Comparing Direct-Connect and Crossbar Base Plates for 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited
Question:
Kyle, my mistake on the Falcon. It is a Falcon 5250, not the Falcon 2. Would I need the release tool still? Also, if I went with magnetic tow lights, would that replace the wiring kit and stop light switch kit needed?
asked by: Chris F
Helpful Expert Reply:
The difference between the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5 and Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-4 is how tow bars attach. As the name suggests, you will connect your tow bar straight to the direct-connect base plates while the crossbar style will require you use your tow bar's crossbar or quick-disconnect. This makes the direct-connect the easiest base plate to connect to and disconnect from.
Because of that, for your 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler Unlimited I highly recommend the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521453-5.
These will work with your Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar # RM-520, but with this tow bar specifically you are definitely going to want to use the RoadMaster Release Tool for Motor Home Mounted Tow Bars # RM-066 because it is a significant help when you are attempting to unlock the collars of the tow bar if they start to bind. As a reminder, you do also need safety chains, the RoadMaster 68" Coiled Safety Cables # RM-643.
The wiring you need for your '18 Wrangler Unlimited is the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267, and I have added a link showing you an install in a 2018 Wrangler Unlimited.
The Roadmaster 9700 Portable Supplemental Braking System # RM-9400 will also work, but you will need the 12 Volt Outlet Kit # RM-9332 and Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751490.
The battery will not drain when you are towing your 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler Unlimited, so the only other thing to keep in mind is that you may need a high-low adapter in order to keep your Jeep level when you are towing it. I've added a link to a help article which shows you how to determine if you need an adapter, as well as a link to our selection of adapters. Additionally, I have added links to instruction manuals, video reviews and installations for you to take a look at.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tension Release Tool for Roadmaster Tow Bars with Autowlok Buttons
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Release Tool
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Standard Magnetic Tow Lights
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Standard
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Stop Light Switch
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Not Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Roadmaster Vehicle Specific Base Plates
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL and JL Unlimited
- Article: Must-Have Flat Towing Components
- Q&A: Recommended Flat Towing Components For A 2022 Jeep Gladiator
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2022 Jeep Gladiator
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Recommended Base Plate Kit for a 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Using a Nighthawk Tow Bar
- Q&A: Recommended Flat Towing Parts for a 2024 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Is Direct Connect Roadmaster Base Plate as Strong as Crossbar Base Plate for 2020 Jeep Wrangler
- Article: The Definitive, Step-by-Step Flat Towing Setup Guide
- Q&A: Does Roadmaster Base Plate Kit fit 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe X with Steel Bumper and Factory Winch
- Q&A: Can the Curt Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit Be Used With LED Lights
Chris F.
2/21/2020
Kyle, my mistake on the Falcon. It is a Falcon 5250, not the Falcon 2. Would I need the release tool still? Also, if I went with magnetic tow lights, would that replace the wiring kit and stop light switch kit needed?