Towing Mini on tow dolly

[rg neumann]

We have a 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman which we want to tow on our Demco Kar Kaddy SS. The problem is that the front road clearance at the air dam is only 3.5 ". However using Demco Load Angle clearance formula we are ok. But we aren't. Not only doesn't the air dam clear the dolly but the front bumper intersects with the front stop on the trailer bed. I am thinking about putting ramps or blocks to raise the vehicle but am concerned about safety and road worthiness. Any one have similar problems.

[PHESPE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rg neumann We have a 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman which we want to tow on our Demco Kar Kaddy SS. The problem is that the front road clearance at the air dam is only 3.5 ". However using Demco Load Angle clearance formula we are ok. But we aren't. Not only doesn't the air dam clear the dolly but the front bumper intersects with the front stop on the trailer bed. I am thinking about putting ramps or blocks to raise the vehicle but am concerned about safety and road worthiness. Any one have similar problems.

I'm assuming that your MINI is Automatic transmission - and that's the reason you want to tow it on a dolly.

If by chance you have a 6-speed manual transmission, as I do, MINIs tow just fine 4 wheels down.

In any case - you have a great TOAD.

PHESPE

[toneumanns]

Thought you had this problem fixed brother.

[Spikester]

Have you thought about having Mini change the air dam! You might have some custom air dam installed or a custom air dam might give you he clearance you need. There are a lot of Aero packages for Mini available from after-market folks.

I would opt for air dam mods before I would start making modes on and/or to the towing implement. Common sense tells me that would be risky at best!

I tow a 2003 Mini on the very same tow dolly with no clearance issues what so ever.

Spike

[rg neumann]

Update to the towing issue. The recommended height of the hitch is 18". At this height the mini cooper clubman has only 3.5" clearance, the air dam not only hit the latch but the fenders would hit the forward stops on the dolly. I raised the height to 23" so that the ramps contacted the ground without having to be "lowered". Mini walked up the dolly like a champ!! Only thing now is to buy a adjustable hitch to that the dolly can be lowered to the correct height without removing it from the coach.