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Roadmaster

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: RM-293-3

3684 Reviews | 4 Questions

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$670.00

Retail:$742.50

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2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

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roadmaster tow bar base plate removable draw bars partially hidden direct-connect kit - arms

roadmaster tow bar base plate hitch pin attachment partially hidden rm-293-3

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SCHEDULE AN INSTALLATION

Designed specifically for heavy-duty applications, direct-connect brackets install onto your vehicle's frame to provide attachment points for a motor-home-mounted tow bar. Front arms are easily removable when not in use. Great Prices for the best tow bar base plate from Roadmaster. Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms part number RM-293-3 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 - RM-293-3

Highlights

Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
Ready for Flat Towing: Creates secure attachment points for a motor-home-mounted tow bar.
Blends In When Not Towing: Removable drawbars leave hidden brackets that stay out of sight.
Built to Last: Computer-cut, all-steel brackets with black powder coat resist corrosion.
Simplifies Hookup: Direct-connect design needs no crossbar for faster, sleeker towing setup.
Easy to Remove Arms: Front arms detach with two pins for quick switch-over between towing and driving.

Features to know about

Built for Long Miles: All-Steel Direct-Connect Strength

When you’re setting up for cross-country towing, you want a base plate that can handle real load forces. This kit uses computer-cut, all-steel construction designed for heavy-duty applications. The brackets bolt directly to the frame, distributing stress evenly and eliminating the need for extra crossbars. The black powder coat finish resists corrosion through rain and road grime, keeping it solid for the long haul.

Clean Front End Look: Hidden Bracket Design with Removable Arms

Once the drawbars are removed, the remaining brackets are virtually invisible. They sit tucked within the grille, protected from scrapes and scuffs and keeping the front end looking uncluttered. Each arm secures with two pins, so you can attach or remove them quickly without tools and maintain a neat, factory-style appearance when not towing.

Simpler Hookups Every Time: No Crossbar Required

Because these direct-connect brackets are designed for strong, heavy-duty setups, they don’t require a crossbar. That means fewer parts to manage and a faster connection process when hitching up your tow bar. The direct-mount system makes alignment straightforward, even when working solo in tight spots.

Straightforward Setup: Bolt-On Installation with Included Hardware

Installation is simple—no welding required. The custom brackets match the mounting points on your vehicle’s frame for an exact fit. Instructions and mounting hardware are included so you can complete the job cleanly and confidently with basic tools in your own garage.

Tow Bar Ready: Compatible Roadmaster Connection

This base plate kit works with Roadmaster tow bars that slide into trailer hitch receivers, including the Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, and Falcon 2. The design ensures a direct fit without extra crossbars or adapters, giving you a clean and dependable interface between your vehicle and your motorhome setup.

Specs

Construction and Design

Material: All-steel construction
Manufacturing process: Computer-cut
Finish: Black powder coat
Bracket design: Hidden bracket design with removable drawbars
Attachment type: Hitch pin attachment
Visibility: Partially hidden when installed

Compatibility

Tow bar compatibility: Compatible with all Roadmaster tow bars that slide into trailer hitch receivers, such as the Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, and Falcon 2
Crossbar requirement: No crossbar needed
Vehicle fitment: Custom base plates ensure a perfect fit for your vehicle

Installation and Hardware

Installation type: Simple installation - no welding required
Included components: Instructions and mounting hardware included
Origin: Made in the USA
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Note

Note 1: Direct-connect base plates will work only with Roadmaster tow bars that slide into a trailer hitch. These base plates will not work with tow bars that require a hitch ball.
Note 2: Direct-connect brackets do not require a crossbar because of the heavy-duty nature of your vehicle's frame. Installation is simplified, hookup process is faster, and total appearance is enhanced.
Note 3: The EZ Hook safety cables included with Roadmaster's Sterling tow bars will not work with direct-connect base plates. These cables connect to an anchor plate on the Quick Disconnect crossbar, which will not be present when using these base plates.
Note 4: Once the drawbars have been removed, the remaining brackets are virtually invisible. On most automobiles, the brackets are mounted within the grille for protection from scrapes and scuffs.

293-3 Road Master MX Base Plate Kit

Installation Details RM-293-3 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles

2010 - 2012 Ram 3500
2010 - 2012 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500

4.8

3684 reviews

5 Stars		(3209)
4 Stars		(315)
3 Stars		(67)
2 Stars		(30)
1 Star		(63)

by: Charles 06/21/2022 One Year Later

by: John 07/15/2026

2026 ford Ranger

Had these installed at Lester’s Automotive in Boerne,Texas…First class service all the way. Paul and his crew worked through lunch for over 4 hours to install these on our 2026 Ford Ranger. Also ran the wire and hooked up my auxiliary tow lights. The price for this was very reasonable and would highly recommend them for all r.v. needs even if not real close to the Boerne area. R.V park within reasonable distance if needed.

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by: Jeff 02/11/2025

2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Etrailer comes through again! This was a great savings as a used kit, but it was even better than the description online. I have installed (4) baseplates on and etrailer.com has given me great videos to watch and good instructions to follow. Couldn't be more pleased with the quality, service and delivery times.

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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 One Year Later

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.

by: James 07/25/2026

2019 Ford Transit T250

This Road Master Direct connect base plate works perfectly for a 2020 ford transit cargo 250! Awesome service from etrailer as usual! The finished product can barely be seen through the front fascia!

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by: Mark 02/25/2026 One Year Later

Easy to install needed to replace some fasteners as they broke removing front grill was able to get them from Amazon cheap

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Gwendolyn Y.

2/26/2026

Looks great, Mark! Where are you off to next?

by: Crystal 03/28/2026

Awesome instructions! Install was fairly easy. Product is very high quality and solid construction. Thank you E Trailer!

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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?

Crystal R.

4/10/2026

@HeatherA I’m a pilot car driver. We escort oversized loads across the country. Thanks to E Trailer I was able to add a High pole to my car expanding my business and bringing in more revenue already. Thanks!

by: Arthur 05/29/2026

2015 Jeep Wrangler

It mounted up just as the instructions said it would. From previous research I was not surprised when some of the mounting did not align perfectly. Had to use a dremel tool to make it work. The product looks very sturdy from its design. I’m happy with it and look forward to RV traveling.

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by: Larry 09/22/2026

Pathetic and just talking to Noah he states he will get to my issue later when he has time!! My car is on jacks all torn apart and I think Roadmaster gas misled advertising. This 523228-5 baseplate is NOT MADE FOR 2026 CHEVY TRAX!!!

Mike L.

9/23/2026

Which trim is your 2026 Chevy Trax? Per Roadmaster, the # RM25EQ (523228-5) fits all trims of the 2026 Trax except the ACTIV trim....

Larry

9/23/2026

The 523228-5 DOES NOT FIT MY 2026 CHEVY TRAX LT! Look at the side braces in your video of a Demco base plate install (upside down "U"). That is what is needed for my install. In Roadmasters install instructions, page 7, items #2, #3 have no frame in that area to bolt to & #5 has only one ho l e on bact end and putting a bolt in that hole leaves 3/4" short of main base plate. I sent pics to verify this to Noah on 9/22 @ 11:46AM. I know, unless you tried this install personally you are going by Roadmaster's word. BE CAREFUL IN SUGGESTING THIS FIT UNTIL YOU VERIFY. I just do not want someone else to have this experience. Thoughts ?

by: David 08/01/2025 One Year Later

Chevrolet TrailBlazer

This works perfect with my Roadmaster tow bar. It was a little difficult to install since I had to remove the front end of the Trailblazer, but with the good directions that came with it and some you tube videos made the installation easier.

David One Year Later

8/2/2026

It’s been a great year. No problems with the base plate. Works great with my tow bar. Towed my trailblazer from Texas to North Dakota and back, and several short trips.

Jerred H.

8/2/2026

@David That is great to hear David! Thanks for coming back and sharing that feedback. I appreciate you taking the time.

by: Marc 04/12/2026

2017 f150
Customer service was very helpful. Easy to install. No bumper or grill cutting however, you do loose your front hooks. Nice low profile.

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by: Gary 06/18/2025 One Year Later

2013 jeep Wrangler

I bought and installed this tow plate one year ago on my 2013 Jeep Wrangler. I bought this particular plate due to the jeep having a Barricade off-road bumper. This plate attaches a bit lower than other plates and prevented having to modify the bumper. Installation was easy involving only hand tools. The plate comes with all needed bolts and attachments. I have towed this Jeep several thousand miles behind my RV with absolutely no issues. As an aside, I use a Roadmaster Night Hawk tow bar which is also an excellent product. Both are expensive, but I believe cheaping-out on safety is no a good idea. I highly recommend this product.

Gary S. One Year Later

6/19/2026

No issues at all. This is a solid piece of equipment.

Heather A.

6/19/2026

@GaryS Thank you for letting us know! What is your favorite adventure so far?

by: Michael 09/25/2025 One Year Later

I have lots of issues with this tow bar. Initial installation was difficult due to a tight fit. Had to have my mechanic cut holes in frame to get bolts attached. After a few times of use the bolts failed causing the bar to fall fwd that then damaged my hitch arms. To fix I drilled new hole through bar and frame securing it with a #8 bolt. To reinforce it I used turnbuckles attached to my bumper. last tow finally went well.

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by: Joe 05/19/2026

It’s a super strong and wonderfully engineered addition to my new Maverick pickup.. Couldn’t be happier with it!!!!! Well done!!!!

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by: John 10/09/2026

The product is great - I gave 4 vs 5 stars only because I had to drill the rear holes out as they did not align with the holes in my frame and I had to drill out the hole in the bracket to align with my frame extension hole, again bracket did not align with the existing hole. However, in general it appears to be a solid mount.

by: TC 10/10/2026

Great Base plate, had to modify the non-oem bumper a little to get the clearance needed to get mounting holes lined up. Once that was done, everything went pretty quickly finished and tested. Towed 600 miles and worked flawlessly. Much better than using the bumper tow points, as they were elevated causing a very bouncy towed on bridge aprons. Bumper tow points also let the towed have minor side to side movement, this does not, so a lot better towing experience.

by: Conrad 10/14/2026 One Year Later

I really like the way it is hidden and doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. My Rubicon X has a metal skid under the bumper that I cut holes in for the base plate tabs to protrude. I made 5 or 6 trips to my shop to get it right. Would be nice if it came with a paper template showing where to trim. It bolted up perfectly and seems well made.

by: Steve B. 09/03/2025 One Year Later

The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit has performed flawlessly over the past year. With almost 10k miles logged during our 3 month trip across the US, the components have remained as installed and operated as expected.

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by: Bob 04/17/2025

2018 Mazda Miata

I installed this base plate on a 2018 Miata RF. I think I recall something about it taking 3.5 hours and my initial estimate was 3.5 days. It actually took a bit longer than that, but I was not pushing myself and did not have the luxury of having the vehicle on a lift but had it up on two ramps for the front wheels.

The order came pretty quickly, probably about 4 or 5 days between the time I placed it and UPS delivered it. The parts were well packaged and it came with a printed set of instructions. I had watched the video install on another Miata and if it weren't for that I'm not sure I would have tried it. I'm not a pro mechanic by any means but have worked on my own vehicles now for over 40 years. And I'm not a spring chicken either, so all the up and down working on the car can tire me fairly quickly. But if you are not in a rush and go carefully it can be done.

It took a day to do most of the disassembly. I removed both headlights and the intake tube on the passenger side. That tube came out much easier then it went back in.

The next day I got the baseplate mounted which helped to start visualizing how it all would work. All of the holes for the 6mm bolts did not quite line up with the holes in the frame. I had to file one sides worth for a bit of extra clearance. From my experience on this install you really want to leave all the bolt on the loose side till you get everything situated.

A couple of days off for rain and the then I got to work on the bracing. Initially I though I didnt need to cut the top lip of the frame but I decided to go ahead and do it anyway since that part didnt seem to sit flat when bolted from the back end. I'm still not sure its really necessary as the hump clears the metal lip without cutting it.

I also ordered a 14" long 1/2" drill bit to cut the holes in the frame. It was a Bosch bit, wasnt very expensive and it went through the metal like the proverbial hot knife. I managed to get all the big bolts installed in a day with a great sense of satisfaction.

The next day I torqued down all the bolts and the mount felt very solid. They stress that you need to install all the bolts, but honestly I can't see the 6mm bolts doing much compared to the half inch bolts that do most or all of the work. But I put them in and tightened them all the same.

A couple of days spent to install the tail light wiring and then I got back on to putting the front clip back on. My car must have had an aftermarket grill since it did not match the pictures or the video. I tried to position it carefully to see where the parts that were going to stick out would be so I didnt cut out more than I needed to. So there was a good amount of back and forth, cut and fit. In the end I had to make some extra cuts for clearance for the safety cable tabs as well as the mount for the 6 wire connector. Until I made the extra cuts the lower part of the front clip would not seat correctly. Getting the clip in the right position so it fits under the lights also takes some finagling.

Figuring out where all the bolts go back in can be interesting. Take pictures where you can. Dont be too aggressive when working with plastic parts. Overall I'm satisfied with the install, but I have yet to try and hook it up to tow.

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Gwendolyn Y.

4/18/2025

Wow, Bob! Thank you for such the detailed review and feedback about how your install went. I also appreciate all the photos you sent as well. I cant wait to hear about how your first tow goes and where you head off to.

by: Roy 03/22/2026

It takes a while. Better if you have a car lift ( we have a lift )

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by: Joe 06/01/2025

2002 Honda CR-V. Easy to install. Two and a half hours, and stopped to eat a sandwich. To install the spacers inside the roll frame on the car I used an extension magnet to reach in there and position them. As you can see NO cutting was needed on the bumper cover!
Now I have to figure out the easiest way to run the wiring for the lights.
Thanks Lauren A for your help!

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Gwendolyn Y.

6/4/2025

Install for the base plate looks awesome, Joe! Unsure if you have a wiring kit yet but there are a few options so I'll go ahead share them with you here in case you don't yet. The most popular kit would be part # RM-15267. This can be difficult to install but it is the most reliable. I've also linked an install video for this kit. Something that still has an integrated look but easier to install I would go with part # RM-155. You do have to drill some holes into the back of the light housing, so if you're okay with doing that, this may be the better kit. Also included an install video for that kit as well. Hopefully the videos will help you get a good idea of how to run the wiring for your lights. Let me know if you have any questions after watching!

Helpful Links

tv-install-roadmaster-diode-kit-2007-honda-crv-rm-15267.aspx

tv-install-roadmaster-tail-light-wiring-kit-2010-honda-crv-rm-155.aspx

by: John 09/03/2025

Very fast shipping, and the install was easy. Great product

John One Year Later

9/4/2026

After a year of towing my truck up and down the east coast with my motorcoach, I am very happy with this product. it looks as good as the day it was installed and works perfect

Lazer S.

9/4/2026

@John Glad to hear it's been working well for you! What has been your favorite place you have gone so far?

by: Alfredo 06/03/2025

Excellent base plate, just as my wife requested, she didn’t want too much metal visible in front of the bumper. Installation instructions were a bit confusing for me, but I’ll clarify, for me.

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Brooke M.

6/9/2025

Glad to hear that, Alfredo! Happy to hear that your wife likes it, too. Way to go on pressing on and getting the install done! Would you have any advice or tips for anyone else looking to do the same install on their '25 Jeep Gladiator?

by: Matthew 04/24/2025 One Year Later

The folks at etrailer are fantastic. I didn't know everything I needed to tow my car behind our RV... but they did! Everything I needed was in the boxes and the videos made it all come together. Thank you to everyone at etrailer!

Brooke M.

4/27/2025

It ain't nothin' but a thang, Matthew! I hope you know we will always be here if you ever have any more projects we can help you with :)

Matthew One Year Later

4/25/2026

Weve been using our Roadmaster set up for over two years and have traveled several thousand miles. All I do is make sure everything is cleaned and lubed. No problems so far.

by: Clark 07/25/2026

2026 chevrolet Colorado

This was a bit of a challenge to install on a 2026 Chevrolet Colorado Z71. One item to be aware of, as you take off the front Facia of the truck for the install, there are two Facia "brakets" that attach to the front fenders that seem like they are use once plastic snaps. Three of the 4 snaps broke off on both sides when I removed the facia. These are about $35 a piece from Chevy and prevent you from making this a 1 day job. Additionally, there are 2 7mm screws/bolts that connect one of the coolers to the back of the bumper support and these are a real problem to get back in - over an hour of time and every 1/4" tool in my arsenal was needed to find a way to get these started. Finally, one of the Connecting Plates (Passenger side) needed to holes to be elongated to enable all the bolts to be started. Finally - you need to put the Brakaway bracket on the driver side, to have enough cable to reach you brake system. Probably have 4 hours in the disassembly and installation of the Direct-Connect Plate. Now waiting a couple days for the plastic brackets from Chevy to complete the install. Good Luck!!

by: Richard 03/10/2024 One Year Later

Good product. If you are reasonably handy and have some tools, you can install this yourself in a few hours. I'm a mechanic, it took me a little over 2 hours to install on my own toad. The fit is good, there are 4 holes you have to drill, otherwise it is plug and play. When you insert and twist lock the tow bar mounts into their sockets they feel a little sloppy but they are secure, and i never noticed any rattle when towing. Overall i give it a 4 out of 5 for easy install and clean look after install. Pic included of installed base plate.

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Richard One Year Later

3/11/2025

I’ve towed the car many times even behind a semi truck a couple times and the base plate and the towbar works flawlessly. I have not had one problem super easy on super easy off very satisfied.

Bryce D.

3/11/2025

@Richard That's really great to hear! Did you take any memorable trips?

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

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

All Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2012 Ram 3500
We can get you set up with all the parts needed to flat tow your 2012 Ram 3500, and you got started on the right track with the correct base plates. I'll list out all the parts required for you to make it easier to order exactly what you need: - Base Plate Kit: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # # RM-293-3 - Tow Bar: Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar # RM-522 - Safety Chains: Roadmaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables # RM-643 - Curt Universal Tail Light...
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Base Plates for Flat Towing 2010 Dodge Ram Laramie 4x4 with Roadmaster Eagle Tow Bar
Per the owner's manual, two wheel drive models cannot be flat towed, the vehicle would need to be trailered. Four wheel drive trucks can be towed with 4 wheels down, but you'll want to carefully follow the procedures outlined in the owner's manual. The folks at Roadmaster tell us that their current base plates are compatible with your 2010 Dodge Ram truck and would work with your Eagle tow bar. If you have a 1500 series, you'd use the # 52289-1 base plate. If you use this base plate, you'll...
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We have a lot of great solutions for towing your 2011 Ram 3500 and your 2011 GMC Sierra 3500. For your tow bar, I recommend the Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All Terrain Non-Binding Tow Bar # RM-422. This tow bar can tow up to 10,000 lbs and features non-binding crossbars to make disconnecting easier. Now for the base plates. For your Ram, I recommend the Roadmaster # RM-293-3. For your Sierra, my recommendation depends on whether you have tow hooks or not. If you do, I recommend the Roadmaster...
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Replacement Swivel Collars For Blackhawk 2 Tow Bar To Attach To Roadmaster Base Plates
We have just what you are looking for to be able to use the Blackhawk 2 Tow Bar, part # RM-422 to your # RM-293-3 baseplates on your 2011 Ram. You will need part # RM-9200-6. These fit on the inner arms of the tow bar and attach to your base plates and then you are good to go.
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Info for this part was:

Expert Research:

Mike L

Written by:

Laura H

Updated by:

Wilson B

Updated by:

Mike S

Updated by:

Isabelle B

Updated by:

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