Difference Between Crossbar-Style and Direct-Connect Base Plates for 2013 Ford Flex

Published 04/02/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3257)

$575.00

Tension Release Tool for Roadmaster Tow Bars with Autowlok Buttons

(97)

$49.22

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Way Flat Connectors

(3104)

$102.80

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

(396)

$850.00

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2110)

$575.00

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

(645)

$67.75

Roadmaster InvisiBrake Flat Tow Brake System - Preset

(280)

$1380.00

Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles

(684)

$47.30

Question:

I have noticed that some base plates have a cross bar and some do not,. It says in the description here that tow bars that mount to a motor home without a hitch ball do not require a crossbar, the installation for this shows a cross bar. are there advantages to one? or do some autos require a crossbar?

asked by: Steve A

Expert Reply:

The only difference between a crossbar-style base plate and direct-connect style of base plate is the type of tow bar that is compatible. There are no vehicles that require a crossbar and what the description says of the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-524435-5 is that they "will only work with Roadmaster tow bars that slide into a trailer hitch ... These base plates will not work with tow bars that require a hitch ball."

For your 2013 Ford Flex, you can use either the Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-524435-5 or Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit # RM-524435-4, although if it were my '13 Flex I would go with the direct-connect because it is easier to attach a tow bar with its pin and clips. The other parts you need to flat tow your 2013 Ford Flex are:

- Tow Bar: Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar # RM-520
- RoadMaster Release Tool for Motor Home Mounted Tow Bars # RM-066
- Safety Chains: Roadmaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables # RM-643
- Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit # RM-154
- Supplemental Braking System: Roadmaster InvisiBrake Supplemental Braking System # RM-8700
- Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-88400

You may also need a high-low adapter in order to keep your tow bar level, and 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.