Flat-Tow Setup for Mini Cooper S Convertible  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hey Mike!

Absolutely! Since you already have the Blue Ox base plate and the removable tabs that connect it to the tow bar, we can help you put together the rest of the flat-tow setup.

The first thing I’ll need is the year of your Mini Cooper S Convertible and, if possible, the BX part number stamped on the base plate. Blue Ox uses different base plates for different model years, and the replacement installation hardware is specific to the exact base plate. Once I have that information, I can confirm the correct hardware kit and make sure the rest of the setup is compatible with your Mini.

For the tow bar, the Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar # BX7380 is a great option. It connects directly to Blue Ox base plates, has a 6,500-lb capacity, and includes the safety cables. The non-binding arms also make disconnecting the Mini much easier if you're parked on uneven ground.

For the vehicle lighting, I generally recommend the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267. This uses the Mini's existing tail lights for the turn signals, brake lights, and running lights while you're towing and gives you a 6-way connector at the front of the car. The exact wiring requirements can vary by model year, though, so I'll verify that before recommending it for your Mini.

For supplemental braking, the Demco Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251 is one of my favorite options if your motorhome has hydraulic brakes. It installs permanently in the Mini, so after the initial installation there is very little setup each time you tow. If your motorhome has air brakes, I would recommend a different braking system instead.

You'll also want to check whether a high-low adapter is needed. Once the base plate is installed, measure from the ground to the center of the motorhome's hitch receiver and then from the ground to the center of the Mini's base plate attachment points. Ideally, those should be within 3" of level, and if they're not, we can select the correct rise or drop adapter.

Send me the year of your Mini Cooper S Convertible, whether it has a manual or automatic transmission, the BX number from the base plate, and whether your motorhome has hydraulic or air brakes. With that information I can put together the exact remaining parts you'll need, including the correct Blue Ox installation hardware.

Where are you planning to flat-tow the Mini? Are you planning a trip or just getting prepared?

expert reply by: Jerry B

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Michael O.

9/8/2026

Hey Jerry thanks for getting back to me. The baseplate has a sticker that says BX1312. The mini is a 2018 S convertible with a manual transmission and the motorhome has hydraulic brakes. We will be flat towing the mini around the country starting in November. Mike

Jerry B.

9/9/2026

@MichaelO Thanks! That gives me everything I needed. The # BX1312 is the correct base plate for your 2018 Mini Cooper S Convertible, and the # RM-15267 wiring kit will work for it as well. Since your motorhome has hydraulic brakes, the # SM99251 Stay-IN-Play DUO is also a good fit for your setup. The only thing we don’t have is the replacement installation hardware for the BX1312 itself, so I can ask to have that added to our inventory or if you need it quickly, I’d recommend getting that directly from Blue Ox.

Tom

9/9/2026

I have the Blue Ox Alpha that I recently purchased. For the last 9 years I used the Blue Ox tow bar and was very happy with it. I replaced it only out of caution since it was 9 years old. I also have the Demco stay n play brake system and it works great. Got luck! You will like Blue Ox; easy to hook and unhook.

Jerry B.

9/10/2026

@Tom Thanks for your feedback! What vehicle have you been flat towing with the Blue Ox tow bar?

Tom

9/10/2026

2014 Honda CRV is my tow car. It’s small, lightweight and the Blue Ox tow bar handles it just fine.

Jerry B.

9/10/2026

@Tom That's one of the most common setups combined with one of the most common tow bars, so you've got a nice and simple system that will be very easy to maintain.