Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2008 Mini Cooper Convertible

Updated 03/20/2018 | Published 03/17/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4545)

$593.97

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(386)

$1394.09

Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,500 lbs

(446)

$851.40

Blue Ox High-Low Adapter for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 10" Rise/Drop - 11-1/2" Long

(534)

$132.34

Universal Magnetic Tow Lights - 20' Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

(197)

$61.88

Question:

I have a 40 foot class a MH and would like to tow my 2008 Mini Cooper S convertible. Which set up is preferred for towing with 4 wheels down ? Im considering either Roadmaster or Blue Ox.

asked by: Joe

Expert Reply:

Step 1 when considering flat towing any vehicle is confirming in the owner's manual that it can be flat towed and any steps required to make it ready for this procedure. The Mini with manual transmission is the preferred version for towing but the automatic transmission models can be towed so long as they have the Steptronic feature. I suggest checking your owner's manual; the information I found was contained in an online edition on pages 147-148.

Flat towing requires a few components in addition to a tow bar and these are detailed in the linked overview article on flat towing. Additional articles that cover specific items are included too. These will help you sort out the various options.

Our installers tend to favor Blue Ox gear so that is what I usually recommend. If you have the manual transmission convertible you can use Blue Ox base plate kit # BX1303 shown in the linked video. With it you can use the Blue Ox Alpha tow bar # BX7380 which includes the required safety cables. For a non-invasive braking system that you can easily move to other cars in the future there is none better than the Patriot system # BLU37TR which works with active power assist braking systems (check your manual).

For a lighting kit I suggest going with an easy and inexpensive magnetic kit # TL21RK and for a high/low hitch adapter like # BX88132 to keep the tow bar level you can refer to the linked page and article.