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Roadmaster

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: 1148-1

2218 Reviews | 4 Questions

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$575.00

Retail:$632.50

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1999 Chevrolet Metro

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Product Images

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms Partially Hidden 1148-1

Tow Bar Base Plate 1148-1 - Hitch Pin Attachment - Roadmaster

1148-1 - Hitch Pin Attachment Roadmaster Removable Draw Bars

Roadmaster Hitch Pin Attachment Tow Bar Base Plate - 1148-1

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In Use/Installed

1148-1 - Partially Hidden Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate

1148-1 - Partially Hidden Roadmaster Removable Draw Bars

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SCHEDULE AN INSTALLATION

The crossbar-style hidden brackets attach to your vehicle's frame to provide attachment points for your tow bar. The visible portions of the brackets can be removed when you are not towing. Great Prices for the best tow bar base plate from Roadmaster. Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms part number 1148-1 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.

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Reviews (2218)
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Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate - 1148-1

Highlights

Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
Ready for Flat Towing: Creates solid, frame-mounted points for connecting your tow bar securely.
Blends In When Not Towing: Removable drawbars leave brackets nearly invisible for a clean look.
Built to Last: Computer-cut, all-steel construction with black powder coat resists corrosion.
Simple to Set Up: Drawbars attach and remove quickly using two hitch pins—no tools needed.
Easy Install: Custom-fit design bolts on with included hardware, no welding required.

Features to know about

Made for a Clean Front End: Hidden Brackets with Removable Drawbars

This kit keeps the front of your vehicle looking clean when you’re not towing. The crossbar-style brackets sit discreetly on the frame, and the square drawbars remove easily with two hitch pins. Once the arms are off, the remaining brackets are virtually invisible, tucked behind the grille where they stay protected from scrapes and road grime.

Built to Last: Computer-Cut, All-Steel Construction

Strength and precision matter when you’re logging miles on the road. This base plate is made from computer-cut, all-steel components that deliver exceptional strength and a precise fit. A black powder coat finish keeps corrosion in check, so the hardware stays solid trip after trip without the need for welding or extra reinforcement.

Connect and Disconnect Fast: Hitch Pin Attachment for Quick Setup

Hooking up your tow bar is simple thanks to the hitch pin attachment design. Each arm slides into place and locks down with pins, which makes it quick to secure or remove without tools. The connection is solid and straightforward—perfect for getting set up fast before a long haul or packing up at the campsite.

Confidence in the Fit: Custom Design with Included Hardware

This setup is built as a custom match for your vehicle’s frame points, providing a secure fit without unnecessary drilling or fabrication. The kit includes detailed instructions and mounting hardware so you can bolt everything together cleanly. It’s a straightforward install that gives you confidence in your setup from day one.

Works Seamlessly with Your Tow Bar System

The base plate is compatible with Roadmaster tow bars when used with the Quick-Disconnect Crossbar (#910021-00, sold separately). That means if you already have a Roadmaster system, this base plate integrates right into your setup for a consistent connection every time you tow.

Specs

Construction and Design

Bracket style: Crossbar-style hidden brackets attach to vehicle's frame to provide attachment points for tow bar
Drawbars: Easily removable via 2 pins
Material: Computer-cut, all-steel construction provides exceptional strength
Finish: Black powder coat finish is durable and corrosion resistant
Hidden design: Brackets are mounted within the grille where they remain unseen and protected from scrapes and scuffs
Appearance: Improved aesthetics compared with standard brackets

Installation

Installation method: Simple installation - no welding required
Fitment: Custom base plates ensure a perfect fit for your vehicle
Compatibility: Compatible with Roadmaster tow bars with use of quick-disconnect crossbar (910021-00 - sold separately)
Included components: Instructions and mounting hardware included

Warranty and Origin

Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty
Country of origin: Made in the USA

1148-1 Road Master XL Base Plate Kit

Installation Details 1148-1 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles

1998 - 1998 Toyota 4Runner 2WD models
1998 - 1998 Toyota 4Runner 4WD models
1998 - 1999 Toyota Tacoma 2 Wheel Drive
1998 - 2000 Toyota Tacoma 4 Wheel Drive

4.8

2218 reviews

5 Stars		(1870)
4 Stars		(262)
3 Stars		(48)
2 Stars		(13)
1 Star		(25)

by: Dana E 09/28/2014

1998 Toyota 4Runner

Our brackets arrived quickly as promised! They were not easy to install. To install them as directed by the instruction would be incorrect. I had to grind off the bottom flange of the frame horn of our 1998 Toyota 4 Runner to make bracket fit. Other small modifications were required too.

This installation is not for the average Joe.

by: Wilbur 03/08/2025

1998 Toyota 4Runner

Wow fast reliable customer service kudos!!

by: Arturo 12/19/2021

by: Guy 12/20/2021

by: Jesse 01/25/2025

2000 Toyota Tacoma

by: Bruce A 07/02/2026 One Year Later

Installation was a bit trying. Ended up looking very clean and almost invisible.
Using the tow bar worked super easy and our motorhome hardly noticed the Mini Cooper back there.

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Claire H.

7/6/2026

It really is invisible! It took me a second to even find the base plates in your photo!

by: Christian 05/13/2026

1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Bolted right up. Installation should be done with bumper on, as you can't fit the ends through the louvers without some convincing. Works great so far. Was able to use a Stowmaster 5000 with it.

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Kate F.

5/14/2026

Thanks for the review and for sharing your installation experience Christian. Your tip about leaving the bumper on during install is really helpful, especially since fitting the ends through the louvers can take a little extra maneuvering. It’s also great to hear the setup works well with your Stowmaster 5000. The install looks great, and we appreciate you sharing the picture! Where did you go for the first trip?

Christian

5/20/2026

@KateF Hudson Parcher County park in Rainier, OR

Kate F.

5/21/2026

@Christian I just looked it up, looks like quite the magical place! Thanks for sharing =)

by: Robert 01/06/2025

Came quickly and is very high quality. Great directions/video from road master makes the installation step by step easy to follow.
Skill level is probably at the intermediate level depending on experience.

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Robert One Year Later

1/7/2026

Everything related to my Mini towing system is working great after a year of use.i do wish I had bought a cover for the tow bar though. Keeping it clean would be easier with the cover. Great products and service from etrailet

by: Robin 11/21/2024

The #118-3 is a perfect fit on my 1995 Geo Tracker. When you pull off the removable arms you would never know they are there. The Quality is very good easy to put on all you have to do is drill 4 holes the tube on the base plate fits into the tube on the frame of the tracker and with the 2 bolts it is a solid fit. I was worried about the plate nut getting it inside of the frame but it went in easy when you put it over the frame tube and use a thin piece of metal to slide it in place. I’m very happy with it. I probably could of got it on without taking my bumper off but with only 4 bolts holding my bumper on it made it easier

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Robin One Year Later

11/25/2025

Working great these are durable tow bars Have no problems with them easy to hook up and tows vehicle without no problems .

by: Charlevoixboy 12/10/2025

2007 honda Element

Awesome delivery speed, and a well made base plate for my 2007 Element. Installation was a breeze (thanks to my son’s heated shop) and I had to do no cutting to make this fit. I had a Stowmaster tow bar that came with my RV and etrailer was able to steer me to the correct missing parts to make this a really affordable installation. Now to get out of this snow!

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by: Michael 12/03/2025 One Year Later

2004 Subaru Impreza

We towed our 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 3000 miles last year, this is an ideal setup, discreet when not in use, solid, and easy to get on/off. Very please with the support I received from Roadmaster as one of the bolt was missing, was sent super quickly.

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by: James 07/02/2025 One Year Later

Replaced same part that was damaged in a crash. I had used my original one for close to ten years without issue. Fast shipping from etrailer.

James One Year Later

7/3/2026

New system working fine. As with previous system it requires towed vehicle to be nearly perfectly aligned straight behind motorhome to disconnect without considerable tension.

by: David 05/23/2025

The Base plate kit is well made and came with all the necessary hardware.Installation is relatively straight forward. I did have to enlarge two of the holes that didn't quite line up. But overall I'd recommend it.

David One Year Later

5/24/2026

It continues to work flawlessly

by: Steven 08/09/2026

Overall the installation was great, however the process of drilling 3 - 1/2" holes in that little bumper that has a Rockwell Hardness of about 60, seems to be a bit over the top.The instructions are spot on, delivery was great, the quality of product was accurate. I am a happy boy!

by: Thomas 07/29/2026

2015 Chevrolet Equinox

Fit and finish is great, the illustration for what you trim on the bumper isn't great but otherwise pretty easy install (I ended up measuring between the mounts on the draw bar and just trimmed accordingly)

Christopher H.

8/4/2026

Thanks for you feedback Thomas! Sounds like the install went smooth. Hope you have a great summer!

by: Larry 05/05/2026 One Year Later

I’ve been purchasing products from ETrailer since 2005 and all the products I’ve purchased have been a great value. The products mentioned above installed perfectly and with the direct assistance from ETrailer everything fit as suggested. I will always interact with ETrailer as needs present themselves.

Claire H.

5/7/2026

Thank you so much for the kind words and being a repeat customer with us! We look forward to helping you out with all your future adventures!

by: Brad 06/22/2026

After ordering the wrong crossbar, etrailer sent the correct one for our Mini Cooper quickly. However I did have to modify most of the holes as the cross bar didn’t quite fit (but close). I had to drill the three main bolt holes to 11/16 so that the bar would go over the Mini’s 3 main bumper bolts on both sides. The two lower bolt holes (each side), needed to be drilled out 3 sizes larger to accommodate the 4 bolts that come with the kit. I had to drill out the Minis lower holes to better align with the crossbars lower holes. I would also like to note it being a pain in the knuckles to reach one of the three (each side) bolts to put the stock nuts on the bolt and then try and get them tight. (The main bolt pattern for the upper bumper is diamond shape, one up tow bolts lower. (The lower “inside” bolt on each side is the one that is hard to get to and tighten.) Sorry I didn’t get picks, I was in a rush to get the car back together. There’s an angle piece on the cross bar that blocks the hard to reach bolt, it would be helpful if that could be made more accessible to reach.

by: Julie 05/30/2025 One Year Later

Purchased for a 1997 Subaru Impreza. Delivery was amazingly fast! I didn't have it installed until a few months later, as my travel plans had stalled. It didn't quite bolt right on, but was close, and a friend had to modify it some to make it work. I still hear a grating noise when I turn too sharp on one side, but otherwise it's fine.
The front connection plates didn't line up with the holes, so had to have those modified, as well, in order to line up and attach to the tow bar. Once the new holes were drilled, I was able to hook up and go.
It's relatively easy to connect after finding a way to do it alone.
I've towed from CO to TX and all over TX with it with no problems.

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by: Mike 08/16/2026

Install pretty easy. You will have to change directions of one bolt due to obstruction ( frame). Cannot torque a few of the bolts. These are the ones with wire attached.
Rock guard needed addition trimming from factory instructions.

by: Wesley 07/08/2026

The representative (Sarah) was very helpful and knowledgeable, the prices are very reasonable and all my items arrived on time. When I called with a question, she was very polite, friendly and genuinely sounded like she enjoyed her job. When I discovered one of the items I ordered wasn’t needed, getting help to return was hassle free. I would recommend etrailer to anyone that needs anything RV or trailer related. I will definitely do business with them again. I am impressed.

by: Todd MobileRVHelp 06/02/2026

2022 Chevrolet Trax

Not an easy install on a Trax but it is very well made and gives a clean look. I did customize by cutting down the 6 pin bracket supports to get it flush with front of the car.

by: Rob 01/19/2019 One Year Later

2019 Chevrolet Equinox

The Jeep project went very well everything fit great and worked well. I really love Roadmaster products and quality and your company is the best place to purchase them. I sold the Jeep and replaced it with a new 2019 Chevy Equinox 2.0 L AWD and just purchased and installed the following items from you and installed them, RM-156-25 & RM-156-75 Battery Charge Line Kit, RM-146-7 Flex Coil Kit, RM-523193-4 EZ4 Plate Kit, RM-88333 Custom Seat Adapter, RM-751489 Stop Light Switch Kit and a RM-98160 Second Vehicle Brake Kit w/brakeaway. All these parts were in stock and arrived quickly and normal with you people, I really enjoy the o-line vidios as I do all my own installs. Thank you so much for your great service.
I will attach pictures of my install, you will see how I was able to fab a bracket and attach it to the existing mount on the base plate to mount the brakeaway switch and the air connection for the brake system.
I also fabricated a tail light bar as I didn't want to use mag-lights or splice into the factory lights and bulbs installed into the lights would not work as the factory brake lights will come on when the brake system is applyed and the turn siginals would not be visable.
Thanks for all you do, I would and do recommend you people to everyone who needs your products. Rob

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Rob One Year Later

1/21/2020

Everything is working great, I installed a base plate kit, battery charging kit, stop light switch kit, second vehicle air brake kit w brakeaway and seat adapter on our 2019 Chevy Equinox and towed it about 14000 miles behind our motor home this past year and everything worked perfect not a problem with any product. These are great products, everything fit perfectly and performed perfectly. Thank you for great service and great products. Rob

by: Chris 03/15/2019

2015 Subaru Outback Wagon

This was the second base plate kit from etrailer that I have installed, the first being on our ‘03 Outback and this one on our new to us 2015 Subaru CrossTrek. As usual the response, shipping and delivery from etrailer was prompt and curious. They are my go to place for anything towing related.
Installation of this kit went well with only a few issues, most of which were related to our vehicle not the kit. I knew the car had been hit lightly on the LF corner, but could find nothing of concern body or frame wise when I looked the car over before buying it. Turns out the front bumper reinforcement had been tweaked a tad which made lining the bolt holes up with the holes in the base plates a tad challenging. This made the small angle brackets that go inside the frame heads tough to line up, but in the end it all fit. I did find that it was unnecessary to pull the washer reservoir or the left headlight to access the nut and washer for the long 1/2” bolt. You can easily reach and see the place from underneath after pulling the plastic encapsulation panel. When drilling that 1/2” hole be sure to angle the drill bit UP a tad otherwise you may end up having to grind a flat on the side of the large, thick washer as you can see in my picture from underneath. I used shrink wrap over the nut and bolt since there’s a wiring harness right against it. The picture of the baseplate differs a bit from the pictures so I guess they made some changes. All in all a great kit!

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Chris One Year Later

3/16/2020

It’s been a year now and probably 7,000 miles later and everything has held up perfectly despite some darn rough roads between MD and Albuquerque, NM and back.

by: Bill F 10/16/2015

2012 Fiat Sport

After comparing Demco, RoadMaster, and Blue Ox base plate costs, mounting procedures, etc for my 2012 Fiat Sport, I decided to go with RoadMaster (Kit #522013-1A) for two main reasons: 1) I had the tow bar and mount adapters from another product that were the same specs as the RoadMaster tow bar and adapters to attach to the base plate, and 2) no drilling or other modifications required to mount the base plates. Blue Ox (Kit #BX2800) required I buy their tow bar and other unique configuration adapters PLUS drill two half-inch holes on either side where the base plate mounted AND hammering flat the tips on the corners of the bumper bracket the frame where the base plate mounted. Blue Ox did provide better details on the removal of the facia and bolt removal and torquing actions required for the Fiat. My biggest challenge was the removal of the facia without damaging the clips or other damage to it. Once it was off, the action of removing the bumper core from the end of the frame rails and bolting on the base plate was slick! I took a little over 4 hours to do this, but it was because I wanted to do it right, without damage, and have the confidence I could tow without issues. (Not sure how sequence will show, but labeled the pictures as "Before," "Removal," "Installation," "Finished," and "Ready to Tow.")

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Bill F. One Year Later

10/15/2016

Hate that every 3,000 miles towing have to re-torque bolts of base plate. Good product otherwise.

Rachael H.

10/18/2016

Thanks for the feedback Bill. You bring up a very good point, I am sure it is pain, but it is specified in the instructions.

by: Billy 09/17/2026

It looks easy to install. I haven’t yet. The brackets look awesome.

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

Do you have a question about this Tow Bar Base Plate?

Tow Bar Recommendation For 1998 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 With Roadmaster 1148-1 base Plate
Hello Chuck, thanks for reaching out. You will definitely want to go with a non-binding tow bar for flat towing your 1998 Tacoma 4x4. For that I recommend the etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plates # e44ZR. This is made specifically to go with your Roadmaster # 1148-1 crossbar style base plate. This is a very solid tow bar option. The non-binding arms make for a smooth towing experience and great maneuverability. Here is a list of the rest of the parts...
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Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 1998 Toyota Tacoma 4X4
I am sorry to hear about your father. It is typically okay to flat tow pickup trucks with manual transmissions, however, the best way to determine if your 1998 Toyota Tacoma can be flat towed is to check your owners manual under the towing section or by contacting your local Toyota dealer with your VIN. I did some research on your truck and found a few owners manuals that say not to tow the Tacoma, but I was not able to locate one for your 1998 Tacoma. Another reason to consult your owners...
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Tow Bar, Base Plate, Wiring, Braking System to Flat Tow 2003 Subaru Impreza and 1998 Toyota 4Runner
I spoke with my contact at Roadmaster and Base Plate Kit, # 916-1 is the correct base plate kit for your 2003 Subaru Impreza. The Base Plate Kit, # 1148-1, is the correct kit for your 1998 Toyota 4Runner. The RoadMaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar, # RM-520, that you mentioned is a good, economical choice with many great features like a quick disconnect system, telescoping arms for easy hookup, and a full length steel cross bar to help support your vehicle frame. As for a towing kit, I recommend...
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Does Roadmaster to Blue Ox/Demco Tow Bar Adapter # RM-033 Fit 1148-1 Base Plate
Yes the Roadmaster base plate to Blue Ox/Demco Tow Bar adapter # RM-033 does work with the base plate kit # 1148-1 that you also referenced.
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Info for this part was:

Written by:

Lindsey S

Expert Research:

John H

Updated by:

Adele M

Updated by:

Wilson B

Updated by:

Mike S

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