Just thought I'd share another option for MINI owners out there looking for a hitch-mounted cargo carrier for the MINI. I have a Minidomore hitch on my R53 and was looking all over for a cargo carrier. I wanted to carry a lawn mower 500 miles. I tried one of the Harbor Freight carriers, which probably could have worked but the problem was with the 1.25"-2" adapter. It was about 1/4" too short to extend past the bumper shroud. Fortunately I tried the adapter before assembling the carrier and since it couldn't work returned the whole thing.

Then decided to shop my favorite online retailer: Amazon. They have several 1.25" cargo carriers but they were 40-50" wide and felt it would be too big for the MINI, not to mention the added weight would take away from the capacity that I could carry.

Decided to go with a hitch mounted cargo carrier that also works for an ATV. I just posted a review because I was so happy with how it worked out. I posted a bunch of pictures on Amazon and some here also:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...r_mts_prod_img

I was almost going to buy the Minidomore model but it was way overpriced IMHO. This one is a great alternative that fits very nicely on our MINIs. I did a lot of research online and could not find too many posts on cargo carriers for MINIs here on NAM or on other sites. This is my payback for my years of reading and learning from everyone here. Hope this helps others out there looking for a cargo carrier. Can't comment on the other MINI models as I only have an R53.

 

Thanks so much for the tip and the link for this carrier. I've been researching options and was still unsure of the way to go with this. You have saved me some time and money!!!

 

I bought a rooftop bag to use on the rack which keeps everything covered. Then bought some ratcheting straps to secure it to the rack. The ratcheting straps can also be used between the rack and the car using the tow hook and/or muffler mounts underneath to further secure the whole thing. I used it for the first time shortly after my original post to transport a lawn mower about 500 miles with no issues whatsoever. Probably weighed about 50-60 lbs.

 

I think that is a good idea to use the bag. I noticed in your pictures that you didn't have the 12 inch rails that you can purchase seperately from Amazon. Do you think I'll be okay with just the platform and the cargo bag as long as the cargo and bag are well secured to the platform with multiple straps?

I just recently purchased my mini and I am loving it. I can't wait to take it road trips this summer!! Thanks again for your input!

 

This is the bag I have which already has straps on it:
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden...0/product.html

But I felt more comfortable with the ratchet straps to really cinch down the load. I thought about the rails but not needed. There are holes around the edge of the tray plus the grating on the bottom so there are plenty of places to tie down the bag. Even strong rope would be adequate.

FYI, I also have a roof rack with the Thule box but don't like how it looks on the car plus affecting the aerodynamics so don't use it much. I think it's more convenient using the cargo carrier on back.

Take note: the exhaust will make the back a little warm so don't use tarp or plastic bag as that will melt.

 

I would have thought about a heat issue. Very good to know. Thanks!!!!!!