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  1. Tow Bar Base Plate
  2. Ford
  3. Expedition
  4. 1998
  5. Roadmaster
FITS 1998 Ford Expedition
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Item # 456-15
Our Price: $485.00
Tow Bar Base Plate
Confirmed to Fit
1998 Ford Expedition

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The best technical support and full tow bar base plate installation instructions. Great price Expedition tow bar base plate and expert service. Ford Expedition, 1998 tow bar base plate by Roadmaster are available from etrailer.com. For expert service call 1-800-940-8924 to order your Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms part number 456-15, or order online at etrailer.com.
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  • Reviews (987)
  • Q & A (0)
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1998 Ford Expedition - Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

  • Roadmaster
  • Removable Draw Bars
  • Hitch Pin Attachment

The crossbar-style hidden brackets attach to your Ford Expedition's frame to provide attachment points for your tow bar. The visible portions of the brackets can be removed when you are not towing.


Features:

  • Hidden bracket design - drawbars are easily removable via 2 pins
    • Improved aesthetics compared with standard brackets
  • 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 tow bars with use of quick-disconnect crossbar (910021-00 - sold separately)
  • Instructions and mounting hardware included
  • Made in the USA
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty


Note: Fishwire (C58400 - sold separately) is required for complete installation.


The square drawbars, or front arms, on the crossbar-style base plate kit are simple to mount and remove, easily securing with hitch pins. 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.



456-15 Road Master XL Base Plate Kit

Installation Details 456-15 Installation instructions

Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms - 456-15

Average Customer Rating:  4.8 out of 5 stars   (986 Customer Reviews)

The crossbar-style hidden brackets attach to your vehicle's frame to provide attachment points for your tow bar. The visible portions of the brackets can be removed when you are not towing.

by:
FordF-150

Looks great installed. I think it will work perfectly for towing my F150 4x4. Took approximately 1 hrs. I removed the bumper, 4 bolts, and installed effortlessly. Nice appearance!



by:



by:

I was pulling my truck using the roadmaster crossbar and to my surpass the towbar broke in half as I was towing. Good thing I was in town only going 20 miles poer hr.



by:

etrailer service is and has always been stellar. My order was correct and was delivered very quickly. The only reason I made this a four instead of a five was that the rear bolt position of both base plate brackets where welded on crooked. Each small plate was at a different angle from each other. In my opinion whoever welded them wasn’t paying attention to quality control. Because I was on a time crunch for my departure on a trip and could not wait for replacements (and I needed the vehicle for local driving) I made the brackets work. Other than that the installation went smoothly and I was able to test tow my 2004 CRV a couple of times without incident.



by:

Base Plate kit was complete and generally straight forward to install. Some instructions and dimensions were not explained in detail as they could have been. Especially the modifications made to the air dam were totally off. Most of the air dam is cut off to fit in front of the base plate. This was installed on a 2014 Chevy Captiva four cylinder car.



by:

Very impressed that they're the exact fabbed fit, and easy to install! These tow base plates are super sturdy!



by:

Item arrived earlier than predicted after viewing a very complete tracking system. The information was very clear and precise. Good job! I am 75 years of age and installed the baseplate myself. Only a couple of minor issues. One pin would not insert. Welding blob in the way. Filed it smooth and problem solved. The video was excellent but was a bit different in that it showed a different method o rear bolt installation, however the instructions on paper showed the correct way. Reinstalling the front clip had presented some difficulty. I suggest really watching the inner fender position relative to the front clip before removal. All said all went well. The finished look is great, (see pictures). Great product!



by:

Item arrived very quickly. It appears to be of excellent quality. The salesman that helped me was very good and had very good knowledge of the product. The installation instructions were a bit vague, but I was able to figure them out. The price of the item was a bit higher than I was expecting.



by:

Quick and easy install. Did not need to drill any holes.
Installed this base on a 2003 Chevrolet Tracker ZR-2.
Highly recommend this towing base.



by:

Highly recommend E-Trailer for all of your towing accessories. Great product, great customer service!!



by:

I've towed with it many times and Zero problems. I did find that moving the car slightly forward after stopping helps relax tension amd.make.disconnect much easier. Overall... I'd say SUPER..!!



by:

Timely receipt and the installation was accomplished easily after watching the video.



by:

Just completed a 6600 mile rod trip, towing the Subaru behind a motor home.

Worked great.



by:

This base plate was installed on a 2008 Kia Spectra. The bracket is strong and not really hard to work with HOWEVER,,,,,,,,,, I am used to the BlueOx base plate which is much easier to "hook up". Unfortunately, BlueOx did not make a base plate to fit my vehicle. That is not a big problem as I'm usually not in any hurry and it only takes maybe 5 minutes longer to "hook up".

The biggest problem with the RoadMaster base plate is that due to the way it is bolted to the frame, it only allows for a 6-inch ground clearance on the front of the vehicle. I have to be very careful with any "dips" in the road, especially on cross streets. Six inches may not sound like much but since the tires are several feet behind the base plate, it reduces that ground clearance greatly. It also will not clear the concrete "stop blocks" in front of many parking spaces.

If you are not very careful and keep this in mind, you may likely bend the frame of your car when you come to one of these sudden impacts. I haven't bent anything yet but it has certainly been shocking when it hits. Most of the time, the impact will cause the base plate to scrape and lift the car to the height to clear the obstacle.

I've attached a picture with a ruler in the view.



by:

It was easy to install, fit well and came with good instructions.



by:

Good information and prompt shipping.
Base
plate is solid and install and use instructions are excellent.
Be warned that product install is drill two holes and install 3 bolts, BUT the entire front panel has to be removed and replaced. Not difficult, but time-consuming.
Seat bracket is solid and install and use instructions are excellent.
Brakemaster kit is good quality, but instructions are not as good as most Roadmaster products. Instructions for air line install are especially weak.



by:

The baseplate and crossbar arrived one day earlier than expected. Directions were included which made the installation pretty easy.
I am happy with etrailers products and will buy from them again.



by:

Everything looks good for us, but we have one more part that we are waiting on before we can install on the truck plus it's raining out here in Washington State. when it's time to put it all together we will take a picture and send it.



by:

Installed on a 2010 Ford Ranger Sport 2wd
Have
towed over 10000 and not one issue. I did the install without one issue, picture perfect, I did use a online video to get a general idea of install otherwise I primarily used manufacturer's. . Be sure to use the recommended/ required locktite product.
Enjoy!!!



by:

The hardest part of the installation is getting the grill off and back on. Of the six preexisting holes all but one lined up the sixth hole was off about a half inch but the car had hit a deer a few years ago.



by:

Very easy to install and works great



by:

Base plate kit was fairly easy to install,all hardware was included and directions were clear! I would definitely buy another to install if ever needed. I do have a car lift making it easier,but would not be bad without,just a little harder on the knees!



by:

My husband and I were able to install the Roadmaster base plates on our 92 Jeep Cherokee in just a couple of hours. It went on pretty much the same as the demonstration video on the etrailer web site. The minor differences were addressed in the printed instructions that were included in our package. We haven't put it to the test yet as we still need to tackle wiring for the Roadmaster Even brake system that we purchased second hand. We will be towing our Jeep with our 93 Safari Trek. Customer service provided by Marty was excellent. I will provide pictures at a later date.



by:

Great product, shipping was FAST. Instructions were adequate, but minimum - this was not surprising, you have to know how to bend wrenches to install something like this yourself.
I had a factory-installed tow hook on each side that had to be uninstalled, but once you remove the front bumper shroud it is easy to remove and all the bolts are easy to remove. Once the hook was out of the way, easy-peasy!



by:

Great product,installation took about 3 hours,instructions were good,go step by step.works well with the roadmaster falcon tow bar.


25
986
Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Tow Bar Base Plate

  • Recommended Base Plate Kit for a 1997-2003 Ford F-150
    The base plate kits for a Ford F-150 will be the same from 1997-2003 with the exception of Lightning, Harley Davidson, and Diesel editions. As long as you do not have one of these editions then I recommend using the Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit part # 456-15 for 4 wheel drive (4WD) models or part # 492-1 for 2 wheel drive (2WD) models. Unfortunately, we do not carry any universal base plate kits therefore this will be your best option. For a tow bar that will work with either set of the...
    view full answer...
  • Base Plate Kit, Tow Bar, Safety Cables, and Light Kit to Flat Tow a 2000 Ford F-150
    To flat tow a 2000 Ford F-150 with a tow bar like the Tow Ready Adjustable Tow Bar, # 63180, you will first need a base plate kit. If you have 4-wheel drive, use base plate kit # 456-15 (will not work with a diesel). If you have 2-wheel drive, use base plate kit # 492-1 (will not work with Lightning models). You would then need to add Roadmaster Base Plate to Tow Ready Tow Bar Adapter, # RM-025, to be able to use the Tow Ready tow bar # 63180. Keep in mind that this tow bar is rated for...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2002 Ford F-150 Super Crew
    The Roadmaster base plate adpater bar is designed to fit base plates that would be on a specific vehicle and does not attach to the vehicle itself. Before you do anything else, consult the truck owners manual to determine if it can be flat towed and if there are any special requirements. To add base plates on a 2002 Ford F-150, if it is a 2-wheel drive model and is not a Harley Davidson or Lightening model then you can use # 492-1 for base plates. For a 4-wheel drive that is not a diesel...
    view full answer...
  • Base Plates, Tow Bar, Wiring, Safety Cables, Braking System to Flat Tow a 2001 Ford F-150
    First, you will need to add base plates to your 2001 Ford F-150. If you have a 2-wheel drive model, you will need # 492-1 (will not work on Lightning models). If you have a 4-wheel drive model (does not include diesels), you will need # 456-15. Next, you will need a tow bar that is compatible with XL style base plates. I have included a link to the available tow bar options that will work. I recommend the RoadMaster Falcon 2, # RM-520, or, you can use the RoadMaster StowMaster, # RM-581,...
    view full answer...
  • How to Connect the Roadmaster Blackhawk 2 All Terrain Tow Bar to a 2002 Ford F-150 4x4
    To connect the Roadmaster Blackhawk 2 All Terrain Tow Bar, # RM-422, to your 2002 Ford F-150, you will first need to install the Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit, # 456-15, on your F-150. The base plate kit provides the attachment point for a tow bar. Once you have the base plate kit installed, you will bolt the vehicle side quick disconnects that are included with the Blackhawk tow bar to the arms of the base plates. The quick disconnects allow you to easily hook-up and unhook the tow bar...
    view full answer...
  • Can 2006 GMC Envoy Flat Tow 2001 Ford F-150
    Looks like the towing capacity of your 2006 GMC Envoy is going to be between 5,200 to 6,100 lbs and it looks like your 2001 Ford F-150 will weigh between 3,935 to 4,994 lbs so the Envoy would be able to tow it. First thing you'll need is a base plate kit confirmed as a fit for your 2001 Ford F-150 which for if you have a 2 wheel drive truck you'd want the part # 492-1 or if you have a 4 wheel drive # 456-15. In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2001 Ford F-150 4WD
    For a base plate kit for your 2001 Ford F-150 you would want the Roadmaster XL part # 456-15. You will need to remove the tow hooks of your truck, but this will fit and work well aside from that. The capacity for your Roadmaster Explorer tow bar is 5,000 lb. You would need to make sure your truck weighs less than that otherwise it would be time to upgrade your tow bar to the Roadmaster Falcon # RM-520. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2002 Ford F-150 Super Crew 4x4 Behind a Motor Home
    First, the Roadmaster base plates # 492-1 will only fit the 2-Wheel drive versions of the 2002 Ford F-150 so it will not work with your 4-Wheel drive model. For a 4-Wheel drive model that will allow you to use the Guardian Rock Guard # RM-4000, use # 456-15. If you also need a compatible tow bar and the truck weighs under 6,000 pounds use the Falcon 2, # RM-520. If it weight between 6,000 and 10,000 pounds use the Blackhawk, # RM-422. And for 10,000 pound safety cables use # BX88197. For...
    view full answer...
  • Supplemental Braking System For 1998 Ford F-150 Being Flat Towed
    It cannot, as the system you mentioned is for trailer brakes; what you need is a supplemental braking system designed for flat towing, and for your 1998 Ford F-150 I like the Brake Buddy Classic 3 Portable Supplemental Braking System # HM39494. This will activate the brakes in your F-150 and is a portable system which means it isn't a permanent install so if you change your towed vehicle you can still use it and not have to buy a brand new system. The other parts needed to flat tow your...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed To Flat-Tow a 2000 Ford Expedition 2WD/RWD
    In order to flat-tow a 2000 Ford Expedition you'll need base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, wiring harness, and supplemental braking system. If you have a RWD/2WD model then you'd also need a drive shaft coupling disconnect which we don't offer but I can point you in the direction where to find one. I will attach the parts below minus the coupling. Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit part # 456-15 (Must Use for StowMaster) Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar part # RM-501 RoadMaster...
    view full answer...
  • Can The Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar Be Used To Flat Tow A 2003 Ford F-150
    The curb weight I'm seeing for a 2003 Ford F-150 is under 5k so the Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar # RM-501 is going to have enough capacity for it, as long as you don't also load up the bed too much. Baseplates are vehicle specific and wouldn't come with the tow bar so you can use the Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit # 456-15. Tow bars must be level when connecting to the baseplate so you could potentially need to purchase a high/low adapter in order to keep it level. I've attached...
    view full answer...

Do you have a question about this Tow Bar Base Plate?


Info for this part was:

Employee Lindsey S
Written by:
Lindsey S
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Adele M
Updated by:
Adele M
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Mike S
Updated by:
Mike S
Employee Isabelle B
Updated by:
Isabelle B

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