Are all base plates the same? Your preference and why.

We had a RM on the Older Tracker and a Demco on the current CRV!

Both work fine!

Blue ox and Demco have the cross bar hidden behind bumper.Roadmaster the cross bar is out side. In most cases I prefer the Blue Ox for looks when disconnected.

You'd think someone would post a pic. Click on the image for a larger photo. I have the Roadmaster Falcon 2 tow bar with Roadmaster's EZ2 Twistlock series brackets. There are optional black plastic covers (not shown) that can make the bracket mounts almost invisible. If you're a James Bond fan then leaving them uncovered might remind you of something else. :W

THANKS to everyone who has responded. A variety of input is always valued and you have certainly given me some things to think about. Happy New Year!

I think you'll find that most peoples "preference" is dependent on the type of vehicle they tow and the types of activities they use their towed vehicle for. If like us you use the towed vehicle for off roar travel a vehicle mounted towbar presents problems. It has to be disconnected and stored while using the towed vehicle. A motorhome mounted towbar stays with the motorhome so it needs no additional storage accommodations or space.

We use a Roadmaster Sterling All Terrain for our 2004 Jeep Wrangler. The towbar is lighter than most, but still has a 6,000 lb. capacity. It's versatile in that it can be connected or disconnected at significant height and angle differences between the towed vehicle and towing vehicle. That's not to say there should be a huge difference in towing heights (3" or less is the recommended height differences), just that the system can be connected and disconnected when the vehicles are not level or square to one another.

We also use the Roadmaster baseplates. They are flush with the front of, and at the same height as the frame rails when the bar is disconnected. For us this makes off road travel easier.

There are lots of different options. The key is to decide when and where you want to use the towed vehicle. Then it will be easier to determine what type and brand of towing system would best fit your needs.

I paid attention to the installation instructions, choosing Demco for a 2001 Ranger Edge and and BlueOx for a 2012 Honda Fit. Height of connection was reason for choosing Demco over BlueOx for the truck.

Most Roadmaster bracket installations require an external crossbar (comes with each Roadmaster tow bar) to make it a complete baseplate. Removal of this is enough of a hassle most people leave the crossbar on the toad when not towing. The Demco on my truck had tabs showing through a bumper opening, rest of baseplate was hidden. BlueOx on my Fit, the tabs can be removed in less than 10 seconds, pull a ring, twist and pull.

There are a number of sedans for which I would choose the Roadmaster brackets, however. First two generations of Saturn, and GM compacts, the tow brackets installed under the bumper and fascia, reaching back to a subframe. This leaves the OEM bumper intact, which is better in my opinion than many more recent RM installations that scrap the bumper structure and install brackets or complete hidden baseplate in its place.

If you can check the installation procedure for the vehicle you are using it helps to determine the simplest or most effective install for you. They all vary. I had a road master on my CRV but have Blue Ox now on the Cadillac.

At least BOx and RM post their installation instructions. Good to look at if you plan on installing your own, as well as if you're concerned about cutting the bumper fascia. You could also use the pix they show of a completed install to see how high the tow bar connection will be.

I chose a Blue Ox base plate initially because it put the tow bar at the correct height to be nearly level. The Roadmaster base plate would have been too low, requiring a drop adapter. After installing the Blue Ox, I also like it for the nearly invisible appearance when the tabs are removed.

mikeleblanc413 wrote:
I'm interested in knowing if one manufacturer is more preferred than another and why. THANKS!

Buy what you can get a good deal on. Folks will vote on what they have, which if it gets the job done is the best in their opinion. I belong to more than a couple forums, and all of the manufacturers have folks that have posted failures, as well as "It is the best one you can get" posts.