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Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms
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Roadmaster

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms

Part Number: 161-2
In Stock
$670.00
Retail:$742.50
You Save: $72.50
Tow Bar Base Plate

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161-2 - Visible Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate
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etrailer Installation
We'll connect you with nearby partnered installers who know this exact setup.
Base plate brackets attach to your vehicle's frame to provide fixed attachment points for your tow bar. Great Prices for the best tow bar base plate from Roadmaster. Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms part number 161-2 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 - 161-2

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Ready for Flat Towing: Provides fixed attachment points so you can securely tow behind your RV.
  • Built to Last: All-steel, computer-cut construction with black powder coat resists corrosion.
  • Reliable Connection: Fixed-bar design keeps arms solidly in place for consistent towing strength.
  • Simple Setup: Includes mounting hardware and instructions for straightforward installation.
  • Works with Roadmaster Tow Bars: Pairs with quick-disconnect crossbar #910021-00 (sold separately).
Made in USA

Features to know about

Built for Dependable Towing: Computer-Cut, All-Steel Construction

This base plate kit is made to handle real towing stress. Each bracket is computer-cut from all-steel and then welded for a precise, solid fit. The steel build gives it the strength needed for repeated long hauls without flexing or bending. A black powder coat finish seals everything up against rust and road grime for dependable use season after season.

Simple, Strong Connection: Fixed-Bar, Crossbar-Style Design

The fixed draw bars on this setup give you a permanent, ready-to-tow connection up front. There are no removable pieces to keep track of and no complex release mechanisms to fuss with. The crossbar-style layout keeps the geometry solid and predictable every time you hook up your tow bar, so setting up is straightforward and consistent.

Ready for Your Roadmaster Tow Bar: Quick-Disconnect Compatibility

If you already run a Roadmaster tow bar, this kit ties right in when used with the quick-disconnect crossbar (910021-00 - sold separately). That adapter links the tow bar to the base plate so your setup stays secure and aligned. It’s an easy way to connect without any custom fabrication or oddball fittings.

DIY-Friendly Setup: Instructions and Hardware Included

Everything you need to mount the brackets comes in the box, along with clear installation instructions. Each bracket bolts directly to the vehicle’s frame, giving you factory-level alignment without welding. Fishwires (C58400 - sold separately) complete the install by helping you guide hardware through tight frame channels for a clean fit that’s straightforward to finish at home.

Specs

Construction and Design

  • Type: Crossbar-style base plates with fixed arms
  • Design: Fixed-bar design - front arms cannot be removed
  • Material: All-steel construction
  • Manufacturing Process: Computer-cut for precision fit
  • Finish: Black powder coat finish for durability and corrosion resistance
  • 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)
  • Visibility: Visible installation style

Included Components

  • Included: Instructions and mounting hardware

Warranty and Origin

  • Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
  • Country of Manufacture: Made in the USA

Note

  • Installation Requirement: Fishwires (C58400 - sold separately) are required for complete installation.

161-2 Road Master Standard Base Plate Kit

Installation Details 161-2 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Ratings & Reviews

4.7

171 reviews
5 Stars
(137)
4 Stars
(22)
3 Stars
(8)
2 Stars
(4)
1 Star
(0)
Review Sort Icon
by:
Already installed,
as per instructions
. It looks good too. I might need to check
on safety cables and lights when I get a chance. Thanks.
by:
2003 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup
Quality seems to be good. Not enough flat washers supplied. Holes in brackets mismatch holes in frame more than stated.
by:
2003 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup
Great product. Fast shipping. Easy to place an order and to find product for our needs.
Thank You
by:
1985 Volkswagen Vanagon
This thing is a really frustrating. For $xxx it should be a lot better even from the beginning where people understand the install situation. It isn't really a bolt on as step one is cut and grind off the factory tow hook. This isn't mentioned by RM. The instructions are a joke - they mix up front and back all the while telling you to read the instructions closely. And the support is really frustrating. If you have 3 questions with photos, etc, they answer only one question per email. You should stop selling this unit until you install it with a video on some vans of maybe different years and maybe RM will listen to you and update their instructions and as far as I can tell so far the hardware needs at least some different hardware. Until then sell the RM Westy front bumper with Clevises already on it for about the same money.
Sierra K. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Sierra K.

11/20/2021

I spoke to my contact at Roadmaster and he said, as this kit is for vehicles 30 plus years old, it does not fit the new systems, verbiage, and formats that are currently used in installations. With this vehicle being an uncommonly flat towed vehicle as well, they are limited to the one vehicle that came into their shop, which was being the model to design the installation instructions. This can lead to little things not being detailed in the instructions.

by:
1989 Jeep Cherokee
Very easy to install and well built product. Instructions made the job go smoothly. With the tight tolerance on the backing plate bolt spacing, I had to do a small amount of filing on the 1989 Jeep Cherokee frame holes so that the plates would slide easily through. Other than that, no real problems. As mentioned in the instructions, I had to cut small sections out of the top and bottom of the bumper for the new brackets but the install looks really clean.
by:
installed the tow brackets per the instructions - the pictures in the instructions were small and weren't real helpful so I contacted Customer Service which sent me detailed photos of an installation on a similar vehicle - helped a lot! Thanks! Within a week we were off on a cross country trip down to Mexico, put on 6000 miles and then retorqed the bracket bolts. This is a good product, easy to use, and we've used it pretty hard - no problems so far!
by:
1987 Suzuki Samurai
Remove bumper and front wheels. Bracket B is the only hole to be drilled for installing. Bracket C bolts thru existing steering box bolt hole. Bracket E bolts from main bar A to existing rigging eye in your samurai to anchor and secure the base plate. (See pictures) hope this helps. Only negative for me is the base plate sticks out in front instead of below bumper. All parts needed for installation where in the box.
by:
Perfect fit for my 2005 Jeep Wrangler TJ using a Roadmaster Stowmaster 5000.
by:
Did have to cut off factory tow hook with a hack saw. Straight forward install otherwise and good quality.
David profile picture

David

10/21/2021

Towed it several times and still works great, no problems.

by:
Everything is perfect! There was no problem with fit, durability or quality! I am very happy with the products you sent me!
Bob profile picture

Bob

8/26/2025

It’s been great. I only use it to tow my huntn’ rig and never a problem. I’m 87 now and can load and unload by myself.

by:
The product fits perfectly. Installation is somewhat easy except drilling the opening on the frame. The arms are holding down very strong, good quality.
by:
I finally have my parts today,I waited 5 Days but I Guess that's How It Is.The Set up was Not Hard at all,I had all the parts to Install it ,And Yes I will buy Again if I Need something else!
by:
2002 Saturn S Series
High Quality Product. Install instructions don't go into enough detail in step by step. A little vague for the Non-Expert installer. Nut Plates provided for rear mounting bolts are wider than the holes available in sub-frame for install. Had to mill sides of pads to get them into the frame for install. No instructions or fish wires to get them into place. Had to manufacture own fish wire system to get the plates in place for install. Once mods were completed and hardware designed and built, installation was pretty much straight forward. I would not consider this kit for a novice installer. Sorry I didn't take pictures of the "wide" nut plate situation and my redesign (width reduction)
Bob profile picture

Bob

1/13/2019

Install completed and many miles of care free towing behind our motorhome. Fixes suggested made for a simple install. Should be incorporated in future kits. I wont charge for the redesign. :+~ I spent my working life as a mechanical designer builder for a major industrial equipment company.

by:
The product was received as expected. The brackets aligned with all points and bolted up first time. The hardware was great, except two lock washer short (but not a problem as I had extras in my parts bins) and double the number of flat washers (extras for the next project). But is was great to have all optional bolts, washers and nuts supplied. Instructions were easy to follow and complete with one excepting. I need a bracket part from the old brackets and that was not included in the instructions, but was clear as I aligned everything in the pre assembly.
Jim K. profile picture

Jim K.

7/1/2014

The brackets have performed as expected, no problems or concerns.

by:
A little scary at first but went on my Geo Tracker easily. Extremely solid once installed. Made the tow from CA to Ohio a breeze. I did have to make some adapters to fit my towbar but that's not the fault of your product.
Ed profile picture

Ed

9/6/2021

Still on my Tracker, ready to rock & roll whenever I need it.

by:
Suzuki Samurai
made strong took about 3 hours my tow hooks on my suzuki samural were bent out so that slow me down a bit i used 5 pound sledge out bang them straight then bolts went in i turn the front wheels to the right so to drill the hole in the frame used small bit then went for larger one work out well follow direction they did work but lacking illustration .works good
Rick N. profile picture

Rick N.

8/2/2015

Its good works well

by:
Delivery of the products was EXTREMELY fast.
The installation instructions referred to a page with adjustment instructions but the page was not included and I couldn't find the missing page on-line either. Installation was a bit more complicated than I thought it was going to be.
Very sturdy product. It should do a great job for me.
Gary profile picture

Gary

3/3/2019

The base plates worked perfectly

by:
1998 Saturn S Series
Very happy with the service I received, and so pleased with the base plate easy to install. Pics soon. Thank you etrailer
Jerry profile picture

Jerry

7/1/2019

I am very pleased with the baseplate and tow bar, I have had zero problems with any of it , so glad I chose etrailer

by:
The Real Story - The real story regarding what it takes to install the base is that it takes about 4 hours and . .

- You will need a small sledge hammer to pound the unit into the frame cross tube such that the attach points are solid against the frame and align properly at the center point bottom of the frame.

- You will need to remove the wheels to gain access to the side of the vehicle’s frame for drilling the attach points.

- You may need to jack the car up for ground clearance, to drill the bottom hole.

- I had to cut an access hole through the bumper cover to get the backing plate into the frame channel.

- You will need to pry off the frame mud guard, if your car has one.

- You may need to make a ruler like metal shim to hold the back plate while you screw the bottom bolt.

- A 6 ft pole lever is needed to force the front of the base down and thereby pivot the back flange up to align it to the slot like hole in the frame. This area is critical so make sure the hole you drill is match centered!!

- Drill small attach point holes first to make sure you have sufficient clearance on the back side, for the large washers and proper hole alignment with the base flange

- If it all goes well . . plan on a 4 hour job.

- The base is a real beast and could haul a Mac Truck!

- It is by far the easiest base to install, of any I evaluated.

- Would you recommend etrailer.com to a friend? Oh hell yes!
by:
Volvo Cross Country
This is an excellent, strong product, that fit my older model Honda CRV perfectly. We just drove cross country. Combined with a basic rigid tow bar, this is a reliable, economic light vehicle tow set up, just be sure your hitch is at the correct height so the tow bar is level, otherwise you will have twisting problems in tight turns.
by:
I purchased a 'tow package' for my Jeep so I could pull it behind my motorhome, along with a trailer hitch for the Jeep.

All products fit perfectly, and were easy to install. We traveled about 6K miles, and did not have an issue.

Thanks!
by:
I received the "Classic" base plate kit (model 1528-1) for my 2000 Honda CRV about a week ago, but just had it installed by a local mechanic. Prior to installation, I inspected the package contents, and found it to contain all of the required parts. The material from which the parts were manufactured appear to be somewhat heavier and more substantial than I anticipated. The fit to my car frame was very good, and although the attachment points on this model are not the quick-release design, they are not overly obvious. I can't speak concerning performance, as we haven't had occasion to actually use it yet.
by:
Honda Pilot
Product was as advertised. It arrived earlier than expected. The installation instructions were simple and easy to follow. The install had no problems. You need to center punch where you are going
to drill because the surface to be drilled is not flat. You need to drill a pilot hole to ease drilling the larger hole.
On the my '93 Ranger Splash the bumper came off with only the removal of 4 easy to reach nuts. A wrench is not required on the bolts as they were welded to a metal strip between them that made re-installation simple. The plastic air-dam on the bottom of the bumper can be removed easily to cut holes for the base plate to extend thru. Don't replace it until the bumper has been re-installed.
by:
Well made , heavy duty construction. Easy to install following instructions. Hardest part was drilling the holes, but that wasn't bad. With these, and the roadmaster towbar, and safety cables, I know my Tracker will still be there when I arrive!
by:
Volvo Cross Country
Great base plate. 1988 Samurai. It took some work to make it fit, but its solid, maybe overkill. Your not going to worry about it while towing your Samurai cross country. As always you can count on etrailer for fast shipping.
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See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate

  • How to Tow a 2000 Chevy S10 Behind a Motor Home as Inexpensively as Possible
    There is certain equipment required by law to flat tow a vehicle. That equipment includes base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. If you just need to tow the 2000 Chevy S10 once or twice, the expense is likely not worth it. But if you flat tow the truck often behind a motor home then you are going to need these items. Check the S10 owners manual to see if it can be dolly towed (with the front wheels up on a dolly). If so you could rent or otherwise obtain...
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  • Can a 1999 Chevrolet S-10 be Flat Towed Behind a Motor Home
    I found a copy of the owners manual for the 1999 Chevrolet S-10 truck and in the Recreational Towing section, Chevrolet says your 1999 S-10 should not be flat towed. They recommend towing it on a trailer only. If the vehicle absolutely must be flat towed, then the drive shaft needs to be disconnected, so I cannot recommend towing the truck without doing so. I recommend checking your owners manual to confirm this information. Chevrolet also says the ignition must be off when flat towing...
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  • Parts Need to Flat Tow 1999 GMC Jimmy with 2010 Tioga Ranger Motorhome
    The first thing you will need to flat tow your 1999 GMC Jimmy 4WD, is a base plate kit. The Roadmaster Base Plate Kit, part # 179-2, is the correct choice for a base plate kit if your Jimmy is not a Black Diamond, ZR2 or an Xtreme. The kit has a simple installation with no welding required. I have linked the installation details for you to check out. For a tow bar, I recommend the Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar, part # RM-520. The quick-disconnect system lets you quickly and easily mount...
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  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2002 GMC Sonoma 2-Wheel Drive Behind a Class C Motor Home
    The Reese tow bar 74943 is now an obsolete tow bar so I cannot say if it is a direct fit or if an adapter will allow it to be used with the Roadmaster base plates. There is an adapter for similar tow bars, # RM-025, but we have it listed as fitting specific tow bars (Draw-Tite (2480), Reese (74950), Valley, EAZ-Lift and Tow Ready (63180)). The best and safest option is to match the base plates and tow bar. Base plates # 161-1 are designed for the 2002 GMC Sonoma, 2-wheel drive, ZR2 and...
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  • Flat Towing Equipment Recommendations For A 1996 GMC Sonoma 44 Automatic
    Based on the generic owners manual I found online your 1996 GMC Sonoma should be able to be flat towed. I recommend checking your specific owner's manual to verify, it'll be under recreational towing, and for any steps that need to be followed to ensure the safety of your vehicle's components. To flat tow you'll need a tow bar, tow bar wiring kit, base plate, braking system, and safety cables. I have the following recommendations for you below: Tow Bar: Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar for...
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  • Base Plates, Tow Bar, Wiring, and Safety Cables to Flat Tow a 1999 GMC Jimmy
    If you have a regular model 1999 GMC Jimmy (not an S-15 model) then you will need to use a tow dolly like the RoadMaster Tow Dolly with Electric Brakes, # RM-2050-1, as there are no base plates available for the Jimmy. If you have an S-15 Jimmy, there are base plates available depending on what model you have. For a Jimmy Envoy, 4 wheel drive and not a Black Diamond, ZR2, or Xtreme, use # 179-2. For a S-15 Jimmy, 4 wheel drive and not a Black Diamond or Xtreme, use # 165-2. For a S-15...
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  • Base Plate Recommendation for a 2002 Chevy Tracker
    Base plate kits are model specific, you would need to purchase a base plate specifically designed to work on your 2002 Chevy Tracker. For that I would recommend you get a Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit # 1012-1. To complete your flat towing setup you may be interested in purchasing the following products as there are 5 main components to a flat towing setup: Tow bar, this provides the connection point between the tow vehicle and the vehicle being towed. For that I recommend you get a RoadMaster...
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  • What Parts are Needed to Flat Tow a 1999 Chevy S-10 Pickup Behind a Motorhome
    To use the Roadmaster Standard Base Plate Kit, item # 161-2, on your 1999 Chevrolet S-10-Pickup you will also need a tow bar, quick disconnects, safety cables and towed vehicle wiring. An excellent tow bar is the RoadMaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - 6,000 lbs, item # RM-520, this tow bar mounts in the receiver hitch on your RV and connects to a set of base plates on the towed vehicle. The tow bar is slid into the RV hitch and attached with a hitch pin. Then, after attaching quick disconnects...
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  • Parts for Flat Towing 1998 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup Behind Class C Motorhome
    We can help you with the items needed for flat towing your 1998 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup behind your Coachmen Class C motorhome. Starting with base plates, you can use Roadmaster Classic kit # 161-2 which has fixed drawbars that cannot be removed, but these do cost less than all other options. This and all other base plates appear on the linked page. I recommend sticking with one brand of base plate and tow bar to eliminate the extra cost and complexity of the adapters you'd need to mix...
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  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 1999 Chevrolet S-10 5 Speed Transmission
    I did some checking and it looks like your 1999 Chevrolet S-10 with a 5 speed transmission can be flat towed behind a motorhome but you'll need to source a driveshaft disconnect for it. We carry everything else you'd need to flat tow your vehicle but not a driveshaft disconnect. For a base plate kit you'd then want the part # 161-2. In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. The most...
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  • Is the Roadmaster Tracker Tow Bar Compatibile with Standard Base Plate 161-2 for a 1998 Chevy S10
    Yes, the Tracker Tow Bar, part # RM-020 that you use with your Geo Tracker will also work with the 161-2 Standard base plates for your 2 wheel drive Chevy S10.
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  • Base Plate Kit for 2003 GMC Sonoma 2 Wheel Drive
    You are correct, the Roadmaster vehicle-specific Base Plate Kit, part # 161-2 is the correct base plate kit for your 2003 GMC Sonoma. In addition to the base plates and tow bar, you'll need safety cables, a wiring solution and a supplemental braking system. For safety cables, I'd recommend the # RM-643 from Roadmaster. for lighting, a magnetic mount kit like part # RM-2120 would be simple to install and would not require any of the existing wiring on the vehicle to be altered. A supplemental...
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  • Roadmaster Base Plate Kit for 2001 Chevy S-10 Blazer 2 Door
    According to Roadmaster, the # 161-1 is the correct base plate kit for the 2001 S-10 Blazer 2 door, as long as it is a 2 wheel drive and not an Xtreme model. No base plate kits are available for 4WD or Xtreme 2 door models. The 161-1 is compatible with your tow bar. According to step # 4 and 6 of the install instructions, at least two and maybe three holes will need to be drilled to install the base plate kit. Because some vehicles will require modifications before they can be flat towed,...
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  • Base Plate # 161-2 Recommendation for a 2001 2WD Chevrolet S-10 Using a Falcon 2 tow bar
    You should have no problem using the Falcon 2 Tow Bar, part # RM-520, to pull your 2001 Chevy S-10 that is 2-wheel drive. You will need a set of Roadmaster Tow Bars, part # 161-2, like the ones you referenced and you would be able to use the rest of your flat towing setup to tow your S-10.
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Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
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