Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
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2002 Ford Excursion
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2002 Ford Excursion
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When you’re towing a full-size vehicle, you need gear that feels rock solid. This Direct-Connect base plate kit bolts straight to the frame and doesn’t need a crossbar, thanks to its heavy-duty design. The computer-cut, all-steel construction is built for strength, and the black powder coat finish holds up against corrosion. It’s made to handle the kind of long-distance towing setups that rack up miles without giving you any drama.
Once you unpin the front drawbars, the brackets nearly disappear into the grille. The hidden design keeps everything tucked away and protected from scrapes and scuffs when you’re not towing. With no bulky crossbar or visible hardware, you keep a clean, factory-style front end that won’t catch your leg or draw attention.
The removable arms slide in and secure with two pins for a quick, no-fuss hookup. When it’s time to tow, you can connect your tow bar directly to the brackets—no extra bars or adapters needed for compatible Roadmaster tow bars that slide into a trailer hitch receiver. It’s straightforward, solid, and saves time every time you hook up.
This kit bolts on without any welding and comes with all the mounting hardware and instructions you need. The custom base plates are designed for an exact frame fit, which means less guesswork during install. The included frame variance measurement diagram helps verify alignment before tightening everything down, so you know it’s right the first time.
From the steel build to the corrosion-resistant black powder coat finish, every part of this setup is made for long-term reliability. Once installed, it delivers the peace of mind that comes from tough materials and proven design—backed by a limited lifetime warranty that keeps your towing rig ready for the long haul.
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.
MX Series brackets do not require a crossbar because of the heavy-duty nature of your vehicle's frame. Thus, installation is simplified, the hookup process is faster, and the total appearance is enhanced.
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.
The drawbars, or front arms, on the MX series base plate kit are simple to mount and remove, easily securing with pins. Once the drawbars have been removed, the remaining brackets are virtually invisible. On most automobiles, the brackets are mounted within the grille, where they remain not only unseen, but protected from scrapes and scuffs as well.
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.
Customer Satisfaction Score:
74% were satisfied with this product
26% of customers were not satisfied
Ratings & Reviews
Mike L.
2/19/2026
Thanks for checking in Joseph. Please let us know how the install goes!
Jenny N.
12/23/2021
I reached out to the manufacturer and there is not a video installation video at this time.
Tom
5/5/2025
1 year later,this direct- connect base plate kit for my 99 Tahoe has been flawless.
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
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.
Gwendolyn Y.
2/26/2026
Looks great, Mark! Where are you off to next?
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?
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Brooke M.
4/18/2025
Looks awesome, Nick! Where are you headed in the photo where you're all hooked up?