Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
(868 reviews)
Price: $485.00
In Stock
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
Item # 131-8
Our Price: $485.00
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Roadmaster Base Plates - 131-8
- Removable Drawbars
- Roadmaster
- Hitch Pin Attachment
Designed specifically for heavy-duty applications, direct-connect brackets install onto your vehicle's frame to provide attachment points for a motor-home-mounted tow bar. Front arms are easily removable when not in use.
Features:
- Hidden bracket design - drawbars are easily removable via 2 pins
- Computer-cut, all-steel construction provides exceptional strength
- Black powder coat finish is durable and corrosion resistant
- Simple installation - no welding
- Custom base plates ensure a perfect fit for your vehicle
- No crossbar needed - faster hookup and sleeker appearance
- Crossbar not required because these direct-connect base plates are designed for strong, heavy-duty applications
- Compatible with all Roadmaster tow bars that slide into trailer hitch receivers
- Instructions and mounting hardware included
- Made in the USA
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Note: MX base plates will work only with the Roadmaster tow bars that slide into a trailer hitch, such as the Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon and Falcon 2. The MX base plates will not work with tow bars that require a hitch ball.
MX Series brackets do not require a crossbar because of the heavy-duty nature of your vehicle's frame. Thus, installation is simplified, the hookup process is faster, and the total appearance is enhanced.
Note: The EZ Hook safety cables included with Roadmaster's Sterling tow bars will not work with MX series base plates. These cables connect to an anchor plate on the Quick Disconnect crossbar, which will not be present when you are using MX base plates.
The drawbars, or front arms, on the MX series base plate kit are simple to mount and remove, easily securing with pins. Once the drawbars have been removed, the remaining brackets are virtually invisible. On most automobiles, the brackets are mounted within the grille, where they remain not only unseen, but protected from scrapes and scuffs as well.
Frame Variance Measurement Diagram
Measurement must be taken from the centerpoint of the lower-most threaded hole, on the side of frame, to a center-line dissecting the rear-most elongated hole on the bottom of the frame.
131-8 Road Master MX Base Plate Kit
Installation Details
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 1992 - 1994 Chevrolet Blazer excluding 1-ton and Diesel
- 1987 - 1998 Chevrolet C/K Series Pickup excluding 1-ton and Diesel
- 1999 - 2000 Chevrolet C/K Series Pickup tow hooks bolted externally to bottom of frame - excluding 1-ton and Diesel
- 1987 - 1998 GMC C/K Series Pickup excluding 1-ton and Diesel
- 1999 - 2000 GMC C/K Series Pickup tow hooks bolted externally to bottom of frame - excluding 1-ton and Diesel
- 1999 - 2000 Cadillac Escalade tow hooks bolted externally to bottom of frame - excluding 1-ton, excluding Diesel
- 1999 - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 - 2 Wheel Drive - excluding Z71
- 1999 - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 - 4 Wheel Drive - excluding Z71
- 1999 - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 - 4 Wheel Drive - Z71
- 2001 - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 HD - 2 Wheel Drive
- 2001 - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 HD - 4 Wheel Drive
- 2001 - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 LD - 2 Wheel Drive - excluding Z71
- 2001 - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 LD - 4 Wheel Drive - excluding Z71
- 2001 - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 LD - 4 Wheel Drive - Z71
- 2001 - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 HD - 4 Wheel Drive
- 1999 - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 LD - 2 Wheel Drive
- 1999 - 2000 GMC Sierra 2500 LD - 4 Wheel Drive
- 1999 - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - 4 Wheel Drive - excluding Z71
- 1999 - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - 4 Wheel Drive - Z71
- 1999 - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - Rear Wheel Drive - excluding Z71
- 2001 - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD - 4 Wheel Drive
- 2001 - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD - Rear Wheel Drive
- 2001 - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LD - 4 Wheel Drive - excluding Z71
- 2001 - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LD - 4 Wheel Drive - Z71
- 2001 - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LD - Rear Wheel Drive - excluding Z71
- 2001 - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD - 4 Wheel Drive
- 1999 - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 LD - 4 Wheel Drive
- 1999 - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 LD - Rear Wheel Drive
- 1992 - 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
- 1999 - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban tow hooks bolted externally to bottom of frame See All Vehicle Fits
Customer Satisfaction Score:
71% were satisfied with this product
29% of customers were not satisfied
- Wrong item was ordered
- etrailer mistake
- etrailer mistake
Customer Reviews
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms - 131-8
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (868 Customer Reviews)
Designed specifically for heavy-duty applications, direct-connect brackets install onto your vehicle's frame to provide attachment points for a motor-home-mounted tow bar. Front arms are easily removable when not in use.by: James S04/06/2022
1998 GMC Yukon
Straight forward install of 131-8 on 1998 Yukon. But i did have to do two things they don’t mention. (1) I had to trim about 3/4” to enlarge the hook hole in the air dam and (2) because of a slight mismatch of the nutplate with the frame holes, I drilled the center bottom holes in the frame from 1/2” to 5/8”. That was enough for both sides and the fit was then very good with no slop.. The tow bracket pins seem very easy to remove (to steal the brackets) so I will replace with locking 5/8” hitch pins. Besides, they are ugly and oversized (too ling). All in all, went as expected. Other reviewers gave the heads up on the air dam trim and the hole mismatch. Also, not sure why the big clipped washer spacers are clipped; there was no interference on the 1998 Yukon. And i didn’t use the 1/2” clipped washers.
by: Albert12/22/2021
Would have been nice to get better installation instructions, maybe a video of the actual vehicle that I'm installing it on??
Comments
I reached out to the manufacturer and there is not a video installation video at this time.
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Jenny N - 12/23/2021by: Randolph02/14/2020
1993 Chevrolet C/K Series Pickup
Left side was a great fit.
Right side, I had to open the holes on the frame a little. The side bolt for the bumper didn't line up.
Still a great product. I have used on my previous cars.
by: Paul06/26/2018
1998 Chevrolet Suburban
Not the best quality. I should have stayed with the BlueOx products to match the BlueOx tow bar I purchased. The left side base plate went together pretty easy. However, the right side left a lot to be desired. First, one of the three bolt holes on a backing plate was about a quarter of a hole off center. Had to modify the frame to make it fit. Second, the side bracket on the base plate was not square, and was difficult to get it bolted up to the frame. Also, had to trim the valance on the right side because the base plate didn't quite fit the hole like the left side did.
by: Jerry01/06/2017
1997 GMC Sierra
The baseplate were delivered on time.
Installation was straight forward. Because these baseplates were for a truck no disassembly was required, only minor timming of the front air dam. The new baseplates were easy to install and they fit perfectly. The instructions were clear and useful.
I originally called a RV shop to have them purchase and install the baseplates. But they said they checked with Roadmaster and the baseplates were not available for my truck because of its age (it's a 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 4X4). I guess the should have checked with etrailer.com. They lost a job, not good for business.
by: PHIL C05/01/2019
The base plate installation went as smooth as expected. The details included with the plate were complete and clear. Great products and great service.
by: Dave P06/01/2017
Product exactly as described smooth install quality material through instructions. Thank You Judy
by: Dave 03/27/2021
by: Ernie12/25/2021
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Item arrived earlier than predicted after viewing a very complete tracking system. The information was very clear and precise. Good job! I am 75 years of age and installed the baseplate myself. Only a couple of minor issues. One pin would not insert. Welding blob in the way. Filed it smooth and problem solved. The video was excellent but was a bit different in that it showed a different method o rear bolt installation, however the instructions on paper showed the correct way. Reinstalling the front clip had presented some difficulty. I suggest really watching the inner fender position relative to the front clip before removal. All said all went well. The finished look is great, (see pictures). Great product!
Comments
Worked well, towed truck all summer.
Ernie - 12/25/2022by: Barri11/24/2021
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Base plate 1910 install on 1999 Landrover disco 2
the base plate arrived fast (as does everything I have ordered from etrailer). It was a bit bent on arrival but Becky sorted me out and offered to replace it but it was easy to bend back (with a 3lb hammer).
The included instructions were great for removing the bumper but nor much else. Possibly because my Landy is a 1999 disco 2 and the pictures were of a 2002.
I have included some pictures of stuff I wish I had known. Firstly I had to loose the recovery loop on the driver side as the base plate would not fit over it. The chassis frame has steel tubes inside the bolt holes so the amount of drilling is minimal (I ordered a drill bit that they suggested but in all honesty could have opened up the holes with a file easily).
You need to oval out the aluminum crush cans before you replce them or the new bolts will not go through. The center mount bolt just needs the plastic mount for the center screw on the scoop cut out and there is a bog square hole on the top of the member (thats why you need to big square piece of steel on the top of the center bolt)
Mine was obscured by the torsion bar so I ended up dropping it to drill out the hole and get the bolt in straight.
It was easy to bolt up to the frame once everything was prepped and do yourself a favour and buy loctite red for the bolts - you don't want to be going in there again.
The bumper template was a good start but I had to reshape mine a lot particularly as the hole on the baseplate ended up halfway through the bumper and I had to do a lot of enlargement at the bottom to attach the safety wires.
The photos should make more sense of some of my description
by: Kevin 12/29/2021
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Arrived a day early and well packaged. Included everything needed for a clean and easy install, down to electrical connectors and zip ties. The included instructions were very clear for a variety of wiring conditions. Umbilical cord looks to be of high quality.
Comments
One year down the road and still not a single issue. 5 minute attachdetach let’s me easily separate the Tracker and drive through the RV park with no toad following.
Kevin - 12/30/2022by: Tim04/23/2021
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Fairly easy to install base plate. Left all bolts / nuts loose, slid tow bar in to align while tightening up. Ready for motorhome.
Comments
Absolutely no issues to date. Great product
Tim - 04/24/2022by: MEC02/22/2021
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Very rugged kit with excellent instructions. A DIYer with medium mechanical skills can install. Involved removing the front bumper which was not difficult. Value for the price is very good. As always, etrailer support was also very good.
Comments
Rock solid
MEC - 02/22/2022by: Raymond02/22/2021
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
These components are heavy duty. I have pulled my Jeep many thousands of miles over many road conditions. I am currently planning a coast to coast rv trip and will be towing my Jeep.
Comments
We pulled our Jeep for three months though 26 states from California.
Raymond - 02/23/2022Product arrived quickly packaged well and order was complete. Components are strong and durable. Towed Jeep over 11,000 miles since purchase without any problems.
Raymond - 02/23/2022by: Brad10/28/2021
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Super nice people at etrailer. I wasn’t sure exactly what I needed and they helped me pick out the best hitch for me.
by: Randall 11/17/2022
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Aligment with the Roadmaster Crosbar is slightly off, requiring a bit of muscle and manipulation to attach it. However, once assembled on the car it is rock solid and near bullet proof. Tow anywhere!
by: Jacques10/24/2021
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Purchased for my 2003 Mazda Miata. So simple to tow behind my motorhome. I used a professional to install as I am not super handy. I think it took them a couple of hours to install and they did a great job. I feel very safe with this product and would highly recommend it.
Comments
Great! A hard to find product for a 2003 Mazda Miata. You guys had it in stock and got it to me in a timely manner.
Jacques - 10/25/2022by: Stephanie 12/19/2022
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Great product. Been thousands of miles all over the country and hit has performed perfectly. It does hold water after rain, so be sure to empty the water out of the tubing to prevent rust.
by: Chris09/30/2022
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
I ordered the parts from your site as a combo. When they came in, two parts didn’t fit together. When I called to ask why, I was told they weren’t compatible and I would need another type of bar. I was told that most people don’t use that style and use a quick release. I asked if could return it as wasn’t installed just opened from the box and I could see that they wouldn’t fit. My request was denied. So I wanted to order the adapter that was needed, but was told it would be two weeks. I was a week out from a 50 day cross country trip, so I found it on [online vendor] and it was there in two days.
by: J.C. Randall07/23/2018
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
This base plate was installed on a 2008 Kia Spectra. The bracket is strong and not really hard to work with HOWEVER,,,,,,,,,, I am used to the BlueOx base plate which is much easier to "hook up". Unfortunately, BlueOx did not make a base plate to fit my vehicle. That is not a big problem as I'm usually not in any hurry and it only takes maybe 5 minutes longer to "hook up".
The biggest problem with the RoadMaster base plate is that due to the way it is bolted to the frame, it only allows for a 6-inch ground clearance on the front of the vehicle. I have to be very careful with any "dips" in the road, especially on cross streets. Six inches may not sound like much but since the tires are several feet behind the base plate, it reduces that ground clearance greatly. It also will not clear the concrete "stop blocks" in front of many parking spaces.
If you are not very careful and keep this in mind, you may likely bend the frame of your car when you come to one of these sudden impacts. I haven't bent anything yet but it has certainly been shocking when it hits. Most of the time, the impact will cause the base plate to scrape and lift the car to the height to clear the obstacle.
I've attached a picture with a ruler in the view.
Comments
Other than the clearance of the mounting bracket I noted in my original review, the base plate worked out fine on the Kia. I ended up replacing the Kia with a new Subaru. I was able to buy a Blue Ox base plate for it and all mounting hardware is up and out of the way of obstacles.
J.C. R - 07/24/2019by: Rodney09/18/2022
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Easy to install. Working great so far
by: Gordon01/04/2015
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Good information and prompt shipping.
Base plate is solid and install and use instructions are excellent.
Be warned that product install is drill two holes and install 3 bolts, BUT the entire front panel has to be removed and replaced. Not difficult, but time-consuming.
Seat bracket is solid and install and use instructions are excellent.
Brakemaster kit is good quality, but instructions are not as good as most Roadmaster products. Instructions for air line install are especially weak.
Comments
Great with no problems. Connect and disconnect very quick and easy. Thanks.
Gordon - 01/08/2016by: Ralph06/14/2019
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
I just got done with the installation. Overall it was fairly straightforward, however it would have been nice if they had included pictures in the instructions. The larger bolts in the kit could have a more beveled tip like the factory bolts. This would make it much easier to get the bolts started in the holes. The photo attached is of the factory bolt for reference.
Shipping was very quick, only took a few days.
Price seems pretty high for these base plates. I purchased them for $360 and was even able to find a 5% off coupon online by using google.
by: Alan01/16/2021
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
No problem installing.
Comments
No problems, works great
Alan - 01/17/2022by: Gary 08/06/2022
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Easy to install. Included instructions difficult to understand. Online video 100%accurate. Perfect fit.
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See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Base Plates
- Mounting Hardware/Bolts that Come with Roadmaster Base Plate Kit # 131-8We do not have a way to order replacement hardware for the Roadmaster base plate kit part # 131-8 but here's complete list of the hardware that you could take to a hardware store: 6- ½” x 1-3/4” bolts 2- 14mm x 2.0 x 45mm bolts 2- 14mm lock washers 6- ½” flat washers 6- ½” lock washers 2- ¼” x 1-1/2” x 7” nutted backing plates 2- ½ ” clipped plate washers 2- 5/8" clipped plate washers
view full answer... - Can Base Plates And Front Hitch Be Installed At The Same Time On 1989 Chevrolet K1500 PickupThe mounting holes used to install the Curt Front Hitch, part # 31042 on your 1989 Chevrolet K1500 truck are the same hole needed for the installation of the Roadmaster Base Plates, part # 131-8. You would not be able to have both installed at the same time because of this interference. I have attached the installation instructions for both the 31042 and the 131-8 you can check out.
view full answer... - Base Plates for 1994 GMC C/K Series 2500 PickupBlue Ox base plates # BX1712 do fit your 3/4-ton 2500 series. They also fit the 1500 and 3500. If you refer to the linked diagram you will see the frame measurement you can take (on the passenger side outside frame surface) to see whether you can use Roadmaster kit # 131-8 (if the dimension is 3-inches) or kit # 131-3 (if the dimension is 1-1/4-inches). I also linked an article on flat towing that covers each of the components required.
view full answer...
- Roadmaster Base Plate Kit that Fits 2000 Chevy Silverado 1500 4x4The base plates that fit specific vehicles can't be adapted to other vehicle by just swapping out a portion of it. You'll need an all new base plate kit that fits your 2000 Chevy Silverado 1500 like the Roadmaster # 131-8. For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. This will splice into your taillight wiring to allow your tow vehicle to control the taillight assemblies of the towed vehicle. This comes with a round...
view full answer... - Does Flat Towing 2002 Chevy Tahoe Require CrossbarA crossbar does not need to be used when flat towing your 2002 Chevy Tahoe if you use a Direct Connect base plate kit like the part # 131-8 which is a confirmed fit. This would work great with the 10k rated Roadmaster BlackHawk Tow Bar part # RM-422. You have the rest of your flat towing setup so you'd be good.
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 1999 Chevy Express Van Behind a Motor Home with Blackhawk Tow BarThe 2002 Chevy Silverado and 1999 Chevy Express van require different base plate sets so you would not be able to use the ones off of the Silverado. For your 1999 Chevy Express Van you would need # 3106-3 for a 1500 series or # 3106-1 for a 2500 or 3500 series. Either set will be compatible with your Blackhawk tow bar. For safety cables you can use # RM-653. For lighting I recommend a simple magnetic kit # RM-2120 because with it you will not have to cut into the vehicle's tail light...
view full answer...
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Info for this part was:
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Updated by:
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Updated by:
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Updated by:
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