Hi all,

We bought a 2017 MINI Hardtop S automatic to two behind our RV. And I recently purchased a 2-wheel tow dolly. All my research seemed to indicate the ACME tow dolly was a good model to have because of it's low profile. It requires that the front wheels be unlocked while towing. But I can't figure out a way to do that.

Does anyone know of a secret on how to do that? I'd be fine if it required detaching a battery cable or removing a fuse. Or perhaps this is something I can have a repair shop do some customization to eliminate the locking mechanism altogether?

Thanks for any tips!
Don

 

Call Acme, and make sure that is not a mistake.

I always believed when towing on a dolly, you lock the steering wheel.

When I drove a tow truck before FWD was prevalent, on a RWD car, I left the car in neutral to let the rear wheels roll, and tied a rope to the steering wheel, shut the door on the ropes tail to keep the steering wheel straight. Otherwise the tail of car would weave (whipping) all over the place.

4 wheel on the ground towing, as in a tow bar, then the steering wheel would be unlocked. The caster of the front wheels would keep the car straight.

 

Regarding: Call Acme, and make sure that is not a mistake.

Yes, with most tow dollies I think you are right, the steering wheel should be locked. But the ACME doesn't have a center pivot. It's wheels turn and the car's wheels are supposed to turn with it. I'm a total novice about all of this, but that is how I understand it. And according to many reviews and comments on forums, it is a great setup.

Thanks!

 

I see!!
Yeah, we don't have a physical ignition key lock on our F56s.

You could disconnect the battery, and see if an OBD memory saver will work.
Never tried it, but AAA uses those when replacing car batteries.

 

For anyone who might find this question in the future, I asked the dealer today and they explained that I was incorrect in assuming the MINI steering was locked! The wheels are just very difficult to turn without the power steering when the engine is not running. But they are not locked and can be turned, so hopefully that will be fine on the ACME tow dolly when the wheels are strapped down properly.

Sorry for posting misleading info! The dealer said MINI has not had a steering locking mechanism since 2007 or so!

Thanks,
Don

 

See, now I thought steering wheel locking was federally mandated.

 

Turns out locking steering columns used to be federally mandated, starting in the late 1960's, but that requirement is no longer. Who knew??

 

Thanks for checking on that. I also thought it was required, but did see other comments that indicated the requirement was removed, since it was ineffective at it's intended purpose (i.e. preventing car theft) and costly for manufacturers. But still I guess some manufacturers still have the "feature".

Don

 

So, here's the thing. Modern power steering systems are designed to operate the steering gear and turn the wheels, with the power boost.

A certain amount of wheel movement probably is fine, as is an occasional "hard steer" wherein one turns the steering wheel while someone is pushing the car with the power off, like into a service bay for a few feet or whatever.

I know people tow MINI's behind their RV's. Haven't heard of a specific issue. But I would want a trusted mechanic who knows the ins and outs of modern MINI steering systems to assure me that my rig will keep my MINI happy, for the long haul (pun intended).

 

Yes, I'm also slightly concerned about that. But I've seen several other places where people mention towing their MINI automatic with the same 2-wheel dolly model, and they haven't mentioned a problem. And the MINI mechanic I talked to was a knowledgeable guy and didn't seem concerned when I explained what I was doing. I guess I'll find out the hard way if there is! I'll try to update here once I have more experience.

Thanks,
Don