Which Base Plates for Flat Towing for 2014 Mini Countryman S
Question:
I have a 2014 MINI Cooper Countryman S. Both the Blue Ox BX1308 and the Roadmaster RM-521883-5 are compatible with my vehicle. Are there significant differences between these two base plates? Would you recommend one over the other?
asked by: Brad D
Expert Reply:
Generally you'll want to choose base plates based off what tow bar you've already got, since base plates and tow bars that are not of the same brand are only compatible with an additional adapter. As far as quality goes, both Roadmaster and Blue Ox make extremely high quality parts, and it's ultimately like choosing between Nike and Adidas.
With that said, I do prefer the Blue Ox # BX1308 over the (discontinued) Roadmaster RM-521883-5 for your 2014 Mini Countryman S because the base plates are just a little more inconspicuous when installed, plus Blue Ox makes a variety of adapters that allows their base plates to be used with just about any tow bar.
If you don't already have a tow bar, these base plates would pair well with the Blue Ox Alpha 2 # BX7380 tow bar, which comes with safety cables included. The Alpha 2 is made from powder coated steel, so it's durable and the telescoping arms have a non-binding latch to make it easier to unhook on uneven surfaces.
I've also linked some helpful articles as well as the parts I recommend that are required to complete your flat towing setup, including wiring, supplemental braking and potentially a high/low adapter.
Tow Bar Wiring- Roadmaster FlexoCoil Kit # RM-15267
Supplemental Braking- Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR
High/Low Adapter- see attached article on how to measure and link to selection of available adapters
I've also linked some review and install videos of these parts for you to check out.
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 >
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- 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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
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 >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
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on Tow Bar
