Towing a Mini-Cooper -New 2010 Questions

[SeeTheUSA]

I've looked through the previous threads regarding towing a Mini Cooper 4-down . . . and some of the information has been helpful. However, some of it is also a bit dated, perhaps.

So, given the recent responses to the "what's the most FUN toad" question, I find myself looking (lusting?) at new Mini's! I really like the 2010 Mini Cooper Clubman S, with a manual transmission, of course. Some details have me scratching my head, though.

My questions are:

- Has anyone installed the Roadmaster baseplate on a 2010 or recent Mini themselves? Any problems or tips (I'm relatively handy).

- I have a BrakePro supplemental brake device (now called an EvenBrake), any comments/advice on getting it to work (including break-away feature)?

- My current toad has been wired for tail/brake/turn light functions, can Mini be wired as such?

- Given the funny ignition key and the Start/Stop switch on a 2010 model (not sure how it compares to older models), how do you set things up so the steering is not locked?

- MiniUSA continues to "recommend against" flat towing a Mini, has anyone had any warranty problems or issues with a Mini still under warranty?

Guess that's it for now . . . appreciate your help!

Warren

[MonacoMama]

SeeTheUSA..I was surprised that no one had responded - until I re-looked at the Thread Name. I am adding the word "Cooper" to it...because I did not realize you were talking about the car until reading your post...
Maybe other Mini-Cooper owners will respond now the the title change...
Good Luck!

[SeeTheUSA]

Thanks MM, perhaps that will help!

However, I'm learning that adding Cooper in the World of Mini would be about like adding Chevrolet to Corvette or Porsche to 911 . . . very loyal enthusiasts/owners, it seems. Just whisper Mini and their ears perk up

In any event, I appreciate your help - and you got me out of the unanswered post box!

Warren

[mrschwarz]

I had a Mini Cooper. I wound up putting it on a tow dolly so I wouldn't void the warranty. I also bought an Evenbrake. I never used it on the Mini because I couldn't attach it to the brake pedal. The pedal is too small.

[Max Hubrich]

SeeTheUSA,

I'm with you (lusting )!

I have seen one being towed, 4 down- I assume it was a "stick".

I would buy one several years old (they all look the same to me anyway)- then the warranty issue would no longer be a concern.

Here is the tow dolly I would buy for it. I have seen these in use and they fold right up- cool. I need an automatic 'cause the bride sez "no more stick shifts for me!" . Here is a second "petite" dolly I've looked at too.

I can't comment on the base plate, except if Roadmaster or Blue Ox don't have one for your model, they will both make one and install it free for you - if you take your car to them.

Good Luck, and let us know the outcome of this wonderful (to me, anyway) endeavor . I am looking at the supercharged convertible- maybe red, Yeah!!

[SeeTheUSA]

I towed our new MINI for the first time yesterday --- 4-down --- it's great!

As a follow-up, here are the details regarding my original questions. I did all of the work myself.

Question 1:
- Has anyone installed the RoadMaster baseplate on a 2010 or recent Mini themselves? Any problems or tips (I'm relatively handy).

Answer 1 -
Easy-Peasy! RoadMaster Baseplate # 521877-1 , instructions provided were all I needed. Bought it from AdventureRV.net for $299, lowest price I could find.

Question 2:
- I have a BrakePro supplemental brake device (now called an EvenBrake), any comments/advice on getting it to work (including break-away feature)?

Answer 2 - Three things were necessary:
One was to install an always-hot 12 volt receptacle. I grabbed a vacant hot spot on the fuse panel, behind the passenger-side kick panel, and routed the wire under the carpet to the console under the hand brake handle. Drilled a hole in the plastic and applied the 12 volt receptacle. To explain the need, MINI's 12 volt receptacles are hot only when the key is in the ignition --- no need to have the key in the ignition when towing because the steering column does not lock - ever!
Two was to hook up the brake pedal monitor kit. I installed RoadMaster's Stop Light Switch Bracket, Part # 751440 , a device specifically made for the MINI. It consists of a bracket that holds a switch which keeps track of the brake pedal position. I had to then grab a 12 volt source for this switch, which I got from the battery (wire routed out the firewall on the passenger-side harness access hole). This wire was then routed to the brake pedal switch up under the dash. By the way, this switch is necessary because MINI brake lights don't light up when the ignition isn't activated.
Three was to configure the break-away circuit. I was also routed the wires from the driver's floorboard area to the front grill up under the dash, through the passenger-side harness access hole and up to through the engine compartment.

Question 3:
- My current toad has been wired for tail/brake/turn light functions, can Mini be wired as such?

Answer 3 -
As someone here told me - MINI electrical systems are quite complex. I opted to purchase wireless tow lights. They work great. Check them out at Welcome to Wireless Tow Lights, Inc. .

Question 4:
- Given the funny ignition key and the Start/Stop switch on a 2010 model (not sure how it compares to older models), how do you set things up so the steering is not locked?

Answer 4 -
MINI steering never locks! No need to do anything with the key while being towed.

Question 5:
- MiniUSA continues to "recommend against" flat towing a Mini, has anyone had any warranty problems or issues with a Mini still under warranty?

Answer 5 -
Basically they recommend against about anything --- being towed, using it to tow, putting it on a tow dolly, etc. --- but the fact is they do not prohibit such activities. If any such activity can be PROVEN to cause any otherwise warranted failure, you're on your own. The burden of proof lies with the manufacturer. MANY MINIs are being towed 4-down --- I brought mine to that party

[Max Hubrich]

Warren--

Thanks for the update. It all sounds cool .

I once wired a Saturn, as a Marathon Coach dealer in Florida did. They ran three seperate wires to the rear end of the car, drilled new bulb socket holes into the two tail assemblies and added, a two filiment, light bulb socket. Of course, a fourth wire was attached to the front of the vehicle as a ground.

They didnt want to interfer with any of the toad's computer or electrical systems.

It worked great for me, as I had room in the taillight assembly for an extra light socket.

I'll get into the Mini discussions this summer in Maine. It's like an '05 Convertible he wants to sell me.

Best of luck with your Mini. I see you have a "View"- Neat.

Max H

[Dambuilder]

Hello SeetheUSA

I realize this is an old thread but curious if you can provide any updates on your experience in towing your Mini. We are awaiting delivery of our RED QRA and would like to tow our 2011 Mini S convertible six speed. Would also love to see a picture of what the baseplate looks like on the front of the mini. Thanks in advance