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Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
(2223 reviews)
Price: $670.00
In Stock
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Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
Part Number: 1166-1
In Stock
$670.00
Retail:$742.50
You Save: $72.50
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- All Info
- Reviews (2223)
- Q & A (0)
- Photos
Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate - 1166-1
Highlights
- Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
- Ready for Flat Towing: Provides secure frame-mounted points to connect your tow bar for RV travel.
- Blends In When Not Towing: Removable drawbars leave hidden brackets for a clean, factory look.
- Built to Last: Computer-cut, all-steel construction with black powder coat resists corrosion.
- Simple to Use: Drawbars attach and remove easily with two hitch pins for quick setup.
- Hassle-Free Install: Bolts on with included hardware—no welding required for fitment.
Features to know about
Made for a Clean Front End: Hidden Bracket Design with Removable Drawbars
When you’re not towing, the front of your vehicle stays clean and uncluttered. The crossbar-style hidden brackets mount to the frame and let you remove the visible parts in seconds using two hitch pins. Once the square drawbars are out, the remaining brackets are tucked out of sight—usually within the grille—where they’re protected from scrapes and scuffs.
Strong Where It Counts: Computer-Cut, All-Steel Construction
Built from computer-cut steel, this base plate kit offers exceptional strength without adding unnecessary bulk. Each piece is precision-fit so towing forces are evenly spread through the chassis. The black powder coat finish stands up to corrosion and road grime for lasting durability over thousands of miles.
Simple Setup, No Welding Required: Bolt-On Installation with Included Hardware
Everything you need for a solid mount comes in the box—hardware and clear instructions included. The design bolts directly to the frame with no welding required, making it straightforward for anyone comfortable turning a wrench. Once installed, it’s ready to connect to your tow bar using the quick-disconnect crossbar (910021-00, sold separately).
Quick Connect and Go: Hitch Pin Attachment for Fast Hookups
The square front arms slide into place and secure using hitch pins, making hook-up quick and repeatable every time you tow. Removing them when you’re done takes just as little effort. Whether you’re setting up for a long trip or packing up at camp, this system keeps things simple and reliable.
Compatible by Design: Works with Roadmaster Tow Bars
This kit is built to integrate with Roadmaster tow bars when used with the quick-disconnect crossbar (910021-00, sold separately). That compatibility makes it easy to keep your existing setup streamlined and consistent across your towing gear.
Specs
Compatibility and Construction
- Compatible tow bars: Roadmaster tow bars with use of quick-disconnect crossbar (910021-00 - sold separately)
- Bracket design: Hidden bracket design - drawbars are easily removable via 2 pins
- Construction: Computer-cut, all-steel construction provides exceptional strength
- Finish: Black powder coat finish is durable and corrosion resistant
- Installation: Simple installation - no welding required
- Fitment: Custom base plates ensure a perfect fit for your vehicle
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Country of origin: Made in the USA
1166-1 Road Master XL Base Plate Kit
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 2003 - 2004 Toyota Matrix
Ratings & Reviews
4.8
2223 reviews
by:
etrailer delivered
09/07/2017
I had my bracket delivered to the hitch shop and they had no complaints and neither do I, except I do think Roadmaster is a bit too expensive, but the hitch shop recommended with the Roadmaster tow bar.
by:
O
10/22/2021
Easy install, Clear instructions.
by:
Bruce A
07/02/2026
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.
Using the tow bar worked super easy and our motorhome hardly noticed the Mini Cooper back there.
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.
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?
Kate F.
5/21/2026
@Christian I just looked it up, looks like quite the magical place! Thanks for sharing =)
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
Robin
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:
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.
Skill level is probably at the intermediate level depending on experience.
Robert
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:
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!
by:
Michael
12/03/2025
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.
by:
James
07/02/2025
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
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
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:
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:
Larry
05/05/2026
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:
Julie
05/30/2025
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.
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.
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.
Rock guard needed addition trimming from factory instructions.
by:
Rob
01/19/2019
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
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
Rob
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!
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!
Chris
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.")
Bill F.
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:
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:
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:
Bob T.
04/20/2014
2014
Jeep
Wrangler
Great product for my 2014 Wrangler. Good materials, solid attachment to vehicle, and looks good. The e trailer installation video was great for assisting installation. Made the install much quicker and easier. The most difficult procedure for me was disconnecting the wiring harness on the back of the bumper. An old tack puller (or tool of similar design) would have been great for leveraging the pins out of their holes. Cutting the air dam was a slow process to ensure I didn't cut too much. A paper template to mark where to cut the air dam would make this process much simpler. Again, I can't emphasize enough how great the installation video was for making the steps easier.
Bob T.
4/20/2015
This item works great. Have towed about 4500 miles using it. I couldnt be happier with the results.
by:
J.C. Randall
07/23/2018
2008
Kia
Spectra
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.
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.
J.c. R.
7/24/2019
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.
by:
SanfordTurbo
08/18/2020
2018
Fiat
500
2018 Fiat Abarth install - Videos of install from etrailer helped a bunch. My 2018 fog lights on the Abarth required some trimming on the inside of the bumper cover. Photos in the instructions did not accurately depict my 2018 Abarth, but taking the grill and fog light assemblies off of the bumper cover allowed me to see what needed trimming. Basically a 1 inch notch with the dremel did the trick. I also got the rock guardian and falcon all terrain tow bar. super quick to assemble and disconnect. CLEAN LOOKING INSTALL WHEN EVERYTHING IS REMOVED.
Sanfordturbo
8/23/2021
Over the past year, i have towed the Fiat behind the motor home for 15000 miles or so. Rock Solid. Highly recommend. Ive had 2 blow outs on the motor home and the tread bounces off the Road Master Guardian without damaging the Fiat. The Guardian is scuffed and scratched and handling it well.
by:
Jeffrey
10/29/2017
etrailer service was great. Received my Roadmaster base plate in 3 days. The directions from Roadmaster were fair, but etrailer's video was excellent. I had trouble mounting my base plate as the space between the two baseplate ends were too tight. I needed to use a floor jack and bottle jack to get it on. Once it was in position everything went together fine. I trimmed the Jeep' air dam differently keeping the ends that Roadmaster wants you to cut off. I think it looks better. I also had to modify the center cut in the air dam to accommodate the breakaway switch I have.
Jeffrey
10/29/2018
Base plate has been working out great. Easy putting on and taking off.
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See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate
- Parts Needed For Flat Towing a 2003 Toyota Matrix With a Motorhome 6-Pin ConnectorCurrently our selection of flat tow wiring kits only have 7-way or 4-way RV connections. If you already have your baseplate, and tow bar the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 will allow you change out the 7-Way Connector # A7WCB for a 6-Pin Connector # PK11604. Then you will have a 6-pin connector on both sides of the removable harness. Then you will only need the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit # RM-156-25 to maintain your battery. If you are still...
view full answer... - Adapter To Allow Use of a Blue Ox Tow Bar With a Roadmaster Base Plate on a 2003 Toyota Matrix XRThe Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit # 1166-1 will fit your 2003 Toyota Matrix. You will also need the RoadMaster Base Plate to Blue Ox and Demco Tow Bars Adapter # RM-033. This will allow you to use your Blue Ox tow bars as long as they are one of the following models: Acclaim, Adventurer, Aladdin, Alexxa, Allure, Alpha, Ambassador, Avail, Aventa, Aventa II, Aventa.
view full answer...
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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!