Hitch Extender for Curt Trailer Hitch on a 2006 Mini Cooper S R53

Updated 05/28/2019 | Published 05/24/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(37)

$442.91

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(672)

$17.46

Kuat Beta Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Tilting

(299)

$349.00

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 1-1/4" Hitches - Flush - 2-1/8" Span - Chrome

(3693)

$36.46

etrailer Cable Lock - 10' Long - 5/16" Diameter - Steel - Keyed Alike

(226)

$19.26

Hitch Extender For 1-1/4" Trailer Hitch Receiver 10"

(363)

$109.64

CR Brophy Hitch Extender for 1-1/4" Hitch Receivers - 5-3/4" Long

(112)

$84.79

Hitch Lock for Kuat Bike Racks - 1-1/4" Hitches

(223)

$28.95

Pin and Clip for 1-1/4" Hitches - 1/2" Diameter

(896)

$11.38

Roadmaster Quiet Hitch for 1-1/4" Trailer Hitches

(1555)

$34.94

Question:

I installed this hitch yesterday, but would like to permanently install an extension to get the hitch and pin outside the bumper area so I dont have to lay down to install a bike rack. Recommentations? I also had to trim off the bottom of the bumper plastic under the center light that is replaced by the receiver. This was not included in the installation video, but my bumper may have been aftermarket.

asked by: Steven

Expert Reply:

For your application we have the 6" Brophy Extension # HES6 or the 10" Brophy Extension # HES0. These will move the hitch pin hole of the Curt Trailer Hitch # C11126 on your 2006 Mini Copper further out to make it easier to install your bike rack. I do recommend using an anti-rattle device like the Quiet Hitch # RM-061-125 to help reduce any play in the hitch receiver. You can then use a pin and clip # PC2 or a locking hitch pin # e98879 to secure and leave the extension installed on your trailer hitch.

Please note that using either of these extensions will reduce the weight capacity of your trailer hitch by 50% though. So this means that the 200 lb tongue weight of this trailer hitch drops to 100 lbs. The total weight of both of your bikes plus the bike rack cannot exceed 100 lbs. Please note that the Curt trailer hitch requires the use of the stabilizer strap # 18050 when used with a bike rack per the curt warranty.

If you don't already have a bike rack then I recommend the Kuat Beta # B202-114 because it only weighs in at 12.6 lbs and it can hold up to 80 lbs (40 lbs per bike) which keeps you under that new 100 lb weight capacity. If you'd like to add locks to this rack then you need parts # HL1 and # e98891. I have attached a review video for you to check out.