Parts Needed For Flat Towing A 2014 Mini Cooper

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Question:

Hi, I own a 2014 Mini Cooper Paceman. Its a manual transmission, and I would like to set it up for flat towing behind my Class A motorhome. I see there is a baseplate available for the Countryman, but not for the Paceman. I believe the front ends of the Paceman and Countryman models are identical. What can I measure to confirm or deny? Im fairly certain the baseplate kit for the Countryman will fit. Thanks, Mike

asked by: Michael B

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Expert Reply:

I can definitely help set you up with everything you will need. Before we get too deep into things, we recommend thoroughly reading your owners manual and confirming towability with the manufacturer before flat towing a Mini Cooper. That said, generally manual transmission models are fine to flat tow. You are also correct in that the front of the paceman and countryman will be the same. Lets start with the base plate and work our way from there.

For your base plate I recommend the Roadmaster direct connect # RM-521882-5. The gloss black powder coating is durable and will blend nicely with the front of the vehicle. Twist lock arms are removable so you will not have big metal pieces protruding from the front of the car when not in use. This base plate is compatible with any Roadmaster compatible tow bar.

For the tow bar I recommend the etrailer SD # e74ZR. Non binding arms make towing very smooth and make it very easy to connect and disconnect. This thing is rated for 6,000 lbs so it will easily handle a mini cooper. This also comes with a pair of integrated safety cables.

We will also need to wire your brake lights. For that I recommend the Roadmaster diode kit # RM-15267. This kit includes everything you need to wire your brake lights, and connect the towed vehicle to the motorhome. All of this will be wired to the included 6 pin plug which mounts on the front of the vehicle.

Next we will need to look at a supplemental braking system. I recommend the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR. This system is fully wireless and is extremely user friendly. Setup takes a matter of minutes and it plugs in to a 12v outlet. If the vehicle does not have an outlet available, you can use the Roadmaster 12v outlet kit # RM-9332.

You also may need a drop hitch so that your tow bar is level when towing. If so, I recommend the Blue ox adjustable drop hitch # BLU28XR. This can be adjusted up to 8" of drop and should accommodate any vehicle/motorhome combination. We really don't have a way to know if a drop hitch is needed until after your base plate is installed.

That will cover all of the main components of your setup. It is recommended to get a cover # BX88309 and locking hitch pin # e98882. I look at both of these parts as a inexpensive insurance policy to protect your investment in a high quality tow bar.

I have included links to a few install videos below. You will find them very helpful if you plan to install all of this yourself.

expert reply by: Jesse M

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