Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2015 Mini Cooper with Manual Transmission

Updated 06/18/2018 | Published 06/14/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4620)

$472.50

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(398)

$1489.90

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

(453)

$706.56

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord

(3191)

$180.68

12 Volt Outlet Kit, 20 amps

(331)

$40.43

Question:

Wha do I need to flat tow with brakes

asked by: Gary Y

Helpful Expert Reply:

We have everything needed to flat tow your 2015 Mini Cooper with the manual transmission behind an RV. I do just recommend reviewing your owner's manual for any specific guidelines or restrictions when it comes to towing the vehicle with all 4 wheels on the ground. In order to flat tow your Mini Cooper, you will need a base plate kit, a tow bar, safety cables, a lighting solution, and a supplemental braking system.

If you have the Hardtop 2-Door/4-Door base or S model Mini Cooper, I recommend the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1312. This base plate kit is confirmed to fit this vehicle and features hidden reinforcements and removable bracket arms to provide a clean look when you aren't towing.

For a tow bar that will work perfectly with these base plates and your vehicle, I recommend the Blue Ox Alpha # BX7380. This 6,500 pound tow bar has a non-binding design to allow for easy hookup and telescoping arms for a smooth operation. Safety cables are also included so they won't need to be purchased separately.

For a lighting solution, I really like the Roadmaster Diode Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267. This will let you wire the Mini Cooper so that it accepts your RV's tail, brake, and turn signal lights for flat towing. It includes a 6-Way connector that you will install at the front of the vehicle and enough coiled wiring to go from there to the 7-Way on the RV.

Then for a supplemental braking system, I highly recommend the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR. This is an excellent, proportional system that will physically press down on the Mini Cooper's brake pedal at the same time and with the same intensity that you apply to it in the RV. You will just need to add the 12V Outlet Kit # RM-9332 to provide power to the system.

Finally, you will likely need a high-low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have attached a great article that explains how to choose the best one for your setup, along with a link that will take you to our available selection. I have also included manuals and videos for the products mentioned, along with an article on flat towing that you might find helpful.