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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
2000 Suzuki Swift
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Roadmaster

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: 131-17
In Stock
$575.00
Retail:$632.50
You Save: $57.50
Tow Bar Base Plate
Not Confirmed to Fit

2000 Suzuki Swift

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Roadmaster Removable Draw Bars - 131-17
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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 131-17 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 - 131-17

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Ready for Flat Towing: Creates solid frame-mounted points so you can safely tow behind your RV.
  • Blends In When Not Towing: Removable drawbars leave the brackets nearly invisible for a clean look.
  • Built to Last: Computer-cut, all-steel construction with black powder coat resists corrosion and wear.
  • Quick Hookup and Removal: Square drawbars secure with hitch pins for fast connection and release.
  • Simple Installation: Bolts on with included hardware—no welding required for setup.
Made in USA

Features to know about

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

This setup keeps the front of your vehicle looking clean when you’re not towing. The crossbar-style hidden brackets mount directly to the frame, and the square drawbars remove easily using two hitch pins. Once they’re off, the remaining brackets are virtually invisible behind the grille, protected from scuffs and road debris. It’s a low-profile design that keeps things neat without sacrificing strength.

Built to Last for the Long Haul: Computer-Cut, All-Steel Construction

When you’re covering serious miles, you want gear that holds up. This base plate kit is built from computer-cut, all-steel components for precise fitment and exceptional strength. A black powder coat finish adds durability and corrosion resistance, so it stays solid even after years of use. The reinforced design spreads towing forces evenly across the frame for dependable performance on long trips.

Straightforward Install at Home: Bolt-On Design with Included Hardware

You won’t need to weld anything to get this mounted. The kit bolts directly to the frame using the included hardware and detailed instructions, making it a solid weekend project for anyone comfortable with basic tools. The custom design ensures a perfect fit and proper alignment without guesswork, so you can get back on the road faster and tow with confidence.

Keep Your Setup Simple: Works with Roadmaster Tow Bars Using Quick-Disconnect Crossbar

Already running a Roadmaster tow bar? This base plate kit connects right up with a quick-disconnect crossbar (910021-00 – sold separately). That means you can integrate it easily into your existing flat-towing setup without starting from scratch. It’s a straightforward way to build a reliable system that’s ready for long-distance travel.

Specs

Design and Construction

  • Bracket Style: Crossbar-style hidden brackets
  • Material: All-steel construction
  • Finish: Black powder coat
  • Removable Components: Drawbars are easily removable via 2 pins
  • Attachment Type: Hitch pin attachment
  • Visibility: Partially hidden when installed; visible portions can be removed when not towing
  • Installation Method: Simple installation - no welding required
  • Manufacturing Process: Computer-cut for precision fit and strength

Compatibility

  • Tow Bar Compatibility: Compatible with Roadmaster tow bars with use of quick-disconnect crossbar (910021-00 - sold separately)

Included Components

  • Included Items: Instructions and mounting hardware

Origin and Warranty

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

Note

The square drawbars, or front arms, on the crossbar-style base plate kit secure with hitch pins and can be removed to leave the remaining brackets almost invisible. On most vehicles, the brackets are mounted within the grille where they stay protected from scrapes and scuffs.


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.

Technical diagram showing how to measure a vehicle’s frame variance for a Roadmaster base plate kit, indicating measurement points between threaded and elongated holes on the frame.

  • 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.

131-17 Road Master XL Base Plate Kit

Installation Details 131-17 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Ratings & Reviews

4.8

2217 reviews
5 Stars
(1869)
4 Stars
(262)
3 Stars
(48)
2 Stars
(13)
1 Star
(25)
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by:
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.
Claire H. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Claire H.

7/6/2026

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

by:
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. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

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 profile picture

Christian

5/20/2026

@KateF Hudson Parcher County park in Rainier, OR
Kate F. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Kate F.

5/21/2026

@Christian I just looked it up, looks like quite the magical place! Thanks for sharing =)
by:
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.
Robert profile picture

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:
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 profile picture

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:
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:
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:
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 profile picture

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:
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 profile picture

David

5/24/2026

It continues to work flawlessly

by:
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:
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. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Christopher H.

8/4/2026

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

by:
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. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

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:
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:
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.
by:
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:
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:
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:
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
Rob profile picture

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:
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!
Chris profile picture

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:
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. profile picture

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. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

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:
It looks easy to install. I haven’t yet. The brackets look awesome.
by:
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. profile picture

Bob T.

4/20/2015

This item works great. Have towed about 4500 miles using it. I couldnt be happier with the results.

by:
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.
J.c. R. profile picture

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:
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 profile picture

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:
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 profile picture

Jeffrey

10/29/2018

Base plate has been working out great. Easy putting on and taking off.

by:
Etrailer was very easy to do business with and made it simple to ship my order directly to the RV shop that was going to install it. This was my first order from them, but I will definitely consider future purchases from them if I'm in need of something for my RV.
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See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate

  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2002 Chevy Silverado 2500 4x4 behind an RV
    To flat tow your 2002 Chevy Silverado 2500 4x4 you will need base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. Starting with the base plates I recommend using Roadmaster base plates. There are a few different ones depending on the specifics of your truck: If you have a 2500 HD with tow hooks bolted externally to the bottom of the frame AND a 3" measurement when taken from the centerpoint of the lower-most threaded hole, on the frame side, to a center-line dissecting...
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  • Accessories for Flat Towing 2001 Chevy Silverado 2WD with Manual Transmission
    To flat tow a vehicle, you will need a base plate kit, a tow bar, safety cables, a lighting solution so that the towed vehicle has taillights that respond with those of the motorhome and a supplemental braking system. There are several different Roadmaster base plate kits that might be compatible with your truck. To determine which is the correct one for your truck, you will need to locate the three threaded holes on the side of the front frame member. Use a ruler to transfer the location...
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    Image 1 for
  • How to Shift Transfer Case Into Neutral Position on 2000 Chevy Silverado 1500
    I took a look at the online version of the owner's manual for your 2000 Chevy Silverado 1500. It lists the following steps for shifting the transfer case to neutral on the truck. 1. Set the parking brake. 2. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition to RUN. 3. Connect the vehicle to the towing vehicle. 4. Put the transmission in NEUTRAL 5. Shift the transfer case to 2HI. 6. Simultaneously press and hold the 2HI and 4LO buttons for 10 seconds. The red NEUTRAL light will come on when the...
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    We do have a base plate fit for your 2001 GMC Sierra 2500 HD 4x4 but the Roadmaster Base Plate Kit part # 3101-1 is not a fit. In order to get the correct fit the 2001 GMC Sierra you have to measure from the lower-most threaded hole on the side of the frame to the center of the elongated hole on the bottom of the frame. I have attached a diagram for your reference. If that measurement is 1-1/4 inches then you need Roadmaster Base Plate part # 131-17. If the measurement is 3 inches then...
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  • How To Determine The Correct Tow Bar Base Plates To Tow A 1998 GMC Suburban 1500 4X4
    When flat towing a vehicle you will want to check your owners manual or with the manufacturer for instructions on the proper procedure for towing your 1998 GMC Suburban, because some vehicles must be equipped with a transmission lube pump, an axle disconnect, drive line disconnect, or free-wheeling hubs before they can be towed. The tow bar base plate listing for the 1998 Chevy Suburban will work for your 1998 GMC Suburban. The same basic frame was used on the Chevy and GMC trucks but...
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  • What Parts are Needed to Flat Tow a 2000 Chevy Suburban with a Reese Tow Bar
    There are several components you will need to flat tow your 2000 Chevy Suburban. But before we get into that you should check the owners manual of your vehicle to determine if there are any restrictions on your vehicle being flat-towed. If you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle you would be good to go, if you have a 2 wheel drive vehicle you would need to install a lube pump from my research. If your vehicle is all wheel drive then you would need to borrow or rent a trailer as there is no option...
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  • How to Determine Correct Roadmaster Base Plates For 2001 GMC Sierra 2500 4WD w/ Sterling Tow Bar
    Since you have the Roadmaster Sterling All Terrain # RM-576 tow bar, you'll need the crossbar-style base plate kit for your 2001 GMC Sierra 2500 4x4. Since that generation Sierra had slight variances in the frame, you will need to take a measurement, and this assumes your tow hooks are bolted externally to the bottom of the frame That measurement will be from the center of the lower-most threaded hole on the side of frame, to the center of the slotted hole on the bottom of the frame. I...
    view full answer...
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Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Michael H
Expert Research:
Michael H
Employee Lindsey S
Written by:
Lindsey S
Employee Adele M
Updated by:
Adele M
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Mike S
Updated by:
Mike S
Employee Isabelle B
Updated by:
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