Tow Dolly for 2016 Mini Clubman S With Low Ground Clearance

Question:

My mini is automatic transmission so I plan to go with a tow dolly. Are there any issues with ground clearance while towing? Im thinking about the effect if the front end of the RV goes over a speed bump raising it up, this causes the tow hitch to lower down, which in turn pulls down the front of the tow dolly. Im thinking that this action causes the front wheels of the Mini to raise up, causing the back of the Mini Cooper to go down. How much of a risk is there that the car exhaust shroud hits the ground and does damage? There is 8-1/2 inch clearance from ground to bottom of exhaust. Assuming clearance is not an issue, which brand/model tow dolly is best suited to the 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman S with curb weight of approx. 3,200 lbs.?

asked by: Jim

Helpful Expert Reply:

There won't be any problems towing your 2016 Mini Clubman S on a tow dolly, even with its low ground clearance at the rear. The vehicle's rear axle and wheels are very far back, so it isn't going to tilt downwards enough to cause issues over flat pavement, though over speed bumps, if it is raised up enough, it could of course hit the ground, and unfortunately there really isn't any way to overcome that type of obstacle.

If you do choose to dolly tow, the best options by far are the Demco dollies, the Demco Kar Kaddy X Tow Dolly # DM9713093 or Kar Kaddy SS Tow Dolly # DM9713045.

These are the best because of how much simple they are to use, including a simple surge coupler to activate the hydraulic brakes so there is no messy wiring to worry about.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Douglas T.

1/11/2021

Thinking about a KK460SS Kaddy to pull my 2020 Mini Cooper S. The Mini is a front-wheel drive with automatic transmission. Is there any problem pulling the Mini with my RV from the Mini side of things? Is the KK460SS Kaddy the best cadi available if price isn't important?

Jon G.

1/15/2021

From what I could find in the online owner's manual it looks like you're safe to tow your 2020 Mini Cooper S with a tow dolly, but you'll want to confirm this either in your copy of the owner's manual or with your local dealer. The Kar Kaddy SS # DM9713045 is the best tow dolly available, yes.

Douglas T.

1/15/2021

@JonG Thanks for the comeback Jon. I'll ask the Mini folks to make sure. One more thing, I see the measurements of the wheel plates, minimum and maximum distances, but as you know the Mini is pretty small. My wheels measure 51" inside to inside and 66.5" outside to outside. Will the Mini sit on the wheel plates okay?