Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver And 4-Way Wiring For a 2016 Mini Cooper Countryman S

Question:

I have a 2016 Mini Countryman Cooper S to which I want to add a hitch. This hitch will be used to carry/tow as much as is safely possible on this vehicle. I hope this includes some small rental trailers that I would move belongings/material with, as well as a generic trailer for an inflatable fishing boat of the class similar to SeaEagle FishSkiff16. I think I have figured out that the quick Class 1 hitch solution can be improved upon and I was hoping to hitch-up to the vehicles 3500lb towing max I think. Also thought that a 2inch receiver would give me more flexibility down the line when I know what I am doing. Does the EcoHitch Hidden Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2inch Item#306-x7334 seem like a good product for me? I was thinking of having my local auto body shop do this hitch work along with replacement of its lower rear bumper that I need to do now for a cosmetic minor collision fix.

asked by: Greg

Expert Reply:

As you are already pulling your rear fascia on your 2016 Mini Cooper Countryman S the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver # 306-X7334 is a great option. The 2" receiver option gives you a larger assortment of ball mounts and receiver mounted accessories to select from. Upon looking through your owners manual I was unable to find any information on trailer weight capacities so be sure to consult with a Mini dealer to determine if there are limitations below the 300lbs tongue weight and 2,000lbs of the receiver.

The Upgraded Heavy Duty ModuLite Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness # C59496 will give you a 4-way flat connector. This is the most common connector used on small trailers for the tail lights. It can also be used to add Auxiliary Lights # C53201 if you use a hitch mounted accessory like a bike rack which impairs the view of your tail lights.

expert reply by: Bud M