Can You Flat Tow a MINI Cooper?

Officially, MINI does not endorse flat towing any MINI Cooper model. At etrailer, we strongly encourage you to roll with the manufacturer’s ruling on this.

That said, you can easily find half a dozen examples online of people who have been flat towing a MINI Cooper behind their RV for years without an issue. So what gives?

Technically you shouldn’t do it, but that doesn’t mean you can’t. Manual transmission MINI Coopers can typically be flat towed by putting the gearshift lever in the “idle” or “neutral” position. (Since 2005, MINI has offered manual transmission models with the exception of a brief time in 2020 due to supply issues.)

However, flat towing an automatic or electric MINI Cooper model will ruin its transmission.

With all this said, there are liability issues that come into play when flat towing against the manufacturer’s advice. If you choose to flat tow a MINI Cooper, you’re taking on a certain level of risk:

You’ll void your warranty - If your vehicle is under warranty, you’ll need to determine if flat towing is worth losing your coverage.
Insurance might not cover accident claims - If the worst happens while flat towing your vehicle, your insurance company may choose not to cover your claim, since you are not using the vehicle the way the manufacturer intended.
Lawsuits - This is an extreme example, but if your flat-towed vehicle is responsible for loss of life or property damage, you could be held legally liable.

Alternative Options

Some models may be towable with a tow dolly. Other models must be transported via flatbed trailer or tow truck. Check your owner’s manual for specific advice for your particular MINI model.

Related Content

Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV

Tow Dolly vs Flat Towing vs Trailer Towing

The Definitive, Step-by-Step Flat Towing Setup Guide

Written by: Amber S.

Updated on: 12/27/22

Explore Expert Info

on Tow Bar

Videos

for Tow Bar

Help Articles

for Tow Bar

Expert Answers

for Tow Bar

Ultimate Overview of the Roadmaster TruTrac Front-Axle Trac Rod for Large Trucks and RVs

Installing the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit on your 2010 Mini Cooper

Let’s Check Out the GSI Outdoors Camping Santoku Knife Set

A Closer Look at the B and W Continuum Weight Distribution Head Assembly

Best 2008 Mini Cooper Flat Tow Set Up - Tow Bar Wiring

Choosing the Right Tow Bar Wiring

A Closer Look at the Camco LP Gas Control Valve w/ Quick-Connect

Best 2006 Mini Cooper Flat Tow Set Up - Base Plate

Checking Out the Replacement Roadmaster Coiled Breakaway Cable for Flat Tow Brake Systems

Setting up the Roadmaster Tail Light Wiring Kit with Bulbs on your 2009 Mini Cooper

An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit

A Closer Look at the Roadmaster Hy-Power Diodes (Qty 2)

Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV

Must-Have Flat Towing Components

How to Choose a High-Low Adapter

How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop

How Level Should a Tow Bar Be When Flat Towing

How to Choose a Battery Charger

Flat Towing Package for 2007-2018 JK Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited

Flat Towing Package for 2013-2015 Smart Fortwo

We Used 34 RV Tow Bars, and These are the Best for Flat Towing

Determining Trailer Tongue Weight

Tow Dolly vs Flat Towing vs Trailer Towing

The Definitive, Step-by-Step Flat Towing Setup Guide

Comparing B&W Continuum And Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution Systems

The B&W Continuum #BW78FR and the Reese Strait-Line #RP66083 are both great systems. The B&W Continuum is going to be easier to set up, but as far as sway control goes, I definitely have to give the edge to the Reese Strait-Line. The…

view full answer...

Parts Needed To Connect A Smoke Hollow 205 Grill To On Board Regulated Propane

What you'll need is the MB Sturgis Quick Disconnect Propane Hose for Small Appliance #100476-120-MBS. One end will connect to your Smoke Hollow 205 grill, and the quick disconnect will go to the onboard propane. If you don't have a quick…

view full answer...

Complete Flat Towing Set Up for a 2021 Mini Cooper 4 Door

I would be happy to help you set your 2021 Mini Cooper 4 door up for flat towing. To start out with you're going to need a base plate kit. You will want the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms item #RM-521884-5. This fits…

view full answer...

Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2011 Mini Cooper S Convertible Behind an RV with Roadmaster Eagle Tow Bar

Since you have a 2011 Mini Cooper Convertible S model you can use Roadmaster base plates #521879-1A. They are compatible with Quick Disconnects (found on some Roadmaster tow bars) and all Roadmaster tow bars. Base plates #521880-1 do not fit the…

view full answer...

Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2011 Mini Cooper Base Model

For your 2011 Mini Cooper hardtop base model the correct Blue Ox base plate kit is the part #BX1307 which is a confirmed fit. Next you will need a compatible tow bar. The tow bar I recommend the most is the Alpha, #BX7380. This tow bar does include…

view full answer...

Can a 2011 Mini Cooper S Convertible be Flat Towed Behind a Motor Home

I checked the owners manual for the 2011 Mini Cooper S and it says, on page 171, that models with the automatic transmission can only be towed with the front wheels off of the ground. This means that you would need a tow dolly, #RM-2050-1. Otherwise,…

view full answer...

For A 2016 Mini Cooper Countryman you'll need the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit #BX1308. If you haven't picked out the rest of your flat towing components then I have the following recommendations: Tow Bar: etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Blue…

view full answer...

How to Connect Smoke Hollow 205 Grill with Built-In Regulator to Trailer Propane Quick Disconnect

I do have a way for you to hook your Smoke Hollow 205 Grill to the propane system on your trailer, however you won't be able to remove/replace its built-in regulator since the control knob is built on top of it. There isn't a knob available…

view full answer...

How to Flat-Tow a 2019 Kia Soul

I took a look in the owner's manual for a 2019 Kia Soul and was not able to find any information of flat-towing therefore, I would refer to the manufacturer which it looks like you have already done. If the manufacturer states that the vehicle…

view full answer...

Can a 2014 Kia Soul With Manual Transmission be Flat Towed Behind an RV?

Yes, you can flat tow your 2014 Kia Soul with manual transmission behind your Rv; there are a number of parts you're going to need in order to do this, starting with compatible base plates. I recommend the Roadmaster EZ4 Base Plate Kit…

view full answer...

Can a Blue Ox Tow Bar Be Used with Roadmaster Base Plates

In order for your Blue Ox Alpha to work with the Roadmaster EZ4 Base Plates, part #RM-523160-4, you need an adapter like part #RM-032. In addition to the tow bar and base plates, you will need a system to join the tail lights of the motorhome to the…

view full answer...

What do I Need to Flat Tow a Jeep Wrangler JK with Factory Bumper

To flat tow your Jeep Wrangler JK behind your motorhome, you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, tail light wiring harness, and a supplemental braking system. Depending on the year of your Wrangler, you may also need a Brake-Lite…

view full answer...

Contact & Help

What our customers are saying:

"I like the easy of navigation through the site. It only took me a couple of minutes to place my order. Thank You I will shop this sight again in the future."

Kevin

Manchester, MD