Is anyone towing their Mini four wheels down behind a motorhome. I am looking at buying a tow dolly for my 09 JCW, but I would really like to be able to just use a tow bar. I pulled an 03 for a while four down, but have enought invested in the new car I am losing my nerve.

 

I wouldn't tow it 4-down. Get the tow dolly.

 

I think the folks who designed and built your car may have relevant information. See if you can find something called the Owner's Manual and read it; automatic and manual transmissions are probably a little different.

 

geezz man, is you're middle name ace----hole?

 

his first name's Diick. (we have a crazy language filter i guess lol)

anyway i dont think ive ever seen it in the manual... Id suggest a dolly as well.. just seems bad news to have those fronts down!

 

ALERT.............Maybe while the OP is reading the manual you can pickup a self help book.

 

Thanks for the support guys! I have a pretty tough skin, and for what its worth I have read the manual on my 03 and 09. They both dance around the subject. They never say NO do not do this, but they never say it is OK. Remco makes a base plate for the 03 and they say it is OK, but they do not provide the warranty as we all know. I guess I will have to go with the dolly.

 

If two down is ok, why do they tell you to flatbed the MINI rather than tow?

I prefer my Cheerios with milk.

 

No just yours......

 

Geez.....what is with all the haters.

The manual would be the first place to look, then the dealership, then here (w/o the tools...... ).

As you have decided, the dolly is probably the best way to go as you would have the fronts off the ground and you would have to worry about the tow bar.

 

Think the problem with towing is it can kill the pwr steering pump when you are making turns and the front tires are forced to steer and putting hyd.pressure on the pump while the pump isnt being spun. Blows out the seals. If you go in with a dead pwr steering pump and want it replaced on warranty and they see towing mounts they will let you pay for it for sure.

 

Read his post again...I think you have the HATERS mixed up...you want to be a wise A$$ then be prepared to take some crap....give me a break.

 

DO NOT TOW A MINI WITH THE FRONT TIRES ON THE GROUND. PERIOD. Manual or auto - it doesn't make a difference.

You very well may get a massive repair bill that is not covered under warranty.

and MINI officially says do not do it.


before replies come in - if you want to argue - don't. You can go try it on your own MINI.

 

The owner's manual seems clear to me:

- don't ever tow the automatic transmission "four down"; either front wheels lifted or all four off the ground.

- okay to tow the manual "four down", either with a rope or a tow bar (attached only at the fittings provided). In both cases, transmission must be in neutral; if using rope, ignition must be on so that signals, low beams, turn signals, and wipers are available. Steering and braking will be more difficult without power assist.

So, that took about 5 minutes to locate.

I'm unclear why owner's shouldn't be expected to spend 5 minutes checking the owner's manual prior to asking for "help". Seems like a good percentage of the answers provided in such cases are inaccurate, in any case. At least when you've read the manual, you can question folk's replies intelligently when they contradict the manual.

My original reply may have been sarcastic or snide, but it wasn't obscene, profane, or angry. Perhaps a simple, "Read your Owner's Manual" would have been preferable?

 

I am sure you helped many people here..You are an asset the the forum

 

Unlike you.

 

Yes BIGSHOT, and thank you for your contributions as well. I await every post you make

 

This thread will probably be locked.... ah well.

A lot of hating going on the past few days... I guess a few can't take a sarcastic or snide comment without exploding in each others faces...

But hey, Red Bull is a great contributor to the forum, even though his humour is a bit "off-colour?" Just look at his modifications, crazy work!

But yeah, the Owner's Manual is the Treasure Map of the MINI. Do not tow your MINI on four rolling wheels. Big no-no.

 

Noegel...

Thanks I am sure we will have those that will disagree Oh well.

it usually starts when someone attacks someone else or gets snotty. I noticed when you give them some of their own medicine you find out quick they can't take it so well. Nice to let the Big Shots out here know some of us could care less when they think or say.

There are some really great people here, I dont let the few ruffle my feathers to much..it makes for a good laugh.

 

A fellow MCS owner here in KC bought his parents car with about 100k on it, most of it from being towed 4 down behind a motorhome - doesn't seem to have hurt it any........tow dolly is more work to set up but I'll bet having the front end up some has to help save the paint and windshield.

 

Don't all 2007+ MINIs have factory electric power steering?

Jeff

 

Owned.

 

It was the guys second post. Perhaps he is new to 2nd gen MINIs.


edit.. look at his other post and he's says he doesn't have a MINI yet. Give 'em a break.

 

I would hope so as it seems you need the enlightenment......

 

Yes Mr. Bigshot...thank you for your guidence..I am a better Mini owner because of you. You really cut thru all the useless information on this forum.