Roadmaster Direct-Connect vs Crossbar-Style Base Plates for 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Updated 01/17/2020 | Published 01/16/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3470)

$518.54

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(456)

$1404.09

Roadmaster Tracker Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - 5,000 lbs

(82)

$335.00

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord

(3358)

$186.37

Roadmaster Guardian Rock Guard for Towed Vehicles

(57)

$615.00

Roadmaster Tow Defender Protective Screen for Tow Bars with Quick Disconnects

(217)

$615.00

Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - Car Mount - 6,000 lbs

(152)

$960.00

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2160)

$575.00

Roadmaster Sterling All-Terrain Tow Bar - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,000 lbs

(158)

$1375.00

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

(666)

$61.90

12 Volt Outlet Kit, 20 amps

(358)

$37.12

Question:

I have a Roadmaster tow bar and I'm trying to figure out the difference between the EZ5 and EZ4 base plates for my 2020 Wrangler Unlimited with the factory bumper. Which one do I need?

asked by: Jason M

Expert Reply:

The main difference between the Roasmaster # RM-521453-5 (previously known as EZ5) and # RM-521453-4 (previously known as EZ4) base plate kits for your 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, is that the RM-521453-5 is a Direct-Connect style, meaning your motor-home mounted tow bar attaches directly to the base plate's removable arms, without the need for a crossbar. This is the easiest to connect and disconnect, and it also makes your tow-bar about 20 lbs lighter, so the # RM-521453-5 is your best option.

That being said, if you are using the Roadmaster Sterling RM-555 (discontinued), Stowmaster # RM-501 or Tracker # RM-020 tow bar, and/or the Guardian Rock Shield # RM-4000, or Tow Defender # RM-4700, you will need to use the Roadmaster # RM-521453-4, since those require the use of the crossbar and/or quick disconnects. While the Sterling All Terrain # RM-576 is compatible, the included EZ Hook cables will not work, so you will need a set of standard safety cables, like # RM-643, when using it in conjunction with the Cross-Bar style base plates.

I've included photos to show the difference between the Direct-Connect and Cross-Bar styles, as well as a link to our FAQ on Roadmaster base plate kits.

To complete your flat-tow set up you may also consider the following products:

Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Braking System # BLU37TR with 12 Volt Outlet Kit, 20 amps # RM-9332