Which Base Plates for Flat Towing for 2014 Mini Countryman S

Updated 12/29/2020 | Published 12/24/2020

Products Featured in This Question

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

(451)

$712.29

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(396)

$1482.94

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4614)

$545.91

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

(3183)

$179.84

Question:

I have a 2014 MINI Cooper Countryman S. Both the Blue Ox BX1308 and the Roadmaster RM-521883-5 are compatible with my vehicle. Are there significant differences between these two base plates? Would you recommend one over the other?

asked by: Brad D

Expert Reply:

Generally you'll want to choose base plates based off what tow bar you've already got, since base plates and tow bars that are not of the same brand are only compatible with an additional adapter. As far as quality goes, both Roadmaster and Blue Ox make extremely high quality parts, and it's ultimately like choosing between Nike and Adidas.

With that said, I do prefer the Blue Ox # BX1308 over the (discontinued) Roadmaster RM-521883-5 for your 2014 Mini Countryman S because the base plates are just a little more inconspicuous when installed, plus Blue Ox makes a variety of adapters that allows their base plates to be used with just about any tow bar.

If you don't already have a tow bar, these base plates would pair well with the Blue Ox Alpha 2 # BX7380 tow bar, which comes with safety cables included. The Alpha 2 is made from powder coated steel, so it's durable and the telescoping arms have a non-binding latch to make it easier to unhook on uneven surfaces.

I've also linked some helpful articles as well as the parts I recommend that are required to complete your flat towing setup, including wiring, supplemental braking and potentially a high/low adapter.

Tow Bar Wiring- Roadmaster FlexoCoil Kit # RM-15267
Supplemental Braking- Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR
High/Low Adapter- see attached article on how to measure and link to selection of available adapters

I've also linked some review and install videos of these parts for you to check out.