Comparing Roadmaster and Blue Ox Base Plate Kits For 2021 Ford F-150 4WD

Question:

I am wanting to flat tow my new 2021 Ford F-150 4WD and am torn between the Roadmaster and Blue Ox base plate kits. Which one would you use if it was your truck?

asked by: Chris G

Expert Reply:

If I was installing a base plate kit on my 2021 Ford F-150 4WD to flat tow it I personally would go with the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM38VR over the Blue Ox # BLU33FR.

This is simply due to preferring the Roadmaster tow bars over the Blue ox options, though both brands are well known and very reliable so you really cannot go wrong with either option especially since both of these above base plate kits install in a very similar manner, and both have removeable arms so they will look the same once installed.

For a tow bar compatible with the # RM38VR I recommend the Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar # RM-422 due to it having a 10,000lb towing capacity which will be plenty for your F-150 and give you enough extra capacity so you can add a bit of cargo to your truck. I also really like the non-binding arms that allow you to quickly and easily unhook the tow bar from your truck even if you are packed on rough, un-even terrain.

To finish your flat towing setup I recommend the following components:

Safety Cables: Roadmaster 80" Coiled Safety Cables # RM-653

Tow Bar Wiring:Roadmaster Smart Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Wiring Kit for Variable Voltage LED Tail Lights # RM38FR if your truck has LED lights, or the # RM26FR if you have incandescent tail lights.

Supplemental Braking System: Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR W/ Brake-Lite Relay Kit # RM-88400

Lastly you will likely need a high-low adapter to level your tow bar to your tow vehicle so I have included a link a helpful article that goes over measuring for the correct adapter, and a link to our selection of high-low adapters for you to look through.

It is always a good idea to check the recreational towing section of your vehicles owner's manual for any flat tow restrictions or for the special steps required to make your vehicle ready to be flat towed.

I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.