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  1. Tow Bar Base Plate
  2. etrailer
  3. Removable Draw Bars
  4. Twist Lock Attachment
  5. Completely Hidden
THIS ITEM IS NOT A FIT FOR
1983 Dodge Van
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etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: e86YR
In Stock
$562.41
Retail:$580.76
You Save: $18.35
Tow Bar Base Plate
Not Confirmed to Fit

1983 Dodge Van

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etrailer Installation
We'll connect you with nearby partnered installers who know this exact setup.
Get a clean, factory look for your car when it's not being towed by using these invisible base plates. Tabs remain on tow bar arms and easily secure to base plate receivers with a quick turn. Simple, bolt-on installation with included hardware. Great Prices for the best tow bar base plate from etrailer. etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms part number e86YR can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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etrailer Tow Bar Base Plate - e86YR

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Ready for Flat Towing: Provides secure connection points so your vehicle can be safely towed behind your RV.
  • Blends In When Not Towing: Invisible design keeps the front end clean with no crossbar or protruding brackets.
  • Hooks Up Fast: Twist-lock removable arms let you connect or disconnect in seconds with built-in pull pins.
  • Stays Smooth Over Time: Receiver covers block dirt and debris to prevent corrosion and seizing.
  • Built to Last: Durable steel construction spreads towing force evenly and bolts securely to your chassis.
Made in USA

Features to know about

Made for a Clean Front End: Invisible Base Plate with Removable Arms

If you like your vehicle to look uncluttered when it’s not being towed, this base plate setup keeps things tidy. The invisible design has no obtrusive crossbar or brackets sticking out, and the tabs stay on your tow bar arms so the bumper stays clean. High-density polyethylene covers snap into place over the receivers to block out dirt and debris, keeping the sockets clear so the arms slide in and out smoothly every time you hook up.

Quick Hookup Every Time: Twist-Lock Arms with Pull Pins

Hooking up is simple. Each arm slides into the base plate receiver, twists to lock, and secures with an included safety pin. When you’re done towing, pull the pin, twist, and remove the arms just as easily. It’s a straightforward connection system that makes aligning and securing your setup a fast one-person job. The bracket spacing is 34" apart with a height of 15-1/2", giving you a solid reference for planning your tow bar position.

Close-up of etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit with removable arms attached to vehicle front end, showing tabless design and connection points for tow bar arms

Built to Last for the Long Haul: Sturdy Steel Construction

The dependable steel build spreads towing forces evenly across the chassis to help reduce stress on suspension components. It bolts directly to the frame—no welding needed—and comes with all necessary hardware for a secure fit. Users mention that following the clear instructions makes installation go smoothly and that once installed, the setup stays strong and steady even through long towing miles.

Keep Your Existing Tow Bar: Broad Compatibility and Adapter Options

Already running a tow bar you like? This base plate works directly with all Demco, etrailer, and Blue Ox tow bars—no adapter required. If you use a Roadmaster tow bar, simply add the right adapter (e98983, e98984, e98979, or e98981, sold separately). An integrated electrical bracket lets you mount a round connector plug neatly at the front for an organized wiring setup that’s ready whenever you are.

DIY Friendly Setup: Bolt-On Install with Clear Instructions

Designed for straightforward installation, this kit bolts securely to your vehicle’s chassis using existing attachment points. There’s no welding involved, and everything needed—including hardware and step-by-step instructions—is in the box. Reviewers say that with basic tools and some patience, even first-timers found it “a breeze to install.” It’s a rewarding weekend project that leaves you with a clean-looking, reliable towing connection.

Specs

Dimensions

  • Distance between brackets: 34"
  • Bracket height: 15-1/2"

Compatibility

  • Roadmaster Tracker, Falcon 2, Falcon All-Terrain, Blackhawk, Blackhawk All-Terrain, and Sterling tow bars with serial numbers up to 14,500: DM9523036
  • Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain, Sterling All-Terrain, and Sterling tow bars with serial numbers 14,501 and above: DM9523062
  • Roadmaster Eagle and Eagle 8000: DM9523014
  • Roadmaster Falcon 5250: DM9523023
  • Blue Ox: No adapter needed
  • etrailer: No adapter needed
  • Demco Kwik-Tow: No adapter needed
  • Curt Rambler: No adapter needed
  • Curt Seeker: No adapter needed

Warranty

  • Warranty: 1-Year limited warranty

e86YR etrailer RV Tabless Baseplates

Replaces etrailer e98961

Installation Details E86YR Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.7

814 reviews
Review sort icon
Get a clean, factory look for your car when it's not being towed by using these invisible base plates. Tabs remain on tow bar arms and easily secure to base plate receivers with a quick turn. Simple, bolt-on installation with included hardware.

by:

The reason I chose this product is not having to drill holes in my frame. I have a Ford extended warranty and WILL NOT JEOPARDIZE THE COVERAGE by drilling the frame. etrailer need to update the instructions with better torque specs or put them online. Scrap those two tiny bottles of blue loctite and just send the retail .2 oz package I had to go get at Walmart for $6.99 because your bottles were dry.



by:

This system was so easy to install I thought I missed something. Everything bolted right on perfectly. I have towed my truck over 2000 miles since installing this and everything continues to work perfectly. I would highly recommend it to anyone.



by:

Requires modification of the skid plate brackets on a Raptor or anything else with the skid plates. Easy other than that.



by:

Fit truck well, but would like to see safety cable holes a little bigger, hooks won't fit



by:

Installation of this quality product was easy. It only took about an hour. I would buy the etrailer base plate over the blue ox one; it’s a much easier install.



by:

Shipping was very fast, customer service was excellent, customer support was excellent, parts fit the way they should. Very good experience

Richard profile picture

Richard

3/27/2025

Product has held up well, still operating as desired,



by:

Easy installation in 2024 Ford F 150 XLT, all bolts fit perfectly in existing frame. Could of used a little more blue locktite.



by:

Installation on 2018 F150. All went together per instructions and look good. Only difficult part was drilling 2 holes as didn't have a way to elevate the truck so tight working space.



by:

Delivered as promised. Watch video on how to install and after that they were Easy to install. Didn’t have to remove any front end like some other base kit from other suppliers. No drilling required and no special tools. Would recommend.



by:

Easy install very hidden and works well



by:

Easy install and works great with my blue ox tow bar



by:

Very easy to install, my last one that I installed was different and I had to remove bumper and grill, this one I only removed the tow hooks and was done in no time



by:

just received everything looks great. Thank you for the fast shipment! I'm on a tight time schedule. I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow with install.



by:

Easy install, fit good. Definitely the one to buy.

Brooke M. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Brooke M.

5/14/2025

Those two things are definitely deal-breakers for me, that's for sure! Where you headed with the new base plate kit?



by:

Purchased this for our 2021 Lincoln Navigator and also used the installation service offered. What a great experience!!

The mechanic was local and very experienced. He also added the diode lights to my Navigator and did not cut any body moulding during either part of the project. Great product



by:

Great service. Fast shipping. Everything I expected and more.

Jim profile picture

Jim

9/15/2025

Still working.



by:

Excellent product. Installation was fairly easy, even for an older less nimble person. Minimal trimming of bumper cover.

Mike R. profile picture

Mike R.

7/22/2025

Works great! Tows easy. I keep a hammer handy to unhook. Remember to chock your tires! LOL!



by:

Over all, very well put together, I did had to clearance the right side rear hole to work with my front hitch brackets, and allow the use of the bolt already in the frame for the hitch brackets.
my only concern was the one adapter had a hole that was not reamed to the correct size and my pins on the tow bar would only go in to one ear. A quick ream with the correct sized bit and all was good.

i have to say this kit works perfect with my front hitch i already had on and was pleased it got to remain.



by:

The install went flawlessly. Thank you for the great videos. Very helpful



by:

Fast shipping, item just as described, easy install



by:

Easy to install, instructions good.

Richard profile picture

Richard

1/27/2026

Works great for us.



by:

All parts where there except lock washers and loctite. Saved $30 or so so it was worth it. Could’ve double checked and added the missing parts.



by:

Works great, easy installation



by:

If you follow the easy to read and understand instructions, it’s a breeze to install. Beautiful!!! Highly recommend rhese baseplates



by:

Easy installation on my F-150. Videos on website are very helpful.


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

  • Full Flat Tow Setup For 2023 Ford F-150 and 2026 Jayco Greyhawk
    Hey Dan, Congrats on the brand new motorhome! For your 2023 Ford F-150, I’d start with the etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit, part # e86YR. This is a really nice option because it keeps the front of your truck looking clean when you’re not towing. The arms come off easily, so you’re not left with anything bulky sticking out all the time. To hook up to your Greyhawk, the etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar, part # e34ZR, is a great match. The non-binding feature makes a big difference when...
    view full answer...
  • Complete Flat Towing Setup For A 2018 Ford Expedition Limited
    Sure thing! To complete your flat tow setup for your 2018 Ford Expedition, you will also need: 1. A base plate kit, like the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-524457-5. You'll need a base plate kit to connect your tow bars to your toad vehicle. 2.The next thing you're going to need is a braking system, like the Roadmaster BrakeMaster System w BrakeAway for RVs w Air or Air Over Hydraulic Brakes # RM-9160, with the RoadMaster BrakeMaster Custom Seat Adapter # RM-88318. A...
    view full answer...
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  • Does etrailer Base Plate Kit FIt 2025 Ford F-150 Powerboost
    Hey Rob, I went through the install instructions for the etrailer base plate kit part # e86YR that you referenced and did not find any mention of fit exclusions or special steps for if the truck has the air shudders/flaps that you mentioned so it would not be something you'd need to worry about. This would install exact same way. Do you have a tow bar picked out already?
    view full answer...
  • Will Blue Ox Tow Bar Work with etrailer Base Plate Kit
    Hey Ken, the etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit # e86YR that you referenced does fit to Blue Ox base plate kits directly so it would work great for you. Do you have the rest of your flat towing setup picked out already?
    view full answer...
  • Do You Sell the Locking Pull Ring Tab for the Removable Arms on My Blue Ox Base Plate?
    Hello Scott, Happy to help and make sure we get you the correct replacement part. Can you confirm which base plate you currently have? Your question was asked on the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit with Removable Arms # BX1708, but I do see in your order history that you purchased the etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit with Removable Arms # e86YR back in May. If you are asking about the Blue Ox # BX1708, the correct replacement would be the Replacement Attachment Tabs for Blue Ox Base Plates,...
    view full answer...
  • Does The etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit e86YR Have A Weight Rating?
    Hello Dennis, good question. The etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit # e86YR does not have a designated weight rating. It is rated for well over the GVWR of your truck, and then some. It will absolutely be compatible with a 10K tow bar with zero concern of overloading. The base plate would not come close to being the weak link in your setup. This would be the case for any base plate regardless of make and model. They are rated for way more than the vehicle weight. If you plan to re use...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Flat Tow Wiring for a 2016 Ford F-150 King Ranch w/ LED Lights
    Yes, it will Brian! The Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit item # RM-15267 will indeed work with your 2016 Ford F-150 and it's LED lighting. Here are the rest of the parts you will need to flat tow your 2016 Ford F-150 King Ranch: Tow Bar and Safety Chains - etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar item # e94ZR Base Plate Kit - etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms item # e86YR Charge Line - Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles item # RM-156-25 Supplemental...
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  • Complete Flat Towing Setup for a 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor
    Daren, for your 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor you are going to need: - A base plate kit, like the etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit # e86YR, - A set of tow bars, like the etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar # e94ZR, - A braking system, like the Roadmaster BrakeMaster w/ Pressure Reducer for RVs w Air or Air-Over-Hydraulic Brake # RM-9160-900002, using the RoadMaster Stop Light Switch Kit # RM89ZR and the Roadmaster BrakeMaster Custom Fit Seat Adapter # RM-88316, & - A wiring harness, like the...
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  • Recommended Baseplate For A 2024 Ford F-150 Tremor
    Hey Michael, Since you have the Tremor package I recommend going with a baseplate like the etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit # e86YR that only replaces the tow hooks to avoid having to cut up your front fascia. If you haven't picked out the rest of your flat towing components then I have the following recommendations: Tow Bar: etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar # e94ZR. This tow bar comes with safety cables bracketed to the arms so you won't have to purchase them separately or worry about...
    view full answer...
  • Flat Tow Kit Recommendation for a 2020 Ford F-150
    Hey Dennis! Here are the parts I recommend using to flat tow your 2020 Ford F-150: - etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit # e86YR - Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar # RM-677 - Roadmaster Accessory Kit # RM-9284-2 - Brake-Lite Relay Kit # RM-88400 - Brake Buddy Classic 3 # HM39494 - High-Low Adapter (see linked article - bracket height is 15-1/2") The tow bar is aluminum, so it only weighs in at 35 lbs (cutting down about 10 lbs or so from a steel bar), and then the Class 3...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Flat Towing Components For A 2024 Ford F-150
    Hi Chris, To flat tow your 2024 Ford F-150 you'll need the following components: Baseplate: etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit # e86YR Tow Bar: etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar # e94ZR. This tow bar comes with safety cables included and has a built in rise/drop to help keep it level between the motorhome and F-150. Tow Bar Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Smart Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Wiring Kit for Variable Voltage LED Tail Lights # RM38FR or incandescent # RM26FR. These diode kits will splice...
    view full answer...
  • Comparing Installation Difficulty Of The etrailer and Blue Ox Baseplates For A 2020 Ford Expedition
    Hey Scott, The installations differ slightly but are pretty much the same since both the etrailer # e86YR and Blue Ox # BO84FR replace the factory tow hooks. Of the two I prefer the etrailer baseplate because it sits in just slightly more for a more concealed look when not in use. You could pair it with the etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar # e94ZR to complete the physical connection between your Expedition and motorhome. If you haven't picked out the rest of your flat towing components...
    view full answer...
  • Best Parts For Flat Towing 2024 Ford F-150
    Hello Layne, thanks for getting in touch. So we can definitely help set your 2024 Ford F-150 up for flat towing. Sadly, the base plate from a Ford Ranger will not transfer over to an F-150, so you will need a new base plate. Here are the parts I recommend: - etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # e86YR - etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,500 lbs # e94ZR - Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed For Flat Towing 2016 Ford F150 4x4 Lariat
    Hello Timothy, thanks for reaching out. We do have all the parts you need to flat tow your 2016 Ford F150 4x4 Lariat. I see you already have an order in for the # e86YR base plate which is correct for your vehicle. Here is the rest of the parts you will need: - etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,500 lbs # e94ZR - 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...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Flat Towing Components For A 2024 Ford Expedition
    Hey Rick, I'd be happy to help you pick out everything you need to tow the 2024 Ford Expedition behind your motorhome, but you'll first want to doublecheck that your Expedition is capable of being flat towed. Only 4 Wheel Drive with a 4L mode can be flat towed so if you have a 2WD model you will not be able to tow with all four wheels down and would instead need to tow it on a trailer with all wheels off of the ground. I have the following recommendations: Baseplate: etrailer Invisible...
    view full answer...
  • Do the etrailer e86YR Baseplates Fit a 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R?
    Hey Corey! I checked with Demco, they manufacture our etrailer item # e86YR, they said that so long as your 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R has tow hooks the baseplate will fit. These are the only options available as of 1/10/2025. I have linked the installation instructions below so you can compare them to your front end.
    view full answer...
  • Will 2020 Ford Expedition etrailer Base Plate Kit Fit with Demco Commander II Tow Bar
    Hey Eric, thanks for reaching out! Your Demco Commander II Non-Binding Tow Bar # DM9511012 actually matches up directly with the etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit # e86YR for your 2020 Ford Expedition so no adapter is needed! 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 me know and I can make some additional...
    view full answer...
  • Flat Tow Setup With Etrailer Base Plates And Tow Bar Wiring For 2024 Ford F150
    Hello Sean, for your 2024 F150 you can indeed use the etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # e86YR. This is compatible with all etrailer and demco tow bars, and an adapter allows it to be compatible with others. I recommend sticking to etrailer brand, such as the etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs # e34ZR. For the tow bar wiring, I'd use the custom-fit Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles # HM77VR. Then if you don't have the...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed To Flat Tow A 2023 Ford Expedition
    I can definitely help set you up with everything you need to flat tow your 2023 Ford Expedition. Take a look at the list of parts below. I will start with the base plate and go from there. Base Plate - etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit # e86YR Tow Bar - etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar # e94ZR Towed Vehicle Wiring - Roadmaster Diode Kit # RM-15267 Charge Line Kit - # RM-156-25 Supplemental Braking System - Blue Ox Patriot RF # BLU37TR Brake-Lite Relay # RM-88400 Drop Hitch - # BLU28XR...
    view full answer...
  • Transferring Base Plates from a 2019 to a 2026 Ford F150
    Hi Clair, Thank you for your question! The Demco Tabless Base Plate Kit with Removable Arms # DM56MV is a confirmed fit for both the 2019 and 2026 Ford F-150. To confirm whether you can reuse your existing base plates, I'd want to verify that the ones currently installed on your 2019 F-150 are in fact # DM56MV. If you can reply with the part number or model number from your existing base plates—or send a photo of the label—I'd be happy to confirm that for you. If you're also getting...
    view full answer...
  • Fitment of Base Plate for 2018 Ford F-150 and Recommended Flat Tow Components
    The etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit, # e86YR is confirmed to fit the 2018 Ford F-150 and will mate to all new etrailer, Demco, and Blue Ox tow bars without the need of an adapter. A complete flat towing setup includes a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, tow bar wiring and a supplemental braking system. My recommendation for a 2018 Ford F-150 is: - Base Plate, etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit, # e86YR - Tow Bar, etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar, # e94ZR (This includes the needed...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed To Flat Tow A 2019 Ford F-150 Platinum 4WD
    I can certainly point you in the right direction. For a base plate for your 2019 Ford F-150 Platinum 4WD I recommend the Blue ox base plate # BO74FR. This will be compatible with your Blue Ox Aventa BX7445 tow bar. For your brake light wiring I recommend using a Roadmaster diode kit. Assuming the electrical cable you have is a standard 7 way to 6 pin cable, you will need the wiring kit # RM-152, and a 6 pin socket # RM-910030-7 to complete your wiring. You will also want to install a...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed To Flat Tow A 2023 Lincoln Navigator
    Since Roadmaster doesn't currently have a baseplate for the 2023 Lincoln Navigator you'll have to use a different branded baseplate and an adapter to connect to your Nighthawk Tow Bar # RM-676. You could use the etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit # e86YR along with the adapter # e98984. At this time no manufacturers have been able to confirm if diode kits would be compatible with the factory wiring of the vehicle so all I can recommend is the Heavy Duty Magnetic Tow Lights # TL21RK to...
    view full answer...
  • Easiest to Install Base Plates For 2017 Ford F-150 For Flat Towing
    The two are indeed the same (just switching part numbers), and the simplest base plate installation for your 2017 Ford F-150 are absolutely these: - etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit # e86YR The reason the # e86YR base plates are the easiest install on your '17 F-150 is because they do not require the removal of your truck's bumper, which other base plates do. They will install right where your tow hooks are, bolting on and replacing the hooks on your truck. But for a DIY install, these...
    view full answer...


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Condition: Installed

Notes: Item has been previously installed and has cosmetic install marks.

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