TOWING a mini cooper ( steering lock)

[SANDDOG]

Hi All, looking to purchase a mini cooper (used and manual trans ) want to tow 4 down. Don't know much about the car or steering lock, would you just leave the key in the ignition for the steering to operate when towing ?

[Trkyte@msn.com]

My 2008 mini has no steering lock (start button on dash).

[DenverTransplant]

If you are towing 4 down, the steering needs to be unlocked. Otherwise you will be ruining tires very quickly.

We had a 2015 Mini Cooper S (automatic) that we dolly towed for a couple of years. Our Mini did not have steering lock. In our case we needed to lock the steering because our dolly had a turntable. Mini did not like having the steering unlocked and we finally found a strap that tow trucks use to secure the steering.

[Pete'sMH]

I know that for towing four down the steering needs to be unlocked to avoid scrubbing tires but I don’t really know WHY that is so. If the car isn’t doing the steering how are the front wheels any different than the back wheels which obviously are “locked”. Or asked another way, how is it different than using a dolly under the front wheels when the dolly’s also are “locked”? I really hate to appear ignorant but it’s hard not to when you actually are....

[MJC62]

Pete when towing 4 down the toad tracks behind the mh and the front wheels turn with the coach. It is not like towing a trailer that will swing outside the radius of the tow vehicle

[Norrirn]

Originally Posted by SANDDOG

Hi All, looking to purchase a mini cooper (used and manual trans ) want to tow 4 down. Don't know much about the car or steering lock, would you just leave the key in the ignition for the steering to operate when towing ?

Our 2012 Mini Cooper has no steering wheel lock; electric steering. We tow it 4 down with no issues. Blue Ox face plate, tow bar, and Patriot brake. It was necessary to wire an auxiliary power receptacle directly from the battery for the Patriot as the Mini shuts down all interior power when the “key” is removed. You’ll need to deal with the brake lights. I added diodes on the tail light circuits so power is drawn from the Mini with the ignition on or from the motor home when under tow.

The best part is that it’s very light, 2,500lbs, and it’s lots of fun to drive on mountain roads.

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by MJC62

Pete when towing 4 down the toad tracks behind the mh and the front wheels turn with the coach. It is not like towing a trailer that will swing outside the radius of the tow vehicle

Got it. Thank you.

[SANDDOG]

Great and thanks have 2012 paceman to tow, no elect brake as it’s under 3000 not required but will add mouse ears for brakes lights

[SANDDOG]

Hey thanks for the help , We now have a paceman Cooper 2013 six speed, working perfect 4 down. My question is I believe there’s too much angle on the towbar Is there an adapter to lower the trailer Hitch 2 to 3 inches any thoughts.

[DenverTransplant]

We have to raise our hitch for our Jeep Cherokee, we use this - flip it over to lower the connection point. They come in 2” and 4” rise/drop.

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories.../RM-048-4.html

[Pete'sMH]

It’s called a “high/low adapter” and are available from many suppliers. Etrailer is among the best. They come in 2 inch increments from 2 to 10 inches. Sadly my setup needs the 10 inch one which looks strange and, I think doesn’t do anything positive for the towing physics. FWIW I strongly recommend toad brakes even if it’s not required in your state. RVs don’t stop all that well to begin with and adding a whole car isn’t going to help.

[SANDDOG]

Originally Posted by DenverTransplant

We have to raise our hitch for our Jeep Cherokee, we use this - flip it over to lower the connection point. They come in 2” and 4” rise/drop.

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories.../RM-048-4.html

Thanks Rick that’s exactly what I need we’re on the road and I’m hoping Walmart has one or big trailer supply house we’re up in N - Dakota

[SANDDOG]

Originally Posted by Pete'sMH

It’s called a “high/low adapter” and are available from many suppliers. Etrailer is among the best. They come in 2 inch increments from 2 to 10 inches. Sadly my setup needs the 10 inch one which looks strange and, I think doesn’t do anything positive for the towing physics. FWIW I strongly recommend toad brakes even if it’s not required in your state. RVs don’t stop all that well to begin with and adding a whole car isn’t going to help.

. Thanks Pete really the only reason why I didn’t get electric breaks for that little car, is I can’t even feel it back there or I would have state laws or not.