Comparing Direct-Connect and Crossbar Base Plates for 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited

Published 02/21/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3379)

$526.81

Tension Release Tool for Roadmaster Tow Bars with Autowlok Buttons

(97)

$49.17

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

(3250)

$189.08

Roadmaster Universal Magnetic Tow Lights with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

(44)

$83.20

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

(407)

$850.00

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2138)

$484.95

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

(660)

$69.89

Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit

(634)

$60.88

12 Volt Outlet Kit, 20 amps

(343)

$36.44

Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(56)

$1930.00

Question:

Kyle, my mistake on the Falcon. It is a Falcon 5250, not the Falcon 2. Would I need the release tool still? Also, if I went with magnetic tow lights, would that replace the wiring kit and stop light switch kit needed?

asked by: Chris F

Helpful Expert Reply:

The difference between the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5 and Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-4 is how tow bars attach. As the name suggests, you will connect your tow bar straight to the direct-connect base plates while the crossbar style will require you use your tow bar's crossbar or quick-disconnect. This makes the direct-connect the easiest base plate to connect to and disconnect from.

Because of that, for your 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler Unlimited I highly recommend the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5.

These will work with your Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar # RM-520, but with this tow bar specifically you are definitely going to want to use the RoadMaster Release Tool for Motor Home Mounted Tow Bars # RM-066 because it is a significant help when you are attempting to unlock the collars of the tow bar if they start to bind. As a reminder, you do also need safety chains, the RoadMaster 68" Coiled Safety Cables # RM-643.

The wiring you need for your '18 Wrangler Unlimited is the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267, and I have added a link showing you an install in a 2018 Wrangler Unlimited.

The Roadmaster 9700 Portable Supplemental Braking System # RM-9400 will also work, but you will need the 12 Volt Outlet Kit # RM-9332 and Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751490.

The battery will not drain when you are towing your 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler Unlimited, so the only other thing to keep in mind is that you may need a high-low adapter in order to keep your Jeep level when you are towing it. I've added a link to a help article which shows you how to determine if you need an adapter, as well as a link to our selection of adapters. Additionally, I have added links to instruction manuals, video reviews and installations for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Kyle S

click to enlarge

Chris F.

2/21/2020

Kyle S.

2/21/2020

The Falcon 5250 will absolutely benefit from the RoadMaster Release Tool # RM-066 so I do recommend it with this tow bar. In regards to magnetic lights, you can use those in place of the wiring kit, but the stop light switch will still be needed for your braking system. The magnetic tow lights I recommend are the Roadmaster Standard Magnetic Tow Lights # RM-2120.