Difference Between Crossbar-Style and Direct-Connect Base Plates for 2013 Ford Flex
Question:
I have noticed that some base plates have a cross bar and some do not,. It says in the description here that tow bars that mount to a motor home without a hitch ball do not require a crossbar, the installation for this shows a cross bar. are there advantages to one? or do some autos require a crossbar?
asked by: Steve A
Expert Reply:
The only difference between a crossbar-style base plate and direct-connect style of base plate is the type of tow bar that is compatible. There are no vehicles that require a crossbar and what the description says of the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-524435-5 is that they "will only work with Roadmaster tow bars that slide into a trailer hitch ... These base plates will not work with tow bars that require a hitch ball."
For your 2013 Ford Flex, you can use either the Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-524435-5 or Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit # RM-524435-4, although if it were my '13 Flex I would go with the direct-connect because it is easier to attach a tow bar with its pin and clips. The other parts you need to flat tow your 2013 Ford Flex are:
- Tow Bar: Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar # RM-520
- RoadMaster Release Tool for Motor Home Mounted Tow Bars # RM-066
- Safety Chains: Roadmaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables # RM-643
- Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit # RM-154
- Supplemental Braking System: Roadmaster InvisiBrake Supplemental Braking System # RM-8700
- Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-88400
You may also need a high-low adapter in order to keep your tow bar level, and 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 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Pole Flat Connectors
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light 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 InvisiBrake Flat Tow Brake System - Preset
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Pre-Set System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Light Relay
- 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
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