What is the Difference Between Roadmaster Direct Connect and Crossbar Style Base Plates?

Published 10/09/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2125)

$575.00

Roadmaster Bulb and Socket Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - Incandescent

(438)

$83.00

Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs

(401)

$850.00

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3324)

$575.00

RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs

(654)

$71.00

Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch for Towed Vehicles - 20-Amp ATM Mini-Fuse

(357)

$91.24

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

(754)

$1175.00

Question:

Why would I choose the 523173-4 over the 523173-5? I seems like the 523173-5 would be better, since it does not require the crossbar. What is the best tow bar to use with this base plate?

asked by: Brad L

Expert Reply:

To answer the essence of your question before getting into some specifics, the difference between the cross bar and direct connect style of base plate can be broken down like this: the Roadmaster Direct Connect Base Plate # RM-523173-5 is going to provide for an easier connection to your tow bar than the Roadmaster Crossbar Style Base Plates # 523173-4 .

A lot of people stick with Crossbar style base plates because they have an old tow bar they want to continue using from a previously towed vehicle. If you're starting out with flat towing for the first time, I recommend going with the Direct Connect style base plates for their ease of use.

For a tow bar that will work with either crossbar or direct connect base plates, I recommend using the Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar # RM-520 , which is a great product at a great price that will also allow you some flexibility in terms of what kind of baseplates you can connect to it, since it's compatible with both direct connect and crossbar style.

When flat towing, you'll also need some additional components that you may not already have, like safety cables, vehicle light wiring, a supplemental braking system and a high/low adapter.

For safety cables I recommend the Roadmaster Safety Cables for 6000-lb vehicles # RM-643.

When it comes to making your lights work in conjunction with the RVs, I recommend the Roadmaster Tail Light Wiring Kit # RM-155. You will also need a fuse bypass, part # RM76511 and you'll need to pull fuse DLIS FUSE 1 which is located on the instrument panel fuse box- this is going to help make sure that your battery doesn't drain while you're flat towing.

Supplemental braking systems are required by law in most states- so for a supplemental brake system I recommend the Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251 , which activates via the signal from your RVs brake lights and will provide you with an install and forget about it option that works with hydraulic RV brakes.

Lastly, you'll want to tow your Sonic so that it is as level as possible so you can use a high-low adapter. I have attached a link to the adapters we have available- I've attached an article that explains how to measure for which adapter you'll need, as well as a few other helpful articles on flat towing.

This is a lot of information and some of it will change depending on what you're using to flat tow your Chevy Sonic, so please let me know if you have any other questions!