I'm planning on mounting a minidomore hitch on my '08 MC and was wondering how easy is it to access the hitch pin?

I'm planning to mount a bike rack and would be putting it on and off a couple times a week.

Thanks in advance!

 

Actually, the Mini Cooper R56 is the easiest access of all our hitches. I'll let others chime in, but this model has great clearance for the pin access and ability to see what you are doing!

 

How about some pictures of the access ability on the R56?

 

I've got an R56 and the minidomore hitch. love it.

It's no problem to insert the hitch pin, just remember that you have to reach up behind the bumper to install it. It more work than my truck's hitch, but that one is out in the open ...

Brent is a great guy and produces a great product. I'd suggest reading the installation manual a couple of times before you do the install, not that the manual is not clear, just that it will give you a better picture of the install process.

 

I just had the hitch installed on my R56 last Friday. I also recently purchased a Saris Thelma 2 bike rack. The rack comes with a threaded pin that tightens with a wrench so there is no wobble. I find that the easiest way to install the pin is to lie on my back and look up under the bumper. The hitch receiver is above the heat shield so you do have to be careful not to burn yourself on the exhaust if you just turned off the engine. There is plenty of clearance on either side of the hitch. I insert the pin, hand tighten, then use a ratchet with a 6 inch extension which is enough to clear the heat shield. After tightening the pin, I move to the opposite side so I can see the end of the pin to insert the retaining clip (or lock) through the hole in the pin.

It takes about one minute to install the pin.

I will see if I can post some pictures tonight.

 

Here's a picture taken behind the bumper showing the clearance around the hitch.

 

Thanks for all the comments and pic! This is exactly what I was looking for.

 

I have a 2" reciever hitch that I made (and it is on a R53 ...with a rear lower spoiler ...quite difficult to get to)
That being said ...I found a Hitch Pin with a springloaded end.
So you don't have to fumble to find the small hole for the clip in the pin.
You push it through then pull the end and "fold it over"

So great as I now can clip my pin VERY easily.

I'll try to get a photo or info on the pin

 

here it is..
My local parts store had it





Uhaul and Uhaul.com has them for 8.95

 

2" receiver? I would prefer to have a 2" receiver on mine because there are many more options for bike racks. Plus I wouldn't have to use an adapter to put the rack on my wife's car (she already has a 2" reciever).

 

Yep ... ...2"

The 2" and the mounting (left of frame to right of frame) is "semi legal" in SCCA Auto X, to stiffen the frame and be able to use many of the reciever options out there.

 

Great picture!!

 

they do make adaptors for the small reciever to a 2" .
Could be "OK" but may pick up some movement on a bike rack etc..

 

Perfect picture! This is going on my want list.

I have a bike rack that has an adapter for using it is a 2" receiver. The hitch pin is actually a bolt and nut. There is a threaded piece inside the rack too. When that bolt/nut are tight, it keeps it from wobbling. Even when using the adapter. I can see if I used a regular pin that whole rack would really wobble.

That was on reason I wanted to see the picture of where that pin goes. I'll have to get the nut and bolt up there with tools on both sides.

 

I had a hitch on a Rock Crawler of mine and the spare tire carrier that went into the receiver always had movement.

On the under side of the reciever I drilled a 1/2" hole just about where the end of the insert is... then welded a big nut at the hole..

I was able to use the Pin and then put just a bit of tension on the bolt so that it pushes things tite.
(not my idea... I saw it on a hitch on a rally truck)
If you use a bolt on the "pin hole" you are going to be squishing the receiver to get it tight enough to stop movement ...that will make removing the insert very difficult

 

It looks like the hitch receiver hole is a bit behind the bumper itself - about how far does it sit behind the bumper? My bike rack is a 2" receiver hole with a 1.5" extension. I just want to be sure that it will fit into the receiver and not have it hit the bumper.

Thanks for the detail! I was wondering this exact info since I want to put the hitch on my MCS that is sailing across the pond....

One last thing - did you install it yourself or did you have someone else do it? I am a bit nervous about taking my mini apart myself once I get it home. It looks pretty simple but I work on computers and network gear, not cars :-)

 

I'll have to check, but I think the end of the receiver is 1-2" behind the bumper. You need to be careful that whatever you plug into the receiver does not widen or bend until after it exits the bumper.

I considered installing it myself, but then found a mechanic who did it for a very reasonable price. Based on other posts and my observations, it really is not that difficult. I would have a second person to help, and get some of the plastic clips to re-attach the black trim above the wheels, because they break easily.

If you don't have access to a dremel tool to cut the hole and a torque wrench to tighten the bolts, then you might want to have it installed.

 

Dang - it looks like my 1.5 > 2" adapter for my bike rack is too short. Does anyone know if there is a 1.5 > 2" adapter that makes the clearance out past the bumper?

 

I had to get a custom welded adapter for the 1 1/4 to 2" receiver ...