Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
(155 reviews)
Price: $449.96
In Stock
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
Item # 521878-1
Retail:$588.75
Our Price: $449.96
You Save: $138.79
Will this fit?
To see if this custom-fit item will work for you please tell us what vehicle you'll use it with.
In Stock
Need help with installation?
Locate installers near me- All Info
- Reviews (155)
- Q & A (0)
- Photos
Roadmaster Base Plates - 521878-1
- Removable Drawbars
- Roadmaster
- Twist Lock Attachment
Roadmaster's crossbar-style 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 Roadmaster tow bars with use of quick-disconnect crossbar (910021-00 - sold separately)
- Instructions and mounting hardware included
- Made in the USA
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
The drawbars, or front arms, on the crossbar-style 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.
521878-1 Road Master EZ 2 Base Plate Kit
Installation Details
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 2009 - 2010 Mini Cooper Convertible - Base model
- 2007 - 2010 Mini Cooper Hardtop - Base model
Customer Satisfaction Score:
96% were satisfied with this product
4% of customers were not satisfied
- Wrong item was ordered
Customer Reviews
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms - 521878-1
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (155 Customer Reviews)
Roadmaster's crossbar-style 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: John 10/19/2023
Great service
by: Robert 07/19/2023
2007 Mini Cooper
The mount was easy to install and fit w ell
by: David10/06/2018
2009 Mini Cooper
Super fast delivery. Product quality looks excellent. I have not installed the base plate yet but it looks pretty straight forward. Interestingly, there was a price reduction on the part between the time I ordered it and the time it was delivered. I brought this to their attention and they immediately processed a refund for the difference. I’ve since ordered another part and Greg couldn’t have been more helpful.
by: Paul G.05/16/2017
Easy install. Well made. Needed a couple of trial fits to get thr gril plate holes cut right, but that is just part of the install. This is easy to hook up for towing. Glad we went with this option.
by: Arnol06/24/2023
Fig well
by: Darryl 06/29/2021
knowledge, professional and very easy to work with. Thanks
by: Glenn 04/13/2024
This baseplate worked out fine. While at first glance the installation might look intimidating to some, I found it was not that difficult. I believe a person with average mechanical skills/experience can install this. Since it was a first for me, I took my time and no doubt took more time than a pro, but I know it was "done right". I learned something new, and I saved a bunch of money! The job was made easier by the excellent directions. Probably the most intimidating thing was removing the front bumper cover, but it was actually easy, just follow the step by step directions. This install was on a 2011 Kia Soul. I like the fact that it is nearly hidden, a clean look.
by: Bill F10/16/2015
After comparing Demco, RoadMaster, and Blue Ox base plate costs, mounting procedures, etc for my 2012 Fiat Sport, I decided to go with RoadMaster (Kit #522013-1A) for two main reasons: 1) I had the tow bar and mount adapters from another product that were the same specs as the RoadMaster tow bar and adapters to attach to the base plate, and 2) no drilling or other modifications required to mount the base plates. Blue Ox (Kit #BX2800) required I buy their tow bar and other unique configuration adapters PLUS drill two half-inch holes on either side where the base plate mounted AND hammering flat the tips on the corners of the bumper bracket the frame where the base plate mounted. Blue Ox did provide better details on the removal of the facia and bolt removal and torquing actions required for the Fiat. My biggest challenge was the removal of the facia without damaging the clips or other damage to it. Once it was off, the action of removing the bumper core from the end of the frame rails and bolting on the base plate was slick! I took a little over 4 hours to do this, but it was because I wanted to do it right, without damage, and have the confidence I could tow without issues. (Not sure how sequence will show, but labeled the pictures as "Before," "Removal," "Installation," "Finished," and "Ready to Tow.")
by: Chris03/15/2019
This was the second base plate kit from etrailer that I have installed, the first being on our ‘03 Outback and this one on our new to us 2015 Subaru CrossTrek. As usual the response, shipping and delivery from etrailer was prompt and curious. They are my go to place for anything towing related.
Installation of this kit went well with only a few issues, most of which were related to our vehicle not the kit. I knew the car had been hit lightly on the LF corner, but could find nothing of concern body or frame wise when I looked the car over before buying it. Turns out the front bumper reinforcement had been tweaked a tad which made lining the bolt holes up with the holes in the base plates a tad challenging. This made the small angle brackets that go inside the frame heads tough to line up, but in the end it all fit. I did find that it was unnecessary to pull the washer reservoir or the left headlight to access the nut and washer for the long 1/2” bolt. You can easily reach and see the place from underneath after pulling the plastic encapsulation panel. When drilling that 1/2” hole be sure to angle the drill bit UP a tad otherwise you may end up having to grind a flat on the side of the large, thick washer as you can see in my picture from underneath. I used shrink wrap over the nut and bolt since there’s a wiring harness right against it. The picture of the baseplate differs a bit from the pictures so I guess they made some changes. All in all a great kit!
by: SanfordTurbo08/18/2020
2018 Fiat Abarth install - Videos of install from etrailer helped a bunch. My 2018 fog lights on the Abarth required some trimming on the inside of the bumper cover. Photos in the instructions did not accurately depict my 2018 Abarth, but taking the grill and fog light assemblies off of the bumper cover allowed me to see what needed trimming. Basically a 1 inch notch with the dremel did the trick. I also got the rock guardian and falcon all terrain tow bar. super quick to assemble and disconnect. CLEAN LOOKING INSTALL WHEN EVERYTHING IS REMOVED.
by: Ron V12/17/2018
Received the base plate within 3 days of ordering. Very fast and efficient service! Within 15 minutes of receiving the base plate and wiring kit I received an email from Carol at etrailer saying she got notification that it was received and to make sure everything was O.K. Excellent customer service!! The installation was pretty straight forward. The installation tutorial video posted by etrailer was very good and helpful. Will order from etrailer again when the need arises. Highly recommend them.
by: Andrew05/05/2023
The Ez4 was went on while watching Video during each step. Used the 2012 Sonic Video. We were able to trim just enough without having to remove the ambient temp sensor. We are happy with the way it looks on the Sonic.
by: Steve 02/21/2024
Super fast shipping, nice product and complete installation instructions.
by: James 03/02/2023
Just what I needed for my toad.
by: Susan 09/02/2023
Everything we have purchased from etrailer has been excellent. We have this installed on our 2014 Fiat for towing, and it's worked out great. We've gone a few thousand miles with it, no problem. Love etrailers service, website, videos etc.
by: Dieter05/26/2020
Installed on a 2011 Mini Cooper S hatchback turbo. Previous reviews were pretty spot on. Lots of plastic goes into these cars! My install (including brake light wiring), was 7 hours start to finish. Hardest part was removing the bumper facia to get at the metal bumper underneath. Be patient, take your time so you dont break any plastic clips!
The base plate itself is VERY robust compared to the oem bumper! Adds about 20#. I did have to trim away some plastic flashing behind the facia where the air scoops go. Easy to do with a Dremel tool.
When done, it is an extremely clean look!
Very impressed with the fit and finish. Very easy to hook up. Went with Falcon 2 bar. Tows very well!
Thanks etrailer!!
by: Robert11/12/2019
Fairly easy to install however it requires removing the front (nose) of the car. I was amazed at how much plastic goes into making these cars. It took about 3-4 hours to take off the front remove the factory 'bumper' that the RoadMaster Base Plate replaces and reinstall everything. I had problems because someone had removed the front of the car previously and had not put it back together properly. It all worked out and I'm loving how easy it is to hookup and unhook. I had a dolly previously and this is so much better. When I sell the Mini I'll restore the front end (replacing the grille) unless the new buyer wants to tow it. The etrailer and Roadmaster teams are great to work with.
by: Vincent04/08/2021
First of all, thank you etrailer for getting the Baseplate Kit for my Chevy Spark to me in time for my trip. Everything I needed was in the box. The step by step instructions were very easy to follow. I would definitely take their suggestion to read and understand the instructions before beginning the job. That step allowed me to always know what was coming next. Several holes need to be drilled, no problem with location, it is all in the instructions. Be sure to have good sharp bits. The whole process is an easy bolt on. I work slowly and got it done in one afternoon. At the end, after installing the baseplate, when you put the front facia back on the car, they suggest leaving off the Styrofoam inner bumper but I found no need to do that as it still fit right back on no problem. It would be up to you to leave it off or not. I thought it would be safer with it on there as was the original. In the end I added a light kit with a 4 round plug on the front. Very well thought out for Roadmaster to supply a place to mount the receptacle. Thanks again, I can now leave on time and take my car with me.
by: Dale T.08/02/2019
I bought and installed base plate and wiring on a 2018 Ford C-Max hybrid car. The wiring was a little complicated due to the hybrid setup on the car, however, everything worked out well. I have done this on several other cars I have towed behind my motorhomes. All products and help from etrailer.com was excellent. The video presentation was very helpful.
by: David02/10/2018
I installed it on a 2012 mini Cooper S. The video was of a slightly different model than mine, but was very helpful. One thing to note is that the model S has a turbo charger so it has two plastic air intakes in the lower bumper area. That was not mentioned in the instructions or the video. The fit of the towbar bracket was perfect! Very little of it shows from the outside.
by: Robert D.11/07/2020
installation instructions were clear and very helpful, took me about 4 hours to install, would have been faster if i had attempted anything like this before.. removing front fascia and trimming the openings. Easy to use.
by: Jackie05/10/2020
Very well made. Other than a couple of holes not lining up very well, which I have never seen anything line up perfectly, it was fairly simple to install. With the instructions that came with the base plate, that were very easy to follow, we were able to install with very little problems, and we are not all that mechanically incline. Lol
by: John04/20/2018
Great product and installation went very smoothly. Installed myself in about 2 hours. Fit perfectly and mounted easily to the car. My Stowmaster tow bar mounted right up to it. I deliver motor homes for a living and can already see how this setup is going to save me lots of time and aggravation over old fixed tow bar set-up I had previously.
by: Les M.01/09/2012
The package was shipped from your warehouse 1/4/2012 at 2:09 PM and arrived at my house in Colorado Springs 1/6/2012 at 1:08 PM, that was great service and a great product.
I finished the installation of the kit on my new 2012 Ford Fiesta at about 8:00 PM on the same day I received the kit (1/6/2012.)
Thanks for the GREAT service
25
155
Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Base Plates
- Recommended Base Plate For A 2009 Mini CooperThe Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # 521878-1 is confirmed to fit your 2009 Mini Cooper. The baseplate has a black powder coat finish which is durable and corrosion resistant. It has a simple installation with no welding required. It is compatible with Roadmaster tow bars with the use of The Quick-Disconnect Crossbar # 910021-00 which is sold separately. The Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar - Motorhome Mount - 2 inch Hitch - 6,000 pounds #...
view full answer... - Recommended Base Plate for a 2009 Mini Cooper Hardtop Base ModelThe correct base plate kit for your 2009 Mini Cooper hardtop base model is the Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit item # 521878-1. This will connect right to the crossbar on your Falcon 2 Tow Bar item # RM-520. Here are a couple of other parts you will need to flat tow your 2009 Mini Cooper: Wiring Harness - Roadmaster Tail Light Wiring Kit with Bulbs item # RM-155 Supplemental Braking System - Blue Ox Patriot Radio Frequency item # BLU37TR
view full answer... - Which Base Plates for 2009 Mini Cooper Are Compatible With Roadmaster Falcon Tow BarIn order to use your Roadmaster Falcon towbar, you'll need to use the Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # 521878-1, which are a confirmed fit on the 2009 Mini Cooper. If you don't have a tow bar wiring/lighting solution for this vehicle yet, I recommend using the Hopkins Magnetic Tow Lights # C6304 , which are easy to install and can be reused if you end up switching dinghy vehicles at some point in the future. I've also linked all of our supplemental braking systems...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible JCWWe have the parts needed to tow your 2009 Mini Cooper Works Convertible JCW but since your vehicle has the turbo engine we don't have a way to flat tow it. Instead you'd to use a tow dolly like the Demco Kar Kaddy # DM9713045.
view full answer... - Recommended Adapters To Connect Roadmaster EZ2 Base Plate to Blue Ox Tow Bar For 2008 Mini CooperIt sounds like you need adapters to connect your Roadmaster EZ2 Base Plate Kit # 521878-1 to a Blue Ox tow bar. For most Blue Ox tow bars you can use Adapters Item # BX88178 or Item # RM-032. I have attached an article that lists which tow bars they work for. If you can tell me the exact model of your Blue Ox tow bar, I can make a more specific recommendation. Be sure to check your owner's manual before flat towing your vehicle for suggestions or recommendations. Links with more information...
view full answer... - Base Plate and Flat Towing Equipment Recommended for 2007 Mini CooperIf your 2007 Mini Cooper Hardtop Base is equipped with a manual transmission, it is capable of being flat towed. As far as ease of installation goes, I'd put them on an even level. Actually bolting the base plates to the vehicle isn't terribly difficult, the hard part is disassembling the vehicle by removing the grille assembly and bumper cover. For ease of use on a day-to-day basis, I'd recommend the Blue Ox # BX1304. The base plate is very well engineered, easier to use because it doesn't...
view full answer... - Recommended Baseplate For A 2008 Mini 2-Door Hardtop Hey John, If you have a 2008 Mini Cooper hardtop S-model or 2008 Mini Clubman hardtop then you'll need the Roadmaster # 521877-1. This will work with Aerodynamic Package, but not with Sport suspension. If you have a 2008 Mini Cooper hardtop base model then you'll need the Roadmaster # 521878-1. This does not fit models with Aerodynamic Package or Sport suspension. If you haven't picked out the rest of your flat towing setup then I have the following recommendations for you: Tow Bar:...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2010 Mini Cooper Behind Class C MotorhomeThe first thing you'd need is a base plate kit that fits your 2010 Mini Cooper which for that we have the Roadmaster part # 521878-1. 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 All Terain, # RM-522. This has non-binding arms which makes the setup very easy to connect/disconnect. For lighting/safety cables, locks, and covers for the...
view full answer...
Do you have a question about this Base Plate?
Info for this part was:
Expert Research:
Mike L
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Updated by:
Adele M
Updated by:
Mike S
Updated by:
Isabelle B
At etrailer.com we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.
Product Experts Available Now!
Call 1-800-940-8924
Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.
Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.