Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
(381 reviews)
Price: $460.75
In Stock
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
Item # 3148-3
Retail:$550.00
Our Price: $460.75
You Save: $89.25
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Roadmaster Base Plates - 3148-3
- 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.
3148-3 Road Master MX Base Plate Kit
Installation Details
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 2008 - 2010 GMC Sierra 2500
- 2008 - 2010 GMC Sierra 3500
- 2007 - 2007 GMC Sierra New Body 2500
- 2007 - 2007 GMC Sierra New Body 3500
- 2008 - 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- 2008 - 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
- 2007 - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado New Body 2500
- 2007 - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado New Body 3500
Customer Reviews
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms - 3148-3
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (380 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: 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: Matthew06/01/2024
Really easy install. This is my 4th vehicle I've installed a base plate on so I already had a good idea of what was going to happen. Instructions say the bumper stays on but six 10mm, two 7mm bolts and 4 plastic retainers and you have a ton more access with it off. Everything bolted up real nice.
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: Don06/06/2024
I installed the Roadmaster MX Direct Connect Base plates on my 2001 GMC Yukon XL myself. To ensure I could measure torque with the basic tools I own, I did have to remove all the front body parts like bumper, grill headlights, air dam, etc. I was a little disappointed that two of the horizontal Roadmaster pre-drilled holes did not accurately lined up to the factory horizontal holes in my frame ends. I had to use a drill bit to elongate the holes abount 1/4 in to get the 1/2 in mounting bolts through. Then torqued everything to 56 lb-ft with red threadlock on bolts, nuts. I've towed this 6K lb Yukon since last September, about 9,000 miles on trips and the braces themselves are rated at 8K each, so it's held up well. I did have to work with Roadmaster tech in Wash State to ensure I ordered the correct part numbers as etrailer seemed less certain. But etrailer did provide the parts on time and packaged reasonably well as they're not lightweight items. The rear-most mounting bolt requires the installer to drill a 13mm hole into the cross member connecting front frame box rails. Measure twice, drill once.
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: Charles 05/10/2023
Easy install, instructions were clear
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: 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: Richard05/19/2024
Easy to install. Works great. Probably have 5,000 miles or more now towing with no issues.
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Doug05/31/2024
Was very pleased with the service and got the right product that I needed.
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: 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: 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: 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.
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.
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See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Base Plates
- How To Get Blue Ox Aladdin Tow Bar To Work With Roadmaster MX Base Plate W/Removable ArmsYes. You will need to add an adapter to your Blue Ox Aladdin Tow Bar to get attachment and functionality. You will need to add the Blue Ox Adapter kit Item # BX88185. Links for information and videos attached.
view full answer... - Can 2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD RWD be Flat TowedI did some checking and it looks like your 2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD RWD can be flat towed, but if you have the gas engine you'd need a transmission lube pump kit installed or if you have a diesel you'd need to install a drive shaft disconnect. We do not carry either of these things but we do carry the other flat towing components needed. For a base plate kit you'd want the Roadmaster kit part # 3148-3 which is a confirmed fit. This will work great with the Roadmaster Falcon tow bar...
view full answer... - Base Plates, Tow Bar, Wiring, Safety Cables, and Braking System to Flat Tow a 2010 Chevy SilveradoTo pull your 2010 Chevy Silverado around the farm, it would be best to install base plates on the truck and use a tow bar. Usually, you would need a lot of other accessories to tow in this manner, but if you are keeping it on the farm and off the roads, you can use the minimum. Depending on whether the truck is a 1500, 2500, or 3500 model, there are different base plates available. Since you will be towing a truck around potentially rough terrain, I recommend the more heavy duty MX style...
view full answer... - Do Fuses Need To Be Pulled To Flat-Tow a 2009 Chevy Silverado 2500In order to flat-tow a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 4x4 with all four wheels down you won't need to remove any fuses per the owner's manual. The Chevrolet Silverado is one of the easier vehicle's to flat-tow simply due to the lack of additional components/procedures needed to set the vehicle up like pulling fuses etc. I have attached a list of parts you will need below as well to complete your setup. Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part # 3148-3 Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All Terrain...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500A complete flat towing setup consists of base plates, a compatible tow bar, safety cables, tow bar wiring/lighting, supplemental braking and a high/low adapter (if needed). For base plates I recommend using the Roadmaster Direct Connect Base Plate kit # 3148-3, which has removeable arms to allow you to keep your front end looking clean when you're not towing the truck. For a tow bar, I recommend using the Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar - Motorhome Mount - 2" Hitch...
view full answer... - Flat Towing Recommendations For A 2008 Chevy Silverado 3500 The BX4322 Rangefinder II Tow Bar is only rated to tow 5,000lbs so you won't be able to tow your 2008 Chevy Silverado 3500 using it. Instead I recommend the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - RV Mount - 8K Item # RM-676 instead so you can also have your truck loaded up while towing. This tow bar is non-binding so you'll have a whole lot easier of a time trying to attach and remove the arms to/from the base plates when on uneven surfaces and this tow...
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