The Sport-Link is now installed on the my new ride - tow hitch on the way ... but desperately need help on wiring for trailer tail lights and brake lites. There's limited info online - not enough for me to print out and take to a good mechanic. I know I need an "isolation converter" .. but have no idea where to get this .. the part #, nor instructions to install. I GOTTA have this working by middle of March ... can someone puleeeeze help ?? email to Wheelspnr@aol.com would be appreciated... Trailer has a standard flat connector - so the wire from the car need not be exotic ... just a standard wire ... I'm told the direct wiring will blow fuses and really cause problems ...
(I'm in the Stlouis, MO area)

 

I don't know how this works on the MINI, but...

I have a 96 Dodge Caravan that I use to tow a Coleman popup trailer. When I installed the wiring from the car to the trailer, I was told the same thing - that I needed a thingie to isolate the car's wiring from the trailer's or I could blow up the car's body computer. (Not just fuses - the $$$ computer!)

The old way was just to splice into the taillight wiring and run a jumper to the trailer. But this means you're going to have double the current running through the wires - and through the body computer. Not a good thing. So you install a coverter. It splices into the taillight wiring, like before, but rather than drawing current off the wire, it just watches the wire. When it sees that the wire is hot, the converter switches on a separate wire of its own that goes to the trailer. Kind of like a relay, if you understand how a relay works - a separate relay for each set of lights.

Anyway, I went down to the local auto store and they had what I needed. I don't recall for sure (it was several years ago) but I think there were a few different models, depending on whether the car's and trailer's brake lights and turn signals were separate from each other and things like that. I don't remember how much it cost, but I don't think it was more than $30 to $50. (Several years ago.)

It's a small unit - smaller than a pack of playing cards. You could probably mount it in one of the access panels in the boot (trunk) area.

You might want to think about having a trailer shop install it. I wouldn't think they'd charge much for it. They probably do millions of them. But I also might be a bit concerned that they'd never done a MINI Cooper before. Though it probably isn't different from any other car.

Good luck. And BTW, I'm sure a lot of people here would like to know about the trailer hitch, how it mounts to the car, etc. There have been a lot of questions about this.

 

My MCS Convertible is BRG with lots of goodies ... including the LSD. I'm trying to be patient and NOT light it up ... for another 500 mi. or so ... have about 725 on it now.

The hitch ... this thing is a slick product from MiniFini .. of course on the S model, the hitch cannot be normally mounted - so here's what they did. Right now, it appears I have the two tailpipes ... plus on each side a little higher - coming out of the mesh grills, are two stainless steel "barrels" if you will - I tell people they are machine guns ... don't F___ with me !!! anyway , the protruding barrels will accept the tow hitch made especially to go with the whole rig. You can also buy a bike rack that's pretty slick too.

I'm being super careful in this wiring deal - no use blowing up the fuses or computer .... the last post was helpful ... sure hope someone can add more.

 

So this is available now? Last I'd heard it had been "any day now" for a few years.

Love the "machine guns" thing. Have you seen the replacement labels for the toggle switches?

 

Have NOT the toggle replacement labeling .... can you advise where I can find what you refer to ?

thanks.

 

They came from MINI USA - part of the "Welcome to the Neighborhood" kit, which MINI sends to new owners. Sometimes. And apparently, only if the dealer requests it.

Here's a link to some that were recently listed on eBay: (click here) There's a larger picture near the bottom of the page.

I thought I had remembered "machine guns" or "rocket launchers" but I guess I'm wrong. Still, there are some other good ones that might, as they say, be suitable for your application!

 

I used an isolated powered adapter made by HOPPY. On the MCS this is easy since the battery is right there in the trunk.

It is described in this web page.

http://user.mc.net/~jdewey/MINI/Trai...a_version.html

Some Discount stores have them, as most Chrysler products, including the larger Jeeps require one.

I bought one (for a Bronco) out of a clearence bin and cut the plugs off.

http://user.mc.net/~jdewey/MINI/Trai...on_adapter.jpg

Hoppy has a web site
http://www.trailerwiring.com/

Hoppy part numbers are:

The one I used:
46255PWR TAILLIGHT CONVERTER

The heavy duty one:
46365PWR CONVERTER - SHORT PROOF

NOT this one, wrong polarity!
46345PWR TAILLIGHT CONVERTER - NEG. INPUT

John

 

the Hoppy converter which JDewey steered me to is the ticket !! In fact, it's almost easy enough to install myself ... and I'm at my best changing tires .. on second thought, I'll have my mechanic do it ...

thanks for the help..