Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
(2022 reviews)
Price: $402.03
In Stock
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
Item # RM-521453-5
Our Price: $402.03
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- All Info
- Reviews (2022)
- Q & A (0)
- Photos
Roadmaster Base Plates - RM-521453-5
- Removable Drawbars
- Roadmaster
- Twist Lock Attachment
Designed for use with motor-home-mounted tow bars, the direct-connect brackets are virtually invisible, easy to mount and remove, and they eliminate the need for a quick-disconnect crossbar on your tow bar. Installs on your vehicle's frame.
Features:
- Direct-connect brackets provide attachment points for your motor-home-mounted tow bar
- Streamlined design creates supremely clean look
- No obtrusive quick-disconnect crossbar
- Hidden brackets sit even farther back than standard brackets
- Drawbars attach and remove quickly and easily
- Arms click to lock in place in brackets
- Built-in pull rings let you unlock arms so you can twist and remove them
- 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 motor-home-mounted tow bars only
- Instructions and mounting hardware included
- Pins to connect base plate to the tow bar (RM-910029) are sold separately
- Made in the USA
- Limited lifetime warranty
Note: Roadmaster direct-connect base plates will only work with Roadmaster tow bars that slide into a trailer hitch, such as the Nighthawk, Sterling, Blackhawk, Blackhawk 2, Falcon, or Falcon 2. These base plates will not work with tow bars that require a hitch ball.
The drawbars, or front arms, on this 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 each arm, simply tug the built-in pull pin to disengage the lock, twist the arm back and pull it out of the bracket. 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.
521453-5 Road Master EZ5 Base Plate Kit
Installation Details
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 2020 - 2025 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon with factory plastic bumper
- 2020 - 2025 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon with factory steel bumper
- 2020 - 2025 Jeep Gladiator with factory plastic bumper - excluding Rubicon and Mojave
- 2018 - 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler with factory plastic bumper
- 2018 - 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler with factory steel bumper
- 2018 - 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler Unlimited with factory plastic bumper
- 2018 - 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler Unlimited with factory steel bumper
- 2019 - 2025 Jeep Wrangler with factory plastic bumper
- 2019 - 2025 Jeep Wrangler with factory steel bumper
- 2021 - 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe with factory plastic bumper
- 2021 - 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe with factory steel bumper
- 2019 - 2025 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with factory plastic bumper
- 2019 - 2025 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with factory steel bumper
Customer Satisfaction Score:
97% were satisfied with this product
3% of customers were not satisfied
- Wrong item was ordered
- Product did not meet expectations
- etrailer mistake
Customer Reviews
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms - RM-521453-5
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (2018 Customer Reviews)
Designed for use with motor-home-mounted tow bars, the direct-connect brackets are virtually invisible, easy to mount and remove, and they eliminate the need for a quick-disconnect crossbar on your tow bar. Installs on your vehicle's frame.by: Jay12/30/2023
Installed on my 2020 jeep jl sport s with factory plastic bumper and plastic rock guard. Shane’s video was very helpful but I did not like how the metal plate behind the rock guard was cut away and how the rock guard had two big cut outs so I did some modifications. I cut two slots in the metal bracket and added angle brackets for extra support. As a result i did not use the supplied brackets for the rock guard. I created a template for the rock guard which resulted in two small cut outs. A lot of extra time but i am retired so time is relative. I think it looks great.
by: John11/01/2023
GMC Terrain
I bought this base plate kit for my 2022 Jeep Rubicon Gladiator so I could flat tow behind my class a motor home with a Roadmaster Falcon all terrain non binding tow bar. The instructions were easy to follow and went smoothly except drilling the holes. That was my fault because I was using a dull drill bit. See attached photo
by: Bruce07/01/2023
Well made, easy to install (provided you use one of etrailer's videos to install it!), non obtrusive. Fits well on my Jeep Wrangler. Just an overall great product!
by: Glenn 01/27/2024
2020 Jeep Wrangler
Awesome product and great installation instructions. When the draw bar attachments are removed this base plate is barely seen. Highly recommended.
by: Krzysztof02/24/2023
Ram 4500
Perfect fitment and easy installation. Worked out great with our aftermarket bumper. Had to make small modifications but couldn’t be happier. Did a 4500 mile trip right after and paired up great with the falcon 2! I couldn’t believe how fast the shipping was! Thank you etrailer!
by: George 02/04/2024
2021 Jeep Wrangler
Piece of Cake to install. Video is excellent but some models of Jeep Wrangler are slightly different so pay attention to all the instructions from Roadmaster. in particular, the support for the plastic rock guard is different than those for the metal one.
by: George 02/08/2024
2024 Jeep Wrangler
Perfect fit. So clean and it has great usability. I am more than satisfied with this wonderful Base Plate.
by: Michael R08/14/2022
Well made, easy install following the instruction sheet and etrailer's video. The only problem is that they recommended a 9/16 drill bit which was hard to find for a 3/8 drill and the one that I did buy for $18 would not drill the holes. I ended up using a good 1/2 drill bit that I had and the holes were fine. Installed on 2022 Wrangler.
by: James 03/26/2024
2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
Second set on second Jeep, Solid connection, and easy to install, like the removable arms when stowed
by: Steve 03/04/2024
Installed, All parts came in the kit, everything fit well.
by: David12/02/2022
They look great. Very easy to install great directions and the DIY video made it simple to install. With a twist the tow arms can be added or removed for storage when not in use.
Very satisfied
by: Sam J04/14/2022
Everything installed perfectly and the instructions where clear. I didn't care for the instruction to cut up the metal rock guard for the crossbar, but otherwise am pleased with the installation result.
We have since travelled 1,200 miles with this set up connected to a Nighthawk tow bar, and are 100% happy with the performance, and are especially pleased with the ease of connection and disconnection.
by: Steve03/13/2022
Roadmaster system is top notch. Installation was not bad. Getting bumper to line up with holes in new bracket was difficult, due to very tight tolerance. We have towed 4 down over 4,000 miles with this set up, no issues at all. Towing 4 down is the only way to go!!
by: John06/05/2020
I installed the tow brackets on my new 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The instructions were excellent. I had no difficulty installing except I failed to follow one instruction to use supplied bolts to reattach part of the Rock Guard Mount. I used the factory bolts which were slightly larger causing interference with my locking mechanism. Maybe a note on that step would be warranted to make sure folks do not make my mistake which resulted in me basically doing the job twice. Tackle the brakes next.
by: Rich11/19/2020
This is our 2nd tow vehicle with the road master product all is well
Not hooked up but ready to go!
Rich
11/20/2021
All is working as it should No problems
by: Lawrence12/23/2019
These base plates fit perfect! I have an aftermarket bumper manufactured by Rugged Ridge so some slight modifications had to be made to the winch mounting plate. This consisted of elongating to frame rail holes and adding an additional hole for the top bolts on the base plate. The inside tabs for the winch plate had to be cut back 3/16” in order to fit inside the Roadmaster base plate brackets. It was a tight fit but with some persuasion the winch plate was installed. Looks great!
by: Steven01/22/2020
Installed just like the videos described and comes with all the hardware needed to complete the installation. There is a hole you will need to measure and mark that the video did not cover.
by: Terry09/09/2022
Installation was very simple. Instructions were easy enough to follow. I have an aftermarket Quadratic bumper and they look great. I had to do a little of my own measuring to cut the steel. But easy to install.
by: Cody05/05/2023
Very easy to install and to use. Would definitely recommend it to others.
by: James 10/03/2023
2022 Jeep Wrangler
Easy to follow instructions.
by: Steve07/15/2023
Everything was supposed to come next week, but came three days early. Very excited to get this installed on the jeep wrangler.I even got ducked!?? Thank you etrailer
by: Rick 05/22/2023
2020 Jeep Gladiator
Everything was pretty good, except the instruction paperwork stopped after disassemble. Even though assembly was fairly straight forward it would be nice to have something to check installations steps.
by: Bill10/08/2023
I had to go pick up this package. I drove 30 miles to pick it up. The box is open. I hope parts are not lost.
by: Rick 03/23/2024
Really fast shipping!
by: James 09/14/2023
Jeep
Great for towing jeep behind the truck
25
2019
Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Base Plates
- Difference Between Roadmaster Direct-Connect and Crossbar-Style Base Plates for 2020 Jeep WranglerBoth the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plates # RM-521453-5 and the Crossbar-Style Base Plates # RM-521453-4 will fit your 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited perfectly (as long as you have the factory plastic or steel bumper). The difference between the two models focuses on how they actually attach to the tow bar. The Direct-Connect Base Plates, which is what I recommend, can attach directly to the tow bar arms without the need for a separate crossbar component that can be a bit of a pain...
view full answer... - Is Direct Connect Roadmaster Base Plate as Strong as Crossbar Base Plate for 2020 Jeep WranglerThis is a good question. So it really comes down to preference between the Roadmaster base plate kits that have the crossbar and the ones that do not. The kits like you have # RM-521453-5 without the crossbar are actually reinforced more at the welds and have thicker brackets to compensate for the lack of support from the crossbar like # RM-521453-4. Having hooked up both styles I really prefer the kit you have as the connection is just much easier and there's one less thing to keep track...
view full answer... - Roadmaster EZ 4 or EZ 5 Base Plate for Flat Towing Vehicle Behind RVThe difference between the EZ 4 # RM-521453-4 and the EZ5 # RM-521453-5 base plate kits is that the EZ 5 is a direct connect with no crossbar and the EZ 4 doesn't use a crossbar. Essentially, you'd want to match the base plates to the tow bar you're using. This involves how the tow bar attaches to the base plates. The Falcon 2 # RM-520 tow bar uses a crossbar, therefore you'd want to use the EZ 4 base plate. For a tow bar such as the # RM-677 Roadmaster Nighthawk that doesn't use a crossbar,...
view full answer... - What Special Tools Are Needed To Install The RM-521453-5 On A 2024 Jeep WranglerYou will indeed need a "special tool" in order to install the Roadmaster Base Plate # RM-521453-5 on your 2024 Jeep wrangler. The tool they are referring to is a die grinder. This is used to enlarge holes in the frame in order to allow bolts to pass thru. A die grinder would be the preferred tool for this, but it could be done with a drill or file if that is all you have. You should be able to find a decent die grinder at your local hardware store. I have linked the installation instructions...
view full answer... - How Long Does It Take To Install Roadmaster Base Plates on a Jeep WranglerThe manufacturer, Roadmaster, does not provide an install time or even a range for that matter of their base plate kits such as the Roadmaster Base Plate Kit part # RM-521453-5 because there are just too many variables involved. That said, when we schedule installs for a set of base plates we generally allot around 4-6 hours in order to do so. The process for your Jeep Wrangler is a bit easier than most so I would say 4 hours give or take is a good estimate.
view full answer... - How To Install the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit on a 2019 Jeep Wrangler UnlimitedI do have an installation video of base plates being install on a 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited which I have attached for you. However, we have not yet had the opportunity to install the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part # RM-521453-5 on a 2019 model but it will be the same installation. There is also a set of comprehensive install instructions in print form of the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit for you to look at as well.
view full answer...
- How Long Does It Take To Install Roadmaster Base Plates on a 2020 Jeep GladiatorI have personally installed the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part # RM-521453-5 on a 2020 Jeep Gladiator and can confirm it is a rather easy install when compared to other base plate installs. If you have the Rubicon model then it will take a bit longer to trim the skid shield but other than that it is a rather easy install as far as base plates go. The process took around 4-5 hours to complete but a fair install time for a professional shop would be around 6 hours labor. For...
view full answer... - Best Base Plate Kit for Flat Towing a 2024 Jeep Wrangler UnlimitedThe absolute best base plate kit for your 2024 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5 because it not only looks great (see attached photo), but it's also really easy to use once installed. This kit is also made in the USA, comes with a limited lifetime warranty, and is also backed by the amazing insight and knowledge of the Roadmaster techs. For a complete flat towing setup you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow...
view full answer...
- Can I Keep My Rock Guard On 2020 Wrangler Unlimited If I Install A Base Plate.Yes the rock guard will stay in place after installation on your 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Part of the installation process for the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM-521453-5 will require the rock guard to be removed. You will need to do some trimming to the rock guard to get it re-installed properly, and you can see this process and explanation in the linked video I have attached.
view full answer... - Moving Base Plates from 2020 Jeep Wrangler to a 2021 Jeep WranglerI'm going to assume that you had meant 2020 Jeep Wrangler to a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. # RM-521453-5 is a Roadmaster Base Plate to use as an example. Yes the baseplates are the same for both years assuming that they have the same front bumper setup. Some of the Wranglers will come with upgraded bumpers that will require different kits. If you can let me know which kit you have and more information of both of the Wranglers than I can confirm that they are compatible. Also I do suggest getting...
view full answer... - Position of Ignition to Flat-Tow a 2022 Jeep Gladiator I looked up the owner's manual for your 2022 Jeep Gladiator. According to the manual, if you have a 4-wheel drive Gladiator, the ignition should be in the ACC position. However, if you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.) while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN position. Since the owner's manual does not specify whether the steering will lock, I recommend reaching out to your local Jeep dealer to see if they can provide you with that information. From the...
view full answer... - Is Replacement Hardware Available For The Roadmaster Baseplate Kit # RM-521453-5To get replacement hardware for the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5 you would either need to reach out to Roadmaster directly or you could use the installation manual (which I've attached below) and get all the hardware from your local hardware store. Depending on what they would charge you for shipping just getting the hardware locally could be a lot less expensive.
view full answer... - Is There a Winch Plate Compatible With The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5? Roadmaster does not offer any type of winch plate compatible with their Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5. Your best option may be to switch to the factory style winch bumper so you can have the winch mounted on the bumper as front receivers use the same mounting points as the base plate so they will not fit together.
view full answer... - Does Roadmaster Base Plate Kit fit 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe X with Steel Bumper and Factory WinchYes, the Roadmaster base plate kit part # RM-521453-5 does fit the 2024 Jeep Rubicon X 4xe with the factory steel bumper with the factory winch. We had a customer with this exact setup and they informed us it fit and worked great.
view full answer... - Unlocking Steering With Power Off on 2018 Wrangler JL Unlimited Rubicon for Flat TowingThere is a way to make your 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited Rubicon ready to be moved with the steering unlocked and the lights off. You need to follow a very specific procedure outlined in your owner's manual. There is a recreational towing section of your manual that in the online version starts on page 371 and goes thru page 374. I've attached the photos to assist, but recommend double-checking your physical manual.
view full answer...
- Is the Roadmaster Eagle 8000 Compatible with Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5The Roadmaster Eagle 8000 is confirmed to fit the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5 for your 2021 Jeep Wrangler.
view full answer... - How Thick Is The Steel Of The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5The portion of the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5 you have circled is 1/4" thick steel.
view full answer...
- Can 2nd Nut be Added to Roadmaster Base Plate Install of RM-521453-5There should not be any issue at all regarding adding a second nut when installing the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5. Regarding the torque values, from what I can see the 1/2" are torqued to 57 ft/lb and you are saying you got to 56? That would seem fine with the double nut, but I need to make very clear that we are not engineers and have no knowledge regarding how torque values are determined.
view full answer... - Does Base Plate for 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler Fit 2020 Jeep GladiatorSo long as you have the factory plastic bumpers on both vehicles, yes, there are base plates that fit a 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler and 2020 Jeep Gladiator, the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5.
view full answer... - Weight of Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit for 2022 Jeep WranglerThe Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5 for your 2022 Jeep Wrangler have a shipping weight of 42 lbs so you're looking at about 37 lbs once the shipping materials are removed.
view full answer... - Are Direct Connect Plates Strong Enough To Flat Tow 2021 Jeep Wrangler UnlimitedThe reason the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5 for your 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited does not use a crossbar for the tow bar is due to the design of the removable arms that connect directly to the tow bar instead of requiring a tow bar. There is not a hidden cross bar on the base plate. You are correct that the crossbar adds strength to the system, but on Jeeps like yours direct connect base plates are plenty strong and are the most common option due to them allowing...
view full answer... - Can The Crossbar Be Removed From The Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow BarSince you have a crossbar-style baseplate with the # RM-521453-4 you would need to fill out the # RM-ARMS form linked below and reach out to Roadmaster to get replacement direct-connect arms in order to drop the crossbar. Once the arms are replaced you'll be able to take the crossbar off the Falcon 2 and just use the quick-disconnect attachment points on the tow bar to connect directly to the baseplate.
view full answer... - Using RM-521453-5 Direct Connect or RM-521453-4 Crossbar Style Base Plates for a 2020 Jeep WranglerThe EZ5, part # RM-521453-5 won't utilize the crossbar on the tow bar, which leads to a quicker, cleaner installation, hook up and removal process. If you're using a motorhome mounted crossbar, this is what you should use unless you have the Sterling, Stowmaster or Tracker tow bars or use or intend to use the Guardian Rock Shield, part # RM-4700 Tow Defender. If you have one of those tow bars or wish to use those rock shield products, you'll need the EZ4, part # RM-521453-4.
view full answer... - Roadmaster Direct Connect or Crossbar Style Base Plate Kit for 2021 Jeep Wrangler UnlimitedWhenever available I recommend people go with the Direct Connect Roadmaster base plate kits like the part # RM-521453-5 over the crossbar style # RM-521453-4 that fits your 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited as they overall are easier to use and require less parts to remember (the crossbar). Both are also perfectly compatible with your Roadmaster Falcon tow bar # RM-520.
view full answer...
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Info for this part was:
Expert Research:
Mike L
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Video Edited:
Joshua S
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Jacob T
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Chris R
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Updated by:
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Test Fit:
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Test Fit:
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Written by:
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Michael R.
8/14/2023
Still working great after a year and 4,000 miles.