Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
(425 reviews)
Price: $485.00
In Stock
Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
Item # 52285-1
Retail:$606.99
Our Price: $485.00
You Save: $121.99
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- All Info
- Reviews (425)
- Q & A (0)
- Photos
Roadmaster Base Plates - 52285-1
- Removable Drawbars
- Roadmaster
- Twist Lock Attachment
Roadmaster's EZ Twistlock series brackets are virtually invisible, easy to mount and simple to remove. Brackets install on your vehicle's frame to provide attachment points for your tow bar.
Features:
- Hidden bracket design provides improved aesthetics compared with standard brackets
- Drawbars are easily removable - just twist and pull
- No pins or clips required
- 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 Quick Disconnects and all Roadmaster tow bars
- Instructions and mounting hardware included
- Made in the USA
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
The drawbars, or front arms, on the EZ series base plate kit are supremely easy to mount and remove. Just insert them into the brackets and twist to lock them in place. To remove, simply twist the arms back and pull them out. 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.
52285-1 Road Master EZ Base Plate Kit
Installation Details
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 2008 - 2015 Smart fortwo
Customer Satisfaction Score:
95% were satisfied with this product
5% of customers were not satisfied
- Too difficult to install
- Manufacturer issue
- Wrong item was ordered
Customer Reviews
Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms - 52285-1
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (425 Customer Reviews)
Roadmaster's EZ Twistlock series brackets are virtually invisible, easy to mount and simple to remove. Brackets install on your vehicle's frame to provide attachment points for your tow bar.by: David 04/24/2023
2014 Roadmaster fortwo
Great people to deal with. Order rec'd sooner than expected and the Roadmaster equipment was excellent.
by: William 04/23/2024
The instructions were very good, the video was excellent. If I could make a recommendation, it was a little lacking at the end. Since the Smart car is virtually held together with push pins a little more time spent putting the car back together wourl have been helpful. I'm all done and I have 2 push pins left over and don't know where they go.
by: Clint12/14/2023
2013 Smart fortwo
Product is great, packaging was rough, the parts were banging into each other inside the box. Box looked like it either had been opened before or had sat in a warehouse for several years.
by: Jim M.08/19/2017
fortwo
The Roadmaster base Plate kit does what it was designed to do. A difficult install as the Smart ForTwo did not lend itself to an easy base plate engineering design.
Installed it myself though with help from the instructions and etrailer on line instructions. I like the finished base plate. It is barely visible protruding only slightly from the black lower radiator grill (see photo)
by: Garold04/07/2022
Great customer service, fair price for a quality product. Would use etrailer again and recommend them if you are considering one of their products.
Garold
4/8/2023
There may not be a lot of people looking for a base plate for a SMART car but if you happen to be one of them this is the product and retailer for you. 9000 miles towed by our class A with no issues.
by: Timothy06/28/2020
Fairly easy install. Just take you time. One person can do it alone just takes time. Lower rocker cover clips broke on mine while removing the trim cover. Mercedes Benz sells them or you can order online - they are cheap. I used lots of red Loctite on all the bolts. I also had the video on my iPad and moved along with it.
by: Robert 10/08/2023
Videos and directions are very clear and easy to follow. Install went smooth and everything lined up like it should. I would recommend this to anyone.
by: Dean 07/13/2023
Have had no problems with this base plate fit my smart car perfectly q. Would recommend to all
by: Robert 04/05/2024
Great product, good price and fast deli very.
by: Gary 01/16/2023
Roadmaster
The Roadmaster EZ base plate kit for my Smart car was just that, EZ. The directions were straight forward and easy to follow. All went well and works great.
by: Peggy04/10/2018
2014 Smart fortwo
baseplate was installed on a 2014 Smart car. installation instructions were well written; however some of the pictures were a little dark. It was installed by my husband and his friend over a period of 2 days. The only special tool that was needed was a 1/2 inch carbide tipped drill to drill through the special hard alloy metal in the frame of the Smart car. It was paired up with a matching Roadmaster tow bar. The only other task was to have wiring run from the lights/taillights/stoplights to hook up the RV lights to the car-this was done by an outside source. At some point I would like to change the Smart car's rear lights to LEDs to sync better with the LEDs used in the RV.
Peggy
4/10/2019
It is still working well with no issues. I have bought LEDs for the rear turn signals, but haven’t installed them yet.
by: Joseph 02/20/2023
2015 Smart fortwo
Great price. Fast free shipping. Solid product. Good recommendation of a local installer.
by: Michael 09/20/2023
heavy well built and best of all on time delivery this will be a convenient addition to my toad making my life much easier.
by: Tony R..11/30/2019
Roadmaster base plate and tow bar is just a perfect combo to tow my car behind my class C mercedes RV. A little over five thousand miles already with no issues at all,with the included
instructions
it was easy to install with basic tools and with the removable bars i take them off when i get back home and I can just drive my car without them and no one can't tell it is a tow car..
by: Holly11/04/2015
2008 Ford Five Hundred
Installed on 2008 Smart Car. EXCELLENT INSTRUCTIONS. Only concern I had was with the instruction to use RED Loctite on all hardware. Normally a good idea but if you do that on a Smart car you would never be able to replace the radiator if it fails. (Radiator replacement requires removal of bumper core/roadmaster baseplate. Red Loctite bolts require 500 degree heat to loosen - it's permanent!) You'll have to weigh the risks for yourself but I used the Blue Loctite - still locks threads but not as strong and bolts can be loosened with ordinary hand tools and normal strength. In all, this baseplate is a well designed product with excellent instructions.
by: Russell 12/26/2021
Thought it was going to be difficult or at least more of a hassle than I'd like, but it went on smoothly and without problem.
Russell
12/27/2022
Great, after install, one doesn’t even notice it is there, but much appreciated.
by: Allen01/25/2017
2009 Smart fortwo
This is a premium quality item. Very well made from heavy materials. I'm still installing the baseplate so I haven't use the tow bar yet but as soon as I took it out of the box, there is no question it's a quality product. I'll review again after my first tow.
There was a slight problem with my delivery in that I didn't receive the "vehicle side" hardware. I contacted etrailer.com and they are sending it out immediately. Really good customer service!
by: Romeo06/15/2021
I love this towbar! I've helped others struggle to disconnect theirs on uneven ground, but on Smart car, I just lift off the crossbar on front of car with ease no matter the stress on towbar.
by: Mike L06/13/2015
2008 Smart fortwo
All items shipped and received promptly. Everything complete. It is important to find someone with knowledge of Smartcars for the installation. Mine was not and had many problems, not with the tow bar but taking the car apart for installation. The bar, quick connects and accessories went together great.
by: Brian10/17/2021
A bit of a tricky install but has been fantastic! Easy to use and transition our Smartie into tow mode. Thanks for staff in getting me the correct bits and pieces into place.
by: David B.05/17/2020
Installation was just as the video described, took 2 of us about 6 hours , if you where not looking for it you wouldn’t even see it when the arms are detached
by: Larry 02/24/2020
2015 Smart fortwo
I received order within 3 days of ordering. Installed as per instructions. Great fit and looks great. You can hardly see where it comes through the lower grille. Would recommend this product to anyone.
by: Roger 07/21/2021
Well designed and manufactured products.
Roger
7/26/2022
well designed product that does what is supposed to do hooking car to tow bar. However, installation was difficult
by: Rick12/08/2017
2009 Smart Fortwo
I used the video to install and having a lift and being a retired mechanic and shop owner, I found the video very detailed and easy to relate to the areas worked on excellent. The install went very well. I just finished this morning and have not towed yet so no pics.
by: Mal R.06/07/2019
Very satisfied with the performance,, easy of use and quality of unit.
Item was delivery in a timely and professional manner
Mal R.
6/8/2020
Very satisfied with the product. When tow bar is removed and tow bar base connectors are removed, receiver sockets to frame are hardly noticeable. Very good product.
25
427
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See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Base Plates
- What Base Plate and Wiring Harness Do You Recommend for Flat-Towing a 2013 Smart fortwo?When choosing a base plate for your 2013 Smart fortwo, I recommend the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # BX1987 over the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # 52285-1 because you will not need to purchase an additional adapter when using the Blue Ox plate with your Blue Ox tow bar. Apart from not needing an adapter, the Blue Ox has a very straightforward installation with a bolt-on process. If you need safety chains with your setup, I recommend the Roadmaster 80" Coiled...
view full answer... - Spacing Between Arms of Roadmaster 52285-1 Base Plates on 2015 Smart ForTwoOnce installed, the arms will be 28-1/2 inches apart, measured center to center as shown in the provided photo..
view full answer...
- Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2014 Smart fortwoFirst let's start with a base plate kit for your 2014 Smart forwo. For that you would want the part # 52285-1 which is a confirmed fit. 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. The telescoping arms and the fact that it stores on the RV and not the vehicle make it one of the easiest to use. For safety cables you can use...
view full answer... - Roadmaster Tow Bar Crossbar and Quick Disconnects for RM52285-1 Base Plate KitAssuming that you have a Roadmaster Tow Bar, you'll want to use # 910021-00, which includes both the crossbar and the quick disconnects, as well as the 3/4 inch diameter linch pin. If you have a different brand tow bar, you'll also need an adapter, as outlined in the chart I've linked. I've linked you to some product description videos for the crossbar/quick disconnect assembly.
view full answer... - Can a 2014 Smart Fortwo Be Flat-TowedYes, the 2014 Smart Fortwo is flat towable with all four wheels on the ground per the owner's manual. There were no specifications for auto/manual trans models. For future reference, this is where you can look in order to determine whether or not a vehicle can be flat-towed and the steps needed to do so. I have attached below the complete parts list needed to complete the task. Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit part # 52285-1 Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar part # RM-522 Replacement...
view full answer... - Recommended Tow Bar Compatible with Roadmaster EZ Base Plates for 2013 Smart FortwoThe Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar # RM-520 is compatible with the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # 52285-1 since it comes with the Quick Disconnect included. This would give you a compatible base plate and tow bar for your 2013 Smart Fortwo. The Falcon 2 does not come with any safety cables included, so you may also need some cables; for that I recommend the RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs # RM-643. A complete flat towing system consists of the...
view full answer... - Can The Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar # RM-520 Tow a 2000 Honda CRV and a Smart Car With an RVThe Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar, part # RM-520, will work on your 35 foot Allegro RV with a tag axle. I spoke with my contact at Roadmaster, and they said you should have no problem using the Falcon 2 tow bar with your tag axle. It has a weight capacity of 6000lbs and can be folded toward your RV when not being used. I am including a link to the instructions on the tow bar and a video review for reference. To tow the 2000 Honda CR-V and a Smart car, you will also need base plates for each...
view full answer... - Recommended Tow Bar for 2015 Smart ForTwoThe # 52285-1 base plate kit is compatible with all Roadmaster tow bars. I'd recommend the Roadmaster Falcon 2, part # RM-520. The Falcon 2 features a self-aligning design that would make hooking up your ForTwo easy without the need to have the car perfectly lined up behind the motorhome. The Falcon 2 actually includes the crossbar and quick disconnects that comprise part # 910021-00, so you wouldn't need to purchase those separately. If you'd care to see an install video for the base...
view full answer... - Recommended Flat Towing System for 2008 Smart CarFor your 2008 Smart ForTwo, I recommend the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # 52285-1. This can be used with a tow bar like # RM-520 and safety cables # RM-643. Then for your wiring, I recommend the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267. This will allow you to utilize the factory wiring without compromising it for a clean look and a clean connection on the front of your Smart car. For your braking system I recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO...
view full answer... - Recommended Flat Towing Setup for a 2013 Smart Fortwo Passion CoupeTo be able to flat tow your 2013 Smart Fortwo you will need a handful of equipment. The Roadmaster Base Plate Kit # 52285-1 will work really well on your Fortwo. It features removable arms so when you are not towing you will still have that nice, clean look. The next thing we will need to look at is a tow bar, like the Sterling # RM-576 from Roadmaster, and wiring, like the Roadmaster # RM-15267. This will help your brake lights still work on your Fortwo while towing. Another thing you...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2015 Smart Car Behind a Motor HomeTo flat tow your 2015 Smart car behind your motor home you will need base plates on the car, a compatible tow bar to connect the car to the RV, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. For base plates I recommend the Roadmaster EZ base plates # 52285-1. These base plates feature removable arms so that the base plates can't be seen when you are just driving the Smart car like normal. For a compatible tow bar I recommend the Falcon 2, # RM-520. It is a very popular tow bar and...
view full answer... - How to Prevent Black Tar Build Up on Front of Smart fortwo When Flat TowingThe best solution to prevent the tar build up on the front of your Smart fortwo will be the Roadmaster Guardian Rock Guard # RM-4000. This will help shield the front of your vehicle from the diesel exhaust build up the same way it does for rocks while also giving you the additional protection from rocks and road debris. I checked and it looks like you have the Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar # RM-520 and Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # 52285-1 so the rock guard will fit your...
view full answer... - Recommended Flat Tow System for a 2008 Smart ForTwoYou can absolutely flat tow a 2008 Smart ForTwo. I recommend starting with the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # 52285-1 and then using the Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar # RM-520. Then I recommend the Roadmaster safety cables # RM-643. You may want the tow bar cover # RM-055-3 to protect your tow bar when not being used. For your tow bar wiring I recommend the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 which will allow you to use your vehicle wiring...
view full answer... - Does a 2014 Smart fortwo Need a Stop Light Switch When Flat TowingEssentially you need both. The diode kit # RM-15267 powers the lights of your 2014 Smart fortwo so that you'll have running, brake, and turn signals while it's being flat towed. Then the Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751437 is used to alert you whenever the brake pedal of the Smart car is being applied. It taps into the brake light switch and makes sure the supplemental braking system is working correctly. In addition to the lighting and stop light switch you'll also need a base plate...
view full answer... - Which Base Plate Installs Easily on a 2013 Smart ForTwo, Blue Ox # BX1987 or Roadmaster # 52285-1Blue Ox rates the installation difficulty for their 2013 Smart ForTwo base plates, part # BX1987, such that an experienced professional installer will typically need 4 hours to complete the install. (First-time installers will usually take significantly longer to complete the process.) The installation of this product requires removal of the front bumper fascia, some trimming of the bumper and air dam and some drilling. The Roadmaster # 52285-1, Base Plates for the 2013 Smart fortwo, according...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2015 Smart fortwo Behind an RV Using Roadmaster Tracker Tow BarTo use the Roadmaster Tracker tow bar # RM-020 with your 2015 Smart fortwo you will need base plates # 52285-1. If you want to be able to remove the crossbar from the tow bar then you would also need to use quick disconnects # RM-201. In addition to the tow bar and base plates there are a few other items needed to properly and safely flat tow the vehicle. First you will need some safety cables, # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground. Next you will need a lighting...
view full answer... - Towing a 2013 Smart fortwo Behind a MotorhomeYou can flat tow a 2013 Smart fortwo, but you cannot tow it using a tow dolly like # RM-2050-1. Your owners manual states that towing with the front axle raised may cause serious damage to the brake system. This is on page 202 of the online owners manual. You will need to flat tow it with all 4 wheels on the ground or tow it on a trailer with all 4 wheels off the ground. Your vehicle is 8.83 feet long by 5.08 feet wide with a weight of up to 1,852 lbs. You can use a utility trailer...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2015 Smart fortwoHey Michael, we can definitely help get you setup with everything you will need to flat tow your 2015 Smart fortwo but at this time we don't have a single part number that includes everything to make it super simple. We've talked about trying to come up with something like that but it just hasn't happened yet. So I'll list everything out you'll need as simply as possible and you can just hit add to cart from this page or click on the links to go to each page: Roadmaster Base Plate kit...
view full answer... - Recommended Flat Towing System for 2015 Smart Car Behind VW Winnebago Rialta MotorhomeYour 2015 Smart ForTwo gasoline with 5 speed automated manual transmission can be flat towed. There are instructions in your owners manual that you will need to follow. For your flat towing system, I recommend starting with the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # 52285-1 and then using the Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar # RM-520. Then use safety cables # RM-643 which will coil to keep them from dragging. For your tow bar wiring, I recommend the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to...
view full answer... - Recommended Flat Towing Components For A 2015 Smart FortwoThe only compatible baseplate kit for a 2015 Smart Fortwo is the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit # 52285-1 which would also be compatible with the etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar # e44ZR that you referenced. I do want to note that this will not be compatible with electric drive models. To transfer your braking and turn signals through the vehicle you'll need the Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Wire to 6-Wire Straight Cord # RM-152-98146-7. The owner's manual...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2012 Smart fortwoLet's start with a base plate kit for your 2012 Smart Fortwo. For that you want the part # 52285-1 which is confirmed as a fit. 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 cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground. For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267,...
view full answer... - How Far Apart Are Drawbars Spaced Apart On Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit #52285-1I contacted our representative at Roadmaster about the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit, part # 52285-1. He informed me that when the removable drawbars are attached, which is what will attach to your tow bar, it measures approximately 28-1/2 inches. Yes, you will be able to attach your adjustable drawbar that is adjustable from 24 to 43 inches. In addition to a tow bar, and a base plate kit, you will need safety cables, wiring or lighting, and a supplemental braking system to complete your...
view full answer... - Can 2008 Smart fortwo be Flat Towed at Normal SpeedsYes, your 2008 Smart fortwo with an automatic transmission can be towed at normal highway speeds. The Roadmaster base plate kit part # 52285-1 that you referenced would be the correct base plate kit for you to use. 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 cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2013-2015 Smart FortwoTo flat tow a Smart Fortwo you will need a few different parts, and that starts with a base plate kit. I recommend the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit # 52285-1 because it has brackets that are hidden away for a clean look and drawbars you can easily twist off. For a tow bar I recommend checking out the Roadmaster Sterling # RM-576 because it is easy to connect to the base plates with its self-aligning design, its included safety cables, and long telescoping arms which make it easier to maneuver...
view full answer...
Do you have a question about this Base Plate?
Info for this part was:
Expert Research:
Mike L
Expert Research:
Reno H
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Expert Research:
Adam R
Written by:
Lindsey S
Video Edited:
Jacob T
Video Edited:
Chris R
Updated by:
Adele M
Updated by:
Isabelle B
Test Fit:
Shane H
Test Fit:
Robert C
Video by:
Jonathan Y
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Diana G.
4/27/2024
All of the Roadmaster gear has been very good. Absolutely no problems hauling our little Smart car around the coutry.