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  1. Tow Bar Base Plate
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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: 165-2
In Stock
$670.00
Retail:$742.50
You Save: $72.50
Tow Bar Base Plate

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165-2 - Visible Roadmaster Fixed Draw Bars
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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 165-2 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 - 165-2

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Ready for Flat Towing: Creates strong frame-mounted points to safely connect your vehicle to a tow bar.
  • Built to Last: Computer-cut, all-steel construction with black powder coat resists corrosion and wear.
  • Budget-Friendly Strength: Crossbar-style design offers reliable performance at an economical price.
  • Simple Setup: Includes mounting hardware and instructions for straightforward installation.
  • Secure Connection: Works with Roadmaster tow bars when used with quick-disconnect crossbar?(910021-00?– sold separately).
Made in USA

Features to know about

Built for Dependable Towing: Fixed-Arm, Crossbar-Style Design

This setup uses fixed draw bars that give you solid, permanent attachment points for your tow bar. The crossbar-style design delivers a straightforward connection that doesn’t rely on removable components, so you always know your hookup points are ready to go. It’s a simple, durable approach that adds confidence every time you tow.

Strength You Can Trust: All-Steel, Computer-Cut Construction

The brackets are made from computer-cut, all-steel components for precise fit and long-term strength. This construction spreads the towing load evenly and holds up under the repeated stress of long-distance travel. The black powder coat finish adds corrosion resistance so the steel stays protected against road grime and weather.

Easy Compatibility With Roadmaster Tow Bars: Quick-Disconnect Crossbar Ready

Designed to pair cleanly with Roadmaster tow bars, this base plate connects using the quick-disconnect crossbar (910021-00 – sold separately). That means you can integrate it into an existing Roadmaster setup without modifying your gear. It’s a straightforward match that keeps your towing rig consistent and reliable.

Simple Setup and Maintenance: Hardware and Instructions Included

The kit comes with mounting hardware and clear installation instructions to make the process as smooth as possible. Once mounted, the fixed arms stay in place and require minimal upkeep—just hook up and go. For a complete install, fishwires (C58400 – sold separately) are required to pull bolts into position cleanly through the frame rails.

Specs

Construction and Design

  • Base plate type: Crossbar-style
  • Arm design: Fixed-bar design - front arms cannot be removed
  • Material: Computer-cut, all-steel construction
  • Finish: Black powder coat finish is durable and corrosion resistant
  • Vehicle fit: 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 items: Instructions and mounting hardware included
  • Country of origin: Made in the USA
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Note

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

165-2 Road Master Standard Base Plate Kit

Installation Details 165-2 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)
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by:
I have not installed it yet, but I will say I received my product in 3 days. Every question I had they answered. If I need another product I will order it from etrailer . The product I ordered was a Roadmaster Base Plate kit
by:
Very happy with it. Easy to install, just takes time. Fit like a glove. Exactly what we needed.
by:
Bolted together great test tow worked good
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:
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.
by:
Very well made. Easily put together with decent instructions. Etrailer.com a perfect partner for an RVer.
Glen C. profile picture

Glen C.

4/20/2015

After about one year and 8,000 miles of use...,,Perfect.

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

  • Availability of Base Plates to Flat Tow 2000 GMC Jimmy 4WD
    If your Jimmy is not the Xtreme or Black Diamond model, we offer two Roadmaster base plate kits that are compatible with 4WD Jimmy models. From all the information I could find online, your Jimmy is capable of being flat towed if it has the NP-236 transfer case, but I would recommend you confirm this for yourself by checking your owner's manual and with your GMC dealer. If using a fixed, non-removable base plate is okay, you can go with the Roadmaster # 165-2 base plate kit. If you are...
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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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  • Can 2017 Chevy Equinox be Flat Towed and Parts Needed
    I took a look at the online owner's manual for a 2017 Chevy Equinox and it said that this vehicle can be flat towed; to do so there are a number of parts you will need, which I'll list for you. - Base Plate Kit: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-523184-5 - Tow Bar: Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain Tow Bar # RM-522 - Safety Chains: RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables # RM-643 - Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 - Fuse Bypass:...
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  • Base Plate Kit Recommendation for a 1996 Chevy S-10 4 Wheel Drive
    For a set of base plates that you would want for your 1992 Chevy S-10 you would want the part # 179-2. These will attach to your Draw Tite tow bar with the correct adapter part # RM-025. I also attached a help article on flat towing for you to check out as well.
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  • Base Plate Kit Recommendation for Flat Towing a 2001 Chevy S-10 4 Wheel Drive
    We do carry base plates for the 4 wheel drive models of the 2001 Chevy S-10 as long as they aren't the ZR2 or Xtreme models. For that you would want the part # 165-2. 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 popular compatible tow bar is the Falcon 2, # RM-520. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground. For lighting...
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  • Base Plate Kit Recommendation for a 2000 GMC Jimmy
    The Roadmaster Classic Base Plate Kit, part # 165-2 that you referenced would be the correct choice for a base plate kit if your 2000 GMC Jimmy was a 4-wheel drive or an Envoy, but not a Black Diamond or an Xtreme. I attached a page below that has all of the available base plate kits for your 2000 GMC Jimmy for you to check out. All of these should work well with your Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar, part # RM-520.
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  • Base Plate Recommendation for a 2000 GMC Jimmy with 4WD
    There are base plate kits available for your 2000 GMC Jimmy with 4-wheel drive. Check out the Roadmaster kit # 165-2. This base plate kit is confirmed to work on 2000 GMC Jimmys with 4 wheel drive. There are several other components needed to flat-tow a vehicle. Next, you will need a tow bar. For that I recommend you get the Roadmaster Sterling # RM-576 to pair up to the base plates. This comes with safety cables also. For lighting there are several options. Check out the FAQ article...
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  • Base Plate and Tow Bar Recommendation for a 2000 GMC Jimmy
    The Roadmaster Classic Base Plate Kit, part # 165-2 would be the correct choice for a base plate kit if your 2000 GMC Jimmy was a 4-wheel drive or an Envoy, but not a Black Diamond or an Xtreme. I attached a helpful link that has all of the available base plate kits for your 2000 GMC Jimmy for you to check out. All of these should work well with your Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar, part # RM-520 that you referenced. You will also need the following to complete your setup: Magnetic Towing...
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Do you have a question about this Tow Bar Base Plate?


Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
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:
Isabelle B

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