What is the Function of the Stabilizing Strap for Curt Trailer Hitch 11130 on 2010 Mini Cooper  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The strap referred to for the # 11130 Curt trailer hitch, part # 18050, would be used as an extra stabilizer for the bike rack or accessory. In the case of a bike rack, you would attach the strap between the upright bar of the bike rack and the rear door on your 2010 Mini Cooper.

This # 18050 strap is recommended to prevent extra sway due to the low tongue weight capacity of the class I hitch, in order to maintain the hitch warranty and also to provide extra support to prevent damage to the vehicle frame, trailer hitch, or hitch accessory.

The # 11130 hitch is a fit for the 2010 Mini Cooper convertible, as long as your vehicle only has a single exhaust. You can view the installation instructions at the link provided, as well as a typical installation on a 2008 model.

This hitch includes a ballmount and pin and clip, but you would also need a hitch ball and wiring to equip your vehicle to tow a trailer. For a 1-7/8 inch diameter hitch ball, you could use part # 19256, or we also offer part # 19258 if your trailer uses a 2 inch ball.

To wire your vehicle, we offer the ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit # 119250KIT, that comes with everything you need to install.

You will need to use the included circuit tester to determine which wires behind your vehicle taillights are performing which function and connect the wires from the converter accordingly.

First, you will need to access the back side of your tail light assemblies, where the wires going to the signal bulbs are coming out. Then, with the vehicle in park, you would have a friend sit in the cab and activate the turn signals and press the brake pedal while you are testing the wires in the rear of the vehicle. For example, if your friend flips the right turn signal and you are testing a wire on your right tail light that flashes when the signal is applied, this would be your turn signal wire.

You would connect the wires from the converter as follows:

White: Ground wire, connected to a suitable grounding location on the vehicle frame.
Green: Right turn.
Yellow: Left turn.
Brown: Tail light.
Thin Red: Brake light.
Thick Red: Power lead wire, connected to the positive battery terminal on your Mini Cooper, using the fuse and fuse holder included in the # 55151 kit.

You can view some additional information on wiring for towing, as well as a typical installation video at the links below.

expert reply by: Sarah L

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