Hitch Availability for 2006 Mini Cooper S Convertible

Question:

I have a 2006 Mini Cooper convertible S. Apparently there is no hitch made for it?

asked by: Joseph D

Expert Reply:

You are correct that currently there is no hitch receiver offered for the 2006 Mini Cooper S convertible. This could simply be due to limited volume - hitch makers do consider the business potential of any given vehicle based on the number of units produced. Some times the engineering investment may not be offset by the business potential. In other cases, particularly on smaller lighter vehicles whose frames may not have enough strength to handle a hitch-mounted load, hitch makers may determine there is not sufficient material in the frame to safely handle a hitch and its load. If a vehicle is not rated to tow by its manufacturer, such as your Cooper Convertible, this alone may be the reason no hitch is offered. Also, vehicles that have a center-mounted exhaust would cause the hitch (and whatever is attached to it) to get very hot.

expert reply by: Adam R