Difference Between Crossbar Style Baseplate and Direct Connect Baseplate Towing 2019 Ford F-150

Expert Reply:

The main difference between the Roadmaster Crossbar Style Baseplate # RM-524431-4 and the Roadmaster Direct Connect Baseplate # RM-524431-5 comes down to the ease of installation of the tow bars; typically vehicles that require some extra stability will only have the crossbar style available. Crossbar style tow bars are traditionally going to be much heavier and more difficult to install on the tow vehicle than the direct connects, but once you're pulling I don't think you'll notice a considerable difference in stability of one over the other with an F-150.

The other thing that I want to mention when it comes to crossbar vs direct connect is that if you're planning on towing somewhere remote where roads are bad, like Alaska, the crossbar style tow bars allow for the mounting of vehicle guards like the Tow Defender # RM-4750 and allow you to use the EZ Hook Safety Cables # RM-910650 when paired with the Anchors # RM-910653 .