBoost engine you will need to use a tow dolly like the Demco Kar Kaddy X Tow Dolly # DM9713093. This tow dolly comes with disc brakes and a steerable axle that allows the trailer to track well behind the motorhome...
view full answer... - Can 2016 Ford Explorer Sport Be Flat-TowedAccording to the online edition of the Ford Owner's manual for the 2016 Explorer (pages 249 and 250), certain versions of the vehicle can be flat towed under specific conditions. The adaptive cruise control feature does not factor in, but Ford notes that FRONT-wheel-drive and FOUR-wheel-drive Explorers cannot be flat towed with all four wheels on the ground. Front-wheel-drive vehicles require a tow dolly like # RM-2050-1 to lift the front tires off the ground and four-wheel-drive versions...
view full answer... - Can a Front Wheel Drive 2016 Ford Explorer be Flat TowedIn the towing guide you mentioned it does say that your 2016 Ford Explorer can be towed with all four wheels on the ground as long as you keep it under 65 mph. I would trust that since it comes straight from Ford and they could have changed their stance since the printing of your owners manual. It still wouldn't hurt to contact a Ford dealer to be 100 percent sure. The Roadmaster Kit part # RM-524445-5 that you mentioned is a confirmed fit for your vehicle and would be the correct base...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2017 Ford Explorer Behind an RV and Vehicle ProcedureI found an online version of the owners manual for your 2017 Ford Explorer and pulled out the parts that talk about the flat towing procedures: If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground: Tow only in the forward direction. Release the parking brake. Vehicles with Keyless Start Start the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal, and then pressing the keyless start button until the vehicle starts. Press the brake pedal and shift the gearshift into neutral (N). Turn the vehicle...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2018 Ford ExplorerIn order to flat tow your 2018 Ford Explorer behind an RV, you will need a base plate kit, a tow bar, safety cables, a lighting solution, and a supplemental braking system. I do also recommend taking a look at the owner's manual for the vehicle (once it is in hand) before proceeding, as it will list any specific restrictions or guidelines when it comes to towing the Explorer with all 4 wheels on the ground. Starting with the base plates, I recommend the Roadmaster EZ4 Base Plate Kit #...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2017 4WD Ford ExplorerI did some checking and it looks like your 2017 Ford Explorer 4WD with a 3.5 liter engine is flat towable as-is as long as you follow the flat towing procedures outlined in the owners manual. Only restriction is that you have to stay under 65 mph and that you have to start the vehicle up at the beginning of each day for 5 minutes and let it run. As well as do that for every six hours of towing. For a base plate kit there are two options to consider. Part # RM-524446-5 for if you have adaptive...
view full answer... - Recommended Flat Towing Components For A 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum Hi Brian, Because the Platinum comes standard with adaptive cruise control there are only going to be two options based on your engine: If you have a non-EcoBoost engine the # RM-524453-5 will work with active air shutters. If you do have an EcoBoost engine the # RM-524446-5 will work but you would need to remove the active air shutters if your model has them. The Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar # RM-676 would be a great option for your tow bar. It comes with safety cables,...
view full answer... - Can 2018 Ford Explorer with EcoBoost Engine and Adaptive Cruise Control Use a Tow Dolly?According to the 2018 Ford Explorer online manual, if you have a FWD vehicle you can tow it on your tow dolly like # DM9713045 according to pages 250 and 251. However if you have a 4WD vehicle you can only use a trailer with all 4 wheels off the ground or flat tow with all 4 wheels on the ground.
view full answer... - Recommended Flat Towing Equipment For A 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum I highly recommend double checking your owner's manual to ensure your specific model meets all the requirements for flat towing as approved by Ford so you don't risk voiding any warranties or damage to the components of your vehicle. If it is, you will need a tow bar, base plate, braking system, tow bar wiring kit, and safety cables. I have the following recommendations for you below: Tow Bar: Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar # RM-522. This tow bar features non-binding...
view full answer... - Recommended Flat Towing System for 2017 Ford Explorer 4WD with Keyless StartThe portable braking systems like the Blue Ox Patriot II # BRK2016 will work with the 2017 Ford Explorer 4WD keyless start but you will need to utilize the 12 Volt Outlet Kit, 20 amps # RM-9332 to get power from the battery and ground through the vehicle frame or metal supports. You will also use # RM-71000 if you don't have adjustable pedals or # RM-751478 if you have adjustable pedal. This kit activates your RV monitoring system to alert you when the brakes of your towed car are being...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2017 Ford Explorer With Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow BarOk, so there are a number of parts you will need in order to set up your 2017 Ford Explorer with a 3.5L engine to flat tow with your Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar # RM-520. The first thing you will need are base plates, and I recommend going with the Roadmaster direct connect base plates for the easiest connection as well as the cleanest look for your '17 Explorer. The correct fit for these is going to depend on if your Explorer has Active Air Shutters or Adaptive Cruise Control; if it has...
view full answer... - Roadmaster Base Plate Kit for 2019 Ford Explorer without Cruise ControlFor your 2019 Ford Explorer without adaptive cruise control we have the Roadmaster Direct Connect kit part # RM-524445-5 which will work great with your Blackhawk tow bar part # RM-422.
view full answer... - Parts Needed To Flat Tow a 2014 Ford F-250 or 2017 Ford Explorer Sport With a Tiffin Allegro RVFirst you will need to start with the baseplates. For that I recommend the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # 4428-3 for your 2014 Ford F-250. Your 2017 Ford Explorer Sport will need either the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-524446-5 (Okay for Adaptive Cruise Control, No Active Grill Shutters) or Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-524445-5 (Okay Active Grill Shutters, No Adaptive Cruise Control). With the weight of your F-250 I recommend using the Roadmaster...
view full answer... - How Does Vehicle that Needs Battery Disconnected Power Supplemental Tow Bar Braking SystemRoadmaster made a solution for your exact scenario with the outlet kit part # RM-9332. What this does is wires directly to your vehicle battery so that when your battery is disconnected from the vehicle, like it needs to be when flat towed, there is an outlet that's active for the braking system to draw power from.
view full answer... - Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate Compatibility with Falcon Tow BarFor your 2017 Ford Explorer you can use Roadmaster EZ5 base plate kit # RM-524446-5 if you have the adaptive cruise control feature (and so long as you do NOT have the active air shutters). If the Explorer does NOT have the adaptive cruise control feature then instead use # RM-524445-5. This base plate works with or without active air shutters. Both are compatible with your Falcon tow bar.
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2017 Ford Explorer with Adaptive Cruise Control Behind an RVFor base plates for your 2017 Ford Explorer with adaptive cruise control you can use # RM-524446-5. Please note that the base plates are not compatible with models that have active air shutters. To use them with a vehicle with active air shutters that feature would have to be disabled and you would leave the air shutters open all the time. For a tow bar I recommend the popular Falcon 2 # RM-520 which is rated up to 6,000 pounds. I have linked a video featuring this tow bar for you. For...
view full answer... - Components Needed to Flat Tow 2017 Ford ExplorerFor the 2017 Ford Explorer (not the Sport edition and without Adaptive Cruise Control) I recommend the Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate kit # RM-524445-5. Base plates are just one of the components needed for safe and legal flat towing. The linked article covers each of these components which also include a tow bar, safety cables, a lighting/wiring kit, a supplementary braking system and a high/low hitch adapter. An article on these adapters is linked too. I suggest the Roadmaster Falcon 2 motorhome-mount...
view full answer...
Do you have a question about this Tow Bar Base Plate?
Info for this part was:
Expert Research:
Mike L
Expert Research:
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Expert Research:
Jameson C
Expert Research:
Adam R
Edited by:
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Written by:
Shelly K
Updated by:
Wilson B
Updated by:
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Updated by:
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Fred
9/17/2020
Solid and secure design. Hardly notice the kit on the explorer when not connected to my motor home. No complaints.