Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
(375 reviews)
Price: $485.00
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Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
Item # 246-6
Retail:$550.00
Our Price: $485.00
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Roadmaster Base Plates - 246-6
- Removable Drawbars
- Roadmaster
- Hitch Pin Attachment
Designed specifically for heavy-duty applications, direct-connect brackets install onto your vehicle's frame to provide attachment points for a motor-home-mounted tow bar. Front arms are easily removable when not in use.
Features:
- Hidden bracket design - drawbars are easily removable via 2 pins
- Computer-cut, all-steel construction provides exceptional strength
- Black powder coat finish is durable and corrosion resistant
- Simple installation - no welding
- Custom base plates ensure a perfect fit for your vehicle
- No crossbar needed - faster hookup and sleeker appearance
- Crossbar not required because these direct-connect base plates are designed for strong, heavy-duty applications
- Compatible with all Roadmaster tow bars that slide into trailer hitch receivers
- Instructions and mounting hardware included
- Made in the USA
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Note: Direct-connect base plates will work only with the Roadmaster tow bars that slide into a trailer hitch, such as the Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, and Falcon 2. These base plates will not work with tow bars that require a hitch ball.
Direct-connect brackets do not require a crossbar because of the heavy-duty nature of your vehicle's frame. Thus, installation is simplified, the hookup process is faster, and the total appearance is enhanced.
Note: The EZ Hook safety cables included with Roadmaster's Sterling tow bars will not work with direct-connect base plates. These cables connect to an anchor plate on the Quick Disconnect crossbar, which will not be present when you are using these base plates.
The drawbars, or front arms, on the direct-connect base plate kit are simple to mount and remove, easily securing with 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.
246-6 Road Master MX Base Plate Kit
Installation Details
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 1997 - 2000 Dodge Dakota
- 1998 - 2000 Dodge Durango
Video of Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Video Transcript for Roadmaster Base Plate Installation - 1999 Dodge Durango
Today on this 1999 Dodge Durango we are going to install Roadmaster Base Plate part number 246-6. First thing we are going to do is open up the hood. We are going to have to start removing the bumper. Two bolts on top here and here that we have to remove. Next we are going to remove these two bolts that are underneath the bumper brace. If the vehicle has fog lights, go ahead and disconnect those as well.
Theres this little tab that you pull right here just comes right apart. Now we have to remove this bolt here that hooks up to the under liner. Alright now we will take this and just king of push it away from the bumper. Alright we will remove these plastic rib bits for a shroud right here, at this point we are going to go ahead and remove the bumper if you want to get an extra set of hands to help do that. These two fasteners we have to remove, just pull back on it and slide forward.
Were done on the drivers side, do the same thing on the passengers side. Now this is a plastic grove that we have to remove as well, its a little easier to do when the bumper is off. Alright our next step is going to be to remove these three nuts here, here, and here. This hardware will be reused. Loose up the bolts before you take them off.
Go ahead and make some marks with this bracket here and with the frame so that will help you line it up when you put it back together, because this whole thing is going to become loose. Alright now we will take our frame bracket, and we will take it to the side here and slide it over the bolts. That is a really super tight fit. We found that if you take out the body mount bolt here, you have a little bit more room to work with. Now we can put our body bolt back into place.
Okay we have all of our bolts snugged down. We dont have them torked down yet in case we have to make some adjustments. Alright now you will notice the bottom tab of the frame bracket is about right in here. So you want to get an idea of where the hole is on your frame bracket because you usually have to drill through right here. First we make a pot hole to make sure were in the center of the hole on our bracket, then we will go ahead and drill out to our final hole size which will be inch. Before we install our hardware we are going to take one of our washers and put this between the frame bracket and the frame. Then well take our large flat plate and a 1-3/4 inch long bolt, then a lock washer, and then a nut. Alright now our frame bracket is fully installed. Now we can go ahead and tork down the bolts as specified in the instructions. Alright now we will take the main receiver brace and install it onto the brackets. When you install this, make sure your receiver tubes are on top of the cross tube. With that in place we will go ahead and snug down the bolts. Now go ahead and tork these down as well. Okay and now we can go ahead and reinstall the nuts that clip back in place. Alright now you loosen up these bumper brackets here. We will take a bracket and push them all the way back out, and snug them back up. This will give us some clearance to reinstall the bumper around the brackets. Alright at this point we can go ahead and reinstall the bumper, and you definitely want to have an extra set of hands to help do that. Alright at this point we will go ahead and reinstall the bumper with the bumper brackets on the inside, and the four bolts are on top of the frame. Make sure you have the front brackets installed, they slide into place; install the hitch pin, and then the clip. We will install a clip link for our safety chains right here. With the drivers side done, lets repeat for the passengers side, and with that that will finish our install of part number 346-6 from Roadmaster. .
Customer Reviews
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms - 246-6
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (375 Customer Reviews)
Designed specifically for heavy-duty applications, direct-connect brackets install onto your vehicle's frame to provide attachment points for a motor-home-mounted tow bar. Front arms are easily removable when not in use.by: James 09/18/2023
Works great
by: Joe 03/15/2021
1999 Dodge Durango
The base plate is very strong. Shipping was fast. And the YouTube videos were very detailed and easy to follow. Much better than looking at a photo copied picture that has been copied time and time again which is what most companies furnish with their instructions. We are very happy with our purchase.
by: Richard 12/02/2021
1998 Dodge Durango
Installed on 1998 Durango. Followed the online video. Took about 3 hours working casually by myself. Did not run into issues. Amazing how the arms fit through the existing bumper without any cutting. Well designed.
by: Terry 08/11/2022
by: Richard Forster08/02/2022
Excellent service -- ordered online afternoon of July 13; shipped same day and arrived two days later. etrailer video was helpful in outlining steps for installation - especially fascia removal prior to actual install. Installation took about 3 1/2 hours which includes fascia/grill removal and reinstall. Did need to secure additional fender clips to reinstall fascia - many broke during removal as almost 20 years old -- available aftermarket from Dorman. Order arrived correct with all parts/no damage. Fit was excellent. Will order from etrailer again
by: toothman7901/01/2024
I originally purchased a Blue Ox baseplate to install since I already had a tow bar. Upon removing the front grill, I was surprised to find the used Element I had purchased already had the front bumper caps removed and 2 braces installed. Thanks to the photos on etrailer reviews and product info, I was able to determine that the vehicle had previously had a roadmaster baseplate installed! I purchased this unit and it fit perfectly onto the already installed braces. Seems very solid and high-quality so far.
by: Bruce10/04/2023
The coupling pin point end up being too low relative to the ground. . Therefore to remain within the required 3 inch horizontal limit for the tow bar, a 6 inch drop must be added to the towing vehicle. This creates a significant problem for a motor coach. On rises and falls of the road surface ( speed humps, etc.), the drop of 6 inches creates a rub condition between the drop hitch, safety cable, brake air lines and the road surface. If the adapters where engineered to be extended and the pin coupling points were raised 3-4 inches, the problem would be solved. It appears this designers considered aesthetics more than integrated functionality. Other than the fact that I must disconnect the tow vehicle, remove the tow bar and remove the drop hitch to traverse forward in situations and on many occasions , it is a functional base plate.
by: Judy 04/15/2024
This whole system is great!!! Even being a female, it takes less than a minute to connect or disconnect, just a couple of small receivers stick out of the front of the car. And they are removeable when not towing. My brother even bought a set for his Class C. It is difficult to back up in the Class C, IT is ok as it is quick to disconnect, so no worries.
by: Timothy05/25/2023
Easy install, remove factory tow hooks slide new brackets in, mark and drill 2 half inch holes for each bracket install and torque all bolts, simple install quality Roadmaster product with excellent workmanship.
by: Lawrence 04/17/2024
I have it it over a year now and preforming flawlessly!Install went well. this so much easier than when I was using a tow dolly. flat towing is really the only way to go
by: Sean 03/07/2024
I was shocked at how easy and precise fitting this base plate installed on a 19 year old 2005 Honda Element AWD with +180K miles! I didn't have to trim anything. I did have to use a smaller but same thickness washer on the inside passage side frame rail as the supplied washer was hitting a factory stop plate which I didn't wish to mess with.
by: Truitt01/17/2023
it was delivered in a timely manner, I was able to do the complete installation by my self in my driveway. I love the ease of use, I can connect and disconnect in minutes. I would recommend it to anyone who is going to be towing a dingy!!
by: Eck11/26/2022
Received my order and it contained all parts required to install. Installation was a breeze because each part fit as it was suppose to per installtion instructions which were also very easy to understand. Will do more buisness with etrailer in the future!!
by: Cleveland11/30/2023
Works great . The only problem was having to take the bumper off the Escape . But that’s not the Roadmaster’s fault . The installation was not hard and the instructions were great.
by: Rick07/05/2019
Another great product from etrailer. Arrived on time came with everything I needed. Had to trim a little more plastic trim than I expected but it’s all good. Took me about 3 hours including the wiring to the tail lights and breakaway switch for the brake buddy.
by: Roger 03/17/2024
Easy installation and works as intended. Quick delivery. I’m very satisfied!
by: Tom 01/11/2024
the base plate kit fit very well, I had to do a little bit of grinding but after that it all bolted up well and fits great
by: William02/10/2024
The tow bar worked exactly as expected - Excellent! I towed my Jeep behind my motor home from Tennessee to Maine without any problems! Can't wait to use it again!
by: Rick08/03/2015
Very good fit. Easy to install. Directions were fairly easy to follow. Will be towing behind our Winnebago Journey. This is my 3rd baseplate from trailer. Great company and customer service.
by: Randall 10/06/2023
The base plate was some what easy to install if you can get your arm to bend in odd directions to each bolts needed. That is just a hummer thing. What would be nice is a template for cutting the skid plate to allow the brackets to fit.
by: Larry03/21/2022
Perfect fit for my 2008 Honda Element SC Automatic! There were questions of whether this model was flat towable or not? After researching the heck out of it, I took the chance and I use the Honda 2005 flat tow instructions from the owners manual of that year (there were no engine or tranny changes from 2005 to 2008 that I could see). Perfect! I've now towed my Element over 500 miles without issue. This baseplate and instructions are great. I already had the Roadmaster Falcon 2 tow bar. I use the invsibrake system for the toad brake and love that also.
by: Joe10/05/2021
The parts are correct but didn’t come in the oem packaging that uses styrofoam padding. They clanked around in the etrailer box and the powder is scratched up pretty bad.
Knowing how Roadmaster takes pride in their packaging to receiving them in this condition is pretty disappointing. There was not even paper wrapping them up. The cardboard box is in perfect shape.
by: Kathy M09/27/2017
Excellent product. Easy to install on my 2005 Honda Element. Didn't have to cut anything on the frame or the grill fascia. Went with the Roadmaster over the Blue Ox because it is a less conspicuous baseplate and it wasn't necessary to alter any of the frame/metal on the car. I have a Blue Ox tow bar so I also had to have an adapter kit to hook the two together. Etrailer.com was very helpful getting me the correct parts I needed. Their customer service is A+++.
I have attached 'before' and 'after' pictures (I think). I cut the electrical mount and a few tabs off of the baseplate to give it a cleaner look. I will hide the wires behind the grill and bring them out when in use. Also purchased a few plastic caps to cover tubes.
by: Skip10/14/2023
Bar fit just as advertised a hydraulic floorJack is a necessity of doing the job by yourself all bolt holes lined up perfectly. About an hour and a half start to finish.
by: Dennis01/25/2022
The baseplate went on with relative ease; However, I had to do some modifications accommodate the brush guard. The instructions stated that I needed to remove the brush guard. I was able to work around that, and fixed it so that I could leave the tow bar mounted when arriving at my location. I pull my Suburban behind a diesel pusher motorhome. It Pulls much easier that I thought it would. I don't advise anyone to try this unless they have access to a machine shop, and are ready to drill some holes. It has been in place for over a year and still works good.
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See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Base Plates
- Equipment Needed to Flat Tow 2000 Dodge DakotaYou will first need a tow bar and base plates. The tow bar will fit into the receiver of the motorhome, and attach to the base plates once they are installed on the Dakota. The Roadmaster Falcon 2, part # RM-520 is a good mid-priced option. Either base plate kit # 246-5 or # 246-6 will work with your Dakota, although the 246-5 is compatible with all the tow bars Roadmaster offers. You will also need safety cables, if you do not already have them. Roadmaster offers a coiled set that works...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 1999 Dodge Dakota Behind an RV with a Falcon All-Terrain Tow BarIt looks like you can flat tow a 1999 Dodge Dakota 4x4 if it has a 4 cylinder motor and manual transmission. I cannot verify if any other versions of this truck can be flat towed. You would have to consult the owner's manual. If you end up with a model that can be flat towed then for base plates use # 246-5 or # 246-6. These base plates are compatible with your Falcon All-Terrain tow bar, # RM-522. For safety cables use # RM-645 if you do not already have some. For lighting I recommend...
view full answer... - Recommended Flat Towing Components For A 2000 Dodge Durango For the most economical flat tow setup I have the following recommendations: Tow Bar: etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar # e74ZR. This comes with safety cables included so you won't have to purchase those separately. The shank is adjustable to help keep the tow bar level between the motorhome and Durango with the need of a high/low adapter. Baseplate: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # 246-6. Tow Bar Wiring Kit: Heavy Duty Magnetic Tow Lights # TL21RK. These magnetic lights will...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2001 Dodge Dakota V6 Manual Behind an RVIt does look like you can flat tow your 2001 Dodge Dakota with the V6 motor, 2-wheel drive, and manual transmission. Please consult the vehicle owner's manual for additional information. To flat tow a vehicle you will need base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. For base plates you can use # 271-1. I have linked the instructions for you. For a compatible tow bar I recommend the Falcon 2 # RM-520. I have linked a video featuring this tow bar for you. For...
view full answer... - Parts Needed To Flat Tow 1999 Dodge Dakota Behind Motor HomeFrom our research a 1999 Dodge Dakota 4X4 can be flat towed if it has a manual transmission and 4 cylinder motor. I do recommend to take a look at your particular owner's manual to make sure you can tow your Dakota because I am not sure of your model and there may be specifics in the owners manual that I was not able to find online. If you end up with a model that can be flat towed you will need a base plate, tow bar, tow bar wiring, supplemental braking system, safety cables and possibly...
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