Comparing Demco and Roadmaster Base Plates for 2018 Ford Focus Sedan

Question

Question:

We have just purchased a 2018 Ford Focus SE Sedan without adaptive cruse to replace our Jeep Wrangler. After reviewing the available base plates I am interested in the Demco DM9519324 and the Roadmaster Direct-Connect RM524443-5 according to your website both will work with the Focus but I have a couple of questions on each. Roadmaster: 1. In watching the videos for the base plate there is quite a difference between the 2017 Focus install and the 2015 Focus install. The 2017 install has 4 more support braces 2 per side than the 2015. Is this because the 2017 is a hatchback and the 2015 is a sedan? Furthermore is there a safety issue with the baseplate that does not use the additional support braces? 2. Do you know the approximate distance from the center of the receiver to the ground? Demco: 1. In the install video on the 2017 Focus sedan the baseplate has an additional side support similar to the 2017 Roadmaster install plus safety cables which I assume take the place of the top supports shown in the 2017 Roadmaster install. With the distance between the brackets being approximately 3” less than the Roadmaster this puts the electrical and break-away unit under the license plate. Because IL requires a front plate I am concerned if there is ample room without having to relocate the license plate. 2. Do you know the approximate distance from the center of the receiver to the ground? General: Since the cost for the Demco DM9519324 base plate and DM9511010 Towbar and the Roadmaster Direct-Connect RM524443-5, Falcon 2 RM_520 Towbar, plus safety cables is about the same is there any advantage of one over the other?

asked by: Jeff S

0

Expert Reply:

You are correct that both the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-524443-5 and the Demco Tabless Base Plate Kit # DM9519324 are confirmed to fit your 2018 Ford Focus without the Adaptive Cruise Control.

Starting with the Roadmaster Base Plate Kit # RM-524443-5 you are right that the install process differs between the Sedan and Hatchback (ST) models. The additional support braces that you mentioned are indeed simply due to the difference in design on the two models of the Ford Focus. There is absolutely no safety concern with the attachment and mounting on the Sedan that uses a less braces. The base plates have been tested and rated accordingly by Roadmaster.

According to Roadmaster the brackets will sit 12-1/2 inches above the ground when mounted on your Ford Focus.

The Demco Tabless Base Plate Kit # DM9519324 does have a slightly different design with brackets that measure just 18-1/4 inches apart, on center. With this gap you should still have enough room for both the wiring connector (a connector bracket is included) and the breakaway switch. I have attached an image of these base plates installed on the 2017 Ford Focus with both of these items added and as you can see the license plate is still comfortably in place.

Demco lists the bracket height for this base plate kit as 14 inches from the ground on your Ford Focus.

Between these 2 setups I really like the Demco Base Plates # DM9519324 with the Commander II Tow Bar # DM9511012. This is because the Commander Tow Bar includes safety cables and a unique adjustable head that often eliminates the need for a separate high-low adapter to keep the tow bar level when hooked up to the vehicle. These features offer convenience and potentially save you money when compared to the Roadmaster Falcon 2.

I have attached a couple video demonstrations on these products that you can take a look at as well.