Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

Please refer to your vehicle specific owners manual for flat towing information, ensure your vehicle can actually be flat towed without damage to the transmission; I understand that some Mini Coopers with automatic transmissions can not. There are five primary components needed for a safe flat towing setup:

1) Tow Bar
2) Base Plate
3) Safety Cables
4) Electrical Wiring
5) Supplemental Braking System

I recommend the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, # BX1307 for your 2008 Mini Clubman along with the etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Blue Ox Base Plates, # e47ZR. This tow bar includes the needed safety cable and the hidden design of the base plates provides a clean, seamless look as the brackets won't protrude past the front of your vehicle. The arms can be removed with a simple twist when not in use.

For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-152, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. This will splice into your taillight wiring to allow your tow vehicle to control the taillight assemblies of the towed vehicle. This comes with a round 6-way connector that you will install on the front of your towed vehicle and enough coiled wire to go from there to the RV.

Since most states now require supplemental braking on the flat towed vehicle, I recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

Please note the linked product review videos below along with a help article for flat towing. Most likely you will also need a high low adapter so that the tow bar will be level when you are flat towing. I attached a link to a page that has all of the ones we carry.

expert reply by: Michael R

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