All You Need to Know About Tow Bar Base Plates

Nine million people own an RV in the United States. This impressive number shows that many Americans are now embracing an adventure-filled life aboard their motorhomes. The breathtaking views and the exciting places that they can visit add to the allure of RV cross-country travel.

If you want to try the life-changing adventure of traveling cross country with an RV, experts suggest you bring your car with you. It will make errands and sightseeing more convenient for you and your family. To make this happen, you need to use a sturdy and reliable tow bar base plate.

What is a Tow Bar Base Plate? 

A tow bar base plates is a coupler that is used to attach a four-wheeled vehicle to the motorhome’s rear. The connection between the tow bar and a perfectly engineered base plate makes it possible for the RV to pull the car safely through various road conditions.

This bracket allows you to attach a tow bar semi-permanently. They are carefully crafted to lessen the impact of towing and braking. The connection distributes the load evenly, so there will be no unnecessary wear and tear on the vehicle.

How Do I Choose the Best Base Plate for my Needs?

It is important to note that not all baseplates install the same way. The first thing you need to do is to check the make, year, and model of the vehicle that you will attach to your RV. A reliable base plate company will provide you with a list of baseplates that are appropriate for the weight and features of your car.

A common rule of thumb, though, is that large vehicles such as an SUV would need a smaller bracket since they have large and heavy frames. They will also require a straightforward installation. On the other hand, smaller cars would need specially engineered components since they are made of delicate sheet metals. Installation for these kinds of vehicles is also more complicated.

It would be best to seek the help of professionals to install your baseplate. Most companies will be glad to install a tailor-fit base plate for you.

Can I Install It Myself?

If you know cars and their mechanisms, you may be able to attach a base plate on your own. You need a few simple tools and ample time before your trip for a successful installation. Make sure that you have ramps and jacks on hand to make your work productive and quick. It would be a lot of help if you carefully read the installation manuals and watch videos to guide you in your tasks. 

Bear in mind, though, that you need to check the bracket and stability of the tow bar base plate before heading on to your trip. Your RV will be pulling a heavy vehicle for thousands of miles, so an unstable connection might be hazardous. When in doubt, seek the expertise of professionals to do the installing or checking for you.

How Do I Maintain the Tow Bar Base Plate?

A base plate, just like any component in your car or RV, needs periodic maintenance. Various road conditions often lead to vibrations, which may cause certain nuts and bolts to loosen. Manufacturers of base plates recommend that you inspect the connectors for proper torque. Also, you need to make sure that there are no holes and cracks in any of the parts. 

Bringing your car through a cross-country adventure has many positive benefits. By arming yourself with the proper knowledge on base plates, you are well on your way to a road trip of a lifetime.