Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
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2003 Mini Cooper
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2003 Mini Cooper
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When you want a clean look that doesn’t change your vehicle’s front profile, this setup keeps things tidy. The direct-connect brackets sit tucked back within the grille, leaving almost nothing visible when the removable arms are off. There’s no obtrusive quick-disconnect crossbar or bulky hardware in sight—just a smooth, factory-style finish that stays protected from scrapes and scuffs.
Connecting to your tow bar is as simple as inserting each arm, twisting to lock, and clicking it into place. Built-in pull rings let you unlock the arms so you can twist and remove them just as easily. The design uses locking pins and precision-cut steel fittings so alignment is quick and solid every time. Whether you’re setting up in a driveway or at the campsite, it’s a smooth one-person job that takes the frustration out of hooking up.
The computer-cut, all-steel frame brackets mount directly to your vehicle’s chassis for strength where it counts. Every weld and mounting point is designed to spread towing forces evenly across the frame. The black powder coat finish resists corrosion and chips, keeping the hardware strong through long hauls and rough weather. It’s a heavy-duty setup you can count on mile after mile.
You don’t need specialized equipment or welding—this kit bolts right to the frame with standard tools. Each base plate is custom-fit for proper alignment, and all mounting hardware and instructions come in the box. That means less guesswork during install and more confidence when your tow bar clicks into place for the first time.
This system pairs seamlessly with Roadmaster motor-home-mounted tow bars such as the Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, or Falcon 2 that slide into a trailer hitch. It’s purpose-built for those setups, eliminating the need for any additional quick-disconnect crossbar or extra adapters that would clutter your connection point.
Ratings & Reviews
It’s a super strong and wonderfully engineered addition to my new Maverick pickup.. Couldn’t be happier with it!!!!! Well done!!!!
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.
Install instructions were good and as always, one step of teh required modifications was a lot more difficult as the instructions make it sound. In this case, "reaming" out the holes in the bumper core was pretty much impossible with the tools available. Lucky for me, my friend that was helping me actually has a mill in his basement and using that worked.
I am extremely satisfied with the installation and performance of this baseplate on my 2025 Ford Maverick hybrid. I was a little apprehensive as Ford changed the design of the front end on the 2025 model years and the older baseplates would not fit the new version. I hired a local shop to perform the installation and while there were some minor issues they managed to get everything in place exactly as designed. After one year of use I am very happy with the setup.
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.
I watched YouTube videos on how to install. I have used this a year now. It is well made and not some cheap junk. Heavy steel and I am pleased with it. As with all etrailer products I have purchased, I highly recommend. Their customer service is outstanding.
Couple issues, video for the install was completely inaccurate
Second issue was that none of the spacers included with the kit could be used as they were too thick.
Bolted right up to my 2021 Ford Expedition Max Platinum. No issues and is a snap to hook up and unhook the tow bars. The units poke right out the factory openings and are hardly noticeable when the draw bars are removed. About the only complaint I have is that the draw bars fit sloppy in the base plate adapters. They wobble a LOT but are made of very thick steel. After about 3000 miles towing so far, the draw bars are pretty heavily worn where they contact the base plate adapters.
Quality product for my new 2024 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD ST Line. Came with decent instructions that got me through installation without issue. Installation required drilling only two holes through the plastic lower grille opening for the insertion of the tow arms. Everything else was completely "bolt-on". The breakaway switch, safety cable tabs, and the wiring receptacle all fit through existing openings in the lower grille providing a "clean" finished look.
I originally purchased a Blue Ox baseplate to install since I already had a tow bar. Upon removing the front grill, I was surprised to find the used Element I had purchased already had the front bumper caps removed and 2 braces installed. Thanks to the photos on etrailer reviews and product info, I was able to determine that the vehicle had previously had a roadmaster baseplate installed! I purchased this unit and it fit perfectly onto the already installed braces. Seems very solid and high-quality so far.
A clean look on my 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid after following e-trailer's detailed installation instructions.
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.
Good product. If you are reasonably handy and have some tools, you can install this yourself in a few hours. I'm a mechanic, it took me a little over 2 hours to install on my own toad. The fit is good, there are 4 holes you have to drill, otherwise it is plug and play. When you insert and twist lock the tow bar mounts into their sockets they feel a little sloppy but they are secure, and i never noticed any rattle when towing. Overall i give it a 4 out of 5 for easy install and clean look after install. Pic included of installed base plate.
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!!
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!
Awesome instructions! Install was fairly easy. Product is very high quality and solid construction. Thank you E Trailer!
Very fast shipping, and the install was easy. Great product
Easy to install needed to replace some fasteners as they broke removing front grill was able to get them from Amazon cheap
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!
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.
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.
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!!!
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.
Upgraded to a new tow vehicle and etrailer had all of the components that I needed. I was working with a short timeframe to get the new vehicle adapted before hitting the road for the summer. All parts were delivered promptly and with no damages or missing parts.
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