Mini Cooper for toad

[deSanford]

Originally Posted by deSanford

Ours is a 2002 Super Charged Mini that goes where it is towed. Sanford P. S. When towing we turn key on and then off, but do NOT pull key out and the steering wheel will turn while towing with NO battery drain.

My Mini is a STANDARD 6 SPEED MANUAL, and it has been towed on all "four" for 10 years and NO problems. Don't need a tow dolly to park etc. We use a Blue Ox tow bar rated at 5,000 lbs and is LIGHT WEIGHT ALUMINUM. Sanford

[Beach Aire]

We tow a 2012 MINI "S" all 4 down, and it works out great.
Hook it up, put it in neutral (manual trans), and off you go!

[txsailorboy]

The Mini I just bought for towing behind my Class C came with this tow (see pic).
Can anyone identify the maker of this tow bar?
Emmett

[jlturner]

My 07 Cooper S tows well. As DeSanford stated turn off the ignition but leave the key in.

People is battery still goes dead! MINI rep tells me to run a charge line as the 07 Cooper is till drawing from the battery even though ignition is off?

Doesn't sound right to me. Battery is only 2 years old.


Sent from my iPhone using iRV2 - RV Forum

[BandSA]

To all pulling a mini cooper: Our son in law said to us to not ever get one. There is a part, thermostat, I believe, that can and does go bad. When it does, there is No replacement for quite awhile. He worked as a mechanic at a garage here in town, and there were two on the lot, plus some others that he knew of that were down for the count and they only get in like 7 pcs total for the nation. If it were my Mini, I'd be very unhappy. Just letting you know what I know about Minis....let the flames begin.

[Displaced2]

I've toad my 6 Mini for three years. Knock wood no problems. Did have power line for battery run
Love it!

[txsailorboy]

Today's the day for our 1st trip.....albeit only 5 miles from home. 'Baby Steps' my wife calls it.
We're towing via a Dolly. Brakes off.....but, no where in this thread, or else where, does it mention what gear/neutral (mine is manual shift) to leave the mini, while towing. Any comments?
Emmett
aka txsailorboy

[JMonroe]

If you're using a dolly, the gear shouldn't make a difference. As you noted, be sure the parking brake is off.

[k9quarz]

Thought of different ways to pull vehicles such as my Avalanche (too heavy), a Subaru Outback (automatic all wheel drive), trailer motorcycle (what to do with trailer upon arrival).

Got a 09 Mini Cooper JCW convertible and solved all issues. Use the Blue Ox Aventa which is way more than needed but does the job very nicely. Had the time and youtube instructions to do a self installed base plate on the mini. Installed a power line to keep battery charged while towing.

After easy and quick hook up, I just put in neutral, release parking brake and remove key. Steering does not lock and light enough that I haven't needed surge brake but that might come later. Just remember that you never EVER back up when using a tow bar. IF you drive it, it will be fun....

[txsailorboy]

We had a wonderful trip....and towing the Mini for the first time was successful.
Wx, here in N TX was just perfect!
Pic of RV w/dolly w/ Mini is attached.

[User1011]

Just a word of caution--- some of the later year models of the Mini Coopers' allow you to remove the key FOB and the steering does not lock. However, we have a 2007 Mini Cooper S - 6 speed and tow it 4 down. On this model year the key FOB must be in the slot to keep the steering from locking.

Our Mini Cooper is for sale due to health reasons. It is a great car that is fun to drive, light and easy to tow.

[Displaced2]

Here is my 2006 behind my Lexington

[txsailorboy]

Advised by someone on this Forum, I left the key in my MINI...with the tranny in 1st gear.
If I had any problem, it was manhandling the Dolly. I backed the MINI off the Dolly....disconnected the Dolly....then manhandled the Dolly off to the side of the assigned camping space. Unfortunately, the place I moved the Dolly to was somewhat into a depression. When it was time to re-connect, I had a devil of a time manhandling the Dolly up out of the depression.
Later this week I'm having a Trailer Hitch installed on the Mini. My plan is: once disconnected from the RV.... reconnect the Dolly to the Mini & back the Dolly deep into the camping space...then back the RV into the space all the way to the Dolly. When ready to leave, all I have to do is the reconnect the Dolly to the RV....drive up to the street....and then drive the MINI onto the Dolly!!!
Emmett

[hdzcar]

It should be in Park and not in 1st gear assuming you have an automatic. I carry a trailer dolly to move the tow dolly around.