The max trailer load of a class 1 trailer is about 1500 lbs I believe. This is not the load that gets applied at the rear axle of the car...the "tongue" weight should typically be less than 10% of the loaded trailer weight. So 100-150 lbs max. This is important to get right for trailer stability. So, having stiffer suspension may not be strictly needed if the car is already relatively stiff.

If you are stuck with getting automatic tranny, then look into add-on transmission coolers if you're going to be hauling for more than an hour or two per trip. Or, go with manual tranny and never worry about over heating Auto tranny fluid.

Mike.

 

Hi tornado,
Thanks for the favor of a reply,
I just ordered my Countryman. Definitely got the manual transmission. Talked the rest of it over with my salesman, Neil.

Apparently the official word from Mini regarding towing is... no comment. The thought process is just like I thought. Since they do not offer a towing option they can't/want comment on how much one can tow. I guess when Minifini comes out with their towing bar they will have to make some statement.

I saw a 12% number somewhere in a Mini review. Maybe that is the acceptable tongue weight? 12% of around 1000 lbs = 120 lbs ?

 

for the spec, which varies between braked and unbraked. Look earlier in the thread for those spec's

 

Found this in the UK

http://www.pfjones.co.uk/mini-countr...e-tow-bar.html

 

Reviving this thread now that I have my CM and am getting closer to mountain biking/motorcycle season as I need a 2" hitch receiver for my bicycle rack as well as the ability to tow my light motorcycle trailer...anyone heard any updates from minifini or others?

 

I spoke to the guy at MiniFini just now. He indicated they would get a countryman by the end of the month from a dealer in Pittsburgh. They intend to develop a "Link" for the countryman and need to know such things as spacing and license plate location.

He also indicated that since the countryman is a larger vehicle the hitch would have a little more capacity than the clubman hitch.

I got the impression we were a few months away from a product.

Bill

 

We're hoping they will be available in time for The Dragon, we could pick it up there.
From Motoring File earlier this week:

 

One thing to think about when towing with a small/mini vehicle is how to handle a trailer when it starts to wobble or jackknife. In some situations you have to power the towing vehicle to pull the trailer straight otherwise it may actually flip both vehicles. I think many people make a mistake and hit the brakes too much when the trailer starts to swerve.

Don't take this to apply to all situations, just something I've found in my experience towing a boat trailer (not with a MINI) yearly to and from a lake. from what I recall, emergency braking requires steering in the direction of any skid the trailer is doing to keep things straight.

Disclaimer - I am not a professional trailer instructor...take my advice as a personal opinion. If you are going to do a lot of towing, it wpuld be worthwhile to educate yourself on it with your own research/instruction.

 

Also many years ago I used to tow a ~1,000# 14' jet boat/trailer combo with my 94 Acura Integra Coupe (which just happened to have a ~1,000# towing limit), so I do have some small vehicle "at-the limit" towing experience.

 

I’m thinking the “no comment” on towing in the USA is a legal position. I talked to a Mini rep at the L.A. auto show and was told Mini does not recommend towing with any Mini and is could void the warranty; but on the UK Mini site they show a tow bar option and claim you can tow up to 1000 Kg (about 2,200 lbs) on certain models

 

I work part time for an RV dealership, we are making plans to build a teardrop camper for me to tow behind the All4. It will be less than the 1650# limit and it will have brakes. I would highly recommend brakes for any trailer you tow behind a MINI, the wear and tear alone is enough but the ability to control the trailer is essential. You do NOT need a built in brake controller anymore, there are models that are totally wireless and work with any tow vehicle. Tow, but tow smartly.

 

FiremanMike,

Good name,
I was not aware that one could have braking on a trailer without the wiring set up, great information. I hope you will keep us posted on the teardrop, Annette and I have been thinking about one for years. If it could be set up to haul dogs we might jump on it with all 4's, so to speak.

We have a warm spot for fireman since a couple of them pulled Annette and our daughter MacKenzie out of El Kabong a little over a week ago.

 

The brake controller I mentioned is produced by a company here in Iowa, Innovative Electronics, and is about as simple as it comes. I believe they use a motion sensor to detect slow down which starts to apply the brakes to 'recenter the ball' so to speak. 2 wires and screw the base to the trailer, done. Two great advantages, no controller in the tow vehicle so the trailer can be pulled by any vehicle. You obviously need a wire harness for the lights and a hot source or a battery in the trailer for 12v.
The teardrop is going to be an interesting build, I have access to all of the parts mfgrs, just a matter of laying out the design and floor plan. If building is not an option, there are a couple of companys out there that do make lightweight units already.
Just waiting for the hitch folks now.

 

We have checked into lots of possibilities for hauling dogs. We came close to buying a trailer strictly for hauling dogs and still might. The big problem with that option is the heat factor in those tight spaces. Fan systems are fairly easy and not to expensive but may not be sufficient here in the deep south. AC is hard to do and very expensive for a dog trailer.

A teardrop might be easier to keep cool with the additional space. It could also provide a number of other functions that a dog trailer could not. I am wondering if a small teardrop with brakes could be made safer than a dog trailer?

 

bumping this thread again to see if anyone has updates on the trailer hitch...?

 

We're getting a sport link system installed by MINIFini at the Dragon. Haven't heard anything different from miniusa regarding towing.

Annette

 

What is "The Dragon" ? I've seen it mentioned before.

Most states require trailers with GVWR of over 3000# to have brakes by law and automobile manufacturers generally recommend brakes with even lighter trailers.

Trailers with non-electrical braking systems (no electrical connection to the tow vehicle's braking system) are known as "Surge Brakes." When the tow vehicle slows down or stops the forward momentum "surge" of the trailer against the hitch ball applies pressure to a master cylinder in the trailer coupler. This pressure activates the trailer brakes through a hydraulic system much like the brakes on your vehicle.

 

Oh, young grasshopper, a question with many answers.

It is basically Woodstock for MINI enthusiasts. The Dragon is a stretch of road that runs between North Carolina and Tennessee that is famous for it's twisties. For many car and motorcycle drivers it is one of THE roads to drive. There is a 5 day gathering every spring for MINIs that is all about driving and hanging out. Here's a link to some more info. Go to YouTube and search for minis on the dragon for some fun videos.
http://www.minisonthedragon.com/

Annette

 

Thank You Master Po

 

So the minifini system is now available? Wish I lived closer to The Dragon.

 

Update for those that don't know...MiniDoMore now has a tow hitch option out for hte CM. Do a search on the General CM forum to find a thread with pics.

Mike.
(CM ordered 3/26).

 

Does the Countryman have any provisions built in for the brake light harness (4 pin connector)? It looked like the European bike rack has the lights repeated on it, so I thought maybe there is something built in that would make it easy to add a 4 pin brake light connector.

 

We also have a tow package option in Norway, I'm not surprised you can't get one in the US due to Americans being overly fond of litigation should something go wrong. I wouldn't tow with a MINI, I just don't think they have enough body weight, besides my wife's Volvo V70 is an excellent tow car.

 

If you are wondering what a CM looks like towing a camper, here you go, check out this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3kCerkfq2E