Solution to Haul 2 Heavy E-Bikes W/ a 2015 Mini Cooper S

Updated 10/29/2025 | Published 03/06/2025

Products Featured in This Question

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

(4)

$342.39

EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 1-1/4"

(28)

$375.64

Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches

(1196)

$499.03

Question:

Hello! We love our 2015 mini S and are so happy to find a potential solution to carrying our bikes on a bike rack! We have electric bikes that weigh about 80 pounds each, so we are looking at 160 pounds in bikes plus about 60 pounds for the bike rack. We just want to ensure this hitch can manage this weight. I see the tongue weight is 300 pounds. We will be under that. We are also wondering if we can use a 2” adapter as this is what our bike rack requires. We hope this works as we love the mini and don’t want to trade it for one that can carry the bike rack. Thank you for and help you can provide!

asked by: Carol M

Expert Reply:

Hey Carol, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but unfortunately the weight of your bikes plus the bike rack is going to exceed the 200 lb tongue weight rating on the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C11417.

Even if this hitch did have a 300 lb tongue weight rating, using a 2" receiver adapter would cut the capacity by 50% so you still wouldn't have enough.

So if you already have a class I hitch you'd have to switch it out with a class II one like # EH47FR and then use the Hollywood Racks # HLY74FR. This has an 80 lb per bike capacity so it will be able to handle your bikes, and is a bit lighter at 54 lbs for the rack itself.

If that's not an option, then your best bet would be to trailer them that way you could make sure you had plenty of capacity.

I'm here to help if you have any other questions, just let me know in the comments!

expert reply by: Bryce D

Lazer S.

10/27/2025

Hey Carol, how did things work out with the EcoHitch and the Hollywood Racks setup for your Mini? Your update could make it easier for others trying to carry heavier e-bikes safely.

Carol M.

10/27/2025

@LazerS Hi Lazer! Thanks for asking! We found a wonderful muffler shop that was able to mount the hitch to the frame of the mini. They had to take off the bumper to install it, but it’s barely even noticeable and is rock solid! We added an adapter to accommodate the 2” Hollywood rack. With an anti wobble clamp between the rack and the hitch, nothing moves. We loaded the two bikes and it works like a champ! We had another hole drilled into the Hollywood rack to bring it closer to the mini as the manufacturers hole left the rack so far away from the Mini. We calculated the hitch is holding a total of 180 pounds—two bikes and the Hollywood rack. I have pictures I can tomorrow if you’d like. We are so happy to be able to keep our Mini as our tow vehicle and be able to carry our e-bikes as well. Highly recommend! I’m happy to answer any questions anyone may have!

Lazer S.

10/29/2025

@CarolM Ok so I'm going to give you bad news here, but I really need you to be aware of it. You voided all you warranties and if anything happens, even if it technically isn't your fault, you will be found liable. The type of adapter you are using (1-1/4" hitch to 2" accessory) cuts the tongue weight of any and all hitches in half. With the Curt # C11417 originally having 200 pounds of tongue weight, it is now 100 pounds. Anti-rattle devices do not change this. Your bikes and the bike rack have to have a combined weight of 100 pounds or less to be carried safely. When you said the Mini is your "tow vehicle", does that mean you are flat towing it? If this is the case, do you have the Hollywood Racks RV Rider # HLY64FR? It is the only bike rack Hollywood Racks currently makes that is rated for a flat towed vehicle.