Mini Cooper Hitch Application Guide
The Mini Cooper Class 1 Hitch with the 1-1/4" receiver is an excellent solution for adding a bike rack or an utility tray to the back of your MINI - and yes, you can tow a small trailer! (Class 2 Hitch is available for the Countryman and Paceman only).
The base system is a simple bracket that is hidden behind the stock bumper assembly and can only be seen if the oval plate (or fog light/reverse light on the Gen 1 MINI's) in the center of the lower rear bumper is removed. On the Gen 2 MINI's there rear lower grill is modified to allow access to the hitch which allows you to hook up a number of accessories including many off-the-shelf trailers, bike racks, trays, etc. The vast majority of MINI drivers will use this base Hitch plate in conjunction with an aftermarket bike rack attachment (like Thule, Yakima, etc.) while a fair amount hook up one of the flat extensions for autocross tires, etc. A shop familiar with MINIs can 'typically' install these hitches in about 3 hours - longer if the wiring kit is installed as well. (Click on the following link for the complete article.) http://new.minimania.com/Mini_Cooper...lication_Guide_