Options for Carrying Multiple Bikes with a 2016 Mini Countryman

Published 12/06/2018

Products Featured in This Question

M7 Speed MINI Ultimate Utility Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(10)

$454.08

EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(7)

$375.64

M7 Speed MINI Ultimate Utility Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(56)

$434.72

Kuat NV 2.0 Base Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Matte Black

(397)

$1587.00

Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Metallic Black

(470)

$1678.00

Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gunmetal Gray

(470)

$1678.00

Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders - Qty 2

(753)

$54.95

Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack - Wheel Mount - Clamp On or Channel Mount - Aluminum

(43)

$399.95

Question:

I want to put a KUat 4 on my 16 mini countryman. Can I use the m7 speed hitch? Right now I have a bike rack from mini which mounts just like the m7. However I believe it is built just for road bikes. I cannot put two mountain bikes on it. The tw weight for my car is 200. I have the mini roof cross bars as well. I like the 12 inch spacing between the bikes on the kuat. My wig and I take weekend biking trips. We have a set of dh, enduro, dj, road,trail and fat bikes. My next vehicle will probably be a sprinter. But for now I would like to be able to have options when we travel.

asked by: Leonard

Expert Reply:

Although the M7 Speed trailer hitches # 327-60-160200 and # 327-60-160201 for your 2016 Mini Countryman are a great option that allows you to retain the factory look of your vehicle, the max tongue weight (TW) rating they have is 150 lbs and that is if the overhang distance of the trailer hitch is 12". As the overhang increases the max TW decreases.

This is important to note because both the Kuat NV 2.0 4-Bike Rack # NV22G-NA22G (Gray) and # NV22B-NA22B (Black) as well as the Base Model # BA22B-BA02B weigh in at about 80 lbs which leaves you 70 lbs for 4 bikes. I also wasn't able to find a TW rating for your Mini Countryman in the online owner's manual either so I am a bit skeptical what it would be able to handle as far as TW goes.

We do have the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver # 306-X7334 which has a 2" receiver and is rated for 300 lbs TW so you would be able to use either of the NV 4-bike racks. Just be sure to check if your vehicle can support that much. This option does require some fascia trimming and it is a permanent installation but the beauty of it is that only the receiver is available so it still looks very clean.

If you want to keep using the bike rack that you currently have for some of your bikes then we can also utilize the OEM crossbars that you have by using a roof mount bike rack. The bike rack I recommend using in this scenario is the Thule UpRide # TH599000 because it not only looks good but it also features an innovative ratcheting system that makes loading your bike much easier. It is compatible with up to 44 lb bikes that have a max tire width of 3" (5" with the adapter # TH599100), max wheelbase of 48", and wheel diameters from 20" - 29".

You can add locks to one UpRide with part # TH450200 but if you plan on getting 2 then I recommend part # TH450400 so all of the locks use the same key.

Review videos for the different bike racks have been linked for you to check out. Please note that your Mini Countryman has an overall weight rating as well so you need to make sure you don't exceed that. This includes passengers and other cargo in the vehicle itself and can be found in your owner's manual.