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  1. Tow Bar Base Plate
  2. Roadmaster
  3. Removable Draw Bars
  4. Twist Lock Attachment
  5. Partially Hidden
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
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Roadmaster

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: RM45EQ
In Stock
$575.00
Retail:$632.50
You Save: $57.50
Tow Bar Base Plate

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We'll connect you with nearby partnered installers who know this exact setup.
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 RM45EQ 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 - RM45EQ

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Ready for Flat Towing: Creates attachment points for your motor-home-mounted tow bar.
  • Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden brackets mount within the grille for a clean, factory look.
  • Quick Hookup and Removal: Twist-lock arms click in place and detach easily with built-in pull pins.
  • Built to Last: Computer-cut, all-steel construction with black powder coat resists corrosion.
  • No Welding Needed: Installs on the vehicle’s frame with included instructions and hardware.
Made in USA

Features to know about

Built for a Clean Front End: Hidden Direct-Connect Design

This setup keeps your front end clean and uncluttered when you’re not towing. The direct-connect brackets sit farther back than standard ones, so once the drawbars are removed the remaining brackets are virtually invisible. There’s no bulky quick-disconnect crossbar in sight, just a neat, low-profile look that blends into the grille and stays protected from scrapes and scuffs.

Hook Up Fast with Less Hassle: Twist-Lock, Removable Arms

Each drawbar slides into the bracket, clicks to lock in place, and secures with a built-in pull ring. When you’re done towing, a quick twist releases the arm so you can remove it in seconds. The simple twist-lock setup makes connecting easy even when you’re on your own or parked on uneven ground.

Strong Where It Counts: All-Steel Construction with Powder Coat Finish

The brackets are computer-cut from all-steel material for precise fit and exceptional strength. A black powder coat finish adds durability and corrosion resistance so the hardware can handle years of towing without worry. The included crossbeam is an integral part of the design, helping spread load forces evenly across the frame for a solid, stable connection every trip.

Straightforward Install: Bolt-On Fit with No Welding Required

This kit mounts directly to the vehicle’s frame using existing attachment points. Installation is simple—no welding needed—and all required mounting hardware and instructions come in the box. It’s a solid choice for anyone who prefers a DIY setup or wants a base plate that fits cleanly without extra fabrication.

Built to Work with Your Roadmaster Tow Bar Setup

The base plate is designed specifically for Roadmaster motor-home-mounted tow bars that slide into a trailer hitch, such as the Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, or Falcon 2. It’s not made for tow bars that require a hitch ball, ensuring a precise match for your existing Roadmaster system.

Specs

Construction and Design

  • Material: All-steel construction
  • Finish: Black powder coat finish (durable and corrosion resistant)
  • Design: Direct-connect brackets provide attachment points for motor-home-mounted tow bar
  • Installation: Installs on vehicle's frame; no welding required
  • Mounting Hardware: Instructions and mounting hardware included
  • Manufacturing: Computer-cut steel for exceptional strength
  • Origin: Made in the USA
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Features

  • Connection Type: Direct-connect with removable arms
  • Attachment System: Twist lock with built-in pull rings for quick removal
  • Compatibility: Works with Roadmaster motor-home-mounted tow bars only
  • Visibility: Hidden brackets sit farther back than standard brackets, providing a clean look
  • Protection: Brackets mount within grille, protecting them from scrapes and scuffs
  • Drawbar Operation: Arms click to lock in place and release by pulling built-in ring and twisting out

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.

524477-5 Road Master EZ-5 Base Plate Kit

Installation Details RM45EQ Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.8

3660 reviews
5 Stars
(3189)
4 Stars
(313)
3 Stars
(67)
2 Stars
(30)
1 Star
(61)
Review sort icon
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.

by:

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:

This was a bit of a challenge to install on a 2026 Chevrolet Colorado Z71. One item to be aware of, as you take off the front Facia of the truck for the install, there are two Facia "brakets" that attach to the front fenders that seem like they are use once plastic snaps. Three of the 4 snaps broke off on both sides when I removed the facia. These are about $35 a piece from Chevy and prevent you from making this a 1 day job. Additionally, there are 2 7mm screws/bolts that connect one of the coolers to the back of the bumper support and these are a real problem to get back in - over an hour of time and every 1/4" tool in my arsenal was needed to find a way to get these started. Finally, one of the Connecting Plates (Passenger side) needed to holes to be elongated to enable all the bolts to be started. Finally - you need to put the Brakaway bracket on the driver side, to have enough cable to reach you brake system. Probably have 4 hours in the disassembly and installation of the Direct-Connect Plate. Now waiting a couple days for the plastic brackets from Chevy to complete the install. Good Luck!!



by:

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!



by:

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



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



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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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Easy installation! Etrailer videos are very informative and helpful! Always great to have a helper too!



by:

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:

It was shipped promply. I installed it myself using the included step by step instructions and videos from etrailer. It all went well (though I had to come back and reconnect the sensor plug- my bad).
I tow a Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and this base plate is nearly invisible when not towing. Works well.



by:

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.



by:

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.



by:

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!!!



by:

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:

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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by:

Everything we needed to complete the job.
The
parts got here the next day, a day before
It was supposed to be.



by:

Fit was great, took about 3 hours total and working perfectly

Benjamin profile picture

Benjamin

9/13/2026

After roughly a year, everything is working perfectly, had no problems, highly recommend


25
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See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate

  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2025 Ford F-150
    Hey Bob, welcome back and congrats on the new truck! To flat tow your 2025 Ford F-150 you'll need the following parts: Base Plate Kit - Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms item # RM45EQ Wiring Harness - Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit item # RM-152 or item # RO44FR if you have LED lights on your F-150. You may also need item # RM-910030-5 and item # RM-910030-7 if you didn't keep the connector off your old truck. Charge Line - Roadmaster Battery...
    view full answer...
  • Can Roadmaster Wiring Kit Transfer From 2019 F-150 to 2024 F-150
    Hey David, congratulations on the new truck! Yes, the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM45EQ is compatible with your Roadmaster Nighthawk # RM-676. As long as you have everything from the kit the Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring # RM-152 can be transfered over and used on your new F-150. Will you still be using your Brake Buddy Classic 3 # HM39494? If you left anything on the old F-150 you may need the Second Vehicle Kit # BB59SR and you will also need the Roadmaster...
    view full answer...
  • Roadmaster Base Plate For A 2025 Ford F-150 Non-Hybrid
    Hi Terry! The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms 524467-5 (our part # RM38VR) does indeed use almost the exact same parts as the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms 524477-5 (our part # RM45EQ), save for that wiring harness bracket. It looks like said bracket changed for the 2024 model year for the Ford F-150, but the arms, arm brackets, and hardware are basically exactly the same between the two (I went piece by piece through the instructions...
    view full answer...
  • Flat Towing Set Up For A 2024 Ford F150 Lariat 4x4 Short Bed With V6
    Hi Dean! We definitely have what you need to set up your 2024 Ford F150 Lariat 4x4 with the short bed and V6. I have everything I recommend listed below: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM45EQ etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate - RV Mount - 10,500 lbs # e84ZR Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord # RM-15267 Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles #...
    view full answer...
  • Does Crossbeam of Roadmaster Base Plate Kit # RM45EQ Provide Support
    Hey Michael, that's a great question but while it doesn't seem like the Roadmaster direct connect kit part # RM45EQ crossbeam bracket would do much it does and it is an integral part of the kit.
    view full answer...
  • Full Flat Towing Set Up For A 2024 Ford F-150 4x4
    Hi Travis! I can definitely help you get your 2024 Ford F-150 4x4 with the crew cab all set up for flat towing. You are correct in needing the charge line as your battery will be drained while being towed, so I have that included with the parts below. One thing I do have to point out though, getting your truck ready to be flat towed is going to take a bit of work. Most people wouldn't say the vast majority of these installs are easy, but they are very doable by anyone that has some basic...
    view full answer...

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Info for this part was:

Employee Lindsey S
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Joshua S
Video Edited:
Joshua S
Employee Dustin K
Video Edited:
Dustin K
Employee John S
Video Edited:
John S
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Bradley B
Test Fit:
Bradley B
Employee Scott A
Test Fit:
Scott A
Employee Amanda K
Written by:
Amanda K
Employee Matthew G
Video by:
Matthew G

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