Towing a new 4WD MINI

Wildblu · 03-26-2011, 05:03 PM

So I've seen information here and elsewhere that MINIs can be used as TOADs. I'm wondering, though, specifically about the new 4WD models. Any problems there?

Thanks much,

Easyrider · 03-27-2011, 10:41 AM

I would check the owner's manual, ask the dealer, and then the manufacturer just to be sure before buying. It's always good to get it in writing. That way if something doesn't work the way you thought it would you're not left saying "a bunch of people in a chat group forum said it would be ok".

Wildblu · 03-27-2011, 08:55 PM

Sure thing. Good words there. I'm just hoping there might be somebody here that has done it themselves.

TNMike · 04-12-2011, 01:55 PM

Check these trailers out. I'm looking for a trailer for my Mini and found these, a little costly but looks good! Smart Trailer USA - - - Specifications and Pricing

1ciderdog · 04-12-2011, 02:25 PM

I tow a standard shift Mini front wheel drive. The owners manual recommends it NOT be towed four wheels down. Remco says it CAN be towed four wheels down and I do tow it four down. I do not know of anyone towing a Mini 4WD so cannot answer that question. Like most cars Mini's with automatic transmissions can not be towed four wheels down.
Bob

777 Driver · 04-13-2011, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wildblu

I'm wondering, though, specifically about the new 4WD models. Any problems there?

Thanks much,

Not that I'd take it as a definitive answer, I did ask that question at a recent (January 2011) Car Show in Washington, DC. I was looking at the Cooper S Countryman All4 and asked the representative about towability four down. He didn't know, so he made a quick cell phone call to, he claimed, a factory representative. The answer I was given was, "No. The only way to tow the All4 model is on a trailer."

Take care,
Stu
=========================================
"A superior pilot is one who uses his superior judgement to avoid situations which might require the demonstration of his superior skills."

TNMike · 04-14-2011, 12:50 PM

Seems like I have read in the past that you couldn't tow any All Wheel Drive vehicle

Vegasdan · 04-14-2011, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TNMike

Seems like I have read in the past that you couldn't tow any All Wheel Drive vehicle

Correctomundo.

777 Driver · 04-15-2011, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TNMike

Seems like I have read in the past that you couldn't tow any All Wheel Drive vehicle

I own, and tow, a 2010 Subaru Outback (manual transmission) that is an "All Wheel Drive vehicle".

The Subaru owner's manual says it can be towed four down.

The Subaru dealer told me it could be towed four down.

The manufacturer's rep (via 1-800 phone call) told me it could be towed four down.

Remco's website indicates it can be towed four down.

I have towed it without any apparent damage.

I'm pretty sure that it's OK to tow a All Wheel Drive Subaru Outback with a manual transmission all four down.

For my Outback, the manual transmission is the key. The info I've seen indicates that you CAN NOT tow (four down) with an automatic or CVT.

Take care,
Stu

fkloster · 04-15-2011, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TNMike

Seems like I have read in the past that you couldn't tow any All Wheel Drive vehicle

NOT correctomundo. 2011 Jeep GC Overland is an All Wheel Drive vehicle and it tows 4 down easily. In addition, automatic transmissions can be towed 4 down easily as long as the transfer case can be prepped to be put in Neutral. I would be shocked to find that it is possible to tow 4 down a Mini that is an all wheel drive vehicle.

TNMike · 04-16-2011, 08:37 AM

The key here is the transmission (as in the outback) and the difference between a 4 wheel drive vehicle with a transfer case capable of being put in neutral and an all wheel drive vehicle with no transfer case. The Mini is NOT 4 wheel drive, it is all wheel drive, so any comparisons to a vehicle with a transfer case is apples and oranges. There are exceptions to every rule of course and I guess it should be that you can't tow an AWD vehicle if it has the CVT or is an automatic. The OP will need a dolly to tow his Mini.