Lighting and Braking Solution for Flat Towing 2008 Mini Clubman

Updated 07/17/2025 | Published 07/14/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Bulb and Socket Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - Incandescent

(445)

$85.68

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(542)

$1450.44

Question:

I have a 1998 29 Winnebago Millie, based upon a 1998 Ford Truck E450 Super Duty Van 6.8L FI SOHC 10cyl. It already has a 2 built in tow hitch, although its the regular kind not the triangle shaped non-binding hitch Ive read about. I want to tow a 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S manual transmission. I also want to have the brake lights of the Mini directly actuated by my RVs just by connecting y adapters to the Minis brake and turning light wiring so they can be actuated by the RV. I didnt know how to add either electronic or manual braking to the Mini. Please recommend a few options for what I need to purchase.

asked by: Surya J

Expert Reply:

Hey Surya, the recommended taillight wiring kit for flat towing your 2008 Mini Clubman S would be the Roadmaster Bulb and Socket kit part # RM-155 which will install bulbs into the housings of the taillights so that your tow vehicle can control the lighting.

Then for braking the easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR, that applies 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.

Do you need a base plate and tow bar as well?

expert reply by: Jameson C

7/17/2025

Yes, I need everything needed (base plate, towbar, etc). And btw I was incorrect, it's a 2009 (not 2008) Mini Cooper S Clubman (with turbo and longer trunk).

Jameson C.

7/17/2025

@Sj Actually I am not sure we have a base plate kit that will fit your vehicle as the only option is the Roadmaster EZ part # 521877-1 which has the fit exclusion for versions of the vehicle that have Sport suspension. I checked and it looks like all versions of the S Clubman in your year have Sport suspension so it doesn't look like we have a solution.

7/17/2025

@JamesonC I found these as potential options, what do you think? 1. Blue Ox BX1307 base plate, 2. NSA Ready Brute Elite II Tow Bar for the built in braking, 3. For lighting I think I'll try rigging connections between the RV and the car lights using a 12v relay board for isolation of the Mini's computer when the Mini is connected to the RV's 7pin connection. (I'm planning to use 5 of 8 relays: left, right, brake, running lights, and reverse.)

Jameson C.

7/17/2025

@Sj It does look like the Blue Ox base plate kit part # BX1307 would work for your vehicle. To use it with the Ready Brute though you will need the adapter kit part # BX88297 and you'd be set. There are simpler lighting solutions that might be easier like the diode kit part # RM-15267 but if you prefer what you are planning that's fine too.