Does anyone have any experience installing a bike/trailer hitch on a 2010 MINI Cooper hard top? And any photos of the finished job?

 

Not me. I put the minidomore kit on my 06 though. All in, about 3 hours including a beer or two.

 

Here's the MiniDoMore hitch on my 2010.





If you need pics of the install, do a search on here for it. There are a couple of threads that cover it.

Easy job. Took me about 2 1/4 hours (I saved the beer drinkin' until I was done ).

 

hahahahaha good idea! came out of the right hole, etc

 

The only time that doesn't apply is if you have the JCW kit.

Like this... (you'll have to look closely at the bottom of the bumper)

[IMG][/IMG]

Mark

 

TRWXXA: Could you answer three questions for me:

1) That oval hole that the hitch is in - did it have any functional purpose like the light that is in the new 2011 - or was it just a hole?

2) Is that a 2" or a 1 1/4" receiver you put in?

3) Do you have any tips/warnings for removing the clips that hold the bumper cover? That's the part of the process I'm most afraid of screwing up.

Thanks!

 

1)Rear fog light opening, but no fog light. Here it is with the cover in place (you don't even know the hitch is there).



2) 1 1/4 receiver.

3) No problems with the bumper clips, but be gentle, yet pursuasive, on the fender clips. I broke one, but was able to replace it. Get some spares from your dealer.

 

That's terrific that you can cover it like that when not in use. Thank you for all your advice. I will ask my dealer for a couple of those clips. That's some incredible shine you have on your bumper. It looks like it's chrome-plated!

 

Thanks. Garage kept. Wash it every week.

 

If you have the interest, here's my step by step:

http://thirdraildesignlab.com/forum/...lit=Mini+hitch

 

1) Was just a hole with a small plastic cover over it.

2) 1 1/4" receiver was the largest I could find.

3) Use angle phillips or very short philips as to not have to pull out as far. Also HERE is a good video of the process.


I posted several pics of my install in this thread.

Here is a pic of the finished install:

 

Thank you Slolane - The eTrailer video is a great resource. Now I feel bad I didn't buy the hitch from them. Three questions about your install:

1. Were you able to do it yourself without anyone else to hold the bumper and hitch in place?

2. Did you do the job without jacking up the car and removing the wheels?

3. Any problems removing the fasteners without breaking them?

 

No problem, glad to help.

1. Yes, did by myself, easy job just take your time and follow the video.

2. I did the entire job without removing the wheels, was a little tight in the fender wells. Go slow and be careful.

3. No problem at all, I think having an angled phillips or short phillips helped in this. I just followed the video and had no issues.

Anything else just let me know.

 

Another option is the MINI FINI Sport Link. I like it bcause its ease of operation and easy removal of the components. Chck out their site. A little pricey but a good quality product

 

I'm looking forward to reading your step-by-step. Been waiting all day for a ThirdRailDesign administrator to "approve my log-in request." Hopefully soon!

 

Sorry tfisher
Sick baby, haven't managed the queue os spambots to look for humans. I'll go approve ya now!

 

Thanks. Hope your baby's better!

 

I have a 2013 "justa" Cooper with rear fog light. I don't want to give up my rear fog light in order to have a hitch system. Would the minidomore work for me?

If not, anyone see the mini fini sport link setup on a late model R56 non-S like mine?

Im curious as to where exactly the tubes poke out of the rear bumper cover.

 

I realize that this an aolder thread, but I'm looking to find a drawbar with safety chain loops like the one in the photo. It would make attaching the safety chains so much easier than having to reach around the hot exhaust to get the cahins undone.

And I'm not interested in the MNI Do More drawbar that costs almost $70.

Thanks