I can't seem to find any info online...

first off, is it even possible to get a tow hitch put on a countryman?

second, what would the towing capacity (weight) be on an all4?

 

http://www.coopercrap.com/countryman-hitch/ is rated to 1,000 #

http://new.minimania.com/part/G2NMX6...--S-Countryman rated to 1400 #

any others out there? we're looking to buy an all4 in the future, but also want to get a pop up camper...

 

mini-fini makes a class 2 hitch, 3,500 lbs towing / 300 lbs tongue weight

http://www.minifini.com/ShopDetail.aspx?id=68

there is a second version as well for the JCW aero kit

http://www.minifini.com/ShopDetail.aspx?id=69

they also have a spare tire carrier for their hitch

http://www.minifini.com/ShopDetail.aspx?id=67


scott

 

Mini do more also sells one, rated at 2000 lbs

That's for the hitch. But how much can the car itself take (pretty sure not 3500...)

 

This may be one of the best options on the market- the MINI do More model #1006:

http://minidomore.com/mini_cooper_to...iler_hitch.php

 

ok, so i called schomp today to see what the countryman is rated for towing wise and was told "MINI says it's ' not a good idea to tow anything' "

however, I've seen plenty of trailers on the backs of regular MINIs, so is there anyone that does in fact tow, and if so, what do you think is a doable weight?

we looked at some campers today, and the one we like is 2100#, there are plenty of aftermarket hitches that can be used on the countryman to handle that, but if the vehicle can't, it's a moot point.

 

there are 2 limits to towing, the vehicle and the software behind the steering wheel

backround:
my 1997 gmc sonoma v6 5speed 4x4 is rated by gmc to tow 4,500 pounds ... when i questioned the low limit i was told if gmc raised the limit it resulted in fried clutches and ruined engines

about 50,000 miles of the 290,000 on my truck is towing a trailer of between 10,000 and 15,000 pounds gross weight

the original clutch finally failed at 288,000 miles ... when i replaced it i found that the clutch plate was less than 1/2 worn, but the throwout bearing carrier had rusted away resuling in no clutch action

as for the engine, on level ground, i could not use 5th gear and going across the Appalachian Mountains, sometimes had to use 3rd gear or even 2nd ... on that long climb on I70 west of denver colorado, i had to use 1st gear ... the big rigs were passing me

of course the trailer had it's own brakes

the countryman s and all4:

i think the limit on a countryman s or all4 would be staying off boost, these engines were not designed to run continuous boost like a big rig truck engine

if you are towing enough weight or enough aero drag that the engine runs boost continuously the engine will overheat and die

i would have a boost gauge, water temp and oil temp gauges if i was going to tow

also, your clutch work must be good ... slipping the clutch to start your rig will quickly destroy the clutch ... you will have to live with slow starts, get the clutch fully engaged before accelerating

if you have an automatic trannsmission, i would use only manual mode to be in control of what gear you are in and have a transmission temp gauge, heat will kill an automatic quickly

run higher rpms in lower gears to stay off boost while cruising ... watch the gauges

i would recommend a "test tow" at full loaded weight, including passengers in the car before purchasing a trailer

all that said, i would not hesitate to tow a 2100 pound aerodynamic low trailer after testing and watching the gauges

scott

 

Have you had a chance to check out the newest addition to the OutMotoring family www.TowMINI.com ? We now offer REALLY lightweight aluminum pop up campers that can be easily towed by any MINI. Total weight for the largest (10.0 Model) is just at 980 lbs:

http://towmini.com/Products/Folding%...ngCampers.html

Our Hitches (MINIdoMore brand), which are currently available here and here will allow the Countryman to tow 2,000 lbs:

 

no i havent, but the concern w/ any camper is that I'm 6'6", so i need to be able to fit into the bed part

any chance you'll be coming out to Minis in the Mountains, and maybe bring one w/ you???? ( hint hint )

 

I would say i like the 8.0 the best, but need more info on it, i sent a request for that in via your site

 

I will not be able to make it to MINI in the Mountains this year but we can send info via email if you want to drop me a line?

info(@)OutMotoring.com

 

I called Minifini and talked to Russell. He said their CM tow hitch was rated up to 3500 lbs. With the help of a friend who is really capable with car installations of this type we had it on in a few hours. Be careful when removing the rear tire walls the small black pins fall out and scatter across the floor. The tow plate fits over the inside bolts perfectly. You also need to cut a small square in the narrow plastic grill and widen a section of the plastic underplate. The tow hitch is rock solid.

I researched all types of pup trailers and teardrops that were light and could easily towed by the CM. The Livinlite Quicksilver 6.0 is a good choice but because I haul lots of sports equipment (bikes and kayaks) I needed something that could haul these and provide the pup tent for camping.

I chose the Sylvansport Go Trailer and found it tows like it's not there. It's only 840 lbs. I thought it was expensive ($7999) but once I saw the craftmanship and heavy duty aluminum frame I was sold. I even became one of their "Go Getter" reps and can get you a small discount.

 

I thought about getting a motorcycle camping trailer to pull behind the mini. If a motorcycle can pull it, with only two breaks and one drive wheel then a mini should be able to pull it with four breaks and 2 (or 4) drive wheels.

http://www.openroadoutfitters.com/