Anyone Towing a 2019 Mini Cooper S?

[Gypsy 7932]

Hello,
I’m expecting delivery of the car the first week of Nov.
Then install of the baseplate and braking system.
I’ve decided on Blue Ox towing hardware and the Duo Stay-n-play.
We are planning a trip in early Dec. so it’s a priority👍

I’ll keep posting as I have any new information.

[Gypsy 7932]

Hello,
Well I finally got our ‘19 Mini “S” 4 door hardtop set up to tow. First tow was 150 miles. The installer made an error in the pin out that I fixed when home. I also wired a 12v charge line from the motor home to the Mini to prevent battery drain from the braking system.
I also made a tray to stow the towing accessories in the Mini when not being towed. I used Kaizen foam from Fast Cap and cut out the shapes to fit. No parts rolling around. It fits in the storage area behind the rear seats in a well which is covered by the upholstered storage cover (see last photo).
Next trip is after the 4th to King’s Canyon/Sequoia NF. It will be about 300 miles each way. Looking forward to having the Mini to do side trips.
We went with Blue Ox:
Baseplate BX1312
Alpha tow bar BX7365
Accessory kit (wiring kit, cover, lock pins, etc.) BX 88231
Patriot 3 brake BRK2019
6” drop receiver BX88130
5/8” lock pin keyed to kit for drop receiver BX8858
Bought it all from Hitch Source. Good prices (and matching) plus excellent customer service.

[Pensacola Al]

That's a nice set-up.

I'm taking delivery of a 2019 Clubman S next week and hoping to make it my new TOAD. I'm assuming no modifications to the Mini were necessary other than the wiring kit and that required to attach the base plate?

Since I already have a Roadmaster Falcon II tow bar, I'm going with RM's base plate. The only issue I'm finding on that is eTrailer's alert that the base plate's fit is not confirmed.

I called Roadmaster to confirm the fit, and the woman I spoke to said she needed the VIN of the Mini to confirm. I won't have the full VIN until it arrives from the port of entry to the dealership.

[Gypsy 7932]

Al,
Thanks for your kind words.
When I was researching the choices...I think I remember that there were some adapters for the Falcon II bar to be used with other base plate manufactures. As always look into this on your own!!!!
Also my wonderful wife said I should of mentioned that we’ve bottom’ed out on a couple driveways. That sound is never fun.

Take care,
Skip

[Arch Hoagland]

Gypsy....where did you stay in Kings canyon/ Sequoia?

[Gypsy 7932]

Arch,
Princesses CG is wonderful. Think there are ~100 sites mostly shaded. Located just off the 180 at 6000’
before it drops down to into Kings Canyon and the split to Hume Lake via Hume Lake Rd. Clean and well maintained. Central location to visit other places in the park.
Hume Lake CG is smaller but really nice and close to the lake if you like water activities. There is a store at the Christian Camp and a burger joint with good ice cream. The youth camp does get pretty noisy especially 10:00-11:00PM.
Reservations are hard to get unless you plan way ahead.
The picture is site 3 at Hume
Enjoy 👍

[Arch Hoagland]

Thanks for the info, may have to check that out.

[mr_reality]

Did you get an official answer from Mini on how flat towing affects the warranty? Would like to purchase a setup like yours.

Originally Posted by Gypsy 7932

Hello,
Well I finally got our ‘19 Mini “S” 4 door hardtop set up to tow. First tow was 150 miles. The installer made an error in the pin out that I fixed when home. I also wired a 12v charge line from the motor home to the Mini to prevent battery drain from the braking system.
I also made a tray to stow the towing accessories in the Mini when not being towed. I used Kaizen foam from Fast Cap and cut out the shapes to fit. No parts rolling around. It fits in the storage area behind the rear seats in a well which is covered by the upholstered storage cover (see last photo).
Next trip is after the 4th to King’s Canyon/Sequoia NF. It will be about 300 miles each way. Looking forward to having the Mini to do side trips.
We went with Blue Ox:
Baseplate BX1312
Alpha tow bar BX7365
Accessory kit (wiring kit, cover, lock pins, etc.) BX 88231
Patriot 3 brake BRK2019
6” drop receiver BX88130
5/8” lock pin keyed to kit for drop receiver BX8858
Bought it all from Hitch Source. Good prices (and matching) plus excellent customer service.

[Gypsy 7932]

Mr reality,
Mini doesen’t have it in their manual so they don’t support it officially. I’ve seen several later models on the road...I’ve had no problems of note and Blue Ox said they didn’t when I called for compatibility. You might want to ask Pensacola Al his opinion. Before the current 5k trip we are on I had 1,000 miles towing without any major issues.
Couple notes
-The trip odometer ticks the mileage
-I had headlights on auto and they came on when dark
-Car locks automatically after a period of time, after rolling, so don’t leave the key fob inside
-make sure you run a 12v supply from the coach, as a trickle charge to the Mini battery. The 12v lighter appears to loose power also.
-After towing the TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) needs to be reset
I’m thinking I may do a battery disconnect...anyone have a thought on that?

I think that’s about it....

Regards

[Beach Aire]

I also have a Mini Cooper, its the 2012 Countryman model
We set it up with the Blue Ox base plate, and have towed it from Southern California to Boston, to the Florida Keys, and to Alaska, a total of 60,000 miles now.
Have not had any problems with the Mini, but can't saw that for the Blue Ox base plate.
Blue Ox base plate is designed to mount to the front bumper support. This framework appears to be sturdy, but in reality is light gauge sheet metal designed to collapse in the event of frontal impact.
After 50,000 miles of towing, the welds fractured, and the entire base plate broke loose. Luckily we were in Alaska driving at slow speed at the time, and not on the interstate in traffic. I was able to drive the Mini to a welding shop, where we redesigned the Blue Ox base plate to connect to the radiator core support and the front engine mounts. If it breaks loose now, it'll rip the entire front of the car off.
It is a much sturdier design, and has no problems since.
For us, there was no early signs of fatigue, it just broke loose all at once.
Just a warning, and something to keep an eye out for

[Gypsy 7932]

Hello All,
We’re halfway thru our first longer trip (5k miles). We headed from SoCal to New Orleans about 3 weeks ago. Today we are on the return leg.
As for the Mini, it has towed wonderfully and I’m happy with the setup. As for any issues, pointers....
-The TPMS error after towing happened twice after leaving, but stopped giving the error. Don’t know why, but I’ll keep an eye on it.
-Auxiliary power outlet (lighter) does loose power after a period of time, so use a power supply directly from the battery, or from the coach for your braking system.
-Make sure you run a fused charge line from the coach to the battery.
-Doors lock automatically after rolling.

I’ll follow up after we get back.

Safe travels and enjoy the journey.

[FORTRIDER]

When you guys say "manual transmission" are you referring to the DCT transmission? We are looking to getting a Mini and only see the DCT listed or automatic. No just plain manual.

[BZTS561]

Beach Aire, thanks for the pics and posting. You've got me closely looking at my Mini Cooper welds and configuration.

26,000 miles of problem free towing for our 2010 MC S, would like to continue that trend.

Like the MC as a toad, it is lightweight, easily set up as it doesn't require a key to keep the steering wheel unlocked, two quick clicks on the key fob locks the doors and then disables the alarm, gearshift to neutral and hand brake off. Hardly noticeable behind the rig.

Had a Mini Cooper specialist tell me it will tow without any engine or transmission issues until the wheels fall off. I take that to mean not anytime soon.

[nomoreosama]

Beach Are, did you reach out to Blue Ox? that scares the @#$$ out of me!

I also am in the market for a Mini to use as a toad.... From what i see it is not recommended for the AWD (All wheel drive) anybody successfully do this?