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When the removable arms are out, the remaining brackets are virtually invisible for a clean, factory look. The brackets sit far back within the grille, keeping them out of sight and protected from scrapes and scuffs. It’s a simple way to keep your front end looking uncluttered when you’re not towing.
Each arm slides into the bracket, clicks to lock in place, and releases with a quick twist using the built-in pull rings. The process is fast and repeatable—no tools needed and no wrestling to line things up. When you’re done towing, just twist and remove the arms for an instant return to normal driving.
The brackets are made from computer-cut, all-steel components for exceptional strength and precise fitment. A black powder coat finish resists corrosion and keeps it looking sharp through years of use. The sturdy construction spreads the towing load evenly through the frame for solid stability on long hauls.
This kit installs directly to the frame with included hardware—no welding needed. Custom base plates ensure a proper fit, and integrated mounting points make it simple to attach an electrical connector plug or bracket (sold separately). Clear instructions walk you through each step so you can get it installed and ready for travel without extra fabrication.
This base plate works with Roadmaster tow bars that use a quick-disconnect crossbar (910021-00, sold separately). Once connected, you can remove both the tow bar and crossbar together or store them as one unit—whichever fits your setup best. It’s built for flexibility whether you’re hooking up for a trip or packing everything away after.
Ratings & Reviews
Purchased for a 1997 Subaru Impreza. Delivery was amazingly fast! I didn't have it installed until a few months later, as my travel plans had stalled. It didn't quite bolt right on, but was close, and a friend had to modify it some to make it work. I still hear a grating noise when I turn too sharp on one side, but otherwise it's fine.
The front connection plates didn't line up with the holes, so had to have those modified, as well, in order to line up and attach to the tow bar. Once the new holes were drilled, I was able to hook up and go.
It's relatively easy to connect after finding a way to do it alone.
I've towed from CO to TX and all over TX with it with no problems.
I’ve been purchasing products from ETrailer since 2005 and all the products I’ve purchased have been a great value. The products mentioned above installed perfectly and with the direct assistance from ETrailer everything fit as suggested. I will always interact with ETrailer as needs present themselves.
Fit and finish is great, the illustration for what you trim on the bumper isn't great but otherwise pretty easy install (I ended up measuring between the mounts on the draw bar and just trimmed accordingly)
After ordering the wrong crossbar, etrailer sent the correct one for our Mini Cooper quickly. However I did have to modify most of the holes as the cross bar didn’t quite fit (but close). I had to drill the three main bolt holes to 11/16 so that the bar would go over the Mini’s 3 main bumper bolts on both sides. The two lower bolt holes (each side), needed to be drilled out 3 sizes larger to accommodate the 4 bolts that come with the kit. I had to drill out the Minis lower holes to better align with the crossbars lower holes. I would also like to note it being a pain in the knuckles to reach one of the three (each side) bolts to put the stock nuts on the bolt and then try and get them tight. (The main bolt pattern for the upper bumper is diamond shape, one up tow bolts lower. (The lower “inside” bolt on each side is the one that is hard to get to and tighten.) Sorry I didn’t get picks, I was in a rush to get the car back together. There’s an angle piece on the cross bar that blocks the hard to reach bolt, it would be helpful if that could be made more accessible to reach.
Overall the installation was great, however the process of drilling 3 - 1/2" holes in that little bumper that has a Rockwell Hardness of about 60, seems to be a bit over the top.The instructions are spot on, delivery was great, the quality of product was accurate. I am a happy boy!
Replaced same part that was damaged in a crash. I had used my original one for close to ten years without issue. Fast shipping from etrailer.
The Base plate kit is well made and came with all the necessary hardware.Installation is relatively straight forward. I did have to enlarge two of the holes that didn't quite line up. But overall I'd recommend it.
Bolted right up. Installation should be done with bumper on, as you can't fit the ends through the louvers without some convincing. Works great so far. Was able to use a Stowmaster 5000 with it.
Installation was a bit trying. Ended up looking very clean and almost invisible.
Using the tow bar worked super easy and our motorhome hardly noticed the Mini Cooper back there.
Came quickly and is very high quality. Great directions/video from road master makes the installation step by step easy to follow.
Skill level is probably at the intermediate level depending on experience.
The #118-3 is a perfect fit on my 1995 Geo Tracker. When you pull off the removable arms you would never know they are there. The Quality is very good easy to put on all you have to do is drill 4 holes the tube on the base plate fits into the tube on the frame of the tracker and with the 2 bolts it is a solid fit. I was worried about the plate nut getting it inside of the frame but it went in easy when you put it over the frame tube and use a thin piece of metal to slide it in place. I’m very happy with it. I probably could of got it on without taking my bumper off but with only 4 bolts holding my bumper on it made it easier
The step by step video was very helpful. Have ordered many times from here with no problems
The brackets were top quality and fit perfectly. The directions were excellent with a few small variations for my vehicle.
Great product. Installation went well on my 2018 Lincoln MKX.
Thanks for the video instructions for installation. So helpful — encouraged us to get an installer!!!
I just received the base plate kit and everything appears to be in the box. My RV guy will install it mid Nov. We have had Roadmaster tow bars and plates for over 17 years with no problems. Dealing with etrailer.com has been a great experience. Thanks
Molly did a great job.base plate, trailer hitch, wiring kits, etc.,all arrived in perfect shape,in only a couple days.all parts are correct,I have a garage lined all these idems next week.
The base plate is easy to use and looks great on our MKX. The installation videos are very detailed and precise.
This base plate was supported to be compatible with the adaptive cruise control on my 2018 Lincoln MKX. It was not. After installation the cruise control stopped working. Lincoln charged me $600 to move the sensor so the base plate would not interfere with its operation. So be warned.
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