Do you all think this trailer is too big to tow behind my MINI?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=42709


I have previously towed a trailer behind my 05 Cooper S. But it was the smaller Harbor Freight trailer.

 

i do not think so. the weight is low, that is all that matters.

 

Does this trailer make my boot look big?

Actually, this looks great (best price I've seen for a foldable one of this size). If you get it, be sure to post picks and your initial impressions -- I may have to save up for one myself.

 

Spend the extra money for the one with the 12" wheels/tires - just think of how fast those little tires spin while keeping up with your motoring!

The trailer itself will be no problem, the mini can tow 1000-2000lb and 1-200lb tongue weight (reference miniDoMore hitch specs). It's what's ON the trailer that may be an issue (weight and air resistance), or if you make a box for it that pushes a lot of wind out of the way.

The larger trailer is also wider than the car, which means using some care in driving, but shouldn't be a major issue. The MCS (and really the MC as well) is relatively overbuilt, heavy, and has plenty of brakes and power for towing - within reason, of course.

What are you planning on putting on the trailer?

 

It is for a detailing business.

I just went and looked at it at my Harbor Freight store, and it is HUGE!! I probably will stick with the smaller box trailer.

 

trailer behind a MINI, I don't think you've got the right rig for towing.

 

4x8 is a LARGE box. You can always build a box on the 40x48" chassis that's a little longer than the chassis itself if you need just a skosh more room. Build the box sturdy enough and you can put a rack on top. Trailer pictured below is 40"x52", built on a Sears chassis circa 1972...

 

This, my friend, is where you are terribly mistaken .

I towed a 40"X48" box trailer behind my MINI for several months .

 

Ahh--good idea.

Thanks for the input!

 

It's always funny seeing a MINI tow something.

you should try another vehicle for your business.

 

I disagree completely. Here is my enclosed trailer I pull all the time behind my 05 MCS. Way has even borrowed it for a trip to Vegas loaded with tools and parts. Zero issues for almost two years now.
Pictures taken at this year's 2008 MOTD & purchased from Killboy.com

 

whatever floats your boat. That's whats great about the MINI community.

 

Call - why do you have a turbo plate on the "kaboose"

 

But you have no problem with the exhaust?

 

I have lots of problems with the above, just curious why there is a turbo plate... maybe the guy has his MINI twin charged

 

The same reason I have KABOOSE on it.

Call

 

You wouldn't believe how well the exhaust works for what it was intended

Call

 

I can arrange for you to get one if you like...it will make all your problems go away

Call

 

I'm good. Thanks anyway.

 

Back to the original post...

Take a good look at that trailer before you decide. I had one, it was a real P.O.S.

If you'll only use it twice a year to go get the Chriistmas tree, then haul it to the dump, okay. If you want to actually put miles on it, look for a more suitable solution. If you do decide to buy it, at the very least have all the pieces welded together instead of just the bolts.

Just my .02

 

it isn't the size its the tounge weight and pull weight that matter, coupled with the type of hitch.

 

subdude, what was the problem with it?

I was looking at this option to put some kayak mounts on and haul the kayaks to/from the lake (roof mounts don't work too well on the cabrio)

 

First, as was mentioned previously, make sure you get the 12" tires. The little 8" ones will go thru bearings quickly.

My biggest beef was that the whole thing was too flexible, and tended to rattle the hardware loose even with threadlocker and lockwashers. It's really just angle iron bolted together, and constant road vibration made it want to come apart. Maybe the smaller ones would be better, but if I was doing it again that way, I''d weld every doggone joint.

I finally just sold the thing and bought a nice, all aluminum (even the deck)trailer. It's 5 x 8 with a drop gate and side rails, and only weighs 180 lbs. You don't even know it's behind you. Sometimes you really do get what you pay for....

As always, YMMV

 

I have had two of the Harbor Freight trailers and they are great for the price. The first one I purchased was a 4'x8' and was used as a chassis for a teardrop camper I built. Worked great. No issues.

I still have a folding 4'x8' trailer that I use for general hauling. It has the smaller 8" wheels and does fine on the highway. I would just make sure you get out and check the hubs by feeling how hot they are getting if you are towing a long way. If the hubs are staying cool, you are fine. Keep them greased up well and the tire inflated to the proper pressure and you will have no problems. I've taken the folding trailer on long trips before to haul things and it does fine on the highway, even at 70 mph.

If you are worried about the bolt-together issue, one thing I did on the trailer for the teardrop camper was to square up the frame, grind down the corners a bit, and spot weld the joints....then touch up with spray paint. It greatly improved the stiffness of the trailer frame and is easy to do.

Good luck.

 

Call - who "created" your trailer? When I lived in the UK I saw a number of those done from classic Mini shells. [/hijack]