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Roadmaster

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: RM-524453-5

3690 Reviews | 9 Questions

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$575.00

Retail:$632.50

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2013 Chevrolet Express Van

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roadmaster tow bar base plate removable draw bars manufacturer

roadmaster tow bar base plate partially hidden rm-524453-5

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

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

roadmaster tow bar base plate removable draw bars partially hidden rm-524453-5

roadmaster tow bar base plate twist lock attachment rm-524453-5

roadmaster tow bar base plate twist lock attachment partially hidden manufacturer

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

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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-524453-5 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-524453-5

Highlights

Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
Ready for Flat Towing: Direct-connect brackets provide secure attachment points for your RV tow bar.
Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden brackets sit within the grille for a clean, factory-style look.
Quick Hookup and Removal: Twist-lock arms click into place and detach in seconds with built-in pull rings.
Built to Last: Computer-cut, all-steel construction with black powder coat resists corrosion and wear.
Simple Install: Mounts to the vehicle frame with included hardware—no welding required.

Features to know about

Made for a Clean Front End: Hidden Mounts with Removable Arms

If you like your vehicle to look stock when you’re not towing, this setup keeps everything tucked away. The hidden design leaves no obtrusive quick-disconnect crossbar or bulky hardware showing once the arms are removed. The brackets sit farther back than standard ones, so they stay protected within the grille and out of sight until you’re ready to hook up again.

Hook Up Fast and Confident: Twist-Lock, Pin-Release Connection

Getting ready to tow is simple. Each drawbar slides into the bracket, twists to lock in place, and stays secure with a built-in pull ring. When it’s time to disconnect, just tug the ring, twist the arm back, and pull it free. The motion is smooth and direct so you can get hitched or unhitched in minutes without juggling extra parts.

Built for the Long Haul: All-Steel, Computer-Cut Construction

This base plate bolts directly to the frame—no welding required—and is built from computer-cut, all-steel components that deliver exceptional strength. The black powder coat finish stands up to corrosion and road wear through season after season of towing. It’s the kind of solid setup that inspires confidence when you’re logging serious miles behind the motorhome.

Purpose-Matched Fit: Direct-Connect Design for Roadmaster Tow Bars

The direct-connect brackets are made specifically for motor-home-mounted Roadmaster tow bars that slide into a trailer hitch, such as the Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, or Falcon 2. This design eliminates the need for an added quick-disconnect crossbar, giving you a cleaner connection with fewer parts to manage.

DIY-Friendly Installation: Simple Bolt-On Setup with Included Hardware

You don’t need a welder or special tools to put this on. The kit includes instructions and mounting hardware for a straightforward bolt-on install right to the vehicle’s frame. Once it’s mounted up, you’ve got a clean, strong connection point ready for dependable flat towing wherever your trips take you.

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: eliminates bulky 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: is 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
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.

524453-5 Road Master EZ-5 Base Plate Kit

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles

2016 - 2017 Ford Explorer
2018 - 2019 Ford Explorer with Adaptive Cruise Control

4.8

3690 reviews

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

by: Denver P 04/25/2020 One Year Later

great

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: 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: 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: 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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by: Conrad 10/14/2026 One Year Later

I really like the way it is hidden and doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. My Rubicon X has a metal skid under the bumper that I cut holes in for the base plate tabs to protrude. I made 5 or 6 trips to my shop to get it right. Would be nice if it came with a paper template showing where to trim. It bolted up perfectly and seems well made.

by: Bob 04/17/2025

2018 Mazda Miata

I installed this base plate on a 2018 Miata RF. I think I recall something about it taking 3.5 hours and my initial estimate was 3.5 days. It actually took a bit longer than that, but I was not pushing myself and did not have the luxury of having the vehicle on a lift but had it up on two ramps for the front wheels.

The order came pretty quickly, probably about 4 or 5 days between the time I placed it and UPS delivered it. The parts were well packaged and it came with a printed set of instructions. I had watched the video install on another Miata and if it weren't for that I'm not sure I would have tried it. I'm not a pro mechanic by any means but have worked on my own vehicles now for over 40 years. And I'm not a spring chicken either, so all the up and down working on the car can tire me fairly quickly. But if you are not in a rush and go carefully it can be done.

It took a day to do most of the disassembly. I removed both headlights and the intake tube on the passenger side. That tube came out much easier then it went back in.

The next day I got the baseplate mounted which helped to start visualizing how it all would work. All of the holes for the 6mm bolts did not quite line up with the holes in the frame. I had to file one sides worth for a bit of extra clearance. From my experience on this install you really want to leave all the bolt on the loose side till you get everything situated.

A couple of days off for rain and the then I got to work on the bracing. Initially I though I didnt need to cut the top lip of the frame but I decided to go ahead and do it anyway since that part didnt seem to sit flat when bolted from the back end. I'm still not sure its really necessary as the hump clears the metal lip without cutting it.

I also ordered a 14" long 1/2" drill bit to cut the holes in the frame. It was a Bosch bit, wasnt very expensive and it went through the metal like the proverbial hot knife. I managed to get all the big bolts installed in a day with a great sense of satisfaction.

The next day I torqued down all the bolts and the mount felt very solid. They stress that you need to install all the bolts, but honestly I can't see the 6mm bolts doing much compared to the half inch bolts that do most or all of the work. But I put them in and tightened them all the same.

A couple of days spent to install the tail light wiring and then I got back on to putting the front clip back on. My car must have had an aftermarket grill since it did not match the pictures or the video. I tried to position it carefully to see where the parts that were going to stick out would be so I didnt cut out more than I needed to. So there was a good amount of back and forth, cut and fit. In the end I had to make some extra cuts for clearance for the safety cable tabs as well as the mount for the 6 wire connector. Until I made the extra cuts the lower part of the front clip would not seat correctly. Getting the clip in the right position so it fits under the lights also takes some finagling.

Figuring out where all the bolts go back in can be interesting. Take pictures where you can. Dont be too aggressive when working with plastic parts. Overall I'm satisfied with the install, but I have yet to try and hook it up to tow.

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Gwendolyn Y.

4/18/2025

Wow, Bob! Thank you for such the detailed review and feedback about how your install went. I also appreciate all the photos you sent as well. I cant wait to hear about how your first tow goes and where you head off to.

by: Joe 06/01/2025

2002 Honda CR-V. Easy to install. Two and a half hours, and stopped to eat a sandwich. To install the spacers inside the roll frame on the car I used an extension magnet to reach in there and position them. As you can see NO cutting was needed on the bumper cover!
Now I have to figure out the easiest way to run the wiring for the lights.
Thanks Lauren A for your help!

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Gwendolyn Y.

6/4/2025

Install for the base plate looks awesome, Joe! Unsure if you have a wiring kit yet but there are a few options so I'll go ahead share them with you here in case you don't yet. The most popular kit would be part # RM-15267. This can be difficult to install but it is the most reliable. I've also linked an install video for this kit. Something that still has an integrated look but easier to install I would go with part # RM-155. You do have to drill some holes into the back of the light housing, so if you're okay with doing that, this may be the better kit. Also included an install video for that kit as well. Hopefully the videos will help you get a good idea of how to run the wiring for your lights. Let me know if you have any questions after watching!

Helpful Links

tv-install-roadmaster-diode-kit-2007-honda-crv-rm-15267.aspx

tv-install-roadmaster-tail-light-wiring-kit-2010-honda-crv-rm-155.aspx

by: Roy 03/22/2026

It takes a while. Better if you have a car lift ( we have a lift )

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by: John 09/03/2025

Very fast shipping, and the install was easy. Great product

John One Year Later

9/4/2026

After a year of towing my truck up and down the east coast with my motorcoach, I am very happy with this product. it looks as good as the day it was installed and works perfect

Lazer S.

9/4/2026

@John Glad to hear it's been working well for you! What has been your favorite place you have gone so far?

by: Alfredo 06/03/2025

Excellent base plate, just as my wife requested, she didn’t want too much metal visible in front of the bumper. Installation instructions were a bit confusing for me, but I’ll clarify, for me.

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Brooke M.

6/9/2025

Glad to hear that, Alfredo! Happy to hear that your wife likes it, too. Way to go on pressing on and getting the install done! Would you have any advice or tips for anyone else looking to do the same install on their '25 Jeep Gladiator?

by: Matthew 04/24/2025 One Year Later

The folks at etrailer are fantastic. I didn't know everything I needed to tow my car behind our RV... but they did! Everything I needed was in the boxes and the videos made it all come together. Thank you to everyone at etrailer!

Brooke M.

4/27/2025

It ain't nothin' but a thang, Matthew! I hope you know we will always be here if you ever have any more projects we can help you with :)

Matthew One Year Later

4/25/2026

Weve been using our Roadmaster set up for over two years and have traveled several thousand miles. All I do is make sure everything is cleaned and lubed. No problems so far.

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Flat Towing 2018 Ford Explorer Behind Motorhome
According 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...
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Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2016 Ford Explorer Sport
There is a big difference in terms of what is needed to flat tow the vehicles and while you do not need to disconnect the battery on the 2015, you do need a battery charging kit. Nothing was "figured out" so to speak, they are simply very different vehicles. You mentioned getting a 2015, and because all of the parts needed is so extensive, listing everything for both is going to be a bit overwhelming so is there a year you are leaning towards that I can start with for you? Let me know and...
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Difference in Tow Bar Wiring Kits for 2017 Ford Explorer
I'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...
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Recommended Flat Towing Set Up for a 2016 Ford Explorer XLT
Hey Stephen let me help you with that! To flat tow your 2016 Ford Explorer XLT, I recommend using the following parts: Tow Bar and Safety Chains - etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar item # e74ZR Base Plate Kit - Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit item # RM-524446-5. It looks like the XLT's have the 3.5 EcoBoost engine so if that's correct this is the one you'll need to go with. If you do not have an the EcoBoost engine you'll want item # RM-524453-5. Wiring Harness - Roadmaster Diode...
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Recommended Flat Towing Set Up for a 2017 Ford Explorer
It looks like a 2017 Explorer XLT weighs right around 4,500 lbs so you would be good to go. I do recommend confirming with your manufacturer what your RV's capacity is if you haven't already. To flat tow your 2017 Ford Explorer 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 item # RM-524446-5 (With Out Active Air Shutters) Roadmaster...
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Can a 2018 Ford Explorer FWD with 3.5L Duratec Be Flat-Towed
The 2018 Ford Explorer FWD with 3.5L Duratec can be flat-towed with all four wheels down per the owner's manual. In order to do so you'd need a list of components, of which I have attached below. Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part # RM-524446-5 (No Active Air Shutters) Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part # RM-524453-5 (With Active Air Shutters) Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar part # RM-676 Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit part #...
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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,...
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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...
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Can Roadmaster Base Plate Kit RM-524445-4 Attach to Sterling Tow Bar without Crossbar
The Roadmaster base plate kit part # RM-524453-5 is a direct connect style of base plate so yes, it will attach to a Roadmaster Sterling # RM-576 without needing to use the crossbar.
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Info for this part was:

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