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  1. Tow Bar Base Plate
  2. Roadmaster
  3. Removable Draw Bars
  4. Hitch Pin Attachment
  5. Partially Hidden
THIS ITEM IS NOT A FIT FOR
1987 Nissan Pathfinder
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Roadmaster

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: 1011-5
In Stock
$575.00
Retail:$632.50
You Save: $57.50
Tow Bar Base Plate
Not Confirmed to Fit

1987 Nissan Pathfinder

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Roadmaster Removable Draw Bars - 1011-5
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Designed specifically for heavy-duty applications, these 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. Great Prices for the best tow bar base plate from Roadmaster. Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms part number 1011-5 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 - 1011-5

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Ready for Flat Towing: Creates strong frame-mounted points for safe RV towing with Roadmaster tow bars.
  • Blends In When Not Towing: Removable drawbars detach with two pins, leaving brackets nearly invisible.
  • Built to Last: Computer-cut all-steel construction with black powder coat resists corrosion and wear.
  • Simplifies Hookup: Direct-connect design eliminates the crossbar for faster, cleaner attachment.
  • Straightforward Install: Custom brackets mount easily with included hardware—no welding required.
Made in USA

Features to know about

Built Strong for Heavy-Duty Towing: All-Steel, Computer-Cut Construction

When you’re logging serious miles behind a motorhome, you want a setup that feels solid from the start. This base plate kit uses computer-cut, all-steel construction for exceptional strength and durability. The black powder coat finish resists corrosion and keeps it looking clean even after long trips. Every component is built to handle heavy-duty towing without needing extra reinforcement or welding during installation.

Clean Look When You’re Not Towing: Hidden Bracket Design with Removable Arms

Nothing ruins the look of a front end faster than bulky brackets sticking out. With this design, the drawbars or front arms remove easily using just two pins. Once they’re off, the remaining brackets are tucked within the grille area where they stay protected from scrapes and scuffs and are nearly invisible. It’s a practical setup that keeps your vehicle looking factory-fresh when you’re not hitched up.

Simplified Hookup for Road Trips: Direct-Connect System with No Crossbar

If you’ve ever fumbled with a crossbar in tight spaces, you’ll appreciate how fast this direct-connect setup hooks up. The design eliminates the need for a crossbar altogether, saving time every time you connect or disconnect. It works with Roadmaster tow bars that slide into trailer hitch receivers—like the Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, and Falcon 2—so you can go from parked to rolling in minutes.

Ready for DIY Installation: Custom Fit and No Welding Required

This kit is made to bolt directly onto your vehicle’s frame with a simple process that doesn’t require welding. The custom base plates ensure a perfect fit and include clear instructions and all the mounting hardware you need. It’s straightforward work for anyone comfortable with basic tools, making it a great weekend project that ends with a professional-looking install you can trust on the road.

Specs

Construction and Design

  • Material: All-steel construction
  • Manufacturing Process: Computer-cut design
  • Finish: Black powder coat finish (durable and corrosion resistant)
  • Bracket Design: Hidden bracket design
  • Drawbars: Removable via 2 pins
  • Crossbar: Not required (direct-connect design for strong, heavy-duty applications)

Compatibility

  • Tow Bar Compatibility: Compatible with all Roadmaster tow bars that slide into trailer hitch receivers (Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, and Falcon 2)
  • Crossbar Requirement: MX Series brackets do not require a crossbar
  • Safety Cable Compatibility: EZ Hook safety cables included with Roadmaster's Sterling tow bars will not work with MX series base plates

Installation

  • Mounting Location: Vehicle’s frame
  • Installation Method: Simple installation – no welding required
  • Included Components: Instructions and mounting hardware included
  • Fitment: Custom base plates ensure a perfect fit for your vehicle

Origin and Warranty

  • Country of Manufacture: Made in the USA
  • Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Note

  • Note: MX base plates will work only with the Roadmaster tow bars that slide into a trailer hitch, such as the Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, and Falcon 2. The MX base plates will not work with tow bars that require a hitch ball.
  • 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.

1011-5 Road Master MX Base Plate Kit

Installation Details 1011-5 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Ratings & Reviews

4.8

3686 reviews
5 Stars
(3211)
4 Stars
(315)
3 Stars
(67)
2 Stars
(30)
1 Star
(63)
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by:
2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
Average installation issues, good fit and looks nice after install
by:
2026 ford Ranger
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:
2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
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.
Gwendolyn Y. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Gwendolyn Y.

2/12/2025

Install looks great, Jeff! Do you have any plans of where you are going to go this season yet?

Jeff profile picture

Jeff

2/12/2026

I’ve pulled the Chevy behind our motor home several times over a the last year. It has worked excellent. And when not in tow the tubing is barely noticeable.

by:
2019 Ford Transit T250
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:
Easy to install needed to replace some fasteners as they broke removing front grill was able to get them from Amazon cheap
Gwendolyn Y. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Gwendolyn Y.

2/26/2026

Looks great, Mark! Where are you off to next?

by:
Awesome instructions! Install was fairly easy. Product is very high quality and solid construction. Thank you E Trailer!
Heather A. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Heather A.

4/10/2026

Wow great job Crystal! It looks great! Also, I couldn’t help but notice “Ski Express” on the car, that’s pretty cool. What kind of work do you do?

Crystal R. profile picture

Crystal R.

4/10/2026

@HeatherA I’m a pilot car driver. We escort oversized loads across the country. Thanks to E Trailer I was able to add a High pole to my car expanding my business and bringing in more revenue already. Thanks!
by:
2015 Jeep Wrangler
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:
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!!!
Mike L. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Mike L.

9/23/2026

Which trim is your 2026 Chevy Trax? Per Roadmaster, the # RM25EQ (523228-5) fits all trims of the 2026 Trax except the ACTIV trim....

Larry profile picture

Larry

9/23/2026

The 523228-5 DOES NOT FIT MY 2026 CHEVY TRAX LT! Look at the side braces in your video of a Demco base plate install (upside down "U"). That is what is needed for my install. In Roadmasters install instructions, page 7, items #2, #3 have no frame in that area to bolt to & #5 has only one ho l e on bact end and putting a bolt in that hole leaves 3/4" short of main base plate. I sent pics to verify this to Noah on 9/22 @ 11:46AM. I know, unless you tried this install personally you are going by Roadmaster's word. BE CAREFUL IN SUGGESTING THIS FIT UNTIL YOU VERIFY. I just do not want someone else to have this experience. Thoughts ?
by:
Chevrolet TrailBlazer
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.
David profile picture

David

8/2/2026

It’s been a great year. No problems with the base plate. Works great with my tow bar. Towed my trailblazer from Texas to North Dakota and back, and several short trips.

Jerred H. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jerred H.

8/2/2026

@David That is great to hear David! Thanks for coming back and sharing that feedback. I appreciate you taking the time.
by:
2017 f150
Customer service was very helpful. Easy to install. No bumper or grill cutting however, you do loose your front hooks. Nice low profile.
by:
2013 jeep Wrangler
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.
Gary S. profile picture

Gary S.

6/19/2026

No issues at all. This is a solid piece of equipment.

Heather A. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Heather A.

6/19/2026

@GaryS Thank you for letting us know! What is your favorite adventure so far?
by:
I just followed your video of the installation and it was on point !
by:
I have lots of issues with this tow bar. Initial installation was difficult due to a tight fit. Had to have my mechanic cut holes in frame to get bolts attached. After a few times of use the bolts failed causing the bar to fall fwd that then damaged my hitch arms. To fix I drilled new hole through bar and frame securing it with a #8 bolt. To reinforce it I used turnbuckles attached to my bumper. last tow finally went well.
by:
It’s a super strong and wonderfully engineered addition to my new Maverick pickup.. Couldn’t be happier with it!!!!! Well done!!!!
by:
The product is great - I gave 4 vs 5 stars only because I had to drill the rear holes out as they did not align with the holes in my frame and I had to drill out the hole in the bracket to align with my frame extension hole, again bracket did not align with the existing hole. However, in general it appears to be a solid mount.
by:
Great Base plate, had to modify the non-oem bumper a little to get the clearance needed to get mounting holes lined up. Once that was done, everything went pretty quickly finished and tested. Towed 600 miles and worked flawlessly. Much better than using the bumper tow points, as they were elevated causing a very bouncy towed on bridge aprons. Bumper tow points also let the towed have minor side to side movement, this does not, so a lot better towing experience.
by:
The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit has performed flawlessly over the past year. With almost 10k miles logged during our 3 month trip across the US, the components have remained as installed and operated as expected.
by:
I really like the way it is hidden and doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. My Rubicon X has a metal skid under the bumper that I cut holes in for the base plate tabs to protrude. I made 5 or 6 trips to my shop to get it right. Would be nice if it came with a paper template showing where to trim. It bolted up perfectly and seems well made.
by:
2018 Mazda Miata
I installed this base plate on a 2018 Miata RF. I think I recall something about it taking 3.5 hours and my initial estimate was 3.5 days. It actually took a bit longer than that, but I was not pushing myself and did not have the luxury of having the vehicle on a lift but had it up on two ramps for the front wheels.

The order came pretty quickly, probably about 4 or 5 days between the time I placed it and UPS delivered it. The parts were well packaged and it came with a printed set of instructions. I had watched the video install on another Miata and if it weren't for that I'm not sure I would have tried it. I'm not a pro mechanic by any means but have worked on my own vehicles now for over 40 years. And I'm not a spring chicken either, so all the up and down working on the car can tire me fairly quickly. But if you are not in a rush and go carefully it can be done.

It took a day to do most of the disassembly. I removed both headlights and the intake tube on the passenger side. That tube came out much easier then it went back in.

The next day I got the baseplate mounted which helped to start visualizing how it all would work. All of the holes for the 6mm bolts did not quite line up with the holes in the frame. I had to file one sides worth for a bit of extra clearance. From my experience on this install you really want to leave all the bolt on the loose side till you get everything situated.

A couple of days off for rain and the then I got to work on the bracing. Initially I though I didnt need to cut the top lip of the frame but I decided to go ahead and do it anyway since that part didnt seem to sit flat when bolted from the back end. I'm still not sure its really necessary as the hump clears the metal lip without cutting it.

I also ordered a 14" long 1/2" drill bit to cut the holes in the frame. It was a Bosch bit, wasnt very expensive and it went through the metal like the proverbial hot knife. I managed to get all the big bolts installed in a day with a great sense of satisfaction.

The next day I torqued down all the bolts and the mount felt very solid. They stress that you need to install all the bolts, but honestly I can't see the 6mm bolts doing much compared to the half inch bolts that do most or all of the work. But I put them in and tightened them all the same.

A couple of days spent to install the tail light wiring and then I got back on to putting the front clip back on. My car must have had an aftermarket grill since it did not match the pictures or the video. I tried to position it carefully to see where the parts that were going to stick out would be so I didnt cut out more than I needed to. So there was a good amount of back and forth, cut and fit. In the end I had to make some extra cuts for clearance for the safety cable tabs as well as the mount for the 6 wire connector. Until I made the extra cuts the lower part of the front clip would not seat correctly. Getting the clip in the right position so it fits under the lights also takes some finagling.

Figuring out where all the bolts go back in can be interesting. Take pictures where you can. Dont be too aggressive when working with plastic parts. Overall I'm satisfied with the install, but I have yet to try and hook it up to tow.
Gwendolyn Y. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Gwendolyn Y.

4/18/2025

Wow, Bob! Thank you for such the detailed review and feedback about how your install went. I also appreciate all the photos you sent as well. I cant wait to hear about how your first tow goes and where you head off to.

by:
2002 Honda CR-V. Easy to install. Two and a half hours, and stopped to eat a sandwich. To install the spacers inside the roll frame on the car I used an extension magnet to reach in there and position them. As you can see NO cutting was needed on the bumper cover!
Now I have to figure out the easiest way to run the wiring for the lights.
Thanks Lauren A for your help!
Gwendolyn Y. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Gwendolyn Y.

6/4/2025

Install for the base plate looks awesome, Joe! Unsure if you have a wiring kit yet but there are a few options so I'll go ahead share them with you here in case you don't yet. The most popular kit would be part # RM-15267. This can be difficult to install but it is the most reliable. I've also linked an install video for this kit. Something that still has an integrated look but easier to install I would go with part # RM-155. You do have to drill some holes into the back of the light housing, so if you're okay with doing that, this may be the better kit. Also included an install video for that kit as well. Hopefully the videos will help you get a good idea of how to run the wiring for your lights. Let me know if you have any questions after watching!

by:
It takes a while. Better if you have a car lift ( we have a lift )
by:
Very fast shipping, and the install was easy. Great product
John profile picture

John

9/4/2026

After a year of towing my truck up and down the east coast with my motorcoach, I am very happy with this product. it looks as good as the day it was installed and works perfect

Lazer S. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Lazer S.

9/4/2026

@John Glad to hear it's been working well for you! What has been your favorite place you have gone so far?
by:
Excellent base plate, just as my wife requested, she didn’t want too much metal visible in front of the bumper. Installation instructions were a bit confusing for me, but I’ll clarify, for me.
Brooke M. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Brooke M.

6/9/2025

Glad to hear that, Alfredo! Happy to hear that your wife likes it, too. Way to go on pressing on and getting the install done! Would you have any advice or tips for anyone else looking to do the same install on their '25 Jeep Gladiator?

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!
Brooke M. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Brooke M.

4/27/2025

It ain't nothin' but a thang, Matthew! I hope you know we will always be here if you ever have any more projects we can help you with :)

Matthew profile picture

Matthew

4/25/2026

Weve been using our Roadmaster set up for over two years and have traveled several thousand miles. All I do is make sure everything is cleaned and lubed. No problems so far.

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.
Richard profile picture

Richard

3/11/2025

I’ve towed the car many times even behind a semi truck a couple times and the base plate and the towbar works flawlessly. I have not had one problem super easy on super easy off very satisfied.

Bryce D. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Bryce D.

3/11/2025

@Richard That's really great to hear! Did you take any memorable trips?
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See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate

  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
    We can help you locate all of the parts you'll need to flat tow your 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara but you will want to confirm that your vehicle has the transfer switch for the AWD, as those are the the only models that can be flat towed. There is additional information in the vehicle owner's manual that gives specific instructions for flat towing your vehicle that should be followed. A complete flat towing setup consists of base plates, a compatible tow bar, safety cables, tow bar wiring,...
    view full answer...
  • Compatibility of Older Roadmaster Falcon Tow Bar 5250 with 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
    The Roadmaster Falcon tow bar 5250 is the older version, which has since been replaced by the Falcon 2 # RM-520. This tow bar is compatible with both the Roadmaster XL base plates # 1011-3 and the MX base plates # 1011-5 and can handle the Grand Vitara's curb weight of approximately 3200-lbs. You may care to have a look at the linked article on flat towing which details all of the components required for safe and legal flat towing. These items include safety cables like # RM-643, a lighting...
    view full answer...
  • Which Base Plate Kit for 2004 Grand Vitara
    The base plate kit for a 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara is different from the kit for a 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara and these are not interchangeable. For a 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara the correct base plate kits are part # 1011-3 or 1011-5.
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Base Plate and Tow Bar for 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
    Tow bars like Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar part # RM-520 are designed to fit specific base plates. If you are asking if a base plate for a 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara will fit a Suzuki 2005 Grand Vitara then they are most likely not compatible because the 2006 Grand Vitara is a part of the third generation of this vehicle. However, if you can provide me with the information about which base plate you are trying to use I can look into this further. Otherwise I recommend to use the Roadmaster...
    view full answer...
  • Will RoadMaster StowMaster Tow Bar with Lunette Ring Fit Base Plates on a 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
    It sounds like you are using Roadmaster base plates # 1011-5 or # 1011-3. If you are using the MX base plates, # 1011-5 then they are not compatible with the the Stowmaster tow bar. But XL base plates # 1011-3 are compatible with all Roadmaster tow bars including the StowMaster Car-Mounted Tow Bar with Lunette Ring, # RM-581.
    view full answer...

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Info for this part was:

Employee Lindsey S
Written by:
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Employee Adele M
Updated by:
Adele M
Employee Wilson B
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Wilson B
Employee Mike S
Updated by:
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Employee Isabelle B
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Employee Amanda K
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