bing tracking image
Customer Service My Orders
  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
2012 Ford Explorer
etrailer Installation
We'll connect you with nearby partnered installers who know this exact setup.
SCHEDULE AN INSTALLATION
go
Roadmaster

Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: 52255-1
494 Reviews | 2 Questions
In Stock
$670.00
Retail:$742.50
You Save: $72.50
 Tow Bar Base Plate
Not Confirmed to Fit

2012 Ford Explorer

Will this fit?

To see if this custom-fit item will work for you please tell us what vehicle you'll use it with.

Add to cart
zoom in icon
slider vertical icon
zoom out icon
Comment field cannot be left empty.
Name field cannot be left empty.
By submitting this form, you understand and agree to our Terms of Sale, Website Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.

Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.

Product Images

roadmaster tow bar base plate completely hidden ez kit - removable arms
roadmaster tow bar base plate removable draw bars ez kit - arms
roadmaster tow bar base plate twist lock attachment completely hidden 52255-1
roadmaster tow bar base plate removable draw bars completely hidden ez kit - arms
roadmaster tow bar base plate twist lock attachment completely hidden 52255-1

Show All (5) Product Images

Show Fewer Product Images

In Use/Installed

0 tow bar base plate roadmaster twist lock attachment on a vehicle
0 tow bar base plate roadmaster removable draw bars on a vehicle
0 tow bar base plate roadmaster twist lock attachment completely hidden on a vehicle
0 tow bar base plate roadmaster twist lock attachment completely hidden 52255-1
0 tow bar base plate roadmaster twist lock attachment 52255-1
0 tow bar base plate roadmaster removable draw bars completely hidden ez kit - arms

Show All (6) In Use/Installed

Show Fewer In Use/Installed

etrailer Installation
We'll connect you with nearby partnered installers who know this exact setup.
SCHEDULE AN INSTALLATION
go
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 52255-1 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
  • All Info
  • Reviews (494)
  • Q & A (0)
  • Related Parts
  • Photos

Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate - 52255-1

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Ready for Flat Towing: Provides solid attachment points for safe, reliable towing behind your RV.
  • Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden bracket design keeps the front end looking factory clean.
  • Fast Hookup and Release: Twist-lock arms insert and remove quickly with no pins or clips.
  • Built to Last: Computer-cut, all-steel construction with black powder coat resists corrosion.
  • Simple Setup: Custom fit and bolt-on install require no welding for an easy DIY job.
Made in USA

Features to know about

Clean Look When You’re Not Towing: Hidden Bracket Design

If you like your front end to stay uncluttered when you’re not towing, this setup keeps things looking factory clean. The brackets mount within the grille and stay protected from scrapes and scuffs. Once the removable drawbars are out, the remaining hardware is virtually invisible—no extra bars or bulky pieces in sight.

Quick Hookups Without Pins or Clips: Twist-Lock Removable Arms

Connecting your tow bar is simple and fast with the EZ Twistlock system. Each drawbar slides in, twists to lock, and you’re set—no pins or clips required. When it’s time to disconnect, just twist and pull. That’s all it takes to go from ready-to-tow to road-ready in seconds.

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

The base plate’s computer-cut, all-steel construction delivers strength and precision fitment. The design spreads towing forces evenly through the frame, giving dependable performance mile after mile. A black powder coat finish adds durability and corrosion resistance, so it stays solid over time.

Straightforward Install and Reliable Compatibility

This kit bolts directly to your vehicle’s frame with no welding required. It includes instructions and mounting hardware for a simple install that most DIYers can handle. It also works with Roadmaster Quick Disconnects and all Roadmaster tow bars, so it pairs easily with existing setups.

Ready for Complete Flat-Tow Setups

For a full system that handles every part of towing, this base plate kit (part #52255-1) fits right into a setup that includes a Roadmaster Tracker Tow Bar (part #RM-020), 64" Single Hook Safety Cables (part #RM-645), a Tow Ready Tail Light Isolating Diode System (part #TR118821), and a Roadmaster BrakeMaster System (part #RM-9160). It’s a dependable foundation for reliable flat towing over long distances.

Specs

Features

  • Hidden bracket design: Provides improved aesthetics compared with standard brackets
  • Drawbars: Are easily removable - just twist and pull
  • No pins or clips required: Simplifies attachment process
  • Computer-cut, all-steel construction: Provides exceptional strength
  • Black powder coat finish: Is durable and corrosion resistant
  • Simple installation: No welding required
  • Custom base plates: Ensure a perfect fit for your vehicle
  • Compatibility: Compatible with Quick Disconnects and all Roadmaster tow bars
  • Included components: Instructions and mounting hardware included
  • Origin: Made in the USA
  • Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Note

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

52255-1 Road Master EZ Base Plate Kit

Installation Details 52255-1 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles






Ratings & Reviews

4.8

494 reviews
5 Stars
(423)
4 Stars
(55)
3 Stars
(8)
2 Stars
(1)
1 Star
(7)
Review Sort Icon
by:
2001 Dodge Neon
Good product, fast service
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.
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
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:
Thanks for being a great knowledgeable person about this tow set up. It fit perfect and the directions made it a no brainer
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
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:
Installed without a hitch! Matches up perfectly with the Roadmaster Stowmaster towbar we already had. Beautiful!
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.
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
by:
The baseplate fit perfectly and the video was very helpful
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:
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.
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
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:
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
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
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.
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
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.
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
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:
easy to follow instructions, took about 3 hours to install. paper template for holes in facia would be great .
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.
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
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:
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.
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
William profile picture

William

11/19/2021

They are the boss. So we’ll made.

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:
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.
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
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)
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
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!
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
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.

Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
by:
Easy to install for the do it yourselfer. Good quality and fit. etrailer customer service was great too.
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
Christopher profile picture

Christopher

6/17/2021

Still working great!

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.
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
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.
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
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.
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.
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
25
494
true
Show More Reviews

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

Do you have a question about this Tow Bar Base Plate?
  • Can a 2004 Dodge Neon Manual Be Flat-Towed
    Yes, the 2004 Dodge Neon can be flat-towed if it has a manual transmission. In order to do so, you'll need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, supplemental braking system, and wiring harness. I have attached a list with each of these components below Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit part # 52255-1 Roadmaster Tracker Tow Bar part # RM-020 Roadmaster 64" Single Hook, Straight Safety Cables part # RM-645 Tow Ready Tail Light Isolating Diode System part # TR118821 Roadmaster BrakeMaster...
    view full answer...
  • Can RoadMaster Tracker Towbar Be Used with a 2000 Dodge Neon
    Yes the RoadMaster Tracker Tow Bar will work with a Neon, but you will need appropriate base plates on the Neon in order for the tracker tow bar to attach to it. The Tracker Towbar will fit any RoadMaster standard, XL or EZ style base plates. There is one set of base plates available for your 2000 Neon, and they are the EZ style. Your base plates are part # 52255-1.
    view full answer...

Do you have a question about this Tow Bar Base Plate?


Info for this part was:

Employee Lindsey S
Written by:
Lindsey S
Employee Adele M
Updated by:
Adele M
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Isabelle B
Updated by:
Isabelle B

At etrailer we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.



Product Experts Available Now!
Call 1-800-940-8924