Flat Tow Set Up For 2019 Mini Cooper Convertible S  

Question:

Expert Reply:

There are few items you are going to need to flat tow your 2019 Mini Cooper behind your 2020 Tiffin Wayfarer. The following is what you will need to set the vehicle up:

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit Item # BX1312. This base plate is a custom fit base plate. Steele construction and attaches to the chassis of the vehicle to provide a solid connection point for the tow bar. It is compatible with the Mini Cooper convertible and convertible S. It has removable tabs so the front of the vehicle looks clean when not being towed.

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit Item # RM-152-1676-7. This kit allows the Mini Cooper to receive light functions from the motor home when being towed. It comes with the diodes to protect the factory wiring on the vehicle from back feed. Once installed the only thing you would need to do is connect the umbilical from the front of the car to the back of the motor home.

Demco SBS Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System Item # SM99251. This braking system is a permanent install. Once installed the only thing you would need to do is flip the switch to on when you are ready to tow the vehicle. It is a proportional system so it will match the brake pressure applied in the motor home.

Blue Ox Alpha 2 Tow Bar Item # BX7380. This tow bar is compatible with the Blu Ox base plate and comes with the safety cables. It is a non binding tow bar and has rubber boots covering the arms to prevent the buildup of debris and keep the arms functioning easily. The tow bar can be folded and stored on the back of the RV when you reach your destination so you don't have to go through the trouble of removing it and storing it each time.

Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit Item # RM-751469. When a permanent braking system is installed on a vehicle it requires a wire to be connected to the brake light switch on the vehicle so it knows when to activate the monitor light when the towed vehicles brakes are applied. Since the factory brake wire on the Mini Cooper cannot be tied into this kit takes it's place so the monitor light can be activated.

It appears from the photo you already have a hitch so you are going to need a dual hitch receiver to connect the tow bar and carry your bikes, but you want the bike rack high enough that if you turn a sharp corner the rack doesn't make contact with the hood or lights on the Mini Cooper. Keep in mind adding this dual receiver will require the bikes to be removed from the rack when the slide is opened. I recommend the Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter Item # RM-077-10. It has a 10" rise so you should have plenty of height so the rack doesn't touch the vehicle. With this adapter you will need a Roadmaster Hitch Pin and Clip Item # RM-910034.

Unfortunately, your Thule EasyFold XT Item # TH903202 is not rated for RV use. You will need to upgrade your rack to the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Item # HLY84FR which is rated for this application.

As far as where to have the items installed in your area. I would not be familiar. If I had to suggest somewhere it would be almost any good reputable mechanic shop or a location that sells motor homes and campers with a repair shop.

expert reply by: Shane H

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Motor Home
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Mini Cooper
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