Recommended Tow Bar Setup for 2013 Mini Cooper
Question:
That tow bar is only 6500 lbs and plenty for a mini but in thinking ahead if we were to migrate to a Jeep TJ or JK at some point I don't want to have to buy a different tow bar ... so is there another one you would recommend? Avail? Also regarding supplemental braking system, what would you prefer that could be used in multiple vehicles easily ... like a Mini Cooper and Jeep TJ/JK? The same unit?
asked by: Jeff
Expert Reply:
I have exactly what you are needing for your 2013 Mini Cooper towing setup.
Starting off with the tow bar; Blue Ox has their Alpha tow bar # BX7380 which is what I recommend using. It is very easy to maneuver and it comes with the safety cables for added security when driving down the road.
Next you will want your base plates. Blue Ox has their Mini Cooper Base Plate Kit # BX1307 which works really well with the Alpha tow bar. This kit is very well hidden. You can remove the arms when the tow bar is not in use which really helps to keep your Mini looking classy.
As far as the lights go, I have two options for you. The first is the Custer Wireless LED Tow Light # LIW-LDTL . This is quick and easy to install and will connect to the 7-Way on your RV.
Roadmaster has a Diode Wiring Kit # RM-154 which will take a little longer to install but the finished look is very sleek. You will have to do some splicing and running the wires a bit, but the end result is that you don't have to mess with installation again, and the brake lights work through your Cooper's brake lights. If your motor home has a 7-way connector, you can use part # RM-15247 to connect to the 4-way wiring for the tail lights lights on your Mini Cooper.
The last thing that you will need is a supplemental braking system. The one that I recommend going with is the Roadmaster Even Brake # RM-9400. This electric proportional braking system is very nice and easy to use. Since it is proportional, it applies the brakes with the same force and at the same speed as the driver of the tow vehicle does.
I have provided some extra links for you demonstration as well.
Jeff
1/10/2017
That tow bar is only 6500 lbs and plenty for a mini but in thinking ahead if we were to migrate to a Jeep TJ or JK at some point I don't want to have to buy a different tow bar ... so is there another one you would recommend? Avail? Also regarding supplemental braking system, what would you prefer that could be used in multiple vehicles easily ... like a Mini Cooper and Jeep TJ/JK? The same unit?
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,500 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6500 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 10000 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Blue Ox
more information >
Custer Wireless LED Tow Bar Light - Weatherproof - Magnetic Base - 23" Long - 4-Pin Round
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- Wireless
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Custer
more information >
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 4-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Pole Flat Connectors
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Not Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
more information >
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Hans G.
6/8/2020
I need to know if a 2013 Mini Cooper S Hatchback with 6 speed manual transmission can be flat towed. Any specific instructions?