Hey Guys,

Just toying around with the idea. I have an older 2 seater Jet Ski that weighs around 650lbs not including trailer. I know the MINI wouldn't have any issues towing it, a lot of people are pulling heavier loads than that with their MINIs. My question is do you think it would be able to pull it up the boat ramp out of the water?

Been back and forth, some of my friends think it would be better than their small trucks because its front wheel drive where their real wheels spin close to the water where its slippery.

Anybody try it before?
Kevin

 

In my experience the entire ramp is slippery and at the angle of pulling up a ramp, the FWD would be a disadvantage IMO. Only one way to find out though :P

 

IMO FWD would be an advantage pulling up the ramp due to the front wheels being on drier ground. Having an automatic would make a huge difference as well. The worst possible situation would be a small pickup with a manual transmission. Been there done that.

 

I have done the truck thing too.. luckily it was 4wd.

 

Buy another inexpensive vehicle. Leave the Mini for the road and out of the water.

 

I used to pull a full sized boat with a chevy chevette. I think the mini will pull the jet ski just fine.

I would be a little worried about the FWD when pulling the trailer out of the water though. When you have the weight of a trailer pushing/pulling down on the back of the car, the front wheels will have less traction.

 

Kind of thinking the same thing. I almost want to do it, just to say it can (or can't) be done well! And I may even get to be the first to ever do it!!

I see that a lot and was thinking the MINI would have to be better than that!

I know, that keeps coming up in my mind. But like the first response, I am almost to the point of wanting to do it, to do it!

 

I wouldn't. I'm sure the Mini can handle the weight of the trailer and jet ski but pulling anything out of the water on boat ramps is difficult and I would worry about flooding the Mini. Granted, my only experience with hauling is a Suburban with a ski boat but there were times that the Suburban's rear end was practically in the water so that we could the boat on the trailer and while the Suburban could handle it, I would be surprised if the Mini could. Plus the water creates a suction as you're pulling the jet ski and trailer out of the water which will make things even more difficult. Personally, I wouldn't risk my car that way, but good luck if you do decide to use your Mini!

 

If you do it, be sure to get it on video. Might be some good stuff.

 

I ordered the receiver hitch and wiring from etrailer and it just came in. Very well built! They has the cheapest and highest weight capacity system. And its just about unnoticeable when removed.

There is several friends that will definitely be videoing it. Lets hope its uneventful!! I just have to try it now and I always liked the idea of having a towing package on the MINI anyway.

Kevin

 

Wow your actually going to do it eh?

This should be interesting. It may just work if the ramp is not very steep. The lake by my house has a very shallow or flat if you will ramp into the lake. If you don't have the steep ramp and you can keep the front end of the car on dry pavement it just might work.

You know this could be a video that could go viral on You Tube. Your Mini may not like it though. I will be looking for your post with pictures and video.

Good Luck!

Regards,

Pat

 

That's the plan. I have probably 15 different ramps within 10 minutes of driving from home. 2 of those are extremely steep, green, and slippery. They scare me a bit even taking a full size truck too. They will be off limits with the MINI! All the others are moderate and rarely have alge or anything above the water line where the front tires are. I won't do anything that will put the mini at risk, I will just give up and eat the trailer cost if it feels wrong when I start.

Kevin

 

That's a good idea. That one would be very difficult to explain to the insurance company.

 

could try finding a quiet hill and tow over there in the rain, see how it reacts?

 

Was talking to someone today that has a Justa-Clubman and he was telling me that he tows his jet ski.

 

Did you finally do it? Videos?