Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
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1996 Dodge Intrepid
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1996 Dodge Intrepid
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This setup keeps your vehicle’s front end looking clean when you’re not towing. The base plate’s hidden design sits farther back than standard brackets, and once the drawbars are removed, the remaining brackets are virtually invisible. It installs on the frame and eliminates the need for a quick-disconnect crossbar, so there’s nothing bulky sticking out front.
When it’s time to tow, each arm slides into the bracket and twists to lock in place. Built-in pull rings let you unlock and remove the arms just as easily, making hookups smooth and repeatable. That straightforward twist-and-click setup means less wrestling with alignment and more time on the road.
The computer-cut, all-steel construction gives this base plate exceptional strength mile after mile. A black powder coat finish adds corrosion resistance and keeps it looking sharp through weather and road grime. It mounts directly to your vehicle’s frame with no welding required, spreading towing forces evenly for a solid connection.
Everything needed for installation comes in the box—hardware and clear instructions included. Just grab your own tools and follow along. The design is made for simplicity while still giving you a secure fit that matches your Roadmaster motor-home-mounted tow bar setup, including models like Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, or Falcon 2.
Ratings & Reviews
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.
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.
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!
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.
Awesome instructions! Install was fairly easy. Product is very high quality and solid construction. Thank you E Trailer!
Easy to install needed to replace some fasteners as they broke removing front grill was able to get them from Amazon cheap
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Easy install and use
fits well and works as it should. very pleased.
This was what I needed although the ears that bolt onto the jeep frame were tweeked inboard so that it would not just fit over the frame. I had to adjust them both outward, then it was fine.
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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Jenny N.
11/9/2022
I hope that everything is ok with the base plate. If you have any concerns please reach out.