Mini Cooper Toad

[dogpa]

I am thinking of setting up a Mini Cooper Toad for my 2016 R. Any suggestions?

[Sandiegodoug]

We almost bought a new Mini Cooper convertible to use as a toad behind our 2013 solera, about to write check until I asked if it could be flat towed. Salesman said sure but when corporate was called they said no and would void warrantee. Ended up with 2 door Jeep Wrangler, since I wanted a convertible. Check with mini USA
Maybe newer models ok.

[yojohn]

2008 manual 6 speed Mini cooper with blue ox tow bar works great

[yojohn]

another picture

[HappyHikeRs]

We're towing our Subaru Impreza behind our 2016R with a Blue Ox tow bar and SMI Stay-in-Play duo braking system. Impressed by the solid quality of the Blue Ox tow bar, connectors, etc. The braking system is always fully installed, just plug into the MH and flip a switch in the car. One thing - figure out the best place to put the braking system's switch box, mine is just above the footrest and is slightly in the way.

[Wandering]

Pull my manual 2011 Mini convertible behind our Forester for 2yrs now and no problems. Blue Ox baseplate, tow bar and Kargard II all work greats.

Had magnetic tow lights which scratched up the car so I built a light bar and hung it on the bike rack which is always on the Mini.

[FFred]

One consideration for Sprinters is towd volume.

The MB - Isata setup is very low on carrying capacity in terms of both weight and volume.

A car with a good internal volume might not be as much fun to drive , but if you are a snowbird the added weight and cargo space might be useful.

We tow a 2010 Honda CRV (OK for flat towing by Honda) , that has a great volume.

Driving the Honda is boring , but it is crash worthy.

[RSchleder]

Originally Posted by yojohn

2008 manual 6 speed Mini cooper with blue ox tow bar works great

We towed our Mini Cooper S 6 speed for thousands of miles without any problems. And yes, Mini says not to tow 4 wheels down. I believe it's a "cover your a--" situation for Mini!

[Sandiegodoug]

Wheels spin as does the transmisison and gearbox gears. They are spinning and there is friction, but no cooling. The fluid overheats, it breaks down, and so does your tranmission and gear box....
Just be careful, not sure about Honda but when Wrangler 's transfer case in neutral, tranny doesn't turn. Maybe eventually damage will occur in mini coopers tranny, not sure.

[FFred]

"Just be careful, not sure about Honda but"

Honda is sure about Honda, flat tow is in their owners manual.

Second reason for Honda , besides flat tow , is there is no rubber belt operating the camshaft, that needs replacement , or you loose the engine.

A chain drive , as used in their bikes , seems far more reliable , and so dosn't require ongoing trips to the dealer .

[Sandiegodoug]

The Honda I wanted to flat tow could not be towed . The s2000
Light and fun

[keno2015]

We have a 2015 Solera 24R. We are just getting set up with 2010 Mini Clubman with manual transmission. Blue Ox tow bar and base plate; RVi Brake 3 and wireless light bar with magnetic feet. Much research indicates no issues towing Mini. Mileage on Mini is beyond factory warranty so no issues there. Super little car and less than 2800 # .

[dogpa]

Thanks for all the input. Are the brake systems really needed on small toads. Guess i am in the market for a Cooper.

[DaveJordan]

Originally Posted by dogpa

Thanks for all the input. Are the brake systems really needed on small toads.

I think there are a few reasons to use a braking system.

First, depending on the state and the weight of the toad, they're often required by law. Probably not an issue unless you have an incident...but then the lack of a legally required system might lead to serious consequences.

Second, when you don't have toad brakes, the weight and momentum of the toad pushing on the motorhome can actually unwieght the rear wheels, possibly leading to less control...especially in wet or otherwise slippery conditions.

Finally, in particular reference to the Sprinter chassis, we're already at the weight limit for the chassis itself...and we all know how well the various suspension parts work (or don't work) as we approach 11,000 lbs. Adding the weight of the toad onto the work the chassis brakes have to do seems (to me, at least) like you'd be pushing the envelope...so to speak.

All that being said, 99 out of 100 of us probably would never have an issue. Just hard to know who that last driver is...and how bad it might be.

Dave

[FFred]

Many states REQUIRE brakes and a breakaway stopping method for anything , car , boat , or utility trailer over 3000 lbs.

[Chuckinca]

We are currently in a campground near Jeykll Island Georgia. At least two Mini Cooper toads here.

.

[MNtraveler]

Originally Posted by FFred

One consideration for Sprinters is towd volume.

The MB - Isata setup is very low on carrying capacity in terms of both weight and volume.

A car with a good internal volume might not be as much fun to drive , but if you are a snowbird the added weight and cargo space might be useful.

We tow a 2010 Honda CRV (OK for flat towing by Honda) , that has a great volume.

Driving the Honda is boring , but it is crash worthy.

Actually the MBS is a bit light on carrying capacity so added tongue weight can be an issue. But it has towing capacity of 4000-4200 (GCWR - GVWR). Flat towing helps avoid the tongue weight issue.

[FFred]

The newest issue of Motor Home lists dozens of cars that can be flat towed.

Sadly it only covers NEW cars although many past model years do fine.

[DaveJordan]

Originally Posted by FFred

Sadly it only covers NEW cars although many past model years do fine.

Motorhome Magazine makes dinghy guides for past years available here:

Downloadable Dinghy Guides | MotorHome Magazine

Dave

[WYOpacker]

Does anyone tow a Mazda Miata and if so are there any modifications required?