First I would like to say Hello to all of you. I've been lurking on this site for a long time but this is my first post. I can't believe how friendly the people on this site are. Refreshing compared to other sites! I recently (christmas) bought a MC (blk/blk) and have been loving it. My previousl cars have been MR2 Spyder and CRX SIs. So oddly the Mini is the biggest vehicle I've owned.
I did a search on trailer hitch install and came up empty. Alot of talk about whether it's the right thing to do or not but not a lot on installation. I intend to use my Mini to tow my Motorcycle trailer (very light single rail Kendon). In fact I already purchased the hitch from a member on this site. However, since it is used there are no directions or wiring harness. First does anyone know how to install this hitch? I've heard you need to remove the bumper, is it self explanitory after that? Also, will most trailer places have a specific wiring harness for this vehicle? I would like to do the install myself and not let someone else be tearing the back of the car apart so any info is welcome. Thank you.

 

Bueller? Anyone? I would have thought a few Mini owners would have trailers for hauling extra wheels/tires to track/SCCA events. If anyone has any trailer hitch experience I would appreciate it. Thanks!

 

I don't have a da'Lan hitch, so take this for what you paid for it...

drop you spare tire. Jack up the back of the car so you can crawl under. Look up you'll see two frame rails. the hitch is held on by 4 bolts, two on each side. with the help of a friend, hold the hitch in place so the part with the bolt holes lines up with the frame rails and the receiver is where you want it in relation to the rear bumper. Mark the holes so you can drill. make sure you get it all lined up right so you don't have to redrill. the nuts should be welded to a metal plate that slides into the frame rail. there may even be a little tab to hang onto to help position it while you bolt up the hitch.

Wiring. buy a wiring harness at an autoparts store. the kind for lights with turn signals separate from the brake lights. the instructions are easy to follow.

Good luck.

 

Hey thanks Motoring. I'll give it a shot. Thanks again.

 

If you haven't purchased a hitch yet, I have a used one I removed from my Cooper before I tradeded it on an MCS. PM me if interested.

Jeff

 

The DeLan hitch does not require any drilling. I have one installed and remove it and reinstall at every event. It takes about 5 minutes once you get the hang of it. You can do it by yourslf.

With the hitch, you should have received two "nut plates". These plates are about 6" long and have two nuts welded on them.

After you drop the spare tire, you will see two channels in the underbody that extend back almost to the bumber. Each has two holes that strangely enough, are the same distance apart as the nuts on the nut plates. Slip a nut plate into each channel. Hold the hitch up and get the screws started. BTW, the hitch also comes with socket head flat head screws. Torque to 50 ft.lbs. You will also need to trim the aluminum heat shield on the right side to get to the body channel (i.e. "frame rail&quot.

Go to this site for complete illustrated instructions.

 

Wow, thanks a lot Thumbs up. That is a very useful site. I took a look at it this weekend and thought I would have to remove my rear bumper to get over the heat shield. Cutting it will obviously save an incredible amount of time. Thanks again, I will tackle this install when the weather gets dry. Can't wait to try the hitch!