Community Forums

Phelpo · 07-30-2008, 09:45 AM

Who if anyone is towing one 4 down.

Phelpo

Phelpo · 07-30-2008, 09:45 AM

Who if anyone is towing one 4 down.

Phelpo

Ceratto's Grotto · 08-02-2008, 05:14 PM

Hi,

After much thought and consternation, I decided to tow mine (a 2005 MCS) four down and have had a tow bar installed and such. I have yet to hit the road with it, but have hooked it up and tested things out. I opted for a Brake Buddy, (Advantage model), and a Roadmaster Sterling All Terrain tow bar. I had to make a 4" drop too. I plan to make a modification the the MCS so that I can have accessory power with the key in the off position for the Brake Buddy, as there are a couple of gauges still powered up with the key in the first position. After the key is turned on, the steering wheel will not lock until the key is pulled out (even if the key is put in the off position. This, I checked about with the MC dealer here to make sure). The mounting brackets are not too unsightly. I'll take some pics and post them if you like.

Curt L · 08-05-2008, 12:15 AM

I towed our '06 MCS from Michigan to Utah and back with the key in the "off" position last summer with out any problems. I currently tow our FJ Cruiser the same way.

Phelpo · 08-05-2008, 05:52 AM

thanks for the replies, we have order a new 08
and should be here in 5 weeks, got the stick
and color wifey wanted....

have you had any problems with your mini's

Phelpo

Phelpo · 08-05-2008, 05:54 AM

Wally, pls post pics, I just read that Wendy has a yelloe one...that is the color we ordered
with racing white strips.....

Phelpo

MMouser · 08-05-2008, 07:04 AM

Hi,
We have a 2004 MC/S. It is RED with a BLACK top and TAN leather interior.
Utilizing a BLUE OX baseplate and lite-weight towbar of the era. My MINI has followed us around the US and CANADA twice. It is an alternative too
bringing the SD and H-D along.
Since it has a total weight of under 3000lbs I have never included a braking system. This has and is acceptable throughout the US and CN.
In our travels I have run across others doing the same. This includes a handfull of friends who are or have done the same.
Because of the weight and geomitry of the MC/S, it becomes a real feat to balance a electronic breaking system.
MINI has had factory service and warranty work in various areas of the country with out ANY problems. It has always been stated that this vehicle is towed by a RV.

For me the only problem with a MINI is when you leave it unlocked in a parking lot.
You will find upon your return a fully loaded car filled with CLOWNS looking for a ride home. (drum roll)

Phelpo · 08-05-2008, 02:48 PM

Mouse thanks for the info....

Phelpo

bws7000 · 08-06-2008, 01:17 AM

We just got our 2008 yellow and black automatic clubman from our dealer. It only took 6 weeks and you can track it on the mini web site. The owners manual says you can tow the automatic on a dolly or a trailer. We are getting 36.2 mpg. The navigation system is outstanding as is the bluetooth. We haven't towed it yet but will soon.

Phelpo · 08-06-2008, 11:35 AM

COOL on the mileage, thanks for the info.

Ceratto's Grotto · 08-08-2008, 05:40 PM

Hi Phelpo,

Sorry for the delay, I'm nursing an unknown shoulder problem and it has really slowed me down.

Anyway, I made some photos of the bracket area on my MCS (how it looks without all the stuff hooked up). I plan on towing the MCS in a few days so if you would like photos of that too just let me know and I post some.

Phelpo · 08-09-2008, 03:30 AM

Wally, thanks a ton for the pics, does
wendy let you drive it???

Also, did you say someone installed the base
plates for you?

Let me know how she pulls and also what about the clearance when going up a sttep driveway...

Ceratto's Grotto · 08-09-2008, 05:32 AM

I must have given you the wrong idea, the MCS is MY toy. And I do let Wendy drive it, although Wendy is not as enthusiastic about it as I.

Everything was installed by a company that installs hitches and suspension components as their main business. They had done several Mini Coopers. This comppany could do any fabrication of parts if necessary too (which was not necessary in my case). They had also done some Smart Cars saying they had to remove the entire front end body work.

Steep driveways are not in my forecast, and I avoid them if at all possible even on its own.

Last summer I did hit a small deer and was surprised that no damage was done (except to the deer). I was doing about 50 mph coming around a curve but the great braking of the MCS and some HP soft tires got me slowed down enough to avoid the bigger deer and damage to the MCS.

Wally