bing tracking image
  1. Base Plates
  2. Roadmaster
  3. Removable Drawbars
  4. Hitch Pin Attachment
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Item # 1541-3
Our Price: $485.00
Base Plates

Will this fit?

To see if this custom-fit item will work for you please tell us what vehicle you'll use it with.

Shipping Weight: 47 lbs
Add to cart
In Stock
1541-3 - Hitch Pin Attachment Roadmaster Base Plates
zoom in icon
slider vertical icon
zoom out icon
Comment field cannot be left empty.
Name field cannot be left empty.

Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.

Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.

Product Images

In Use/Installed

Need help with installation?
Locate installers near me
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. 1-800-940-8924 to order Roadmaster base plates part number 1541-3 or order online at etrailer.com. Free expert support on all Roadmaster products. Great prices and Fastest Shipping for Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms. Base Plates reviews from real customers.
  • All Info
  • Reviews (973)
  • Q & A (0)
  • Photos

Roadmaster Base Plates - 1541-3

  • Removable Drawbars
  • Roadmaster
  • Hitch Pin Attachment

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.


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


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.



1541-3 Road Master XL Base Plate Kit

Installation Details 1541-3 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles





Customer Reviews

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms - 1541-3

Average Customer Rating:  4.8 out of 5 stars   (973 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:

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.

Steve

2/12/2024

After a year and probably 5000 + miles the base plate kit is still tight and solid. Thanks eTrailer!



by:
Honda

This base plate works great on the Honda I pull behind my coach. Installation instructions were clear and easy to follow and everything lined up as hoped for so it was a snap. etrailer shipped quickly too so my experience was so positive I have given the site to several others looking for similar type items. I will be using them for any future needs that come up.

Norm B.

12/28/2021

The base plate performed really well and I was very happy with it but sold the car and bought a small truck to tow behind my coach. I still highly recommend etrailer for this type of products and continue to use them for my needs.



by:

The cost of having the baseplate installed on my car was less than anticipated because it fits so well. Only minimal cuts had to be made to the front grill to allow installation of the tow bar. Thanks for a good product.

Roger

7/22/2013

Is there any more equipment needed to complete the installation to make the car towable?Can the installation be completed at home?Are any modifications to the car needed?Does the towbar connect to a standard receiver with a 2 ball?

Patrick B.

7/23/2013

There are a number of things that will still be needed including a light system, in most states a supplemental braking system, and a tow bar. Other parts may be needed depending on the tow bar selected. Tow bars either attach to a traditional ball and ball mount or slide directly into the hitch of the motorhome, it depends on the towbar being used. Bumper cover trimming will be required and varies by year and model. The air temperature sensor is also relocated. I have included a link to a help article on the basics of flat-towing a vehicle.


by:

Good directions fit perfectly on my CRV



by:
Honda

I thankfully went to my mechanic to have this installed, it was very labor intensive to complete the installation. However, upon completion no changes to my grill were needed as the tow bar brackets are in the original openings of the grill.
I've used this item once, and it worked great, easy to use and the car towed great. Very easy to connect and disconnect the tow bar on my Honda.



by:
2007 Honda Element

I am so happy I spent the money on my tow bar, at first I thought I really did it , but after using it on my trip to Oregon , and the ease of disconnecting the car, It was so !!! Worth it I Love it really, can you tell ? I want to also say your company was so good to deal with !! I can highly recommend you guys !.



by:

Fits and works like it should



by:

Hood product worked well



by:



by:



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:

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

Worked great.



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:

Base plate 1910 install on 1999 Landrover disco 2

the base plate arrived fast (as does everything I have ordered from etrailer). It was a bit bent on arrival but Becky sorted me out and offered to replace it but it was easy to bend back (with a 3lb hammer).

The included instructions were great for removing the bumper but nor much else. Possibly because my Landy is a 1999 disco 2 and the pictures were of a 2002.

I have included some pictures of stuff I wish I had known. Firstly I had to loose the recovery loop on the driver side as the base plate would not fit over it. The chassis frame has steel tubes inside the bolt holes so the amount of drilling is minimal (I ordered a drill bit that they suggested but in all honesty could have opened up the holes with a file easily).

You need to oval out the aluminum crush cans before you replce them or the new bolts will not go through. The center mount bolt just needs the plastic mount for the center screw on the scoop cut out and there is a bog square hole on the top of the member (thats why you need to big square piece of steel on the top of the center bolt)

Mine was obscured by the torsion bar so I ended up dropping it to drill out the hole and get the bolt in straight.

It was easy to bolt up to the frame once everything was prepped and do yourself a favour and buy loctite red for the bolts - you don't want to be going in there again.

The bumper template was a good start but I had to reshape mine a lot particularly as the hole on the baseplate ended up halfway through the bumper and I had to do a lot of enlargement at the bottom to attach the safety wires.

The photos should make more sense of some of my description



by:

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



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:

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:

Very easy to install and works 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:

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 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:

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:

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:

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!


25
973
Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Base Plates

  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2008 Honda Element SC
    I went on the Remco site and looked up a 2008 Honda Element. I did not see the SC model excluded anywhere in the application charts. It stated that all models, manual or automatic, 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive, can be flat towed. You will want to look in the owners manual for the vehicle on how it should be towed. The only Blue Ox base plates for the vehicle do exclude the SC model, but the Roadmaster Base plates, # 1541-3 will work with all models. These are XL style base plates which...
    view full answer...
  • Difference between the Roadmaster Falcon and Sterling All Terrain Tow Bar for 2002 Honda CRV
    For your 2002 Honda CRV with brush guard I would recommend XL Plate Roadmaster Base Plate, part # 1541-3. The MX base plate, part # 1541-5 is designed for heavier vehicles and does not require a crossbar, but a crossbar is required on the XL base plate, part # 1541-3. For a tow bar with this application, I would recommend part # RM-576, for your 2002 Honda CRV. Part # RM-576 has a capacity of 6,000 pounds, and is compatible with the XL Base Plate, part # 1541-3. Part # RM-576 already...
    view full answer...
  • Flat Towing Setup Recommendation for a 2002 Honda CR-V with Roadmaster Tracker Tow Bar
    Yes, the Roadmaster Tracker Tow Bar part # RM-020 that you referenced can be used to flat tow a 2002 Honda CR-V that has the correct Roadmaster base plate kit installed on it. If your CR-V does not have the factory brush guard you would want the part # 1541-1, if you have the brush guard you would instead want the part # 1541-3. 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 bulb and socket kit, # RM-155,...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Flat Towing Equipment For A 2002 Honda CR-V
    Both the Roadmaster # 1541-1 and the # 1541-3 are compatible fits for your 2002 Honda CR-V, but these are the older crossbar-style so instead you'll want the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # 1541-5. These direct-connect style base plates provide a quicker and simpler connection. To flat tow you'll also need a tow bar, tow bar wiring kit, braking system, and safety cables. For this I have the following recommendations: Tow Bar: etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster...
    view full answer...
  • Flat Towing Dinghy Setup for 2008 Honda Element with Base Plates and Tow Bar
    For your 2008 Honda Element, I recommend the Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit, # 1541-3. This kit will also work if your Element is the SC edition. I love the hidden bracket design and easily removable drawbars which look much better than the standard brackets. I've attached pictures of this base plate installed on a 2008 Honda Element with the drawbars and without the drawbars so that you can see how the kit will look. The tow bar I suggest for your Element is the Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for Image 2 for
  • Can a 2010 Honda Element EX 4WD be Flat Towed Behind an RV/Motorhome
    According to my research, the 2010 Honda Element is flat towable as is. You will still want to consult the vehicle owners manual for any additional specific information on towing the vehicle. Roadmaster does offer a set of base plates for the 2010 Element, except for SC models. The base plate kit I would recommend is the Roadmaster XL Style Kit, part # 1541-3. Roadmaster has a large offering of tow bars as well. I have added a link to the options compatible with XL style base plates. You...
    view full answer...
  • What Baseplate and Wiring for a 2003 Honda CRV EX to be Towed with RoadMaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar
    The RoadMaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar, part # RM-520, will work with RoadMaster EZ, MX, XL or standard base plate kits. I would recommend part # 1541-1 or 1541-3. These are the XL style and are compatible with more towbars than the MX style. If you do not have a brush guard on your vehicle you would use part 1541-1. If you have a brush guard, you would use part 1541-3. If you buy the RoadMaster Combo Kit part # RM-9243-1, it includes an equivalent to Tail Light Isolationg Diode part # 38955...
    view full answer...
  • Can 2003 Honda CRV All Wheel Drive be Flat Towed behind an RV
    I did some checking and it looks like your 2003 Honda CR-V AWD is flat towable as-is as long as you keep it under 65 mph. For a base plate kit you'll want the part # 1541-1 for if you do not have the brush guard or part # 1541-3 for if you do have the brush guard. 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...
    view full answer...
  • Base Plate Kit for 2007 Mini Cooper Convertible with Roadmaster Tow Bar
    Hey Ronald, we have the Roadmaster crossbar style base plate kit part # 1541-3 that is a fit for your 2007 Mini Cooper convertible and your Roadmaster tow bar.
    view full answer...
  • Base Plates, Wiring, Braking to Flat Tow a 2003 Honda CR-V Behind a Motor Home with Falcon Tow Bar
    Base plates are vehicle specific so you will need to get some for your 2003 Honda CR-V. But first, go ahead and check the owners manual for any additional important information on flat towing it. For base plates, you can use # 1541-1 if your CR-V does NOT have a brushguard. If it does have a brushguard use # 1541-3. Since you have used the Falcon Tow Bar before, you may not need to add safety cables if you already have some. If you do need safety cables use # RM-643. You will also need...
    view full answer...
  • Will Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit Work On 2008 Honda Element SC Model
    The Roadmaster Base Plates, part # 1541-3 are a fit for your 2008 Honda Element SC. These base plates feature a hidden bracket design meaning the drawbars can be removed when you are not towing making the brackets nearly invisible. These base plates are compatible with Quick Disconnects and Roadmaster tow bars. All mounting hardware and instructions are included. Note that when installing, all bolts must be torqued for proper strength.
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed To Flat Tow 2010 Honda Element EX
    According to my research, the 2010 Honda Element is flat towable as is. You will still want to consult the vehicle owners manual for any additional specific information on towing the vehicle. Roadmaster does offer a set of base plates for the 2010 Element, except for SC models. The base plate kit I would recommend is the Roadmaster XL Style Kit, part # 1541-3. In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to...
    view full answer...
  • Will the Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit # 1541-3 Fit my 2008 Honda Element EX
    The Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit # 1541-3 is a fit for your 2008 Honda Element EX and we have it on our website. I have included a link to the base plate kit for you to find on the website. If you will be flat-towing your 2008 Honda Element you will also need Towbar wiring, a supplemental braking system and safety cables. For the supplemental braking system I recommend the Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Supplemental Braking System - Proportional # RM-9400. I recommend the...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Base Plates and System to Flat Tow a 2002 Honda CR-V
    For your Roadmaster Sterling All Terrain Tow Bar # RM-576 on your 2002 Honda CR-V, I recommend the Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # 1541-1 if you don't have the factory brush guard or the # 1541-3 if you do have the factory brush guard. For your wiring, I recommend the Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit # RM-154 along with 6 way connector # A10-6034VP to create a system similar to the # RM-15267 but utilizes the wiring in your tow bar instead of the coiled wire. For...
    view full answer...
  • Tow Bar & Base Plates for 2004 Honda CR-V
    Tow bars are not vehicle specific except in terms of weight capacity but it is generally easiest to use a tow bar and base plate from the same maker since this avoids the hassle and expense of the adapters that are needed to join parts from different manufacturers. If you do not have base plates already you'll probably want to make that selection before choosing a tow bar. We have base plates for your 2004 Honda CR-V shown on the linked page. We have models that will work with or without...
    view full answer...

Do you have a question about this Base Plate?


Info for this part was:

Employee Lindsey S
Written by:
Lindsey S
Employee Michael H
Expert Research:
Michael H
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Adam R
Expert Research:
Adam R
Employee Jeffrey L
Expert Research:
Jeffrey L
Employee Adele M
Updated by:
Adele M
Employee Mike S
Updated by:
Mike S
Employee Isabelle B
Updated by:
Isabelle B

At etrailer.com we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.