Will a Baseplate on a 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 Work w/a Grille Guard?

Updated 01/19/2026 | Published 01/15/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Classic Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms

(280)

$431.56

Westin HDX Grille Guard with Punch Plate - Polished Stainless Steel

(11)

$2006.99

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4671)

$604.95

Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs

(3)

$1179.00

Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2-1/2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs

(3)

$912.19

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

(3224)

$186.65

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms

(24)

$575.00

Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit

(632)

$43.40

Roadmaster Battery Disconnect for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas Only

(382)

$229.05

12 Volt Outlet Kit, 20 amps

(340)

$38.28

Roadmaster Battery Disconnect for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Diesel

(18)

$212.30

Curt RVi Series 4 Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Wireless Monitor - Proportional

(17)

$1595.95

Curt RVi Series Shadow 2 Flat Tow Brake System - Wireless Monitor - Proportional - Fixed

(8)

$1595.95

Question:

Will this work with a front grill guard mounted? I have a Westin HDX on a 2018 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Denali. If not is there an option that will? Demco Classic Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms Part Number: DM9517321

asked by: Todd

Expert Reply:

Hey Todd, thanks for the information! The Demco Classic Base Plate Kit item # DM9517321 is not going to be compatible with Westin HDX Grille Guards like item # 57-3790. All of the baseplates like item # BLU22QR and item # RM-3180-2 for your 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 install in the same location as well. You'll need to remove the grille guard permanently if you want to flat tow your truck.

Here are the parts I recommend for flat towing your 2018 GMC Sierra 2500:

Tow Bar and Safety Chains - Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar for Demco Baseplates item # BLU28QV for a 2" Hitch or item # BLU78QV for a 2-1/2" Hitch

Base Plate Kit - Demco Classic Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms item # DM9517321

Wiring Harness - Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit item # RM-15267

Battery Disconnect Switch - Roadmaster Battery Disconnect for Gas Engines item # RM-766 or Diesel Engines item # RM93MR

Supplemental Braking System - Curt RVi Series Shadow 2 Flat Tow Brake System item # RVI94FR for a permanent install or the Curt RVi Series 4 Portable Flat Tow Brake System item # RVI44FR for a portable system. Both systems are compatible with electric, hydraulic, and air brakes on diesel motorhomes.

Please note you will also need the Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit item # RM-751463 if you go with any permanently installed like item # RVI94FR. This makes sure your braking system isn't applying when it's not supposed to. You'll need the 12 Volt Outlet Kit item # RM-9332 wired directly to the battery to power the portable Curt item # RVI44FR.

High Low Adapter - The tow bar needs to be within 3" of level. If you measure the height of the inside top of the hitch receiver tube on your RV, and the height difference is more than 3 inches above/below the base plate tab height, you'll need a high/low adapter. I have linked a FAQ article that explains all this in more detail along with our selection of adapters.

What kind of motorhome do you have?

You can add this information, along with any other questions you have, where it says Reply to Jerred H.

expert reply by: Jerred H

DM9517321
(click to enlarge)

57-3795
(click to enlarge)

Todd

1/16/2026

I have a 2018 Newmar London Aire. if you disconnect the batteries, (it will take 2 disconnects) how does the portable brake applicator get its power? From the 7 way cord from the motorhome?

Todd

1/16/2026

@Todd With the size of the 2500HD, why not use the Apollo draw for its heavier weight rating?

Jerred H.

1/19/2026

@Todd I went off the vehicle weight when recommending the Blue Ox Avail. The Blue Ox Apollo item # BLU22CR you picked up will allow you to load up your Silverado because of the extra capacity.

Jerred H.

1/19/2026

@Todd The Curt RVi Series 4 Portable Flat Tow Brake System item # RVI44FR would draw it's power directly from one of your batteries using the 12 Volt Outlet Kit item # RM-9332. It's not required and those diesel batteries will take awhile to drain but you could install the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit item # RM-156-25 if you're worried about draining your battery. It would wire into the item # RM-15267 connector and draw power from your Newar's 7-Way.