Compatible Flat Towing Equipment For A 2021 Mini Cooper 2dr Hardtop Base Model
Question:
Roadmasters website shows RM-521884-5 as correct baseplate for the base Cooper but your website says its not a confirmed fit and points to RM-521882-5. Can you confirm which is the correct baseplate for the base Cooper? I will use the Blue Ox Patriot 3 brake system and also have a couple of questions about wiring that I hope you can help with. Roadmaster says to use their RM-751469 stop light switch as the OEM switch is unusable. Is that what I need or some brake light relay. Im not sure what the difference is and if it matters. Ive not yet decided whether to wire the lights with diodes or to use a separate portable light system. Will I need a brake light relay either way? Final question at least for now : if I want to wire the toad battery to be charged, is that essentially just adding a suitable wire between the six pin connector and the battery? Thanks for the help!
asked by: Dave S
Expert Reply:
We most likely haven't had the opportunity to test fit the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521884-5 on a 2021 Mini Cooper 2dr hardtop base model yet which is why it isn't in our fitguide. Since Roadmaster is endorsing this as a fit for your vehicle then we will have it added to our site. Direct-Connect base plates like this make hooking and unhooking your tow bar super easy. The direct-connect arms are also removable, which will provide a clean look and prevent them from being exposed to the elements when not in use.
You'll want to pair this with a Roadmaster tow bar so that you don't have to use an adapter. I recommend the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar # RM-522. It has a non binding feature and large hookup radius that that makes hooking up and disconnecting on any terrain a breeze.
For the wiring I recommend against using the plug in portable systems as they end up being more time consuming and will block you from being able to use a charge line kit to keep your vehicle's battery charged. I recommend using the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267. This diode kit allows you to use your Mini Cooper's tail lights and wiring system while preventing feedback from your RV and includes everything you'll need.
The Blue Ox Patriot Portable Braking System # BLU37TR is powered by a 12v plug so you'll need to run a 12v outlet # RM-9332 that's wired directly to the battery. Since the Blue Ox has its own monitoring system you will not need a stop light kit and can ignore that section of Roadmaster's fitguide. If you used a different braking system that didn't have a monitoring system then you would need to install the stop light kit.
To determine if you'll need a brake light relay kit you'll have to go through the following steps:
Are you using a supplemental braking system that depresses the brake pedal in your towed car?
No - You do not need a brake light relay.
Yes - You may need a brake light relay. Continue on to the next question.
Do the brake lights on your towed car illuminate while the engine is off?
No - You do not need a brake light relay.
Yes - You may need a brake light relay. Continue on to the next question.
Do your towed car's brake lights act as both the brake signals and the turn signals?
No - You may need a brake light relay. Continue on to the next question.
Yes - Your towed car has a combined lighting system. You will need a brake light relay to ensure proper activation of its signal lights.
Does your towed car have separate brake lights and turn signals?
No - Your towed car has a combined lighting system. You will need a brake light relay.
Yes - Your towed car has a separate lighting system. You may need a brake light relay. Continue on to the next question.
Are you wiring your vehicle with a six-diode kit or a TowDaddy custom wiring harness?
No - You will need a brake light relay to ensure proper activation of your towed car's signal lights.
Yes - You do not need a brake light relay.
A charge line kit like the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-156-25 is basically just some wire and a breaker that runs from the battery to the 6-pole outlet on the front of your vehicle. It will pull 15amps from the RV to trickle charge your Mini Cooper's battery.
You'll also need some safety cables. I recommend the RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables # RM-643. The coiled design will help prevent the cables from dragging on the ground and being damaged.
Lastly, due to the limited height of Mini Coopers you will need a high/low adapter. I've attached our help guide article on high/low adapters to help you measure and find the correct adapter for your needs.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Blue Ox
more information >
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Battery Charge Line Kit
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon All-Terrain Tow Bar - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
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