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  1. Tow Bar Base Plate
  2. Roadmaster
  3. Removable Draw Bars
  4. Twist Lock Attachment
  5. Partially Hidden
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
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Roadmaster

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Part Number: RM-524443-5
In Stock
$575.00
Retail:$632.50
You Save: $57.50
Tow Bar Base Plate

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Designed for use with motor-home-mounted tow bars, the direct-connect brackets are virtually invisible, easy to mount and remove, and they eliminate the need for a quick-disconnect crossbar on your tow bar. Installs on your vehicle's frame. Great Prices for the best tow bar base plate from Roadmaster. Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms part number RM-524443-5 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-524443-5

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Ready for Flat Towing: Direct-connect brackets create secure attachment points for motor-home-mounted tow bars.
  • Blends In When Not Towing: Hidden brackets and removable drawbars leave a clean, factory-style front end.
  • Quick to Hook Up: Twist-lock arms click into place and remove easily with built-in pull rings.
  • Built to Last: Computer-cut, all-steel construction with black powder coat resists corrosion over time.
  • Simple Install: Bolts to the frame with included hardware—no welding required for setup.
Made in USA

Features to know about

Clean Front End Look: Direct-Connect Design with Removable Arms

This setup keeps things tidy when you’re not towing. The direct-connect brackets mount on the frame and sit farther back than standard brackets, leaving the front end with a clean, almost invisible look once the arms are removed. With no obtrusive quick-disconnect crossbar to clutter the view, the brackets stay protected within the grille and out of harm’s way from scrapes or bumps.

Quick Hookup Every Time: Twist-Lock Arms with Built-In Pull Rings

Connecting is straightforward and fast. Each drawbar slides into the bracket, twists to lock, and secures in place automatically. When you’re done towing, just pull the built-in ring to release the lock, twist back, and remove the arm. There’s no fumbling or alignment hassle—just a solid connection that goes from locked to ready-to-go in seconds.

Strong Where It Counts: Computer-Cut, All-Steel Construction

The heavy-duty build gives you confidence for long hauls and repeat trips. Each component is computer-cut from steel for a precise fit and finished with a black powder coat that resists corrosion. The design bolts directly to the frame with no welding required, spreading towing forces evenly through the structure for dependable strength mile after mile.

Simplifies Setup: Works with Motor-Home-Mounted Roadmaster Tow Bars

There’s no need for extra crossbars or complicated adapters if you’re already using a compatible system. This base plate kit connects directly to Roadmaster motor-home-mounted tow bars such as the Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, or Falcon 2 that slide into a trailer hitch. It comes complete with installation instructions and all mounting hardware for a straightforward bolt-on fit.

Specs

Features

  • Direct-connect brackets: Provide attachment points for your motor-home-mounted tow bar
  • Streamlined design: Creates supremely clean look
  • No obtrusive quick-disconnect crossbar: Eliminates bulky bar for cleaner appearance
  • Hidden brackets: Sit even farther back than standard brackets
  • Drawbars: Attach and remove quickly and easily
  • Arms: Click to lock in place in brackets
  • Built-in pull rings: Let you unlock arms so you can twist and remove them
  • Computer-cut, all-steel construction: Provides exceptional strength
  • Black powder coat finish: Durable and corrosion resistant
  • Simple installation: No welding required
  • Custom base plates: Ensure a perfect fit for your vehicle
  • Compatibility: Roadmaster motor-home-mounted tow bars only
  • Package includes: Instructions and mounting hardware
  • Country of origin: Made in the USA
  • Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Product Construction

  • Material: All-steel construction
  • Finish: Black powder coat

Design Elements

  • Type: Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
  • Attachment Method: Twist Lock Attachment with Removable Draw Bars
  • Mounting Location: Vehicle frame (partially hidden within grille)

Note

  • Note: Roadmaster direct-connect base plates will only work with Roadmaster tow bars that slide into a trailer hitch, such as the Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, or Falcon 2. These base plates will not work with tow bars that require a hitch ball.

524443-5 Road Master EZ-5 Base Plate Kit

Installation Details RM-524443-5 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles

  • 2015 - 2018 Ford Focus Hatchback - S, SE, and Titanium - without Adaptive Cruise Control
  • 2015 - 2015 Ford Focus Sedan - S, SE, and Titanium - without Adaptive Cruise Control
  • 2016 - 2018 Ford Focus Sedan - without Adaptive Cruise Control



Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.8

3684 reviews
5 Stars
(3209)
4 Stars
(315)
3 Stars
(67)
2 Stars
(30)
1 Star
(63)
Review Sort Icon
by:
The installation of these will always have their challenges, but this one went pretty well. Looks good when completed. Very easy and quick to hook up to the RV when it's time to go. The videos on installation are really helpful as well.
by:
2016 Ford Focus
I installed this base plate on my 2016 Ford Focus Hatchback Titanium with the help of my friends auto lift. If you have a friend that has a lift it sure makes this job easier on the installer. Once installed it is barely visible while not towing. The two little tubes that stick out for towing are removed when not towing or installed for towing in about 15 seconds. Push in and turn 90 degrees to lock in for towing or reverse for not towing. Once these tubes are removed the front of the car looks normal if you werent looking for the receiver tube insert holes.
Larry profile picture

Larry

5/3/2019

The Roadmaster base plate I installed on my 2016 Ford Focus is still working perfectly as is my Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow bar. I also use the Falcon 2 Tow Bar for pulling my Jeep Unlimited 4 door.

by:
2016 Ford Focus
What sold me before buying the EZ5 base plate and SMI supplemental braking system were the on line, step by step, video instructions. With little background experience I was confident that I could install these parts on my own on our 2016 Ford Focus. Also purchased the Falcon 2 tow bar and a wiring kit. Everything exceeded my expectations !!
by:
Ford Focus
Used this tow package to pull our Ford Focus behind our Class C motorhome from PA to ME. Works perfectly
by:
2018 Ford Focus
With this covid-19 pandemic we have not used the motorhome this year, and that is sad.
So I do not have an evaluation of the base plate, however while installing it the quality seems great and no problems are expected. I am confident that should a problem arise etrailer and/or Roadmaster will be there for me. 2018 Ford Focus Titanium.
Stay safe everyone.....
by:
2015 Ford Focus
An excellent tow bar! Our mechanic installed this on our 2015 Ford Focus on Saturday and we love it. Our last tow car was a 2001 Saturn and the bar was bulky and weighty. This is very simple and easy to use. Thanks for your service and excellent communications in letting us know every step of the way when we would receive our package!
Marylou A. profile picture

Marylou A.

2/14/2017

I still give your product a 5 star rating,. This is the easiest tow bar weve ever had and its now a 1 person hook-up instead of 2.

by:
this was a very well made product and fit my car perfect. attached my car to my motor home with no trouble. good directions . great customer service.
Byron H. profile picture

Byron H.

8/4/2020

worked perfectly

by:
It was an easy install for me and it works great !
by:
2018 Ford Focus
by:
by:
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.
by:
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.
Gwendolyn Y. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

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 profile picture

Jeff

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:
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!
by:
Easy to install needed to replace some fasteners as they broke removing front grill was able to get them from Amazon cheap
Gwendolyn Y. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Gwendolyn Y.

2/26/2026

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

by:
Awesome instructions! Install was fairly easy. Product is very high quality and solid construction. Thank you E Trailer!
Heather A. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

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. profile picture

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:
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.
by:
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. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

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 profile picture

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:
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 profile picture

David

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. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

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:
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.
by:
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. profile picture

Gary S.

6/19/2026

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

Heather A. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Heather A.

6/19/2026

@GaryS Thank you for letting us know! What is your favorite adventure so far?
by:
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.
by:
It’s a super strong and wonderfully engineered addition to my new Maverick pickup.. Couldn’t be happier with it!!!!! Well done!!!!
by:
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:
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:
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.
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See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate

  • Parts Needed to Flat-Tow a 2016 Ford Focus
    In order to flat-tow a 2016 Ford Focus with all four wheels on the ground you are going to need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, supplemental braking system, wiring harness, and possible high-low adapter. Before getting started, I highly recommend taking a look in the owner's manual for any specific procedures that must be done while in tow. For a base plate kit, I recommend the Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate Kit part # RM-524443-5 as long as you do not have adaptive cruise control....
    view full answer...
  • How to Tow a 2016 Ford Focus Behind a Motorhome
    For starters, what engine and transmission do you have in your 2016 Ford Focus? If you have the 1.0L I3 engine then the vehicle must be towed on a dolly with the front two wheels off of the ground. If you have the 2.0L I4 engine then the vehicle can be flat-towed with all four wheels on the ground. I will provide options for both engine options below but you need to check the owner's manual for your particular vehicle to see if there are any other flat-towing or dolly towing procedures...
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  • Best Complete Flat Towing System for 2016-2018 Ford Focus
    In order to flat tow your 2016-2018 Ford Focus without adaptive cruise control I recommend starting with the Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM-524443-5. These base plates will give you a really clean look when installed and will work very well with the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - RV Mount - 8K # RM-676. This tow bar is really nice with the integrated LED lights wiring connector and safety cables. To finish the wiring on your...
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  • Confirmation of Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2018 Ford Focus
    It looks like you've got just about everything you'll need, but I'd go a step further and add a charge line kit, part # RM-156-25. Your braking system will draw power directly from the battery, so it would make good sense to use the 12-volt supply from the motorhome's 7-way to keep the battery topped off while towing. The power for the taillights on the Focus will come directly from the motorhome while the vehicle is being towed, so the diode kit included with the # RM-9243-1 combo wiring...
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  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2023 Ford Escape Plug In Hybrid
    For the plug-in hybrid model of the 2023 Ford Escape we only have the Blue Ox base plate kit part # BLU82CR as a confirmed fit. This can easily be used with a Roadmaster tow bar with the adapter part # RM-031. For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. This will splice into your taillight wiring to allow your tow vehicle to control the taillight assemblies of the towed vehicle. This comes with a round 6-way connector...
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  • How to Power Electric Braking System When Ford Focus Battery is Disconnected
    Sorry to hear about your mishap. I cannot offer legal advice, and that is what you may need in addition to the transmission replacement, but it sounds like your installer would be the one with whom you need to have a "heart-to-heart chat". We are familiar with this issue about the owner's manual saying one thing about battery disconnection for flat towing and the requirements for your specific flat tow setup, such as when using a 12V powered braking system like the Roadmaster Even Brake...
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  • Can 2016 Ford Focus be Towed Behind Motorhome
    I pulled up the owners manual of your 2016 Ford Focus and it states that the only way you can tow the vehicle behind a motorhome will be with a tow dolly like the Demco Kar Karddy SS # DM9713045 which would suspend the front drive axle and only the rear wheels would roll.
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  • Parts Needed For Flat Towing a 2017 Ford Focus Without Adaptive Cruise Control
    Honestly, by the time you factor parts cost and labor for installation, you may be able to find a suitable trailer for your car for less. Otherwise, flat towing your 2017 Ford Focus behind a motorhome is a costly scenario and you may be able to get your parts a little more economically, but it isn't going to be by much. Your vehicle also doesn't need the Nighthawk, which will help with savings. I saw you were looking at the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-524443-5 so I am...
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  • Comparing Demco and Roadmaster Base Plates for 2018 Ford Focus Sedan
    You are correct that both the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-524443-5 and the Demco Tabless Base Plate Kit # DM9519324 are confirmed to fit your 2018 Ford Focus without the Adaptive Cruise Control. Starting with the Roadmaster Base Plate Kit # RM-524443-5 you are right that the install process differs between the Sedan and Hatchback (ST) models. The additional support braces that you mentioned are indeed simply due to the difference in design on the two models of the Ford...
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    Image 1 for
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback SE
    You have the basics covered really well so far. The Roadmaster base plate kit part # RM-524443-5 is a confirmed fit for your 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback SE so it would be a great option. I attached an install video for you to check out for this as well. This would work well with the Sterling tow bar part # RM-576 which comes with safety cables. For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. This will splice into your taillight...
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  • Recommended Base Plate for a 2023 Ford Escape PHEV
    Yes, it will be if you use the Roadmaster Tow Bar to Blue Ox Brackets Adapter item # RM-031. This adapter will allow you to connect the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit item # BLU82CR, which is the only one that fits the PHEV 2023 Ford Escapes, and a Roadmaster Falcon Tow Bar like item # RM-520. Some other parts you will need to tow your 2023 Ford Escape PHEV are listed below: Charge Line - Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles item # RM-156-25 Supplemental Braking System - Blue...
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  • Base Plate Recommendation For a 2015 Ford Focus SE Hatchback
    Good news, I can help you pick out the right base plate kit for your 2015 Ford Focus. Staying in the Roadmaster family since you have a Falcon # RM-520, the Roadmaster # RM-524443-5 and the Roadmaster # RM-524443-4 are both great fits for your 2015 Ford Focus SE Hatchback. Both will be compatible with your tow bar, just depends on how you would like the front of the vehicle to look after the install. The difference of the EZ4 and EZ5 is the mounting arms. The EZ5 has the arms that will...
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  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback
    In addition to the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-524443-5 that you referenced and the needed tail light wiring, for which I recommend the Roadmaster Diode Kit # RM-15267, you will need a tow bar, safety cables, and a supplemental braking system to flat tow your 2017 Ford Focus. For the tow bar I recommend the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain # RM-522. This is an excellent tow bar that features a non-binding design for easy hookup even when you're on unlevel ground, extra...
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  • Base Plate For 2018 Ford Focus Compatible With Roadmaster Eagle 8000 Tow Bar
    The older Roadmaster Eagle 8000 is compatible with the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms part # RM-524443-5 which is designed for the 2018 Ford Focus as long as it doesn't have adaptive cruise control. I have attached an installation video for your reference. You will also need wiring, supplemental braking system and possibly a high low adapter. For the wiring, I recommend Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit part # RM-15267 and Roadmaster InvisiBrake...
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  • Can Roadmaster Crossbar Base Plate Arms be Replaced With Direct Connect on '21 Buick Encore GX
    I reached out to Roadmaster, who said for your 2021 Buick Encore GX it was perfectly fine to replace the crossbar arms of the Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit # RM95VR with the direct-connect arms of the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-524443-5. So you can use them without any issue in order to attach your Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar # RM-520.
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  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2017 Ford Focus 2.0L
    The Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate Kit # RM-524443-5 is designed to be used with a Roadmaster tow bar like the Roadmaster Falcon 2 # RM-520 which is rated for 6,000 lbs and is compatible with the EZ5 kit for your 2017 Ford Focus. Finding some equipment at a lower price can be great, but if you are planning on towing your Focus quite a ways multiple times a year then you really don't want to get equipment to just get by. For a complete flat towing setup you will need a base plate kit, tow bar,...
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Info for this part was:

Employee Lindsey S
Edited by:
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Expert Research:
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