Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Reasonably easy install 2002771

by: Michael03/12/2021

Installed the direct connect kit on our 2009 Subaru Forester to serve as a towable behind our motorhome. Once installed the kit blended well with the car and only minor modifications were required to the fascia. It was not really noticeable at all with the towing arms removed. The tolerance on the baseplate frame holes was slightly off. I had to drill mounting holes and route them out slightly to match the body mounting positions. Our Subaru did not have an body damage so I think the factory got the holes slightly off center. Note- this baseplate replaces the actual bumper on the Subaru so it leaves a gap between the baseplate and fascia that was not there with the factory bumper. Not a problem, just be prepared for that.982701

Installed on my 2013 Subaru Forester. Had to file down the passenger-side hole on the bottom (not the front where it replaces the old bumper) because the hole came at an incorrect distance from the factory compared to the driver's side hole.

I also installed the "RM-98146-7 Roadmaster Wiring - Straight 6 to 7 - 78" Long" which required a small semi-circle be cut off from my car's bumper facia next to the base plat's arms. It's not noticeable from the outside but otherwise the female plug wouldn't be able to open to accept the male plug.

Side note: If your car is used, do yourself a favor a purchase a bag of push clips (the things you'll need to pop off to get the facia off on your vehicle) from [online vendor]. Mine were stiff and more than half of them broke when I first popped them off.1153234

by: Carol 10/29/2021

Reliable, solid product! Thousands of miles and not a single problem!1191199

by: Allan03/23/2018

2010SubaruForester

Working flawlessly 488097

Arrived several days early, and installed 2 days. Very good!777116

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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.3153743

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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 again1344512

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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.3150687

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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.1706694

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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.1676948

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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.1767206

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.1587003

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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.1743625

Easy install, instructions were clear 1575429

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 go1768149

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!!1501757

by: Richard05/19/2024

Easy to install. Works great. Probably have 5,000 miles or more now towing with no issues.3141116

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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!!1474190

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. 666667

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by: Roger 03/17/2024

Easy installation and works as intended. Quick delivery. I’m very satisfied!1749298

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.1697377

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.216472

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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.1172463

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