Mini Clubman Towing capabilities - please give input!

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Apr 19, 2013 | 11:26 AM

nygaff

Thread Starter

Neutral

Joined: Apr 2013

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

Mini Clubman Towing capabilities - please give input!

IHello,

I have a question about the towing capabilities of my 2008 Clubman. I called the dealership and they told me there was no info on file.

I need more cargo space to operate my business. The option is get rid of my mini and trade in for a cargo van (Gasp, i know. I dont want to get rid of my mini!..), or add a trailer hitch to the back and get a trailer.

my two questions are:

1. how much weight can i pull behind the mini.
2. how long of a trailer can i realistically use with the mini?

Thank you!

Apr 19, 2013 | 01:09 PM

DneprDave

6th Gear

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 3,260

Likes: 87

From: Pacific NW

It looks like, 1400 lbs gross, 200 lb max tongue

I've read that the MINI Do More hitch is a good one.

http://www.minidomore.com/pdf/2008%2...structions.pdf

Dave

Apr 19, 2013 | 01:34 PM

RJKimbell

6th Gear

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 4,461

Likes: 1

From: Vancouver, WA

Just saw the new MINI Panel Van at MoP this week, 2 seater and an option for either an "S" or "Justa"...Hubby was very interested, not for a business, but as a Dog Hauler (2 60-70lbs.)! :-D

Apr 19, 2013 | 03:55 PM

twocute

2nd Gear

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 75

Likes: 0

We have used our '08 Clubman S to tow our '75 Clubman Estate. The car weighs approx 1500 lbs and my tow dolly weighs about 200 lbs. We've gotten 27 mpg towing at 70 mph. We'll be doing it again this summer to the Mini Meet East in Kingston, NY.
We have a Mini Do More hitch with the removable insert. We also have a small utility trailer that we use fairly often. The only trouble we've had with the '08 is the usual timing chain stuff at 90k, and "severe" carbon buildup at 111k, neither of which is attributable to towing.
Is your Clubman an S? How tall is the trailer you want to haul?

Apr 19, 2013 | 04:55 PM

Kenny the kid

2nd Gear

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 55

Likes: 0

From: Wichita is

I have a 2008 clubman s and use it to flat tow my 1959 Morris mini , it weighs aprox 1500 lbs. we also tow at 70mph and get 27mpg. We took it to MITO from Wichita , KS no problems whatsoever .

Apr 22, 2013 | 06:08 AM

nygaff

Thread Starter

Neutral

Joined: Apr 2013

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Please excuse my lack of towing knowledge. If the '08 clubman has a 1500lb towing capacity and the hitch i use has a 2klb capacity, can i assume my actual capacity is 1500lb?

TwoCutie: No, unfortunately i do not have the S. The extra power would be helpful in this situation.

I am planning on buying something like this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/1195-lb...els-90154.html

And then adding 3/4" plywood as a floor and for walls, probably 5-6' tall... i would like to be able to walk inside without having to duck my head.

Also, this is the first ive heard of these "usual timing chain stuff" at 90k... im quickly approaching there myself. Can i look out for something ahead of time before it becomes an issue?

Thanks again!

May 20, 2013 | 07:09 AM

tsangchoi

Neutral

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

I weighed in at 4250 lb with my 2011 Clubman S, an empty Road Runner 5X8 enclosed cargo trailer, my wife and I, and two teacup Yorkshire terriers. Curt hitch. No problems handling or stopping. Only question is, is there any advantage putting it in sports mode? Easier on engine and transmission at expense of gas mileage?