Mini Cooper S - Towing Question

[User1011]

We are setting up a 2007 Mini Cooper S Hardtop for towing.
We installed the Blue Ox base plate and we are using Blue Ox Alpha tow bar.
For auxillary braking we purchased the Blue Ox Patriot brake system which will be powered by an independent battery installed in the trunk of the Mini.
Our Mini has the remote keybob with the start and stop button on the dash.

Question:

We have heard you do not need the remote key inserted in the dash while towing as the steering column does not lock. Is this true?

Thanks....

[MN_Traveler]

We have been towing a mini on a dolly, and the wheel definitely does NOT lock. With the auxiliary battery I would think you should be ok. What about lights though? Are you able to run independent bulbs directly from the MH plug?

I WISH I could tow four-down, but our mini is still under warrantee, and mfg says towing 4 down could void the warrantee :-(

[Norm Mac]

I believe MNTraveller is correct for the '07 Hardtop.

We have an "08 convertible which was still built on the older chassis and we need to leave our key in the ignition but it does not need to be on.

For lighting, we used the BlueOx kit with the bulbs that get power from the motorhome. We drilled out the inside of the tailight lenses and added these bulbs so they look factory and work excellently.

Norm