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Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Item # RM-524459-5
Retail:$550.00
Our Price: $485.00
You Save: $65.00
Base Plates

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Designed for use with motor-home-mounted tow bars, the direct-connect brackets are virtually invisible, easy to mount and remove, and they eliminate the need for a quick-disconnect crossbar on your tow bar. Installs on your vehicle's frame. 1-800-940-8924 to order Roadmaster base plates part number RM-524459-5 or order online at etrailer.com. Free expert support on all Roadmaster products. Great prices and Fastest Shipping for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms. Base Plates reviews from real customers.
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  • Reviews (2069)
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Roadmaster Base Plates - RM-524459-5

  • Removable Drawbars
  • Roadmaster
  • Twist Lock Attachment

Designed for use with motor-home-mounted tow bars, the direct-connect brackets are virtually invisible, easy to mount and remove, and they eliminate the need for a quick-disconnect crossbar on your tow bar. Installs on your vehicle's frame.


Features:

  • Direct-connect brackets provide attachment points for your motor-home-mounted tow bar
  • Streamlined design creates supremely clean look
    • No obtrusive quick-disconnect crossbar
    • Hidden brackets sit even farther back than standard brackets
  • Drawbars attach and remove quickly and easily
    • Arms click to lock in place in brackets
    • Built-in pull rings let you unlock arms so you can twist and remove them
  • Computer-cut, all-steel construction provides exceptional strength
  • Black powder coat finish is durable and corrosion resistant
  • Simple installation - no welding required
    • Custom base plates ensure a perfect fit for your vehicle
  • Compatible with Roadmaster motor-home-mounted tow bars only
  • Instructions and mounting hardware included
  • Made in the USA
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty


Note: Roadmaster direct-connect base plates will only work with Roadmaster tow bars that slide into a trailer hitch, such as the Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, or Falcon 2. These base plates will not work with tow bars that require a hitch ball.


The drawbars, or front arms, on this base plate kit are supremely easy to mount and remove. Just insert them into the brackets and twist to lock them in place. To remove each arm, simply tug the built-in pull pin to disengage the lock, twist the arm back and pull it out of the bracket. Once the drawbars have been removed, the remaining brackets are virtually invisible. On most automobiles, the brackets are mounted within the grille, where they remain not only unseen, but protected from scrapes and scuffs as well.



524459-5 Road Master EZ-5 Base Plate Kit

Installation Details RM-524459-5 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms - RM-524459-5

Average Customer Rating:  4.8 out of 5 stars   (2068 Customer Reviews)

Designed for use with motor-home-mounted tow bars, the direct-connect brackets are virtually invisible, easy to mount and remove, and they eliminate the need for a quick-disconnect crossbar on your tow bar. Installs on your vehicle's frame.

by:

Exactly what I needed. Written jbstructuons were spot on and video was very helpful.

David

2/8/2024

No failures. Works as I tended.



by:
Ford Ranger

Great instructions and super easy to install. Installation only took me about an hour on my 2020 Ranger.



by:

This is one of several items I have purchased from etrailer and have been well satisfied with the service. The numerous videos have been extremely helpful as well.



by:

excellent quality, very easy installation. The instructions were great and the [online] videos help also.



by:
2019 Ford Ranger

I installed these plates on our 2019 Ford Ranger. They look and function perfectly. Great quality product



by:
Ford Ranger

My original roadmaster bracket for my 2021 Ford Ranger FX4 cracked. I’ve had the first bracket on the truck for about two years before the failure. Not sure how to make it better.



by:

Excellent product, matched my vehicle completely. Easy to use and store components when not in use.



by:
2021 Ford Ranger

A little harder to install it without a lift, but the video was great and every step was covered. Tip if you are doing it by yourself: Use the box for the kit to rest the bumper on so you can pull the connector.

Scott

3/20/2023

Just returned from a 3 month, 13 stop, 5000 mile trip and have no complaints from the full Roadmaster towing system.



by:
2022 Ford Ranger

High quality construction but in some places the factory finish paint was already scratched off out of the box and after 1-2 uses starting to show rust in those areas. Installation on my 2022 Ranger was straight forward, etrailer's instruction videos were very helpful. (Ryan is the best!) I consider myself pretty handy when given instructions but I sure have never tackled anything like removing a bumper on a brand new truck. The videos gave me the confidence to do so.



by:

Baseplate video was much appreciated. Went on exactly as described.



by:

Simple to install after taking off the needed body parts

Pjtrif

4/6/2023

Works well



by:

Why couldn't I buy a new hitch pin receiver? I had damaged one of the brackets that inserts into the base plate to hold the hitch pin. You would not sell me a bracket. I would have had to buy the whole kit just to get a bracket.

Etrailer Expert

Sierra K.

12/7/2021

Getting the replacement arms only is a little different than usual. You would have to purchase this item # RM-ARMS then fill out the order form in the instructions so you are getting the right part and wait for it to ship from Roadmaster directly. The good thing is that it is cheaper to go that route if you do not need the whole kit. I will send a note to have customer service reach out to you.



by:
2023 Ford Ranger

Easy to install



by:

Etrailer video made installation a breeze, works as advertised.



by:
2020 Ford Ranger

Great plates for our ‘21 Ranger. Easy installation in place of the OEM tow hooks. Inconspicuous after install. Fast, easy prep for towing. Use standard 40mm boat scupper stoppers to prevent water and dirt intrusion when not towing-much cheaper than Roadmaster plugs and equally effective.



by:
2021 GMC Terrain

Base plates fit perfectly into my roadmaster all terrain tow bar. Mounting on the truck looks to be pretty straight forward.



by:

Can I say that Roadmaster is concerned with the customer truthfully? Yes. Simple and solid design. Unrelated, there was an issue with another Roadmaster part, and inmediately contacted me to resolve the potential problem with an exchange.



by:

Install on a 2020 Ford Ranger. The product was excellent. The only problem I had was trying to remove the nuts holding the front bumper on. Ford has these bolts embedded in a hard plastic frame that spaces the three bolts on each side. In trying to remove the nuts I got them started then they would neither come on off nor reinstall. The nuts were spinning the bolts. After thinking about the fix I was in I decided to cut the factory bolts off and replace them with 1/2" x 1 1/2" bolts with fender washers. I tried a sawsall with a metal cutting blade and the bolts ate the teeth right off. I put on a Milwaukee thick metal cutting carbide tooth blade and that did the trick. Other than that, which is Ford's fault, everything went as the etrailer videos showed. If you are doing this make sure to spray the exposed bolt threads with WD-40 or something like before you try to remove the nuts.



by:
Ford Ranger

Still working fine. Have probably towed my Ranger 5 or 6000 miles behind my motorhome since installing the base plate kit with no problems.



by:

I like doing business with this company. They are very organized, deliver on time, carry good products, and have excellent follow up. The "how to" videos really help if you are a DIYer. This base plate kit arrived as advertised and fit perfect.



by:

I called, and got the right information. Later on that day I ordered online and everything came on time.
The mount, and the wiring kit fit exactly as expected.
I bought several items over the years and I highly recommend etrailer.



by:

We purchased these for our new 2019 Ford Ranger. Installed ourselves with great instructions from Roadmaster and etrailer.



by:

This base kit is very sturdily constructed. Instructions were sufficiently clear so owner/user installation was possible. After a year of use and thousands of miles towing, there have been no problems or concerns. We're very satisfied with this product.



by:

After a full year of use, this product is still going strong. RECOMMENDED!



by:
2023 Ford Ranger

Easy install. Great detailed instructi ons.


25
2068
Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Base Plates

  • Parts Needed To Flat Tow a 2023 Ford Ranger Behind An RV Motorhome
    I recommend using the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-524459-5 on your 2023 Ford Ranger. This base plate uses removable arms so when you are not towing you will still maintain a clean appearance on the front of your Ranger. The Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar # RM-676 is the tow bar I recommend using. This tow bar has integrated lights on the bars which will help with hooking up and disconnecting when it is dark. The Roadmaster Accessory Kit for Nighthawk...
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    It is necessary to have a supplemental braking system installed in your towed vehicle. It is a law in most states in the USA and providences in Canada and if you are traveling through any of them you have to have one. I recommend the Demco SBS Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # SM99251 which is designed to work with RV's that have standard hydraulic brakes like your Sunseeker. This system is permanently installed and once set up will be easy to use. If you are planning on keeping...
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  • Roadmaster Flat Towing Parts Needed for 2021 Ford Ranger
    The correct Roadmaster base plate kit for your 2021 Ford Ranger is the part # RM-524459-5 Steve which also works great with the Roadmaster Sterling Tow Bar part # RM-576 that you are planning on using. For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. This will splice into your taillight wiring to allow your tow vehicle to control the taillight assemblies of the towed vehicle. This comes with a round 6-way connector that...
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  • Does Roadmaster Base Plate for 2021 Ford Ranger Fit with Adaptive Cruise Control
    The Roadmaster base plate kit part # RM-524459-5 that fits your 2021 Ford Ranger does not interfere with the adaptive cruise control of the vehicle.
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  • Recommended Base Plates and Wiring for a 2020 Ford Ranger
    The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part # RM-524459-5 is a great option for a 2020 Ford Ranger (All Models) and what I recommend using. If you don't already have a tow bar, it will pair perfectly with the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar part # RM-676. In regards to the wiring, the Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit part # RM-154 will integrate into the umbilical and trailer connector that comes with the tow bar or it could be used without. If...
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  • Best Parts to Flat Tow a 2019 Ford Ranger
    While you can flat tow a 2019 Ford Ranger, like you mentioned, tow hooks are for emergency towing only and do not have the necessary strength to flat tow this truck, so you will need base plates. The good news is we offer every part you need to flat tow your '19 Ranger, and the best parts to do so are the following: - Base Plate Kit: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-524459-5 - Tow Bar: Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar w/ LED Lights # RM-676 - Wiring Kit:...
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  • 2020 Ford Ranger Base Plate Installation
    When installing the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part # RM-524459-5 or anything similar like wiring it is always a good idea to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent any accidental issues with a plug accidentally grounding when you do not intend it to. To be honest we do not always show doing it when we install items here in the shop but it is the safest way for a majority of vehicles.
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  • Install Video for Base Plate Kit for 2021 Ford Ranger
    For a 2021 Ford Ranger we do have install videos for the Roadmaster base plate kits like the part # RM-524459-5 which I attached to this page, but at this time (November 2021) we do not have any for the Blue Ox # BLU77XR that you referenced. I did attach a link to the install instructions for this kit for you to check out which are very thorough and detailed.
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  • Troubleshooting Roadmaster Base Plate for 2019 Ford Ranger Causing Sensor Issue
    I checked with Roadmaster and they thought that you had possibly trimmed back too much around the active cruise control sensor. If this is the case then a new plastic piece will need to be ordered or take it to Ford to see if it can be re-calibrated. Aside from that they have not had any sensor issues reported with the 2019 Rangers like yours.
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    Generally, If a vehicle has a mechanical odometer, then you will accrue mileage on the odometer, and if you have an electronic odometer it usually does not, unless your towing requirements have the ignition in the ACC position where the electronic odometer is powered. When you test drive that Ranger you could conduct an experiment to verify your specific circumstances. To flat tow your ranger you will need a Roadmaster # RM-524459-5 base plate kit, a Roadmaster # RM-522 "Falcon" all-terrain,...
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  • Parts Needed To Flat-Tow a 2021 Ford Ranger
    In order to flat-tow a 2021 Ford Ranger you'll need base plates, safety cables, tow bar, wiring harness, and supplemental braking system. I have attached my recommendations for these parts below. Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part # RM-524459-5 Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar part # RM-676 (Safety Cables Included) Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit part # RM-15267 Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles part # RM-88400 Demco...
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  • Flat Towing a 2021 Ford Ranger With Adaptive Cruise Control
    Yes, the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit for a 2021 Ford Ranger is part number BX2689 and this is listed on the etrailer site under, # BLU77XR. It is a confirmed fit for all models/trim levels of the 2021 Ford Ranger and includes models with ACC - Adaptive Cruise Control. To flat-tow a 2021 Ford Ranger you need at minimum, base plates, safety cables, tow bar, a wiring solution for indicator lights, and supplemental braking that is required by law. My preferred listing of these items for a...
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  • How Much Does The Roadmaster Direct Connect Base Plate RM-524459-5 Weigh?
    The Roadmaster Direct Connect Base Plate # RM-524459-5 for a 2023 Ford Ranger weighs right about 27 lbs. This is including all of the brackets and hardware.
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  • Best Flat Towing Set Up for a 2023 Ford Ranger
    To flat tow your 2023 Ford Ranger you will need the following parts: Tow Bar and Safety Chains - Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar item # RM-520 and item # RM-643 Base Plate Kit - Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms item # RM-524459-5 Wiring Harness - Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit item # RM-15267 Supplemental Braking System - SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System item # SM99251 or item # SM99243 if your motorhome has air brakes High...
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  • Flat Tow 2021 Ford Ranger With Parts From Colorado
    To flat tow your 2021 Ford Ranger you can use the Roadmaster # RM-524459-5 "Direct-Connect" base plate kit (instead of crossbar style) that will work with the Roadmaster # RM-522 "Falcon" att terrain, non-binding tow bar that you already have. You mentioned that you already have safety cables - other wise see the Roadmaster # RM-645 cables. When your coach and towed vehicle are hitched together on level ground, the tow bar should be within 3” of level, otherwise you will need to add a...
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  • Power for Brake Buddy and Charging Battery on Towed Vehicle
    The Brake Buddy # HM39524 "Select 3" instructions (available at their website) say to not use the 12-volt accessory outlet (the old cigarette lighter outlet) but to rather use the included wiring harness (with included in-line 15 amp fuse) to connect directly to your towed car's battery. I would additionally use the Roadmaster # RM-156-25 Battery Charge Line Kit. This connects to the 12-volt accessory connection on the back of your 6-way connector at the front of your towed vehicle to...
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  • Recommended Base Plate Kit/Tow Bar For A 2022 Ford Ranger 4x4
    Firstly congratulations on the purchase of your new 2022 Ford Ranger! When it comes to the baseplates that we offer that are confirmed to fit your 2022 Ford Ranger I recommend The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-524459-5. I like this baseplate over the others because it has the easiest and quickest hook up and disconnection of a tow bar over the other baseplates that we have. The base plate brackets are virtually invisible and has a simple installation. When it comes to...
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  • Recommended Parts For Flat Towing a 2023 Ford Ranger XLT 4X4
    I completely understand your confusion Jim. As someone who has worked with all the different manufacturers over the years here are the best components which I recommend for you to use. First you will need the Roadmaster Base Plate # RM-524459-5 for your 2023 Ford Ranger. This will connect to your motorhome with the Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar # RM-676. Do understand you may need one of the High/Low adapters from the list below as the tow bars need to be within 3" of level....
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  • Adapter for Using Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar with Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plates
    Absolutely they can. You'll just need the Blue Ox # BX88185 Tow Bar to Roadmaster EZ5 base plate adapter kit (the # RM-524459-5 is an EZ5 type base plate) . I'll link you to a video that shows how the adapters work. The video shows exactly how everything fits together, so installation will be simple.
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  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2020 Ford Ranger
    To flat tow your 2020 Ford Ranger behind your motorhome the base plate kit you'd want is the Roadmaster Direct Connect part # RM-524459-5 which is easy to install and easiest to use overall. I attached an install video for this for you to check out as well on a similar 2020 Ford Ranger. In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. The most popular compatible tow bar is the Falcon All...
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  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2023 Ford Ranger
    To flat tow your 2023 Ford Ranger you will need the following parts: Tow Bar and Safety Chains - Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar item # RM-520 and item # RM-643 Base Plate Kit - Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms item # RM-524459-5 Wiring Harness - Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit item # RM-15267 Supplemental Braking System - SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System item # SM99251 or item # SM99243 if your motorhome has air brakes High...
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  • Does The Roadmaster RM-524459-5 Require Bumper Trimming On A 2023 Ford Ranger
    Yes, you will need to trim the bumper and underbody panel in order to install the Roadmaster base plate # RM-524459-5 on your 2023 Ford Ranger. You are mainly trimming the bottom of the tow hook opening. It should be a fairly minor amount of cutting. I have attached a few pictures showing whereabouts you will need to cut. I have also linked our install video, as well as the manufacturer instructions for your reference.
    view full answer...
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  • Recommended Base Plate Kit for 2023 Ford Ranger
    For your 2023 Ford Ranger I recommend the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-524459-5. This features removable arms with hidden brackets for a clean look when you're not using it. The base plate will work with any Roadmaster tow bars that slide into a trailer hitch like the # RM-676.
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  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2021 Ford Ranger
    We have the other parts you'd need to flat tow your 2021 Ford Ranger but we do not have a remote battery health indicator we can offer. A battery maintainer/charger like the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line kit part # RM-156-25 which would keep the battery easily topped off so that the issue you described would not occur. For a base plate kit that fits your Ranger you'd want the Roadmaster Direct Connect kit part # RM-524459-5. In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible...
    view full answer...


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Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Lindsey S
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Employee Joshua S
Video by:
Joshua S
Employee Dustin K
Video Edited:
Dustin K
Employee Chris R
Video Edited:
Chris R
Employee Zach D
Video Edited:
Zach D
Employee Mike S
Written by:
Mike S
Employee Ryan G
Test Fit:
Ryan G
Employee Isabelle B
Updated by:
Isabelle B
Employee Amanda K
Updated by:
Amanda K

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