Which Base Plate Kit Will be Easier to Install for 2015 Nissan Versa Note
Question:
I want to tow my Nissan Versa Note manual transmission behind my motorhome. I have looked at the two base plates your site recommends...Blue Ox 1852 and Roadmaster EZ4 Base Plate RM-52357-4A. After looking at diagrams and photos of the two base plates they appear to attach in very different ways. Im handy with tools and will be installing the base plate myself. Can you tell me which of the two base plates is the easiest to install? Since both seem to require drilling attachment holes Im not sure of the ease of installation for each.
asked by: Randy
Expert Reply:
For your 2015 Nissan Versa Note both the Blue Ox base plate part # BX1852 and the Roadmaster part # RM-52357-4A are going to require very similar installs. Both require removal of an extensive portion of the front end of the vehicle. If it were me I would go with the Roadmaster as it seems the instructions are a bit more thorough and there isn't the same amount of fascia trimming as the Blue Ox.
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 2, # RM-520. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.
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 you will install on the front of your towed vehicle and enough coiled wire to go from there to the RV.
And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.
Most likely you will also need a high low adapter so that the tow bar will be level when you are flat towing. I attached a link to a page that has all of the ones we carry.
I have included a couple of helpful links to our articles on flat towing for you. Be sure to consult the vehicle owners manual for more specific information on flat towing your vehicle.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
more information >
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Standard
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Curt Custom Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2008-2011 Honda CR-V
- Video: Roadmaster EZ2 Base Plate Kit Installation - 2014 Nissan Versa
- Q&A: Is Supplemental Braking Really Needed When flat Towing a 2017 Jeep Cherokee
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs
- Shop: Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Flint Hill Goods Magnetic Tow Lights - Red/Amber LEDs
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Roadmaster Tow Bar Wiring - Splices into Vehicle Wiring - RM-15267 Review
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: 44649
- Shop: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Q&A: Recommended Replacement for Atwood Surge Brake Actuator 85778
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Choosing Between the Brake Buddy Select 3 and the Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: 68149
- Search Results: 25580
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Hanger Spacing Dimensions for Installing Double-Eye Leaf Springs on a Trailer
- Video: Blue Ox Patriot Portable Braking System Installation - 2022 Ford F-150
- Search Results: base plates
- Video: Brake Buddy Classic 3 Portable Supplemental Braking System Installation - 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimit
- Article: Roadmaster Vehicle Specific Base Plates