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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
2004 Ford F-150
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etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: e98962
In Stock
$467.71
Tow Bar Base Plate
Not Confirmed to Fit

2004 Ford F-150

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In Use/Installed

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 e98962 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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  • Reviews (814)
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etrailer Tow Bar Base Plate - e98962

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Ready for Flat Towing: Provides solid, custom-fit connection points for secure RV towing.
  • Blends In When Not Towing: Invisible design keeps the front end clean with no exposed brackets.
  • Quick Hookup and Release: Twist-lock tabs attach directly to tow bar arms for easy connect and removal.
  • Built to Last: Durable steel construction spreads towing force evenly across the chassis.
  • Stays Clean Between Trips: Snap-on receiver covers block dirt and debris to prevent corrosion.
Made in USA

Features to know about

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

If you like keeping your vehicle’s front end looking stock when you’re not towing, this setup delivers. The invisible design has no obtrusive crossbar or bulky brackets in sight, and the tabs stay on your tow bar so nothing sticks out from the bumper. High-density polyethylene covers snap over the receivers to keep dirt and debris out, helping the arms slide in and out smoothly every time you hook up.

Protective plastic covers installed over etrailer Invisible Base Plate receivers on vehicle front bumper to keep out dirt and debris.

Close-up view of black receiver cover installed over etrailer invisible base plate port on vehicle bumper for protection from elements.

Hook Up Fast and Secure: Twist-Lock Attachment with Pull Pins

Getting connected is simple. Each arm slides into the base plate receiver, twists to lock, and secures with an included pull pin for extra peace of mind. When it’s time to disconnect, just pull the pin, twist, and remove the arm. It’s quick, repeatable, and easy to manage even if you’re setting up alone.

Close-up of vehicle front with etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit showing tow bar arms attaching to base plate receivers using twist-lock tabs.

Vehicle front view showing installation of removable tow bar arms into etrailer invisible base plate receivers using tabless connection system.

Built for Long Hauls: Steel Construction That Spreads the Load

This sturdy, bolt-on design mounts directly to the chassis with no welding required. Its dependable steel build spreads towing forces evenly to help reduce stress on the suspension during long trips. The setup stays solid mile after mile so you can tow with confidence wherever you go.

Keep Your Existing Tow Bar: Broad Compatibility and Adapter Options

Already have a tow bar you like? This base plate works with all Demco, etrailer, and Blue Ox tow bars without an adapter. If you’re using a Roadmaster tow bar, add the correct adapter (e98983 or e99037, sold separately) to make it fit right in. An electrical bracket is included to mount a round connector plug up front so your wiring stays neat and ready to plug in.

Pair of Demco Kwik-Tow base plate adapters designed for connecting different brands of tow bars to etrailer invisible base plates.

Set of Demco Kwik-Tow adapters used to connect compatible tow bars with etrailer invisible base plate kits for flat towing setups.

DIY Friendly: Straightforward Bolt-On Install with Included Hardware

If you prefer doing your own work, this install is approachable with basic tools. It bolts securely to the chassis using the supplied hardware—no welding required—and includes clear instructions for a clean finish. With bracket spacing at 22" and bracket height at 18", it’s easy to plan your tow setup before getting started.

Specs

Dimensions

  • Distance between brackets: 22"
  • Bracket height: 18"

Warranty

  • Warranty: 1-Year limited warranty

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

e98962 etrailer RV Tabless Baseplates

Installation Details E98962 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.7

809 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:

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:

Fit good no complaints just a little pr icey



by:

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



by:

Like the look of the base plate ( hence invisible).



by:

Excellent quality workmanship. Installation instructions were clear and the process was straightforward. Very pleased with the end result.



by:

Amy was very knowledgeable about your products and Absolutely Professional as well Prompt with obtaining Correct information. Very friendly and helpful. Will Surely use your products and services when needed. Thank you



by:

Very good quality. Great instructions and install video.



by:

easy to find on your web site, quick delivery, everything needed for a quick and secure installation. The instructions were easy to follow and all parts were included and fit perfectly.



by:

Fit my 2018 Colorado 2WD manual perfectly. I disconnect the drive shaft and hose-clamp it to the gas tank cross-member when I flat-tow it. works perfectly



by:

Very easy to install and I love the finished look. However I had to cut a couple of relief points in the rock guard in order to get the back two screws into place. Without these the rock guard would bind against these points on the base plate and not allow the rock guard to travel back far enough to reattached the screws. I have a 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sahara.



by:

This is a great base plate, it really looks good and integrates well with the front of the jeep.



by:

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



by:

They were easy to install and came with good instructions and pictures. This is the second vehicle I have installed this product on and etrailer is my go to.



by:

Relatively easy install. Double check the skid plate templates. I had to change mine significantly, not just holes but slots from the top all the way to the bottom of the towbar. In the end, they look great they install well. Very nice system.



by:

Heavy duty bracket. The included bracket for the electrical is also heavy duty.
Mounted on a 2025 Bronco with modular bumper. I did have to do a little additional cutting on the bumper to make it fit.



by:

Easy installation if you watch the videos on the etrailer website.
I like the fact that this base plate is hidden behind the air dam below the bumper.



by:

Install of the baseplate itself was not difficult and went smooth. The templates to cut out the holes in my plastic shroud were not accurate. It took some additional trimming to get right and I found that a bit frustrating.



by:

I have installed three base plates on my vehicles. All have been purchased from trailer. They have all been rather easy to install just a matter of taking the time it takes. On this last one mounted on my 2024 Ford Maverick I recommend adding to the instructions an easier way to unplug the light plug from the front facia. I think it is much easier if one turns the wheel full left and unplug the socket before pulling the facia. Easier than current instructions that say be careful when pulling the facia since the plug needs to be undone. I was able to do the whole thing by myself this way and not needed someone else to hold the facia while disconnecting the plug.



by:

Nice setup. Instructions were little off for my application (2026 with shutters) Shutters had to be removed to install correctly. Instructions did not cover this. Everything fit as it should. Final product very satisfied.



by:

2025 Ford Mavrick AWD Hybrid. I have installed 2 base plate kits on Honda CRVs.
Piece of cake. Remove front cowling..install base plate..done. Not so on my 2 day old Mavrick. 1 add a spacer to move kit away from shutters...adding washers is super poor planning on manufacturing's part..2 you don't have to go up & over in the middle now 70% of the condenser air flow is blocked by welded steel..could have been much better. 3 provide a mounting ring or hook...wrapping a safety cable around sheet metal components is silly Engineering.



by:

Installation on a 2018 Jeep JL Unlimited Sahara went well, no surprises. Attaching the base plate to chassis safety cables required some ingenuity as the instructions were useless in this installation. Etrailer should post some actual installation photos vs. a poor generic diagram.



by:

Easy to install and works like should. I put a aftermarket bumper on as well so it was simple with no issues to install I have pulled it over 6000 miles and a lot of one nighter stays. It is simple to hook up and no issues pulling.



by:

Came very well packaged, looked great very well made and heavy duty.
Instructions could have been better.
Template for air dam cutout just a rough starting point you will need to do more trimming for proper fit. Overall very happy looks great and very solid.



by:

I've bought from e-trailer several times and I'm always happy with my purchase. The base plate and tow bar are of excellent quality and a good price. Installation was as not too bad; I watched the installation video for my truck even though it was for a different base plate. It gave me enough information to get the job done.


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

  • Recommended Flat Towing Set Up for a 2016 Ford Explorer 3.5L
    To flat tow your 2016 Ford Explorer 3.5L you are going to need a tow bar, base plate kit, wiring harness, supplemental braking system, and charge line to keep your battery from dying. I have listed all the parts you will need below along with any installation videos I was able to find. Tow Bar: Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar w/ LED Lights item # RM-676 Base Plate Kit: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms item # RM-524445-5 Wiring Harness:...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Setup for Flat-Towing a 2018 Ford Explorer with 3.5 Liter Engine
    Yes, I confirmed with your 2018 Ford Explorer manual that you can flat-tow your 3.5 liter Duratec/EcoBoost engine with all four wheels on the ground. In order to achieve this, you need a base plate, a tow bar, a tow braking system, safety chains, and vehicle tow wiring. I recommend the following setup: - etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # e98962 - etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch # e34ZR (comes with safety cables) - Brake Buddy Classic 3 Portable...
    view full answer...
  • Will Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar Work With etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kits
    In order to use the Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar part # RM-520 with etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kits like part # e98962 you'd need the Adapter Kit part # e99037 but that's all. In regards to base plate installation, these almost always require cutting or trimming of the front bumper fascia but the severity will vary by vehicle. The 2017 Ford Explorer isn't bad though.
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • 2018 Ford Explorer Base Plate Kit Recommendation for Flat Towing
    I recommend picking up the etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit # e98962 for your 2018 Ford Explorer. I really like this kit because it's easy to connect to a tow bar and the tabs can be removed for a clean look when you aren't towing your vehicle. Attached is an installation video as well as a photo of what this will look like once it's installed. 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,...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Recommended Flat Towing Components For A 2018 Ford Explorer
    To flat tow your 2018 Ford Explorer while keeping price in mind you'll need to following components: Baseplate: etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit # e98962. Tow Bar: etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar # e34ZR. This tow bar includes safety cables and has an adjustable head to help keep the tow bar level between the motorhome and Explorer. Tow Bar Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267. This diode kit will splice in your Explorer's tail light wiring...
    view full answer...
  • 2018 Ford Explorer Base Plate Kit Recommendation
    I really like our etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit # e98962 for your 2018 Ford Explorer because it looks really sleek and hidden when the tabs are removed (see attached photo). 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 recommendations for you.
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for


Info for this part was:

Employee Lindsey S
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Employee Joshua S
Video Edited:
Joshua S
Employee Jonathan Y
Video Edited:
Jonathan Y
Employee Dustin K
Video by:
Dustin K
Employee Ethan H
Video by:
Ethan H
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Mike S
Updated by:
Mike S
Employee Amanda K
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Amanda K
Employee Kristina F
Written by:
Kristina F
Employee Ryan G
Test Fit:
Ryan G
Employee Bradley B
Test Fit:
Bradley B

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