Comparing Roadmaster And Blue Ox Baseplates For A 2020 Kia Soul  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hi Al,

The installation for both the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521643-5 and Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX2727 are pretty much the same when it comes to the installation. The only real difference is that the arms on the Roadmaster will sit right in from of the frame rails whereas the Blue Ox arms are a few inches inward from the frame rails. I personally think the Roadmaster baseplate is a bit less conspicuous with its placement so I'd choose it over the Blue Ox.

If you haven't picked out the rest of your flat towing components then I have the following recommendations for you:

Tow Bar: Assuming you go with the Roadmaster baseplate the etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plates # e74ZR. This tow bar comes with safety cables included and has a built-in rise/drop to help keep it level between the motorhome and Soul. If you go with the Blue Ox baseplate then you'll just need part # e47ZR instead.

Tow Bar Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267. This wiring kit will transfer your motorhome's traffic signals to the tail lights of the Soul.

Braking System: If your motorhome has hydraulic brakes then you'll want the Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo # SM99251. This system will have an indicator light to let you know when the brakes are being applied in the Soul. This light has to tap into the brake light switch, which isn't possible with this vehicle so you'll need to install the Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit # RM58MR to simulate this signal for the red wire on the indicator light.

If your motorhome has air brakes then you'll need the Demco Air Force One Flat # SM99243 instead. This doesn't require tapping into the brake light switch so you wont need a stop light switch kit for this system's indicator light.

I also recommend installing a charge line kit # RM-156-25 to keep your Soul's battery charged while you tow so that you don't have to worry about the battery being dead when you reach your destination.

expert reply by: Kevin C

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