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  1. Tow Bar Base Plate
  2. Roadmaster
  3. Removable Draw Bars
  4. Hitch Pin 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: RM86FR
In Stock
$575.00
Retail:$632.50
You Save: $57.50
Tow Bar Base Plate

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etrailer Installation
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 RM86FR 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 - RM86FR

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Ready for Flat Towing: Creates secure attachment points for connecting directly to a motor-home-mounted tow bar.
  • Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden brackets sit back in the grille so the front end keeps a clean, factory look.
  • Quick Hookup and Removal: Removable drawbars twist to lock in place and release with built-in pull rings.
  • Built to Last: Computer-cut, all-steel construction with black powder coat resists corrosion and wear.
  • Simple Installation: Mounts to the vehicle frame with included hardware—no welding required.
Made in USA

Features to know about

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

If you like a towing setup that keeps things looking neat up front, this design makes that easy. The direct-connect brackets sit farther back than standard ones, so when the drawbars are removed, the remaining brackets are virtually invisible. Mounted within the grille, they stay protected from scrapes and scuffs while giving your vehicle a clean, factory look when you’re not towing.

Quick Hookups Every Time: Twist-Lock Arms with Built-In Pull Rings

Connecting or disconnecting doesn’t have to be a hassle. Each arm slides into the bracket, clicks to lock, and releases with the built-in pull ring so you can twist and remove it in seconds. The process is simple and secure, making it easier to hook up your tow bar whether you’re home or on the road.

Strong Where It Counts: Computer-Cut, All-Steel Construction

A solid connection starts with solid materials. The computer-cut, all-steel construction delivers exceptional strength and helps distribute towing forces evenly across the frame. With a durable black powder coat finish that resists corrosion, this setup is built for long hauls and years of use without losing integrity.

Simplifies Your Tow Setup: Direct-Connect Design for Motor-Home-Mounted Tow Bars

This system eliminates the need for a bulky quick-disconnect crossbar, giving you a streamlined hookup point that connects directly to compatible tow bars. It works only with Roadmaster motor-home-mounted tow bars such as the Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, or Falcon 2—tow bars that slide into a trailer hitch rather than using a hitch ball.

DIY Friendly: Bolt-On Install with No Welding Required

If you like tackling projects yourself, this kit is straightforward to install. It bolts directly to the vehicle’s frame with simple tools—no welding needed—and comes with instructions and mounting hardware included so you can get it mounted securely and ready to tow with confidence.

Specs

Features

  • Designed for: use with motor-home-mounted tow bars
  • Direct-connect brackets: provide attachment points for your motor-home-mounted tow bar
  • Streamlined design: creates supremely clean look
  • No obtrusive crossbar: quick-disconnect crossbar is not needed
  • 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: Instructions and mounting hardware included
  • Manufactured: 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.

523205-5 Road Master EZ-5 Base Plate Kit

Installation Details RM86FR Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.8

3662 reviews
5 Stars
(3189)
4 Stars
(313)
3 Stars
(67)
2 Stars
(30)
1 Star
(63)
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:

Put this on a 2014 Honda CR-V. This is a very well made base plate setup! The overall design, welds and powder coating are outstanding! Shipping was super fast too! The install video by etrailer was close to perfect and really helped to take the "scary" out of doing the job. The only change I would like to see in the video is during the grill removal. He says to just yank it forward to get the clips to release. Unfortunately, most of the specialized clips broke doing it this way. Had I known, I would have slipped a thin tool just below the grill to get the clips to unlock/release. Also, on the wrap around, bumper cover, some of the tabs on the bumper cover ripped out and I had to do some creative plastic welding or fiberglass resin/cloth to repair. These clips have a release tab also. I suggest finding specific videos on youtube to remove the plastic body parts and grill. I got it all done and it works perfectly! I really love the almost invisible tow receivers on the car (when the arms are removed). Our last toad was a 1997 Nissan Hardbody pickup that has permanent knee busting/shin smashing protrusions. I am super happy with everything we have bought from etrailer over the past 18 years!



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:

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.



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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:

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



by:

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



by:

Easy to install needed to replace some fasteners as they broke removing front grill was able to get them from Amazon cheap



by:

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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Solid product works as intended no issu es



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Great service fast delivery



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Fast shipping and easy install, looks great.


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

  • Correct Roadmaster Base Plates for a 2023 GMC Sierra 2500
    Hy Suzy, thanks for reaching out! The correct kit for your 2023 GMC Sierra 2500 is the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM86FR. The kit 31773 is for an older GM truck and I can't find the other part you're looking for so I don't know what that fits. For a complete flat towing setup you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter. If you do not have all of these components just let...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed For Flat Towing a 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD Duramax Diesel
    First you will need the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM86FR on your 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD to attach your Roadmaster Sterling All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar # RM-576. The RoadMaster Sterling All Terrain Towing Combo Kit # RM-9284-2 will provide you with the wiring needed to use your truck tail lights so you will not need magnetic lights. Also included with the kit are locks, storage bag, cover, and lube spray to protect and extend the life of your tow bars. For a braking...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed To Flat Tow a 2020 GMC 2500HD Behind a Class A RV Motorhome
    First you will need the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM86FR for the front of your 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD. This will allow you to connect your Sierra to your class A coach using the Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar # RM-422. You may need a High-Low adapter like the 4" # RM-048-4 to keep the tow bars within 3" of level from vehicle to vehicle. The base plate has a height of 20-1/4" when installed on a truck with 275/65R20. The RoadMaster BlackHawk 2...
    view full answer...
  • Is A Battery Disconnect Switch Needed To Flat Tow A 2020 GMC 2500 HD?
    The purpose of a battery disconnect is not meant to keep the batteries charged but to protect certain onboard electronics. In your vehicle's case, is meant to keep the Electric Parking Brake disconnected. If the battery is left connected, or the battery cable contacts the post, it could activate the electric parking brake and cause the vehicle to crash. So I still recommend installing a battery disconnect switch on your 2020 GMC Sierra 2500. The Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Flat Towing Components For A 2020 GMC Sierra 2500
    According to the owner's manual you can flat tow a 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 as long as it has a 2-speed transfer case with a 4WD low and neutral. The wording isn't the best to determine if you have a two-speed transfer case so I recommend reaching out to a local GM dealership with your VIN to determine if you have one or not. If you do have one then I have the following recommendations: Baseplate: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM86FR. Tow Bar: etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar...
    view full answer...
  • Base Plate Fit for 2021 GMC Sierra 2500
    The Chevy/GMC trucks underwent a generational design change for the 2020 model year, so the base plates that fit your 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 will not fit your 2021 GMC Sierra 2500. As of this writing, Blue Ox does not have an option for base plates that fit your truck but there is an option from Roadmaster with the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM86FR. I have added a photo a customer sent in showing these base plates on their GMC Sierra 2500 so you can see how it will look on...
    view full answer...
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  • What Parts do You Recommnend to Flat-Tow My 2020 GMC 2500 Sierra HD?
    For parts to flat-tow your your 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 HD (4x4 models only can be flat-towed per GMC) on your RV, you need a base plate, a tow bar, a tow braking system, safety cables, and vehicle tow wiring. Here's a setup of the following parts you need: - Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM86FR - Roadmaster Blackhawk 2 - 2" - 10k # RM-422 - Roadmaster 80" Hybrid Coiled-to-Straight Safety Cables - 10,000 lbs # RM-674 - Demco SBS Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental...
    view full answer...
  • Is There Drilling Required to Install Roadmaster Base Plate Kit 2021 GMC Sierra 2500
    Hey Clay, so when installing the Roadmaster base plate kit part # RM86FR on a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 there aren't any new holes that need to be drilled but due to manufacturing variances there might be one hole that needs to get enlarged with a 13/32 inch drill bit. You can see this in step 12 of the attached install instructions link.
    view full answer...

Do you have a question about this Tow Bar Base Plate?


Info for this part was:

Employee Lindsey S
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Amanda K
Updated by:
Amanda K
Employee Mike S
Written by:
Mike S

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