Is this right for you? Product Expert Mike S says:
Yes, if you:
Are a DIYer and want a simple install
Have a Roadmaster hitch-mounted tow bar
Value the protection of a lifetime warranty
No, if you:
Own a tow bar that's not from Roadmaster and don’t want to have to buy an adapter separately
Have a Roadmaster Sterling tow bar and want to use its specialty safety cables
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. 1-800-940-8924 to order Roadmaster base plates part number RM-521453-5 or order online at etrailer.com. Free expert support on all Roadmaster products. Great prices and Fastest Shipping for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms. Base Plates reviews from real customers.
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Roadmaster Base Plates
- RM-521453-5
Removable Drawbars
Roadmaster
Twist Lock Attachment
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.
Features:
Direct-connect brackets provide attachment points for your motor-home-mounted tow bar
Streamlined design creates supremely clean look
No obtrusive quick-disconnect crossbar
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
Compatible with Roadmaster motor-home-mounted tow bars only
Instructions and mounting hardware included
Pins to connect base plate to the tow bar (RM-910029) are sold separately
Made in the USA
Limited lifetime warranty
Note: Roadmaster direct-connect base plates will only work with Roadmaster tow bars that slide into a trailer hitch, such as the Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, or Falcon 2. These base plates will not work with tow bars that require a hitch ball.
The drawbars, or front arms, on this base plate kit are supremely easy to mount and remove. Just insert them into the brackets and twist to lock them in place. To remove each arm, simply tug the built-in pull pin to disengage the lock, twist the arm back and pull it out of the bracket. 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.
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms - RM-521453-5
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (1505 Customer Reviews)
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: David12/02/2022
They look great. Very easy to install great directions and the DIY video made it simple to install. With a twist the tow arms can be added or removed for storage when not in use. Very satisfied1477428
Everything installed perfectly and the instructions where clear. I didn't care for the instruction to cut up the metal rock guard for the crossbar, but otherwise am pleased with the installation result.
We have since travelled 1,200 miles with this set up connected to a Nighthawk tow bar, and are 100% happy with the performance, and are especially pleased with the ease of connection and disconnection.1285990
Installation was very simple. Instructions were easy enough to follow. I have an aftermarket Quadratic bumper and they look great. I had to do a little of my own measuring to cut the steel. But easy to install.1399826
Roadmaster system is top notch. Installation was not bad. Getting bumper to line up with holes in new bracket was difficult, due to very tight tolerance. We have towed 4 down over 4,000 miles with this set up, no issues at all. Towing 4 down is the only way to go!!1272281
Kit installation was exactly as shown on the videos. Product is holding up very well, with extensive use over the last 12 months. Very durable and high quality. Have purchased many items from etrailer over the years, and they are always high quality. Great customer service for any questions or issues.1467053
by: Phillipo12/02/2021
Great product for a good price. Arrived promptly and service from etrailer is great.1216009
Comments
The product was perfect fit and we have absolutely no problems with the connections. Extremely satisfied with service customer service and products.
Phillip - 12/03/2022
153195
by: Rich11/19/2020
This is our 2nd tow vehicle with the road master product all is well Not hooked up but ready to go!913875
good towing kit, directions were a little bit off for my model Wrangler sport S. Had to improvise a little.1493214
by: Rickey 11/09/2022
Jeep
This kit was easy to install on my Jeep Gladiator. Watching the video before starting was very helpful. I will say some of the measurements given for pieces to trim is a little off, but was a easy fix.1465352
by: Shawn 12/12/2022
Jeep
I love this poduct. It was easy to install and i use it quite often to flat tow my Jeep behind my motorhome.1483368
by: James09/26/2022
product was as advertised. arrived promptly, great directions along with E trailer video made installation go great. The best thing about it all was E trailer customer service. I ordered the wrong item to start with due to not asking the right questions. When it arrived and i discovered the problem called them and was very pleased the way they fixed my mistake and sent the right items. No problem or hassle what so ever.1424742
by: Michael06/02/2022
Super easy with great instructions Took me a couple of hours1307919
Well made, easy install following the instruction sheet and etrailer's video. The only problem is that they recommended a 9/16 drill bit which was hard to find for a 3/8 drill and the one that I did buy for $18 would not drill the holes. I ended up using a good 1/2 drill bit that I had and the holes were fine. Installed on 2022 Wrangler.1357024
by: Cecil09/29/2021
Great product and easy to install as expected with the accurate instructions and pictures.1165967
Comments
Very good product.
Cecil - 09/30/2022
148409
by: Ken 10/26/2022
Prompt, educated staff, that are quick to answer questions and solve problems. Thank you!1457026
by: Doug06/19/2022
Easy to install, tucks very nicely under the bumper and the removable pins for towing are really nice and very safe with the locking pins1314604
by: Matthew05/24/2022
Jeep Wrangler
Instructions did not let me know about drilling of the frame on my 2022 Jeep Wrangler unlimited Top thru bolt required the frame to be drilled and same bolt could not be torqued to spec it was distorting the frame so I torqued to 35 lbs and applied lock tight otherwise a very nice product1301721
by: Larry04/10/2022
Roadmaster
Works great with Roadmaster Night Hawk towbar. Easy connect and disconnect.1284433
by: John06/05/2020
I installed the tow brackets on my new 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The instructions were excellent. I had no difficulty installing except I failed to follow one instruction to use supplied bolts to reattach part of the Rock Guard Mount. I used the factory bolts which were slightly larger causing interference with my locking mechanism. Maybe a note on that step would be warranted to make sure folks do not make my mistake which resulted in me basically doing the job twice. Tackle the brakes next. 808531
These base plates fit perfect! I have an aftermarket bumper manufactured by Rugged Ridge so some slight modifications had to be made to the winch mounting plate. This consisted of elongating to frame rail holes and adding an additional hole for the top bolts on the base plate. The inside tabs for the winch plate had to be cut back 3/16” in order to fit inside the Roadmaster base plate brackets. It was a tight fit but with some persuasion the winch plate was installed. Looks great!733973
Works well once installed. I have towed my Jeep thousands of miles over some rough roads in Baja Mexico. Very difficult to install. For my Jeep Wrangler I had to remove a steel "rock deflector" panel and cut several inches on either side. The directions were unclear and poorly illustrated. I found this unit to be extremely overpriced1268220
Comments
I recommend viewing the video installation that we have on a 2020 Jeep Wrangler.
Overall great fit. My issue is I installed a smittybilt winch and I specifically asked if the kit would work with my winch plate and I was told yes. I lost about 1/2 inch of space with the kit. I now have to figure out a way to cut the winch plate to make it work.1271728
by: Patrick 09/25/2022
Great product! Easy installation and very well built.1423538
by: Steven01/22/2020
Installed just like the videos described and comes with all the hardware needed to complete the installation. There is a hole you will need to measure and mark that the video did not cover. 740132
This is a good question. So it really comes down to preference between the Roadmaster base plate kits that have the crossbar and the ones that do not. The kits like you have # RM-521453-5 without the crossbar are actually reinforced more at the welds and have thicker brackets to compensate for the lack of support from the crossbar like # RM-521453-4. Having hooked up both styles I really prefer the kit you have as the connection is just much easier and there's one less thing to keep track... view full answer...
The difference between the EZ 4 # RM-521453-4 and the EZ5 # RM-521453-5 base plate kits is that the EZ 5 is a direct connect with no crossbar and the EZ 4 doesn't use a crossbar. Essentially, you'd want to match the base plates to the tow bar you're using.
This involves how the tow bar attaches to the base plates. The Falcon 2 # RM-520 tow bar uses a crossbar, therefore you'd want to use the EZ 4 base plate. For a tow bar such as the # RM-677 Roadmaster Nighthawk that doesn't use a crossbar,... view full answer...
Both the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plates # RM-521453-5 and the Crossbar-Style Base Plates # RM-521453-4 will fit your 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited perfectly (as long as you have the factory plastic or steel bumper). The difference between the two models focuses on how they actually attach to the tow bar.
The Direct-Connect Base Plates, which is what I recommend, can attach directly to the tow bar arms without the need for a separate crossbar component that can be a bit of a pain... view full answer...
I'm going to assume that you had meant 2020 Jeep Wrangler to a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. # RM-521453-5 is a Roadmaster Base Plate to use as an example. Yes the baseplates are the same for both years assuming that they have the same front bumper setup. Some of the Wranglers will come with upgraded bumpers that will require different kits. If you can let me know which kit you have and more information of both of the Wranglers than I can confirm that they are compatible. Also I do suggest getting... view full answer...
The Roadmaster Eagle 8000 is confirmed to fit the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5 for your 2021 Jeep Wrangler. view full answer...
There is a way to make your 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited Rubicon ready to be moved with the steering unlocked and the lights off. You need to follow a very specific procedure outlined in your owner's manual. There is a recreational towing section of your manual that in the online version starts on page 371 and goes thru page 374. I've attached the photos to assist, but recommend double-checking your physical manual. view full answer...
So long as you have the factory plastic bumpers on both vehicles, yes, there are base plates that fit a 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler and 2020 Jeep Gladiator, the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5. view full answer...
I have personally installed the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part # RM-521453-5 on a 2020 Jeep Gladiator and can confirm it is a rather easy install when compared to other base plate installs. If you have the Rubicon model then it will take a bit longer to trim the skid shield but other than that it is a rather easy install as far as base plates go. The process took around 4-5 hours to complete but a fair install time for a professional shop would be around 6 hours labor. For... view full answer...
I do have an installation video of base plates being install on a 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited which I have attached for you. However, we have not yet had the opportunity to install the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part # RM-521453-5 on a 2019 model but it will be the same installation.
There is also a set of comprehensive install instructions in print form of the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit for you to look at as well. view full answer...
Yes the rock guard will stay in place after installation on your 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.
Part of the installation process for the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM-521453-5 will require the rock guard to be removed. You will need to do some trimming to the rock guard to get it re-installed properly, and you can see this process and explanation in the linked video I have attached. view full answer...
I looked up the owner's manual for your 2022 Jeep Gladiator. According to the manual, if you have a 4-wheel drive Gladiator, the ignition should be in the ACC position. However, if you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.) while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN position. Since the owner's manual does not specify whether the steering will lock, I recommend reaching out to your local Jeep dealer to see if they can provide you with that information.
From the... view full answer...
The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5 for your 2022 Jeep Wrangler have a shipping weight of 42 lbs so you're looking at about 37 lbs once the shipping materials are removed. view full answer...
There should not be any issue at all regarding adding a second nut when installing the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5.
Regarding the torque values, from what I can see the 1/2" are torqued to 57 ft/lb and you are saying you got to 56? That would seem fine with the double nut, but I need to make very clear that we are not engineers and have no knowledge regarding how torque values are determined. view full answer...
The reason the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5 for your 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited does not use a crossbar for the tow bar is due to the design of the removable arms that connect directly to the tow bar instead of requiring a tow bar. There is not a hidden cross bar on the base plate.
You are correct that the crossbar adds strength to the system, but on Jeeps like yours direct connect base plates are plenty strong and are the most common option due to them allowing... view full answer...
The EZ5, part # RM-521453-5 won't utilize the crossbar on the tow bar, which leads to a quicker, cleaner installation, hook up and removal process. If you're using a motorhome mounted crossbar, this is what you should use unless you have the Sterling, Stowmaster or Tracker tow bars or use or intend to use the Guardian Rock Shield, part # RM-4700 Tow Defender. If you have one of those tow bars or wish to use those rock shield products, you'll need the EZ4, part # RM-521453-4. view full answer...
Whenever available I recommend people go with the Direct Connect Roadmaster base plate kits like the part # RM-521453-5 over the crossbar style # RM-521453-4 that fits your 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited as they overall are easier to use and require less parts to remember (the crossbar). Both are also perfectly compatible with your Roadmaster Falcon tow bar # RM-520. view full answer...
For your 2018 Jeep Wrangler Willy's model the important factor is going to be what type of bumper you have. If your Wrangler is a JK with a standard factory bumper then you'll need the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521448-5.
If you have a JL with a standard plastic or metal factory bumper then you'll want the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5. view full answer...
I can confirm for you that the Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5 is a confirmed fit for your 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler Unlimited, so long as it has the standard factory bumper without winches or guards. These base plates are compatible with Roadmaster motorhome-mounted tow bars only, such as the Roadmaster Falcon 2 # RM-520. view full answer...
The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part # RM-521453-5 is a great option for a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. It can then be used with any Roadmaster motorhome mounted tow bar and not require the use of the crossbar. I recommend the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar part # RM-522 but have attached a list of all options below.
Please note, just because the tow bar comes with the crossbar does not mean it's required. view full answer...
For your 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited I recommend the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM-521453-5 due to the crossbar not adding any additional strength, and it will fit your Roadmaster Sterling All-Terrain Tow Bar # RM-576.
I included videos for both of the products mentioned for you to take a look at. view full answer...
Since the Roadmaster base plate kit you have is a direct connect base plate # RM-521453-5 the correct rock guard is the part # RM-4750. view full answer...
The base plate kit I recommend for a 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler Unlimited is the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part # RM-521453-5. I have actually installed this kit myself on a similar Gladiator model and it went pretty smoothly. The hardest part is trimming the metal skid shield but you can see how this is done in the video below. For a tow bar, the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar part # RM-676 is a great option. view full answer...
Yes, the Roadmaster base plate kit for your 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited part # RM-521453-5 is in stock and the correct base plate for your Jeep. This does not come with tow bar wiring but we can help with that easily.
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 6-way... view full answer...
The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part # RM-521453-5 which is a fit for a 2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited will work with the Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar part # RM-520. That said, you would not use the crossbar with quick-disconnects. The tow bar would attach to the base plates using the lugs on the end without any sort of adapter.
I have attached a photo below to show this. view full answer...
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