Planning to bring your vehicle along on your RV adventures? Flat towing, also known as dinghy towing, lets you tow your car behind your motorhome with all four wheels on the ground. The key to a safe and reliable setup is a quality base plate that mounts to your vehicle’s frame and connects to your tow bar.
This guide reviews ten top-rated base plates from trusted brands like Blue Ox, Roadmaster, and CURT. Whether you drive a Jeep Wrangler, a Ford F-150, or a Chevy Colorado, you’ll find the perfect match for your rig, with details on fit, installation, and durability to help you make an informed choice.
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BX1126 Tow Bar Base Plate for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK JKU 2/4 Doors All …
Best forJeep JK owners seeking tool-free
- Tool-free arm removal
- High towing capacity
ConsiderNot for JL models
Roadmaster 521453-5 Direct Connect Base Plates Compatible with 2020-2025 Gl…
Best forNewer Jeep owners wanting quick install
- 30% faster installation
- FEA-tested strength
ConsiderLimited to specific models
Blue Ox BX1126 Base Plate 2007-2018 Wrangler/Wrangler Unlimited JK, All Mod…
Best forJK owners who value clean aesthetics
- No welding needed
- Receiver covers included
ConsiderNot for JL models
CURT 70150 Custom Tow Bar Base Plate Brackets for Dinghy Towing, Compatible…
Best forF-150 owners wanting factory look
- High-strength steel
- Dual-coated finish
ConsiderSpecific model fit
CURT 70144 Custom Tow Bar Base Plate Brackets for Dinghy Towing, Fits Selec…
Best forColorado/Canyon owners seeking custom fit
- Custom fit for specific models
- Corrosion-resistant finish
ConsiderLimited to select years
CURT 70130 Custom Tow Bar Base Plate Brackets for Dinghy Towing, Fits Selec…
Best forF-150 owners needing reliable strength
- High-strength construction
- Dual-coated finish
ConsiderSpecific model fit
CURT 70154 Custom Tow Bar Base Plate Brackets for Dinghy Towing, Compatible…
Best forRam 1500 owners wanting OE appearance
- Custom fit for Ram
- Durable dual-coat finish
ConsiderLimited to select years
CURT 70151 Custom Tow Bar Base Plate Brackets for Dinghy Towing, Fits Selec…
Best forColorado/Canyon owners wanting integrat…
- Integrated for easy install
- High-strength steel
ConsiderSpecific model fit
CURT 70141 Custom Tow Bar Base Plate Brackets for Dinghy Towing, Fits Selec…
Best forSierra/Silverado owners needing dependa…
- Custom fit for GM trucks
- Durable dual-coat finish
ConsiderLimited to select models
Roadmaster 524431-5 Direct Connect Base Plates Compatible with 2010-2014 F1…
Best forF150 owners wanting secure, fast install
- Fast installation
- FEA-tested strength
ConsiderLimited to F150 models
Camoo BX1126 Base Plate for Jeep Wrangler JK – Quick Connect
Brand: Camoo
A solid, easy-to-use base plate for JK owners who value convenience.
The Camoo BX1126 is a custom-designed base plate for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK and JKU models with standard bumpers. It’s built to handle towing up to 10,000 lbs, giving you confidence when you hitch up your Jeep behind your RV. The twist-lock design lets you attach or detach the arms quickly without any tools, making setup and breakdown a breeze.
Installation is straightforward, and the plate effectively reduces vibration during towing, which helps protect your vehicle and your gear. It’s compatible with popular tow bars like Aventa LX, Aladdin, Alpha, Avail, and Allure, so you can easily integrate it into your existing setup. The clean, factory-inspired look means your Jeep still looks great when the arms are removed.
- Tool-free arm removal
- High towing capacity
- Reduces vibration
- Not for JL models
- Limited bumper compatibility
Roadmaster 521453-5 Direct Connect for Gladiator and JL – Fast Install
Brand: Roadmaster
A fast-installing, high-strength base plate ideal for modern Jeeps.
The Roadmaster 521453-5 Direct Connect base plate is engineered for 2020-2025 Gladiator and 2018-2025 Wrangler JL models, including Rubicon and Altitude trims. It installs up to thirty percent faster than comparable systems because it requires fewer holes to drill and fewer components to remove. This saves you time and effort during installation.
Each design undergoes computer-simulated Finite Element Analysis to ensure maximum strength and safety under towing stress. The base plate blends seamlessly with your vehicle’s front end, maintaining a factory-like appearance once installed. If you own a newer Jeep, this base plate offers a dependable and professional-looking solution.
- 30% faster installation
- FEA-tested strength
- Factory-like appearance
- Limited to specific models
- May require professional install
Blue Ox BX1126 Base Plate for Wrangler JK – Seamless Look
Brand: Blue Ox
A clean, no-weld base plate that keeps your Jeep looking factory.
The Blue Ox BX1126 is a reliable base plate for 2007-2018 Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited JK models with standard bumpers. It bolts securely to your vehicle’s chassis with included hardware, and installation is straightforward with no welding required. The hidden design ensures a clean, seamless look that doesn’t protrude past the front of your vehicle.
When you’re not towing, the arms remove with a simple twist, and the included receiver covers keep dirt and debris out of the base plate. This keeps your Jeep looking sharp and protects the connection points. Blue Ox is known for quality, and this base plate lives up to that reputation, offering both function and aesthetics.
- No welding needed
- Receiver covers included
- Hidden design
- Not for JL models
- Arms may be tricky to remove
CURT 70150 Base Plate for Ford F-150 – Concealed Strength
Brand: CURT
A strong, concealed base plate that preserves your F-150's appearance.
The CURT 70150 is a custom-fit base plate for select Ford F-150 models. It bolts onto the frame, providing a reliable connection for flat towing. The concealed design keeps the main body hidden, maintaining an OE factory look on your truck. This is a big plus if you want your F-150 to look stock when not towing.
Constructed from high-strength steel and welded with precision, this base plate offers dependable towing strength. The dual-coated finish of A-coat and black powder coat protects against the elements, ensuring long-lasting durability. If you drive an F-150 and need a sturdy, discreet base plate, this is a top contender.
- High-strength steel
- Dual-coated finish
- Concealed design
- Specific model fit
- Installation may be complex
CURT 70144 Base Plate for Colorado and Canyon – Custom Fit
Brand: CURT
A durable, custom-fit base plate that keeps your truck looking stock.
The CURT 70144 is custom-engineered for select Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon models. It bolts onto the frame, giving you a solid connection for flat towing. The hidden design helps maintain an OE factory look, so your truck doesn’t look modified when you’re not towing.
Built from high-strength steel and welded with precision, this base plate ensures dependable towing strength. The dual-coated A-coat and black powder coat finish provides excellent protection against corrosion and wear. If you own a Colorado or Canyon, this base plate offers a seamless and robust towing solution.
- Custom fit for specific models
- Corrosion-resistant finish
- Hidden design
- Limited to select years
- May require professional installation
CURT 70130 Base Plate for Ford F-150 – Reliable Towing
Brand: CURT
A dependable, concealed base plate that offers solid towing performance.
The CURT 70130 is another excellent option for select Ford F-150 models. It’s custom-fit to bolt onto the frame, ensuring a secure connection for flat towing. The concealed design keeps the base plate hidden, preserving the factory look of your truck.
Made from high-strength steel and welded with precision, this base plate offers dependable strength for your towing needs. The dual-coated finish of A-coat and black powder coat protects against the elements, making it a long-lasting investment. If you’re looking for a reliable and discreet base plate for your F-150, this one is worth considering.
- High-strength construction
- Dual-coated finish
- Concealed design
- Specific model fit
- No receiver covers included
CURT 70154 Base Plate for Ram 1500 – OE Look
The CURT 70154 is custom-engineered for select Ram 1500 models. It bolts onto the frame, providing a reliable connection for flat towing. The concealed design ensures the base plate is hidden, maintaining an OE factory look on your truck.
Constructed from high-strength steel and welded with precision, this base plate delivers dependable towing strength. The dual-coated A-coat and black powder coat finish offers superior protection against rust and wear. If you drive a Ram 1500 and want a base plate that looks factory-installed, this is a great choice.
- Custom fit for Ram
- Durable dual-coat finish
- Concealed design
- Limited to select years
- Installation may be involved
CURT 70151 Base Plate for Colorado and Canyon – Integrated Design
Brand: CURT
A well-integrated base plate that simplifies installation and towing.
The CURT 70151 is a custom-fit base plate for select Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon models. It integrates with the front of the vehicle, promoting the easiest possible installation and optimal functionality while towing. This integrated approach means fewer parts to worry about and a cleaner look.
Built from high-strength steel and welded with precision, this base plate ensures dependable towing strength. The dual-coated finish protects against the elements, so it will hold up well over time. If you want a base plate that’s both functional and visually appealing for your Colorado or Canyon, this is a solid option.
- Integrated for easy install
- High-strength steel
- Corrosion-resistant finish
- Specific model fit
- May require drilling
CURT 70141 Base Plate for Sierra and Silverado – Dependable
Brand: CURT
A reliable, concealed base plate that keeps your GM truck looking sharp.
The CURT 70141 is custom-fit for select GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 models. It bolts onto the frame, providing a reliable connection for flat towing. The concealed design keeps the base plate hidden, maintaining a factory look on your truck.
Made from high-strength steel and welded with precision, this base plate offers dependable towing strength. The dual-coated A-coat and black powder coat finish provides excellent protection against the elements. If you own a Sierra or Silverado, this base plate is a dependable choice that won’t compromise your truck’s appearance.
- Custom fit for GM trucks
- Durable dual-coat finish
- Concealed design
- Limited to select models
- Installation may be complex
Roadmaster 524431-5 Direct Connect for F150 – Secure Fit
Brand: Roadmaster
A secure, quick-installing base plate that keeps your F150 looking stock.
The Roadmaster 524431-5 Direct Connect base plate fits 2010-2014 and 2015-2020 Ford F150 models, both 2WD and 4WD. It ensures a strong, stable connection for safe and hassle-free flat towing. The design installs up to thirty percent faster than comparable systems, thanks to fewer holes to drill and fewer components to remove.
Each design undergoes computer-simulated Finite Element Analysis to guarantee maximum strength and safety under towing stress. The base plate blends seamlessly with your F150’s front end, maintaining a factory-like appearance. If you drive an F150 and want a secure, professional-grade base plate, this is a top pick.
- Fast installation
- FEA-tested strength
- Factory-like appearance
- Limited to F150 models
- May require professional install
Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider
Choosing the right flat tow base plate is crucial for safe and hassle-free towing. Consider these key factors to find the best fit for your vehicle and towing needs.
- Vehicle Compatibility: Ensure the base plate is designed for your exact vehicle make, model, and year. Many are custom-fit, so double-check compatibility to avoid fitment issues or unsafe towing.
- Installation Complexity: Some base plates require drilling or professional installation, while others are simpler. Consider your DIY skills and whether you have the necessary tools. Faster installation can save time and money.
- Towing Capacity: Check the base plate's towing capacity to ensure it matches your vehicle's weight. Overloading can be dangerous. Most quality base plates handle up to 10,000 lbs, but verify for your specific setup.
- Design and Aesthetics: If you want your vehicle to look stock when not towing, look for a concealed or hidden design. Removable arms and receiver covers add convenience and keep the front end clean.
- Durability and Finish: Look for base plates made from high-strength steel with a corrosion-resistant finish like powder coating. This ensures longevity, especially if you tow in harsh weather or off-road conditions.
Conclusion
Selecting the right base plate ensures your vehicle tows safely and looks great. From the tool-free convenience of the Camoo for JK owners to the fast-installing Roadmaster for modern Jeeps and F150s, there’s a perfect match for every rig. CURT offers robust, concealed options for trucks, while Blue Ox provides a clean, no-weld solution for classic Wranglers.
Consider your vehicle’s compatibility, installation ease, and design preferences. For most, the Roadmaster Direct Connect series offers a great balance of strength and simplicity. Whatever you choose, a quality base plate is an investment in your RV adventures.
Erica Steven is the founder and lead writer of WorstBrands, a site dedicated to providing honest and trustworthy reviews about outdoor gear and fashion products.
With a passion for exploring the great outdoors and staying up to date on the latest fashion trends, Erica uses her expertise to provide valuable insights into the products that matter most to her readers.
Whether you're looking for camping equipment or the latest fashion accessories, Erica's articles are the perfect resource for finding the best products that fit your lifestyle.