The Mini Cooper is a classic; it’s small and lightweight to take when you are in your RV, as you can get a better MPG in the city compared to an RV. The question is, what is the best way to take it with you? If you want to tow a Mini Cooper with a manual transmission behind your motorhome, it can make a tremendously lightweight dinghy vehicle.
A manual Mini is easy to flat tow once you get the proper base plate installed and connect the tow bar to the back bumper. Just put it in neutral, release the parking brake, and you’re ready to tow with the front wheels off the ground.
A 2009 Mini Cooper with a manual gearbox is flat-towable without damage to the transmission or affecting the warranty as long as you follow the owner’s manual procedures. Put the car in neutral and tow away while getting great mpg on the highway trips.
In many mini forums, Mini owners recommend either a Roadmaster or Blue Ox tow bar options for towing as they are reliable and make it easy to tow behind most motorhomes. In our guide, you can learn more about how to flat-tow a Mini Cooper. By the end, you’ll better understand towing your Mini without needing a trailer or a flatbed trailer and without causing damage to the transmission. (Learn How Many Quarts Of Oil In A Chevy 350)
Is it Possible to Flat Tow a Mini Cooper?
Most Mini Coopers from 2002 onward can be flat towed, but only models with a 6 speed manual transmission can be flat towable. You can find specific instructions in your owners manual on the right way to tow the car behind your RV.
Automatic transmission Minis cannot be flat towed without equipment that shifts the transmission into neutral.
Some key things to keep in mind:
- Manual transmission Minis can be flat towed without issue
- Automatic transmission models cannot be flat towed unless shifted into neutral
- Most Mini Coopers from 2002-present are towable with the correct configuration
- Owners of earlier year models should consult their owner’s manual
So, when equipped with the proper towing setup, a Mini Cooper can handle being a “toad” behind an RV over long distances. However, an automatic transmission model will need special accommodations.
Why Can You Flat Tow a Manual Mini But Not an Automatic?
The reason for this transmission-based difference in flat towability lies in the design of the drivetrain. Manual transmissions can roll along freely in neutral without any issues while being flat towed. However, automatic transmissions rely on pressurized transmission fluid for lubrication.
Without proper lubrication, the internal components of an automatic transmission will quickly overheat and suffer catastrophic damage. The transmission can be destroyed within just a few miles, thus voiding your transmission warranty.
What’s Involved in Flat Towing a Manual Mini Cooper?
Flat towing a manual-shift Mini Cooper is very straightforward:
- Verify flat towing is approved in your Mini Cooper owner’s manual
- Install a suitable tow bar system to connect the Mini to the RV
- Connect safety cables/chains to secure the back of the Mini Cooper while towing
- Shift the Mini’s manual transmission into neutral
- Release the parking brake in the Mini
With the transmission shifted to neutral and the parking brake off, the Mini Cooper can safely roll behind the RV without any drivetrain issues. Just be sure all lights, turn signals, and braking are connected. Always verify flat towing procedures in your owner’s manual first. But generally, manual transmission Mini Coopers have the green light for simple dinghy towing.
Can You Flat Tow an Automatic Transmission Mini Cooper?
Is it possible to flat tow your automatic transmission Mini Cooper? They can be flat towed, although you need additional equipment before the Mini Cooper would be towed behind your RV or motorhome, or even towing a Wrangler Jeep on your next RV trip safely.
The key requirements are:
- Supplementary automatic braking system
- Driveshaft disconnect
- Transmission fluid recirculation system
A braking device like the Remco AutoMate system automatically shifts the transmission into neutral when towing begins to avoid damage to the clutch system. A driveshaft disconnect physically decouples the rear wheels, and a pump keeps ATF circulating through the transmission to prevent damage.
Without those extras, towing an automatic Mini Cooper with all four wheels down will ruin the transmission quickly. But with the proper setup, autos can be flat towed safely. Just expect added complexity and cost. (Learn How Much Weight Can A 3500 Axle Carry)
Best Tow Bars for Flat Towing a Mini Cooper
To safely tow any vehicle behind our motorhome, we need a sturdy tow bar system explicitly designed for the model. Custom tow bars engineered for Mini Coopers are recommended and available from leading brands like:
- Blue Ox – Their Adventurer and Ambassador tow bars are top-rated for towing Mini Coopers.
- Roadmaster – The sturdy Roadmaster tow bars, like the Falcon 2 and Sterling All Terrain, suit Mini’s lightweight.
- Demco – The Demco Excali-Bar is another great lightweight but robust tow bar option.
- Tow Ready – Look to the Tow Ready 12322 Elite Series tow bar for solid Mini Cooper towing.
Always use tow bars designed for the Mini Cooper’s curb weight and chassis design. Follow the manufacturer rating for tongue weight capacity as well. This keeps the Mini secure and stable while flat towing.
Can You Tow a Mini Cooper on a Dolly or Trailer?
For Mini Coopers that can’t be flat towed, you can use a tow dolly trailer or a flatbed trailer are other options. The Mini Cooper is towed with the drive wheels lifted off the ground with these methods.
Use a dolly to lift just the front wheels off the pavement, and you are towing the car with the rear tires rolling freely. This can be ideal if your motorhome doesn’t allow for other options. Also, this works for FWD Minis that can’t be flat towed, but the steering wheel lock must be disengaged.
For maximum trailerability, a full trailer with ramps allows loading the Mini Cooper small car entirely with all four wheels raised. This puts no mileage or wear on the Mini while being transported.
Both tow dollies and trailers offer alternatives so automatic Mini Coopers, or even manuals, can be towed safely and legally behind motorhomes. They just require more setup. (Learn How To Make A Wheel Car Dolly)
Tips for Flat Towing a Mini Cooper
If you plan to flat tow a Mini Cooper behind your RV, keep these tips in mind:
- Carefully follow manufacturer procedures in the owner’s manual (2006 mini has distinct guidelines)
- Use a proper tow bar system designed for the Mini’s weight
- Mind speed limits – don’t exceed 65 mph while flat towing
- Attach safety cables or chains as a backup connection
- Check all trailer lights/signals before each trip
- Periodically inspect the tow bar, towing eye, and baseplate connections
- Consider a transmission fluid recirculation pump for automatics
- Remember to take the parking brake off before you tow your vehicle (the 2013 mini may not have a steering lock)
Taking the proper precautions makes flat towing a smooth, trouble-free experience. Always consult your owner’s manual, RV dealer, or Mini service department for their flat towing recommendations.
Can You Tow a Mini Cooper Clubman?
The same guidance applies when you want to flat tow behind for Mini Cooper Clubman models. Manual transmission Clubman Minis can be flat towed without issue. Automatic Clubmans will need supplemental braking and shifting systems to work safely.
Like the hardtop 2-door and 4-door Mini Coopers, Mini Clubman models from 2007 onward are generally approved for flat towing by the manufacturer, provided all requirements are followed. So, both body styles can successfully serve as dinghy vehicles.
Why Choose a Mini Cooper as a Dinghy Vehicle?
A Mini Cooper towed behind an RV draws looks and attention at campgrounds and attractions. And with good reason – the cute, nimble Mini makes a fun and fuel-efficient dinghy for road trips and motorhome journeys.
Verify whether your Mini Cooper can be flat towed based on the transmission and model year. Any Mini can be trailered, but flat towing requires extra steps for automatic models. Install an approved towing system, follow manufacturer procedures, and then you’ll be all set to tow your Mini across the country in style.
Conclusion: RV Towing Mini Coopers on Open Roads
For many RVers, towing a Mini Cooper behind their motorhome is an appealing option. The Mini’s compact size, efficiency, and lively driving dynamics make it a perfect secondary vehicle for road trips. While automatic transmission Minis require special accommodations, manual gearbox models can easily be flat towed once you install a baseplate, tow bar, and safety chains. Remember to shift to neutral, release the parking brake, and verify all trailer lighting is functional.
Stay within the manufacturer’s towing speed limits. Proper setup will allow you to tow your Mini thousands of miles without any drivetrain damage or loss of warranty coverage. With the appropriate preparation and equipment, a Mini Cooper can serve as a fun, reliable dinghy vehicle for RV excursions to explore the open roads. (Read Can Low Transmission Fluid Cause Overdrive Light To Flash)
FAQs
How do you flat tow a manual transmission Mini Cooper?
Flat towing a manual Mini is very straightforward. Just install a proper tow bar, connect safety cables/chains, shift to neutral, release the parking brake, and you’re ready to tow with all four wheels down.
Can all Mini Coopers be flat towed?
Only Mini Coopers with manual transmissions can be flat towed off the dealer lot. Automatic transmission Minis require supplemental equipment to allow flat towing without drivetrain damage.
What speed can you tow a Mini Cooper?
Don’t exceed 65 mph while flat-towing any vehicle. The Mini Cooper should be stable at towing speeds up to this limit, provided you use a proper tow bar setup designed for the Mini’s chassis and weight.
Do you need a transmission pump when flat-towing a Mini Cooper?
Automatic transmission Minis require a transmission fluid pump to circulate ATF and prevent overheating while flat towing. Manual transmissions do not need a pump since they can roll freely in neutral.
Can flat towing damage a Mini Cooper transmission?
Flat towing an automatic Mini Cooper without the proper equipment will damage the transmission. A manual transmission is fine, but automatics must be shifted into neutral and have circulating ATF to avoid failure.
How much does setting up a Mini Cooper for flat towing cost?
Plan around $600-1,200 to get a tow plate or get a tow bar setup, supplemental braking system, and required accessories. Fully preparing an automatic Mini for flat towing costs more than a manual. Shop from reputable brands like Blue Ox, Roadmaster, or Demco.
