Can a 2005 Mini Cooper with Manual Transmission be Flat Towed  

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Expert Reply:

I have not heard of any problems regarding flat towing the 2005 Mini Cooper with a 5 or 6-speed manual transmission and the car is considered towable. however, you will need to consult the vehicle owners manual to determine the proper towing procedure for the car. There should be a towing section in the manual that covers whether or not it can be towed and if there are any specific requirements.

If you find that it can be flat towed, there are 5 items you will need for a basic flat towing set up: base plates, tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. For base plates, you can use Roadmaster EZ, # 521876-1.

For a compatible tow bar, the most popular option is the Roadmaster Falcon 2, # RM-520. I have included a link to the installation details and a link to a video review of the tow bar for you. For safety cables, I recommend getting coiled cables like # RM-643, because the coiled design helps keep the cables from touching the ground.

For lighting, you have several options depending on your specific needs and the frequency with which you will be towing the car. I have included a link to an FAQ article that covers the various options to help you decide which will work best for you.

Most states now require a supplemental braking system on the vehicle being towed. The easiest to set up and use is the Roadmaster Even Brake, # RM-9400. This is a proportional system that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the towing vehicle is braking. Proportional systems are the safest way to stop and they reduce wear and tear on both vehicles.

I have also included a link to our series of FAQ articles on flat towing for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

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