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  1. Tow Bar Base Plate
  2. Roadmaster
  3. Removable Draw Bars
  4. Twist Lock Attachment
  5. Completely Hidden
THIS ITEM IS NOT A FIT FOR
2025 Kia EV9
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Roadmaster

Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: 521228-1
In Stock
$575.00
Retail:$632.50
You Save: $57.50
Tow Bar Base Plate
Not Confirmed to Fit

2025 Kia EV9

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Roadmaster's EZ Twistlock series brackets are virtually invisible, easy to mount and simple to remove. Brackets install on your vehicle's frame to provide attachment points for your tow bar. Great Prices for the best tow bar base plate from Roadmaster. Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms part number 521228-1 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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  • Reviews (495)
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Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate - 521228-1

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Ready for Flat Towing: Installs on your frame to create secure attachment points for your tow bar.
  • Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden bracket design keeps the front end looking factory clean.
  • Quick Hookup and Removal: Twistlock arms insert and release with a simple twist—no pins or clips.
  • Built to Last: Computer-cut, all-steel construction with black powder coat resists corrosion.
  • Simple Setup: Custom base plates fit precisely and require no welding for installation.
Made in USA

Features to know about

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

If you like a clean, stock look when you’re not towing, this setup makes it easy. The brackets mount out of sight on the frame, leaving nothing visible once the drawbars are removed. With the arms off, the front end keeps its factory look and stays protected from scrapes and bumps since the brackets sit tucked inside the grille area.

Hook Up Fast and Secure: EZ Twistlock Design

Connecting for a trip takes just a twist. Each arm slides into the bracket and locks in place with a simple turn—no pins or clips required. When you’re done towing, just twist back and pull them out. It’s quick, solid, and built for everyday use without fussing with loose hardware.

Built to Handle the Miles: All-Steel Construction with Powder Coat Finish

You want strength you can count on mile after mile. The computer-cut, all-steel build gives this kit exceptional strength while spreading towing forces evenly across the chassis. The black powder coat finish resists corrosion and holds up well against road grime and weather.

DIY-Friendly Setup: Custom Fit with No Welding Required

This base plate bolts directly to your vehicle’s frame using custom mounting points for a precise fit. There’s no welding involved, and all the mounting hardware comes in the box along with instructions to guide you through the process. It’s straightforward work for anyone who likes to wrench on their own rig.

Stay Compatible with Your Tow System: Works with Roadmaster Tow Bars and Quick Disconnects

If you already have a Roadmaster tow bar setup like a Falcon or Blackhawk, this kit fits right in when paired with the Roadmaster Quick Disconnect Tow Bar Base Assembly part #910021-00. The design also works with available adapters if you’re switching between different tow bar systems, giving you flexibility to reuse parts as your setup evolves.

Specs

Construction and Design

  • Bracket design: Hidden bracket design provides improved aesthetics compared with standard brackets
  • Drawbars: Easily removable - just twist and pull
  • Attachment method: No pins or clips required
  • 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
  • Compatibility: Compatible with Quick Disconnects and all Roadmaster tow bars
  • Included items: Instructions and mounting hardware included
  • Manufacturing location: Made in the USA
  • Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Note

  • Note: Fishwire (C58400 - sold separately) are required for complete installation.

521228-1 Road Master EZ Base Plate Kit

Installation Details 521228-1 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Ratings & Reviews

4.8

495 reviews
5 Stars
(424)
4 Stars
(55)
3 Stars
(8)
2 Stars
(1)
1 Star
(7)
Review Sort Icon
by:
Ordered online. Received the parts in 3-4 days and was exactly what I needed.

Thank you for the great service.

Jason
by:
Many reviews for this base plate said they could not hook up the U bolts. I had no problem using the U bolts. I did not tighten any bolts until I had them all in place. Then, I tightened all the nuts and bolts. I marked them with paint so I could see if any of them backed off. After a year, all of them are still tight. We towed our mini 4,000 miles in the first year.
Victoria H. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Victoria H.

12/18/2024

That amazing John! Where did you go on your long adventure?

John S. profile picture

John S.

12/21/2025

I towed my Mini Cooper on a 5000-mile trip this summer. The Base Plates worked great. I had to replace the water pump on the Cooper this required removing and reinstalling the base plates. I inspected them, and after two years and 9000 miles of towing, they are in perfect shape.

by:
Installed without a hitch! Matches up perfectly with the Roadmaster Stowmaster towbar we already had. Beautiful!
by:
Thanks for being a great knowledgeable person about this tow set up. It fit perfect and the directions made it a no brainer
James D. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

James D.

7/8/2026

Love to hear this Thomas, glad we were able to assist. Thanks for stopping by and we appreciate you choosing etrailer! Have you flat towed the vehicle yet?

Thomas profile picture

Thomas

7/10/2026

I towed it 200 miles of winding mountain roads. Worked perfectly @JamesD
by:
It does what it's supposed to do, which actually seems to be special these days. In all seriousness we purchased this for out Liberty, which blew it's ending the first time we tried to go on a big trip. We had it taken off of that Liberty and put on another and that's what it was on for our tip from AZ to Chicago. We have connected and disconnected probably a dozen times and took the arms off to drive around Chicago. It works just like it should and it is nice to not have to worry about at least one item. Hightly recommend this system.
by:
The baseplate fit perfectly and the video was very helpful
by:
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
I installed this base plate system on my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited this weekend. My Jeep had tow hooks which were basically removed and replaced by the base plates in the same location. No modifications to the grill were required and the base plates are no more noticable than the tow hooks were.
Installation was straight forward. Roadmaster forwarded a PDF file of the excellent color instructions with my order confirmation. I was able to view the photographs on my ipad and zoom in where necessary to get more detail.
Overall I would rate the Roadmaster product, instructions and customer service 5 star in every way.
John B. profile picture

John B.

9/19/2013

Did you have to do any drilling on your vehicle to mount this system?

Patrick B. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Patrick B.

9/25/2013

Yes, there will be some drilling involved in the installation. Check the instructions link on the product page for more information about the drilling that will be required. I believe it will just be four 1/2 inch holes.
Bill R. profile picture

Bill R.

5/16/2014

The Roadmaster baseplate and Falcon tow bar are working great with our 2014 Grand Cherokee and Endeavor motorhome. We are in the middle of a 1500 mile trip and have had no problems with the equipment. I have decided that I need to purchase a braking system for the Jeep. Thinking about the Invisi Brake, primarily because it is made by Roadmaster and I had a great experience with your companys customer service when the 2014 Grand Cherokee baseplate kit was being developed. Thanks for the good work.

Rachael H. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Rachael H.

5/27/2014

Thanks for the follow up, very happy to hear that you are pleased with your Roadmaster Base plates. If you are considering the Invisibrake # RM-8700 as a braking system this is a great choice. The installation is a long and involved process and if you are looking for a more simplified installation you might like another Roadmaster product such as the Even Brake # RM-9400. This will serve the same purpose as the Invisibrake, but the portable unit will have to be removed after flat towing your Jeep where the Invisibrake is permanently installed in your tow Jeep.
by:
Seems like a very well-made sturdy product. Instructions were good however the holes did not quite lineup like they were supposed to so I had to do some mild to moderate modification. I like the way it looks without the towbar on the base plate. It’s fairly well hidden.
by:
GMC Terrain
Purchased the towing adapter for my GMC Terrain a few week ago, received it on time & boxed not damaged. Watched the videos’ about three time on how to do it myself and started one evening and finished it the next morning about three hours with Beer Breaks, LoL. All the parts fix perfectly, had no problems with any of the parts, Product is real sturdy and if you don’t know where to look at the bumper you will not see the hide away receiver brackets. Very nice product, do it yourself and save
Up loading two photos if it will let me one is with hide away brackets installed and the other one you can see is my complete tow bar attached to the hide away brackets
Dave R. profile picture

Dave R.

3/15/2016

Larry, Im assuming that youve towed your vehicle by now. Are you still happy with your choice and did you purchase any additional components like the electrical kit, fuse switch..etc Dave R

Larry B. profile picture

Larry B.

3/15/2016

Have been using this tow adapter now for a while and everything works out fine, Easy to connect. I did purchase the Wiring harness from the tail lights to the front of the car instead of making it as I usually do and the connection to the RV from that connection and glad I did, the wiring harness also went easy and very fast.

by:
2014 GMC Acadia
Installed on 2014 GMC Acadia. Very sturdy and heavy duty base plate. I installed it myself. You will need a little automotive knowledge and more tools then the average do it yourself-er. It took about 6 hours, by myself. It looks more intimidating then it turned out to be. You can't see it when not in use which makes it nice for the wife, since it's her car.
Pictures show the tow bar adapter. Sorry, no pictures of adapter removed.
Douglas K. profile picture

Douglas K.

4/8/2021

great

by:
2010 GMC Terrain
Roadmaster base plate for 2010 GMC Terrain. Very detailed instructions, great videos. Product was as described, no holes to drill, just replace factory parts with Roadmaster parts. Everything went together very well. I used the instructions supplied along with the video on my laptop. Hardest part was popping the bumper shroud back on due to colder temperature. I have a fair bit of experience with rebuilding classic cars so have lots tools and reasonable mechanical ability.
Paul D. profile picture

Paul D.

7/14/2017

I have towed my Terrain about 3500 miles with no issues. It tows and tracks extremely well. I put red paint marks on the bolts that are easily seen, so that I can see at a glance if any bolts have loosened up. I use a Roadmaster All Terrain tow hitch and SMI Duo braking system.

by:
Mazda Miata
I received the base plate for my Miata at 4:30 Monday by 7:00 it was installed and ready to go.A great product fit very nicely.Ordering and follow up went great can’t wait to try it out Just need to decide on the tow bar we will use.The Falcon or Sterling .Thank you for a great product and service.
David profile picture

David

11/30/2018

We are very happy with the baseplate and Sterling tow bar we purchased!We have over 10,000 miles with no problems at all.A great product and your company was very easy to work with.Thank You!

by:
easy to follow instructions, took about 3 hours to install. paper template for holes in facia would be great .
by:
2002 Honda Civic
Parts came very quickly. The base plates are really well make and of heavy material. If you watch the video it is a breeze to install. Make sure you have some new clips for your bumper as the old ones will break, not all but some. I ordered clips from Amazon. I used a vibrating saw with cutting blade and it did nice job cutting plastic bumper cover.
William profile picture

William

11/19/2021

They are the boss. So we’ll made.

by:
2010 Honda Fit
Very happy with this product. Installation was pretty easy. I see no reason to pay someone to install this. True you have to take the bumper off and a large metal support beam but it was pretty easy. You just have to take it slow and not get frustrated. The bumper on the Honda Fit is held on with a gazillion little plastic clips and snap joints. Everything fits tight on a Honda so you have to be patient. My only complaint is they don't give you the exact torque settings. I had to consult a shop manual to get the correct torque values. They give a table at the end of the instructions that gives common torque values for various bolt sizes. I thought that was lame they could have given the correct value from the shop manual. Certainly not enough to lower my rating. This bar is awesome and when the drawbars are removed the base plate is almost completely hidden. My wife wanted nothing to show on the front of the car. She was very pleased with it.

In the picture attached the bar is almost completely hidden. All you see are two small black circles. It takes about 2 seconds to mount the drawbars, just twist and go. VERY sturdy. I tow my Honda behind the motorhome with confidence.
by:
It was a very easy install and it did great. Only got to use it for 2 months though before a semi drug his trailer across the back on my toad and totaled the vehicle.
by:
2005 Dodge Dakota
very well made and just getting pickup ready for flat towing. Fast shipping and excellent service. Highly recommend.
by:
2005 Nissan Armada
Even I had to wait almost 2 months, I'm so grateful that I got the Roadmaster base plates and tow bar..:) It is so easy to be mounted and to operate with it... Thank you for the good product.... P.S You don't need to cut anything from the bumper plastic facial...so you can just skip that part from the instructions!
by:
The Roadmaster base Plate kit does what it was designed to do. A difficult install as the Smart ForTwo did not lend itself to an easy base plate engineering design.
Installed it myself though with help from the instructions and etrailer on line instructions. I like the finished base plate. It is barely visible protruding only slightly from the black lower radiator grill (see photo)
by:
2011 Honda Fit
quick on my 2011 Fit (base/non-sport version). Everything fit well (no pun intended).

A few minor changes over the video as my car was slightly different:
- I didn't have to trim anything on the air dam -- the tubes lined up perfectly with the slots on my grill.
- There was a in the wheel on each side where the plastic bumper meets the steel body panel. I didn't realize they were there (they're hidden somewhat) so I ended up cracking the hole this screw was in, but everything came back together nice and tight anyway.

by:
2015 GMC Terrain
Very good product at a great price. Instructions and video are for a 2013 terrain and things were a bit different on my 2015. When all screws and clips are removed the front piece cannot be just pulled forward. There is a rear facing clip and you have to pull to the side to remove from this piece. (pics attached)There was no PS cooler attached in front on mine. Remove washer bottle totally which consists of 2 nuts and 1 bolt otherwise you will never get back up plate for top brackets in. If you remove horns it also makes installing the top brackets much easier.
by:
Easy to install for the do it yourselfer. Good quality and fit. etrailer customer service was great too.
Christopher profile picture

Christopher

6/17/2021

Still working great!

by:
2005 Mini Cooper
Installed on 2005 mini cooper convertible. Choose this base plate for our mini since it provided highest attachment height for tow bar (12 inches off ground, only requires 3 inch drop from back of RV), and attaches to mini frame more substantially that blue ox. Installation directions are nearly perfect, we had to widen holes on passenger side to line up with frame. Modification was approved by Roadmaster.
by:
2007 Mini Cooper S
Very well constructed. Fitting right side took some adjustment, I had to clearance the lower member hole in order to fit the bolt.
I installed the base plates myself, after the prospective mechanic claimed this was the incorrect fitment. Subsequent calls to Roadmaster produced a "No Fit" pronouncement, in spite of the lookup and even the printed instructions. Undaunted, I proceeded, and the fit was successful. YES, this DOES fit a 2007 Mini Cooper S Convertible.
by:
Dodge Dakota
I had my tow car blow its engine in South Dakota while on vacation. It needed to be replaced. I bought a used car and ordered a tow bracket for it and had it shipped to one of my destinations so I could install it there.
Unfortunately that car also broke down but I was able to return it. I asked to return that bracket and etrailer accepted it back.

I found a different car and ordered the bracket for it plus a wiring kit. etrailer shipped those and they were there when I got there.

They were easy to install and fit exceptionally well. After having my wife drive the new tow car for 1000 miles we were happy to get back in the motor home while we traveled.
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See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate

  • Flat Towing Setup Recommendation for a 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual being Towed by a Thor Ace
    When flat towing a vehicle, there are 5 main components that are needed. For a base plate kit I would recommend you get a Roadmaster Base Plate Kit # 521228-1. When choosing a tow bar, you will need one that is compatible with EZ base plates. I recommend the RoadMaster Sterling All Terrain Tow Bar # RM-576. This tow bar comes with safety cables, wiring and quick disconnects as well as being setup for being towed by an RV like your Thor Ace. Next, you will want to consider your lighting...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Automatic and Manual Transmission
    To determine if your 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Automatic can be flat towed you will want to check your owners manual or with the Volkswagen dealer to see if it can and if there would be any restrictions. I checked in our information available and it says the 1982 to 2011 Volkswagen (all models) FWD Automatics can not be flat towed. A tow dolly like the Roadmaster Tow Dolly, part # RM-2050-1, is required. It does say that all Volkswagen 5 speed manual transmissions are safe to tow. The 6...
    view full answer...
  • Base Plate Recommendation for a 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Towed with Demco Tow Bars
    I have a solution for you. First, for a base plate kit you will first want the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit part # 521228-1. Now to use this base plate kit with your Demco tow bars you will need to use the correct adapter. The recommended adapter would be the RoadMaster Tow Bar to Demco Base Plates Adapter # RM-034. I attached a few helpful FAQ articles on flat towing for you to check out as well.
    view full answer...
  • Flat Towing Components Needed for a 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan TDI
    We have exactly what you would need. All you need is the Roadmaster base plate kit part # 521228-1 to connect your Roadmaster Falcon Tow bar part # RM-522 to your 2003 Volkswagen Jetta sedan TDI. You will also need a few other components to complete your flat towing setup. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground. For lighting you can use the bulb and socket kit, # RM-155, and not have to worry about cutting and splicing into...
    view full answer...
  • Base Plate Kit, Tow Bar, Safety Cables, and Wiring to Tow a 2005 Automatice Volkswagen Golf Diesel
    You will be able to tow the 2005 Golf, automatic diesel using a tow bar. But first, you will need to install base plate kit, # 521228-1. You will then need a tow bar compatible with EZ style base plates. The RoadMaster Tracker Tow Bar, # RM-020, will work with these base plates. If you want the base plates to be removable and use the Tracker Tow Bar, you will also need Roadmaster Tow Bar Quick Disconnect Kit, # RM-201. You will also need safety cables and a light kit as required by law....
    view full answer...
  • Can Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit be Used With Other Twistlock Pieces
    I'm not sure what part numbers you are referring to but what I can say is that the twistlock design of the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit # 521228-1 was only meant to be used for this specific base plate kit. If you were to use this with any other product there is no guarantee of a fitment or that it will be safe to use everything normally. With that being said, there are a handful of adapters from Roadmaster that can be used to make this kit fit with other tow bars.
    view full answer...
  • Tow Bar Parts Needed to Switch From Flat Towing a Land Rover To a VW Jetta With a Motor Home
    The Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit, part # 521228-1, you have referenced, are the correct base plates for your 2005 Volkswagen Jetta Old Body. If you have a Roadmaster tow bar like the Falcon or the Blackhawk you will be able to tow the Jetta if you have the Roadmaster Quick Disconnect Tow Bar Base Assembly, part # 910021-00. This is a support bar that will span between the tow bar arms and connect to the tow bar and includes a set of quick disconnects for both the motor home and the Jetta. If...
    view full answer...

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Info for this part was:

Employee Lindsey S
Written by:
Lindsey S
Employee Jeff D
Expert Research:
Jeff D
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Adele M
Updated by:
Adele M
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
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Employee Isabelle B
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