Community Forums

vettenuts · 06-23-2018, 06:40 AM

Looking at the two different Roadmaster base plates for my new Colorado and there are two available, the EZ4 and the EZ5. I think the difference is that one uses the crossbar (EZ4) and one doesn't (EZ5).

The EZ5 also lists a whole host of things that won't fit if used, which I am not sure what some of these things are.

This bracket will accommodate any ROADMASTER motorhome-mounted tow bar. However, safety chain anchor brackets for Sterling cables does not fit. To use with Sterling tow bar the Sterling cable anchors must be attached to the frame of the vehicle or welded to the receiver portion of the bracket. IMPORTANT NOTE: this bracket will not accommodate the Guardian rock shield, Tow Defender, Stowaway or the StowMaster and StowMaster All Terrain tow bars.

It appears to me that the EZ4 provides more options for other equipment and both seem to install the same onto the truck. Wondering if anyone has any insight as to what I am missing.

l1v3fr33ord1 · 06-23-2018, 07:42 AM

vettenuts-

I think you'll find this is a Ford vs. Chevy kind of thing.

We have a Roadmaster Sterling towbar, so the crossbar brackets were pretty much mandatory. I haven't found the crossbar to be a big time sink, or problem creator. We have left it attached on occasion- for quick jaunts with the toad- although it's our practice to remove all the tow gear before putting the toad on the road. I do like the idea that the crossbar (should) provide some extra resistance against sideways pressure on the brackets. We don't use any of the accessories listed (Tow Defender, etc.).

That said, some folks can't stand the crossbar.

Ford vs. Chevy.

vettenuts · 06-23-2018, 11:44 AM

Thanks for the input. I am thinking I might go with the Blackhawk 2 tow bar so I would need the EZ4 anyhow. This being my first four down setup, I am just trying to make sure I am not missing anything important.

Captjake1 · 06-23-2018, 09:05 PM

On our new to us 2016 Colorado I used the Blue Ox baseplate. Mainly because Roadmaster dufnt show a safety cable connection.
The Blue Ox installed great with no cutting.
I had to get adapters from my Roadmaster Sterling to fit the Blue Ox baseplate.
No crossbar with this set up, unlike our last one that did have the cross bar.
I like the NO CROSSBAR infinitely better.
I was also able to put the tow defender on as well. Just bolted the brackets to the blue ox adapters.

gonecampin1 · 06-24-2018, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vettenuts

Looking at the two different Roadmaster base plates for my new Colorado and there are two available, the EZ4 and the EZ5. I think the difference is that one uses the crossbar (EZ4) and one doesn't (EZ5).

The EZ5 also lists a whole host of things that won't fit if used, which I am not sure what some of these things are.

This bracket will accommodate any ROADMASTER motorhome-mounted tow bar. However, safety chain anchor brackets for Sterling cables does not fit. To use with Sterling tow bar the Sterling cable anchors must be attached to the frame of the vehicle or welded to the receiver portion of the bracket. IMPORTANT NOTE: this bracket will not accommodate the Guardian rock shield, Tow Defender, Stowaway or the StowMaster and StowMaster All Terrain tow bars.

It appears to me that the EZ4 provides more options for other equipment and both seem to install the same onto the truck. Wondering if anyone has any insight as to what I am missing.

Just had the ez4 installed on a 2017 canyon. At first I really didnt want the cross bar but decided to buy the Tow Defender also. Don't regret it now. Works great and all attachments come off quickly. I just wanted to be able to use the defender to help protect the canyon.

vettenuts · 06-24-2018, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonecampin1

Just had the ez4 installed on a 2017 canyon. At first I really didnt want the cross bar but decided to buy the Tow Defender also. Don't regret it now. Works great and all attachments come off quickly. I just wanted to be able to use the defender to help protect the canyon.

Thanks for the input.

Funny, I was just looking at the Tow Defender and Tow Guardian last night on etrailer.

vettenuts · 06-24-2018, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captjake1

On our new to us 2016 Colorado I used the Blue Ox baseplate. Mainly because Roadmaster dufnt show a safety cable connection.
The Blue Ox installed great with no cutting.
I had to get adapters from my Roadmaster Sterling to fit the Blue Ox baseplate.
No crossbar with this set up, unlike our last one that did have the cross bar.
I like the NO CROSSBAR infinitely better.
I was also able to put the tow defender on as well. Just bolted the brackets to the blue ox adapters.

When I looked at the Blue Ox on etrailer they cut quite a bit of the internal plastic baffles and the metal under bumper arms. That’s the main reason I am going with Roadmaster.

Did they not cut these parts on your installation?