Should 2005 Mini Cooper with Manual Transmission be in Gear or Neutral for Towing Behind Motorhome
Question:
Should 2005 Mini Manual Transmission be in gear or neutral when being towed on a tow dolly? Thanks
asked by: James
Expert Reply:
According to page 137 of the owner's manual it looks like you can only use a tow dolly to tow your 2005 Mini Cooper if it has an automatic transmission. Since you have a manual transmission you need to flat tow it otherwise you will damage the transmission. The manual doesn't say anything about what gear to put your vehicle in but I would imagine it is neutral. You will want to confirm this with your local Mini dealer.
For a complete flat towing setup you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter.
For your application I recommend Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1303 because it has a very clean looking installation and can be used with the Demco Commander II Non-Binding Tow Bar # DM9511012-BX which comes with adapters for the Blue Ox base plate kit as well as safety cables. I like the Demco Commander because it offers a much wider range of motion than other options, there are adapters for just about every other base plate kit out there (making this the last tow bar you buy), plus it has some height adjustability which reduces the need for a high-low adapter.
Then for lighting and a braking system I recommend going with removable options for future use. For lighting I recommend the Roadmaster Standard Magnetic Tow Lights # RM-2120 and then for braking I recommend the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR. Both of these options are very easy to use and can easily be transferred to another vehicle.
I am attaching a link to our selection of high-low adapters as well as a helpful article to help you determine if you need one or not. Like I mentioned earlier, since the Demco has some adjustability you probably won't need one but it always helps to research it first.
Be sure to check out your copy of the owner's manual to make sure you follow any instructions on flat towing.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Flat Tow Brake System
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Tow Bar Base Plate
- Removable Draw Bars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Completely Hidden
- Blue Ox
more information >
Demco Commander II Non-Binding Tow Bar for Blue Ox and Curt Base Plates- RV Mount- 2" Hitch-6K
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Fits Curt Base Plates
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Demco
more information >
Roadmaster Universal Magnetic Tow Lights with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Tow Dolly with Electric Brakes - 4,250 lbs
- Trailers
- Tow Dolly
- Wheel Decks
- 4250 lbs
- Cars/Trucks/SUVs
- 8-1/2W x 12L Foot
- Powder Coated Steel
- Roadmaster
more information >
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