So is anyone towing with a CVT automatic Mini? I'd like to get some feedback on experiences --- I'm building a Teardrop Trailer that I want to tow behind my 03 Cooper. Thanks.

 

From what I've read here & on MINI2 the CVT seems a bit fragile for that use. Guess if that's you plan, build a light trailer.

 

Teardrops are wonderful, welcome to the club. There is one or 2 MINI I know of that tow with CVT one is GRNSTRK here on NAM. See their post from a trip they took on Route 66 here.
In addition, if you are not aware of the Teardrops and Tiny Trailers Forum here is the link http://www.mikenchell.com/forums/. They have some really helpful people on there if you get stuck with your build. Best of all have fun. Almost forgot you are welcome to join the International Teardrop Gathering here in Nebraska this Summer. Just look up Minden on the forum above to find info and pictures from 2 years ago.

I am not a CVT owner but I am the lightest tear behind a MINI I know of at 450 lbs empty.

Have a great new year!!!!!

 

Very nice TearDrop, how much did you lower your weight versus the off the shelf production model?

 

Weights vary quite a bit. Other commercial sites list weights about 1500 pounds so 450 pounds is really light. Some have steel frame contruction and some have plyboard walls. More use of aluminum would reduce weight.

Pretty nice "Dragon Wagon"!



MINILLA.
From
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=34164
GRNSTRK posted:
"The Cooper CVT is rated for 1,100 pounds towing capacity - on an earlier trip to Canada we stopped at the scales on the way back just inside the Washington border and had ourselves weighed and the trailer, loaded with kitchen gear, bedding, TV/DVD player in the cabin (one of the modifications we made), battery, and everything else - we were 50 pounds over the official tow rating. The hitch is a "hacker hitch" that was avlbl on minimania.com for a time (the one that is designed for an S and a Cooper). It's rated for 1,000 pounds, but Steve kept telling me to not worry about a few pounds, the thing is made of steel!"
Also see post #15 for more trailer and hitch info.
(Great write-up of a fun trip- don't forget, 700 miles a day driving is "too much")

 

AMAZING Trailer! Wish I could build something like that.

 

Jtrem
You don't have to build it, you could buy one like I did. Go to http://lassenviewcustoms.teardrops.net/ Mike will build one for you.

minihune and tc4653
The trailer as it sits is "off the shelf" in that it is a custom trailer or "home built" as they say in the teardrop world. The frame is a custom 2" Square aluminum tube frame. Plywood sides and spar and 1/8" ply and anodized aluminum skin. Now the main weight savings is due to the lack of a galley kitchen in the back of the trailer. However, due to my confirmed status as a bachelor it is not really needed so mine just has a 4' slide out in one of the back doors that I use as a shelf when a table is not available.

 

how much does something like that cost?

 

It is custom so don't go into shock but $6,100 finished like you see mine. That includes AM/FM/CD 2 speakers, a couple of reading lights, battery in front storage box, charger, bromar vent sunroof and the great looking Harley Davidson tailights.
Look at it this way I don't have to pay for rooms at MINI events and I will always have a place to sleep at the Dragon.

Mine was built in Nothern California (Shingletown, CA)

 

ya it wouldnt be worth it to me. I dont travel enough. Besides I rather spend the money modding my car.

 

We've corresponded on the teardrop website -- Mines going to be Tear Drag'n if you recall

 

I want one with Mini wheels on it. S-Lites... since they're relatively easy to come by on the Marketplace....

 

that's cool!

can you get locked in from the outside from someone putting a padlock on the door handle? We go camping a lot with our kids but when the kids go off to college the wife and I wouldn't have to drive the minivan!

 

Here's a pic of mine under (early) construction! This is just the template for the side profile but you get the idea!

 

Awesome, Zyam. I think yours is the best-looking one in the hall of fame.

 

The issue you will have with MINI wheels is not getting the wheel itself but getting hubs that fit the wheels. As the wheels are 4 lug and most premade trailer hubs are 5 lug. I have looked into this myself a bit but I already had the wheels for mine. So why mess with a good thing.

 

The door handles have key locks on the outside and no place to put a hasp type lock on. The inside has pins that you can put in to keep the small bears out.

 

Completely understood - the offset is an issue as well. Even if one could fine 4x100 trailer hubs, most trailers are negative offset (hub inboard of center line of tire) where we're positive offset (hub centerline outside centerline of tire). It would be nice to carry just one spare tire though... and given the light weight of the trailer, even a flat runflat would go for a while without problem.

I'll probably go your route when it's time for a teardrop, but I'm still in the "couple plus 3 kids a beagle and a popup behind the minivan" stage!

 

Another option would be to find a "donor" MINI and use those suspension components for the running gear.

 

Back to Minilla's question about CVT pulling a trailer and will it work.

 

I afraid that I wouldn't know about the capability of a auto Mini being able to tow a teardrop. But just the fact that you're building one yourself is so cool. Did you buy plans somewhere or are you winging it? If you get it built, please post pictures. I would love to have a teardrop trailer, they're so cute and just right for our MInis.

 

What a teardrop!! Just an awesome job! I see that you live in Nebraska. I was born there. I drive Rt. 66 all the time between Springfield and Lebanon. What part of 66 did you drive?

 

It was not I that drove the mother road. It was GRNSTRK. They are from Washington State. Go to this thread and you can read all about thier trip.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=34164