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  1. Base Plates
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THIS ITEM IS NOT A FIT FOR
2011 Ram 1500

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

Item # RM-524445-5
Retail:$550.00
Our Price: $460.75
You Save: $89.25
Base Plates
Not Confirmed to Fit

2011 Ram 1500

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Shipping Weight: 63 lbs
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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. 1-800-940-8924 to order Roadmaster base plates part number RM-524445-5 or order online at etrailer.com. Free expert support on all Roadmaster products. Great prices and Fastest Shipping for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms. Base Plates reviews from real customers.
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  • Reviews (2041)
  • Q & A (0)
  • Photos

Roadmaster Base Plates - RM-524445-5

  • 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
  • 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.



524445-5 Road Master EZ-5 Base Plate Kit

Installation Details RM-524445-5 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms - RM-524445-5

Average Customer Rating:  4.8 out of 5 stars   (2038 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:
Ford Explorer

Excellent attention to detail on my phone order and the shipping was prompt. I have access to an automotive lift and I highly recommend its use. Ford didn't make this an easy task on its Explorer, including installing the universal tail light wiring kit it took me and a willing son-in-law about 8 hours to complete. Only minor grill trimming required for access to arm mount receivers and safety cable eyes. The bolt-up of baseplate was straight forward after drilling the frame and securing the mounting brackets. The weld nuts made a simple task of bolting those brackets. I'm fairly handy with a slightly above-average tool collection but if that is not the case, a professional installation by a garage, RV service center, or body shop would be a good call. Took the rig and Explorer out for a test tow and found everything secure and solid. I'm 65-years old and crawling around under the front bumper is not as easy as it used to be. The bayonette-style removeable arms with the spring-pin locks make connecting and disconnecting to my Falcon2 bar a stand-up pleasure. Well designed and well thought out. Every part/fastener is included.

Fred

9/17/2020

Solid and secure design. Hardly notice the kit on the explorer when not connected to my motor home. No complaints.



by:
2016 Ford Explorer

Instructions complete and easy to follow. An exact fit. No difficulties. Unit works perfectly. Very pleased with price, quality and appearance.

Gary A.

6/13/2018

We used it for about 18 months, then sold the MH. May buy another soon, and if so, will definitely continue using the one installed on the tow car. During the 18 months of use, it accumulated over 13K miles. Absolutely no problems.



by:

Work's great.



by:

Amazing customer service and super fast shipping. Easy and flawless process!



by:
2016 Ford Explorer

excellent service



by:
2018 Ford Explorer



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by:

I bought and self installed this on my 2021 GMC Sierra Duramax 1 year ago. Install took about 5 hours and wasn't difficult...I could problty install it in 2-3 hours after leaening the tricks. Weve towed the truck all over the USA since then (over 10,0000 miles) and it works great! I've used other brands and highly recommend Roadmaster tow systems over the competition.



by:

The Roadmaster direct connect base was a perfect fit for my 2013 focus S to flat tow. We had it installed in about 3 hrs following the complete direction and pictures. I highly recommend using etrailer.



by:

Good product. If you are reasonably handy and have some tools, you can install this yourself in a few hours. I'm a mechanic, it took me a little over 2 hours to install on my own toad. The fit is good, there are 4 holes you have to drill, otherwise it is plug and play. When you insert and twist lock the tow bar mounts into their sockets they feel a little sloppy but they are secure, and i never noticed any rattle when towing. Overall i give it a 4 out of 5 for easy install and clean look after install. Pic included of installed base plate.



by:

Installed on my 2020 Jeep Cherokee for flat towing behind our motorhome . I wanted a tow bar connection that integrated with the front end of the Jeep and the removable arms did the trick . I had one issue with the driver side receiver bracket not lining up with the upper mount bolt hole on the Jeep, image 0547. Had to make a slight adjustment to the receiver bracket so the holes would line up, image 0551 and image 0559. The rest of the install went smoothly
I also installed the Demco braking Stay n Play Duo system , image 0565 which went in without any issues, image 6028. 7 thousand miles of towing later, couldn't be happier with the products



by:

This is a rock solid baseplate. Installed on a 2023 Equinox LT (AWD). I followed etrailer's videos for installation and they are spot on. We connect with a Roadmaster Nighthawk tow bar, charge line kit, smart diode lighting kit, and a Demco Stay-in-Play supplimental braking system. It is fairly well hidden when not in-use. This setup is great!



by:

Exactly what I needed. Written jbstructuons were spot on and video was very helpful.



by:

I installed them on my new RAM 1500. Works great, very heavy duty. I also modified and attached a push bumper and used the Roadmaster base plates.



by:

Easy install. Looks great. Apparently they have made some changes so that the video is not accurate. Install instructions though were spot on. A template for cutting the grill would be an added plus.



by:

I was very pleased with the way you handled my order. I called and was greeted pleasantly and knowledgeable about what I needed and in just a few minutes my order was placed. It arrived just as they said it would in a timely matter.
I would recommend e-trailer to anyone!



by:

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:

Installing on 2020 Jeep Trailhawk :



Pic #0557 : Roadmaster Base Plate Kit , Demco Supplemental Braking System , Diode Wiring Kit , Demco Battery Charge Wire Kit



Pic # 0548 ,0551 , 0559 Had to adjust the bracket plate to line up with the upper bolt holes



Pic #6028 finished install , mounted the operating unit to the top fuse box cover using automotive Velcro . Air cylinder , controller and LED light installed . Aside from the base plate bracket not lining up with the upper bolt holes I would give it 4 stars . My son in law is a master at solving mechanical issues .



by:

The base plate arrived on time, with excellent instructions. I went slowly because my truck is only days old and still had it done in an evening.



by:

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:

The bracket kit fit my 2023 Subaru Crosstrek perfectly. The instructions are excellent and the video is really useful too. I’m really pleased with this RoadMaster bracket kit and the support from eTrailer.



by:

This kit worked out great for my 2022 Chevy Equinox. I like how it has separate side plates, which make it easier to attach the main bar. The points where it attaches to the frame seem plenty secure. It is important to watch the videos provided by etrailer as Ryan is very thorough and has good tips for installing. I would also recommend installing additional wiring while having the front end off. Overall, I was able to complete in my driveway. The hardest part was sorting out the wiring for whatever braking and tail lights you decide on. William S helped me pick all the necessary components needed for flat towing behind my Jayco RV. I am looking forward to a summer of camping and having more freedom to explore the area, now having a car.



by:

Item works good. We pulled our ‘21 Canyon behind our RV on several trips and had no issues other than you need to put in a diode to the rear lights to keep them from back feeding.



by:

Easiest I drive done. Works perfectly. I had some concerns if it would work on my Shelby F-150. etrailer put me in touch with Roadmaster directly who had never done one either. Said if it didn’t work I could return it. It fit with minor adjustments. Have towed a few thousand miles already. Couldn’t be happier


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2037
Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Base Plates

  • Recommended Flat Towing Equipment For A 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum
    I highly recommend double checking your owner's manual to ensure your specific model meets all the requirements for flat towing as approved by Ford so you don't risk voiding any warranties or damage to the components of your vehicle. If it is, you will need a tow bar, base plate, braking system, tow bar wiring kit, and safety cables. I have the following recommendations for you below: Tow Bar: Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar # RM-522. This tow bar features non-binding...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Flat Towing System for a 2017 4WD Ford Explorer Sport
    The 2017 Ford Explorer 4WD (3.5L Only) can be flat-towed with all four wheels down behind a motorhome without issue. In order to flat-tow the vehicle you will need base plates, tow bar, safety cables, flat-tow wiring harness, and a supplemental braking system. I have attached a list of recommended options below. Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part # RM-524445-5 (No Adaptive Cruse Control) Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part # RM-524446-5 (No Active Air Shutters) Roadmaster...
    view full answer...
  • Can 2016 Ford Explorer Sport Be Flat-Towed
    According to the online edition of the Ford Owner's manual for the 2016 Explorer (pages 249 and 250), certain versions of the vehicle can be flat towed under specific conditions. The adaptive cruise control feature does not factor in, but Ford notes that FRONT-wheel-drive and FOUR-wheel-drive Explorers cannot be flat towed with all four wheels on the ground. Front-wheel-drive vehicles require a tow dolly like # RM-2050-1 to lift the front tires off the ground and four-wheel-drive versions...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Flat Towing System for 2017 Ford Explorer 4WD with Keyless Start
    The portable braking systems like the Blue Ox Patriot II # BRK2016 will work with the 2017 Ford Explorer 4WD keyless start but you will need to utilize the 12 Volt Outlet Kit, 20 amps # RM-9332 to get power from the battery and ground through the vehicle frame or metal supports. You will also use # RM-71000 if you don't have adjustable pedals or # RM-751478 if you have adjustable pedal. This kit activates your RV monitoring system to alert you when the brakes of your towed car are being...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2017 Ford Explorer with Adaptive Cruise Control Behind an RV
    For base plates for your 2017 Ford Explorer with adaptive cruise control you can use # RM-524446-5. Please note that the base plates are not compatible with models that have active air shutters. To use them with a vehicle with active air shutters that feature would have to be disabled and you would leave the air shutters open all the time. For a tow bar I recommend the popular Falcon 2 # RM-520 which is rated up to 6,000 pounds. I have linked a video featuring this tow bar for you. For...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2017 Ford Explorer Behind an RV and Vehicle Procedure
    I found an online version of the owners manual for your 2017 Ford Explorer and pulled out the parts that talk about the flat towing procedures: If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground: Tow only in the forward direction. Release the parking brake. Vehicles with Keyless Start Start the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal, and then pressing the keyless start button until the vehicle starts. Press the brake pedal and shift the gearshift into neutral (N). Turn the vehicle...
    view full answer...
  • Can 2018 Ford Explorer with EcoBoost Engine and Adaptive Cruise Control Use a Tow Dolly?
    According to the 2018 Ford Explorer online manual, if you have a FWD vehicle you can tow it on your tow dolly like # DM9713045 according to pages 250 and 251. However if you have a 4WD vehicle you can only use a trailer with all 4 wheels off the ground or flat tow with all 4 wheels on the ground.
    view full answer...
  • How Does Vehicle that Needs Battery Disconnected Power Supplemental Tow Bar Braking System
    Roadmaster made a solution for your exact scenario with the outlet kit part # RM-9332. What this does is wires directly to your vehicle battery so that when your battery is disconnected from the vehicle, like it needs to be when flat towed, there is an outlet that's active for the braking system to draw power from.
    view full answer...
  • Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate Compatibility with Falcon Tow Bar
    For your 2017 Ford Explorer you can use Roadmaster EZ5 base plate kit # RM-524446-5 if you have the adaptive cruise control feature (and so long as you do NOT have the active air shutters). If the Explorer does NOT have the adaptive cruise control feature then instead use # RM-524445-5. This base plate works with or without active air shutters. Both are compatible with your Falcon tow bar.
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2018 Ford Explorer
    In order to flat tow your 2018 Ford Explorer behind an RV, you will need a base plate kit, a tow bar, safety cables, a lighting solution, and a supplemental braking system. I do also recommend taking a look at the owner's manual for the vehicle (once it is in hand) before proceeding, as it will list any specific restrictions or guidelines when it comes to towing the Explorer with all 4 wheels on the ground. Starting with the base plates, I recommend the Roadmaster EZ4 Base Plate Kit #...
    view full answer...
  • Flat Towing 2018 Ford Explorer Behind Motorhome
    According to the owner's manual, you can flat tow a 2018 Ford if and ONLY if it's equipped with the 3.5L engine. If you have the 4 cyl engine, you must use a tow dolly or a trailer. You'll want to consult your owner's manual for yourself to confirm this. The owner's manual lists a specific procedure that must be followed before towing: If the vehicle has keyless start, start the engine while holding the brake pedal down. While still holding the brake, shift into Neutral. Turn off the...
    view full answer...
  • Components Needed to Flat Tow 2017 Ford Explorer
    For the 2017 Ford Explorer (not the Sport edition and without Adaptive Cruise Control) I recommend the Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate kit # RM-524445-5. Base plates are just one of the components needed for safe and legal flat towing. The linked article covers each of these components which also include a tow bar, safety cables, a lighting/wiring kit, a supplementary braking system and a high/low hitch adapter. An article on these adapters is linked too. I suggest the Roadmaster Falcon 2 motorhome-mount...
    view full answer...
  • Roadmaster Base Plate Kit for 2019 Ford Explorer without Cruise Control
    For your 2019 Ford Explorer without adaptive cruise control we have the Roadmaster Direct Connect kit part # RM-524445-5 which will work great with your Blackhawk tow bar part # RM-422.
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Flat Towing Set Up for a 2016 Ford Explorer 3.5L
    To flat tow your 2016 Ford Explorer 3.5L you are going to need a tow bar, base plate kit, wiring harness, supplemental braking system, and charge line to keep your battery from dying. I have listed all the parts you will need below along with any installation videos I was able to find. Tow Bar: Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar w/ LED Lights item # RM-676 Base Plate Kit: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms item # RM-524445-5 Wiring Harness:...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed To Flat Tow a 2014 Ford F-250 or 2017 Ford Explorer Sport With a Tiffin Allegro RV
    First you will need to start with the baseplates. For that I recommend the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # 4428-3 for your 2014 Ford F-250. Your 2017 Ford Explorer Sport will need either the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-524446-5 (Okay for Adaptive Cruise Control, No Active Grill Shutters) or Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-524445-5 (Okay Active Grill Shutters, No Adaptive Cruise Control). With the weight of your F-250 I recommend using the Roadmaster...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2017 4WD Ford Explorer
    I did some checking and it looks like your 2017 Ford Explorer 4WD with a 3.5 liter engine is flat towable as-is as long as you follow the flat towing procedures outlined in the owners manual. Only restriction is that you have to stay under 65 mph and that you have to start the vehicle up at the beginning of each day for 5 minutes and let it run. As well as do that for every six hours of towing. For a base plate kit there are two options to consider. Part # RM-524446-5 for if you have adaptive...
    view full answer...
  • Difference in Tow Bar Wiring Kits for 2017 Ford Explorer
    I'm glad to hear that you are doing your research when it comes to flat towing your 2017 Ford Explorer, there are several components needed and it can be a lot to figure out. The main difference between Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 and the Tow Ready Tail Light Isolating Diode System with 4-Pole Connector # TR118821 is how they install, and what is included. The # RM-15267 kit comes with 4 separate diodes, 27' of wire, connectors, a 6 way plug to mount...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2017 Ford Explorer With Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar
    Ok, so there are a number of parts you will need in order to set up your 2017 Ford Explorer with a 3.5L engine to flat tow with your Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar # RM-520. The first thing you will need are base plates, and I recommend going with the Roadmaster direct connect base plates for the easiest connection as well as the cleanest look for your '17 Explorer. The correct fit for these is going to depend on if your Explorer has Active Air Shutters or Adaptive Cruise Control; if it has...
    view full answer...
  • Can I Flat Tow a 2018 Ford Explorer with EcoBoost Engine and Adaptive Cruise Control
    I have a solution for you, but the Ford Edge, Explorer and Taurus vehicles equipped with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 or 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine CANNOT be towed four wheels down. The 3.5L EcoBoost Engines do allow for flat towing. For the FWD versions of the 2018 Ford Explorer with EcoBoost engine you will need to use a tow dolly like the Demco Kar Kaddy X Tow Dolly # DM9713093. This tow dolly comes with disc brakes and a steerable axle that allows the trailer to track well behind the motorhome...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Flat Towing Components For A 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum
    Hi Brian, Because the Platinum comes standard with adaptive cruise control there are only going to be two options based on your engine: If you have a non-EcoBoost engine the # RM-524453-5 will work with active air shutters. If you do have an EcoBoost engine the # RM-524446-5 will work but you would need to remove the active air shutters if your model has them. The Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar # RM-676 would be a great option for your tow bar. It comes with safety cables,...
    view full answer...
  • Can a Front Wheel Drive 2016 Ford Explorer be Flat Towed
    In the towing guide you mentioned it does say that your 2016 Ford Explorer can be towed with all four wheels on the ground as long as you keep it under 65 mph. I would trust that since it comes straight from Ford and they could have changed their stance since the printing of your owners manual. It still wouldn't hurt to contact a Ford dealer to be 100 percent sure. The Roadmaster Kit part # RM-524445-5 that you mentioned is a confirmed fit for your vehicle and would be the correct base...
    view full answer...

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Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Michael H
Expert Research:
Michael H
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Adam R
Expert Research:
Adam R
Employee Lindsey S
Edited by:
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Employee Shelly K
Written by:
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Employee Mike S
Updated by:
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Employee Isabelle B
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Employee Amanda K
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