Base Plate and Flat Towing Equipment Recommended for 2007 Mini Cooper

Question:

I am looking to buy a base plate for my 2007 Mini Cooper base. I am looking at roadmaster or blue ox, I am going to Tow with a class C motorhome 24 foot, what do you think is best an easy to install ??

asked by: Richard M

Expert Reply:

If your 2007 Mini Cooper Hardtop Base is equipped with a manual transmission, it is capable of being flat towed. As far as ease of installation goes, I'd put them on an even level. Actually bolting the base plates to the vehicle isn't terribly difficult, the hard part is disassembling the vehicle by removing the grille assembly and bumper cover.

For ease of use on a day-to-day basis, I'd recommend the Blue Ox # BX1304. The base plate is very well engineered, easier to use because it doesn't require a crossbar and looks better once installed.

In addition to the base plates, you'll also need a tow bar, safety cables, a vehicle wiring harness, a supplemental braking system and possibly a high/low adapter if the 13.5 inch installed height of the # BX1304 has a greater than 3 inch height difference compared to the receiver on the motorhome.

For a tow bar, I'd recommend the Roadmaster Falcon 2 for Blue Ox Base Plates, part # RM-525 along with the # RM-643 safety cables. For wiring, I'd recommend the Roadmaster bulb and socket kit, part # RM-155. For this option, you'd install additional bulbs into the taillight assemblies of your Mini Cooper which allows the taillight wiring to remain completely independent of the taillight circuits of the vehicle.

For a braking system, I'd recommend a portable system like the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR. A portable system doesn't require a permanent installation, so if you change your towed vehicle down the road, it'll be easily moved to a different vehicle which isn't the case with a permanently mounted system.

I'll link you to our selection of High/Low adapters, plus to a help article that explains how to determine which adapter you'll need. I'll also link to some product videos that you might find helpful.