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04-25-2019, 12:45 PM
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#1
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2019 Leprechaun 319mb
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 14
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2014 Mini Cooper Countryman toad
My wife and I just bought our RV and wound up selling her Nissan Rogue because it couldn’t be flat towed. We have just picked up a 2014 Mini Cooper S Countryman, low mileage, good condition and from what I can tell a very good Toad.
I also bought a Blue Ox tow package (the baseplate, and light wiring package) for the mini.
I’ve been told that I should put a breaking system on the Mini but am unsure. I know some states require supplemental breaking systems but I think that’s because of additional weight. The Mini has a curb weight of 3100 lbs.
Should I buy the breaking package, is it mandatory (I live in GA), do I really need it? I’m thinking of getting the Patriot breaking system.
Looking for insight and potential experience related responses. Thank you in advance for your help.
Bill
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04-29-2019, 09:13 PM
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#2
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 82
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YES! That's 3100 additional pounds your coach is trying to stop. Also I believe Georgia supplemental brake requirement is 3,000 pounds. Finally if you're in an accident because you couldn't stop short enough, your insurance company may not cover you if you did not have the supplemental brake system. Heard many good things about the Patriot system.
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05-03-2019, 04:19 PM
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#3
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Retired Panpsychist
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Western Massachusetts
Posts: 1,043
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill659651
{snip}... just picked up a 2014 Mini Cooper S Countryman...{snip}
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I trust it is a manual transmission? Our 2012 Countryman S with the Steptronic transmission cannot be flat towed:
__________________
Theo & Carol
2007 GoldenDoodle ("Cooper") R.I.P.
2020 Rockwood Roo 23IKSS
2015 F-150 4WD XLT SCab, 5.0L, 3.73, 36gal, HD Towing Pkg (53A), 1,980lb Payload
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05-05-2019, 08:16 AM
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#4
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2019 Leprechaun 319mb
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 14
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It’s a manual transmission
Yes, our Mini Countryman has a manual 6 speed transmission.
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05-05-2019, 08:26 AM
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#5
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DW's 401(k) Plan
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Western MD
Posts: 2,372
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Why would you even consider NOT using a supplemental system? Having one and using it far outweighs the ramifications of not having one ... liability-wise. Plus, that's just that much less weight your motorhome has tp try and stop.
__________________
"Sunny" the 2017 Sunseeker 3010DS
2006 Jeep Liberty Toad
.... and lovin' life........MOST of the time.
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05-08-2019, 01:21 PM
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#6
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2019 Leprechaun 319mb
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 14
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Ok have the Blue Ox, now on to the install
Has anyone had a Blue Ox installed where they have all of the needed components and need them installed? I’m trying to determine what it may cost and how long it should take. By the way, before I’m asked, I have the specific baseplate for my Mini Cooper Countryman, the Blue Ox, the rear light kit for the mini and the patriot supplemental braking system.
Thanks in advance for your help.
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05-08-2019, 07:30 PM
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#7
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Retired Panpsychist
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Western Massachusetts
Posts: 1,043
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Bill,
I looked into this when we were contemplating buying a Class A and wanted to tow our old 2004 MCS JCW. Turned out that all the usual places around us did not have experience with MINIs. However, our MINI dealer had done a few and knew what to do. They estimated 3-hours of labor at ~$100/hr. 
As it turned out, we went with a hybrid instead of a Class A.
HTH
__________________
Theo & Carol
2007 GoldenDoodle ("Cooper") R.I.P.
2020 Rockwood Roo 23IKSS
2015 F-150 4WD XLT SCab, 5.0L, 3.73, 36gal, HD Towing Pkg (53A), 1,980lb Payload
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01-12-2021, 12:50 AM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 1
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill659651
My wife and I just bought our RV and wound up selling her Nissan Rogue because it couldn’t be flat towed. We have just picked up a 2014 Mini Cooper S Countryman, low mileage, good condition and from what I can tell a very good Toad.
I also bought a Blue Ox tow package (the baseplate, and light wiring package) for the mini.
I’ve been told that I should put a breaking system on the Mini but am unsure. I know some states require supplemental breaking systems but I think that’s because of additional weight. The Mini has a curb weight of 3100 lbs.
Should I buy the breaking package, is it mandatory (I live in GA), do I really need it? I’m thinking of getting the Patriot breaking system.
Looking for insight and potential experience related responses. Thank you in advance for your help.
Bill
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Bill, I realize this post is over a year old but I'm interested in how you're making out with towing your 2014 MINI Countryman S. I purchased the same vehicle a month ago with plans to use it as my toad vehicle. I haven't decided on a base plate, tow bar or braking system yet. I am leaning toward mounting the external turn signal and brake lights so I don't have to cut into my electrical system.
Overall, any guidance you can offer from the experiences you've gained would be great to hear.
Thanks
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