Can a 2017 MINI Cooper Hatchback be Flat Towed

Updated 04/17/2019 | Published 04/16/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4890)

$496.54

Demco Commander II Non-Binding Tow Bar for Blue Ox and Curt Base Plates- RV Mount- 2" Hitch-6K

(84)

$879.00

Demco Kar Kaddy X Tow Dolly w/ Disc Brakes - Tilt Bed Frame - 4,800 lbs - Wide Tread

(46)

$3599.00

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

(3379)

$168.90

Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Proportional

(536)

$1399.00

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

(795)

$1245.50

Question:

Can I flat tow a 2017 Mini Cooper hatch back?

asked by: Glenda S

Helpful Expert Reply:

According to my research you should be able to flat tow your 2017 Mini Cooper as long as it has a manual transmission. If it has an automatic transmission then you will need to use a tow dolly instead. I wasn't able to locate anything in the online owner's manual about flat towing so you will want to verify this in your copy of the owner's manual or by contacting your local MINI dealer.

I recommend using the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1312 as it is confirmed to fit all of the base and S models of your MINI Cooper aside from the John Coopers Works. For a tow bar I recommend the Demco Commander II # DM9511012-BX for a few reasons. This kit comes with a shank that has a 1-1/2" rise/drop built-in and an adjustable head which both work to minimize the chances of you needing to use a high-low adapter (see attached selection and helpful article). It also has a built-in storage rod for the recommended wiring kit # RM-15267, is built in the USA, comes with adapters for the Blue Ox base plate kit, safety cables, and Demco has a wide variety of adapters for base plate kits meaning this is likely the last tow bar you will need to purchase.

Aside from the parts mentioned above you will need a supplemental braking system. I recommend using the popular a fixed SMI system as they are a one time installation and very simple to connect and disconnect. They install out of the way as well so you hardly even notice they are there when you aren't flat towing. If your motorhome has hydraulic brakes then you need part # SM99251 OR you need part # SM99243 if your motorhome has air brakes.

If you happen to need to use a tow dolly instead then I recommend the Demco Kar Kaddy X # DM9713093 because it includes everything you need, including an actuator for the brakes and a 4-Way wiring connector for the lights.

I have attached some review videos and articles that you can reference as well.