Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
(375 reviews)
Price: $449.96
In Stock
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
Item # RM-298-3
Retail:$550.00
Our Price: $449.96
You Save: $100.04
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Roadmaster Base Plates - RM-298-3
- 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.
298-3 Road Master MX Base Plate Kit
Installation Details
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 2013 - 2018 Ram 1500 Sport and Express
- 2019 - 2020 Ram 1500 Classic Express
- 2013 - 2014 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 - Sport and Express
Customer Reviews
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms - RM-298-3
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (375 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: Michael 04/27/2021
Fast shipping. Have not open box, that will be this weekend. Box was in good shape and not damaged.
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Roger 03/17/2024
Easy installation and works as intended. Quick delivery. I’m very satisfied!
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.
by: Mac 10/27/2023
I was able to install this with the included instructions and video. I thank the company for checking on me one year after I purchased it. I would definitely shop at e-trailer again!
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: 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: 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: Skip10/14/2023
Bar fit just as advertised a hydraulic floorJack is a necessity of doing the job by yourself all bolt holes lined up perfectly. About an hour and a half start to finish.
by: Nathan01/19/2024
Perfect fit. Very easy installation.
by: Michael01/29/2022
I installed the Roadmaster base plate kit myself on my 2008 Jeep Wrangler. I have never installed one and I have basic mechanical skills. I have basic tools, but I did have to purchase a set of crow foot wrenches to reach one nut. It took some time for me to install it, but the instructions were easy to follow step by step. The kit appears to be built very strong. May be priced high for what it is, but what isn't anymore.
As far as etrailer goes, customer service was great. Quinn was informative and seemed to know the product. He followed up with me after the sale. I found a lower price after I ordered and the folks at etrailer gave me a credit on my credit card almost immediately when they verified the lower price. I can highly recommend them and I will always consider them in the future.
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See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Base Plates
- 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 Flat Tow Options with Roadmaster Base Plate KitThere is a difference in the front bumper available on the varying trim levels. The design difference between the Roadmaster # RM-52289-5 and the Roadmaster # RM-298-3 addresses this bumper option. I suggest you consult your owners manual or the title to identify the specific trim level of the 2014 Ram 1500 you are asking about. However, the sport and express models have molded and painted bumper panels whereas the other option is a traditional steel bumper that is either painted or chrome.
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport w/ Roadmaster Nighthawk Tow BarYou are absolutely correct. The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-298-3 is the base plate kit that is confirmed to fit your 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi Sport and will also be compatible with the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar # RM-676 that you are wanting to use. The Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 you mentioned is also a confirmed fit for your truck so you are good to go there as well. I have also listed a couple other...
view full answer... - Recommended Flat Towing Parts for a 2018 Ram 1500 It sounds like your Ram 1500 is a Sport and Express model with molded and painted bumper panels whereas the other options use a traditional steel bumper that is either painted or chrome. If this is the case you will want the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit item # RM-298-3. You will want to verify this because if you have a Big Horn, Laramie and Longhorn, or Tradesman you will need item # RM-52289-5. The best package to flat tow your 2018 Ram 1500 4WD is going to be the parts listed...
view full answer... - Recommended Parts to Flat Tow a 2015 Dodge Ram 1500There isn't a Sportsman model, so I assume you have a 2015 Ram 1500 Outdoorsman 4x4, I recommend the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM-52289-5 if that is the case. If you have the Sport, then I recommend the Roadmaster # RM-298-3 which is a similar baseplate but fits that sport frame. For your tow bar, I recommend the Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar # RM-422. This will meet up to your base plates to give you a really nice connection....
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Dinghy/Recreational Tow a 2016 or 2017 Ram 1500Whether you have a 2016 Ram 1500 or a 2017 Ram 1500 we have exactly what you need! A complete flat towing setup includes a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and typically a high-low adapter. If you go with a Big Horn, Laramie/Laramie Longhorn, Tradesman, or Limited I recommend the base plate kit # RM-52289-5. For a Rebel model I recommend part # RM-52299-5, and for a Sport or Express model I recommend part # RM-298-3. Then for...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2015 Ram 1500 Lone Star with a Blackhawk Tow BarFor your 2015 Ram 1500 you can use Roadmaster base plates # 52289-1 and they will be compatible with your Blackhawk tow bar # RM-422. Base plates # RM-298-3 fits Express and Sport models only. If you need safety cables you can use # BX88197 which are rated for 10,000 pounds. For lighting, our installers prefer to use the bulb and socket kit # RM-155 because it is amongst the easiest installations and it bypasses the vehicle wiring. And finally, most states now require supplemental braking...
view full answer... - Recommended Parts Needed to Flat (Dinghy/Recreational) Tow a 2015 Ram 1500The parts that you need to flat tow a 2015 Ram 1500 are a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter. The actual part numbers though will vary depending on what model of 1500 you end up getting. If you have a Standard model use the base plate kit # RM-52289-5 but if you have a Sport or Express use the kit # RM-298-3 instead. Both of these are compatible with the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain # RM-676....
view full answer...
- Recommended Complete Flat Tow System for 2013-2014 Ram 1500For your 2013 or 2014 Ram 1500, the first thing you need for your flat towing set-up is the baseplate. I recommend the Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate Kit # RM-52289-5 unless you have the Sport or Express model in which case I recommend the Roadmaster MX Base Plate Kit # RM-298-3. Then for your tow bar I recommend the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar w/ LED Lights # RM-676. This tow bar comes with a wiring connection from 7-way to 6-way and has LEDs for better visibility....
view full answer...
Do you have a question about this Base Plate?
Info for this part was:
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Expert Research:
Michael H
Written by:
Tammy D
Updated by:
Mike S
Updated by:
Isabelle B
Updated by:
Amanda K
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