Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2004 Mini Cooper S Behind a Motor Home
Updated 05/10/2013 | Published 05/07/2013
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Do you have a baseplate for this car? If not what can I do? I already have the Blue Ox tow bar.
asked by: Jack D
Expert Reply:
Please check the owner manuals or contact the manufacturers and ensure that your 2004 Mini Cooper can be towed, and make sure that the vehicle that you are planning to tow this car with can tow it.
According to my research I have found that the 2004 Mini Cooper manual transmission option of your vehicle is considered flat tow-able. However, I was not able to find specific information regarding an automatic transmission version of this vehicle. Please make sure that you check your vehicle owner manual, the manufacturer, or contact a dealer to ensure that additional accessories are not required for flat towing your vehicle.
After confirming that the vehicles are compatible and tow-able a proper towing system is composed of the following components:
Base Plate on the vehicle being towed
Tow Bar
Wiring System
Supplemental Braking System
Safety Cables
Base Plate:
For your base plates for your 2004 Mini Cooper S I would recommend the Blue Ox # BX1303. However the Blue Ox Base Kit that you referenced # BX1307 is not compatible with the production year of your car.
Tow Bar:
The # BX1303 base plate is compatible with the Blue Ox motor home mounted tow bars like the ones that I have linked for you.
Wiring System:
I would suggest using the removable tail light kits, such as the Custer Magnetic Towing Light Kit # RM-2120, which is minimally invasive. This lighting system bypasses the towed vehicle lighting system, is a universal fit, and is easy to install.
Depending on how your towing vehicle is set up I would recommend the Blue Ox 4-way round adapter part # BX8861, or if you have a 7-way then the # BX88254 would be an appropriate adapter.
Supplemental Braking System:
If you are flat towing your Mini Cooper it is highly recommend and required in most states that a braking system be utilized and I would recommend the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR. This is a proportional breaking system that activates the same time and intensity that your RV breaks are activated.
I would recommend the use of some dielectric grease on all of your electrical connections # 11755, this helps to prevent corrosion and water damage.
Safety Cables:
I would suggest Safety Cables # RM-643, these are cables add security to your towing system.
I have included links to the parts referenced above, installation videos, instructions, and some helpful FAQ articles that will be informational.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Tow Bar Base Plate
- Removable Draw Bars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Completely Hidden
- Blue Ox
more information >
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on Tow Bar Base Plate
