R60 Pulling a trailer with a Countryman?
#26
I am working on an order for my new Mini today. I have the sport suspension as an option. I selected the sport suspension at least partially because I may end up towing a dog trailer as Annette has explained. It has been my understanding with past vehicles that "towing packages" often include some sort of suspension stiffening to help with the increased load.
I felt that if the Countryman needed help with anything to haul loads of around 1000 lbs it would be the suspension. Although I also selected the larger 18" tires. I know the Mini brakes are outstanding, which would be the other major feature I would be concerned with when hauling a load.
Any other thoughts about what to order for pulling a load, before I sign this order?
I felt that if the Countryman needed help with anything to haul loads of around 1000 lbs it would be the suspension. Although I also selected the larger 18" tires. I know the Mini brakes are outstanding, which would be the other major feature I would be concerned with when hauling a load.
Any other thoughts about what to order for pulling a load, before I sign this order?
If you are stuck with getting automatic tranny, then look into add-on transmission coolers if you're going to be hauling for more than an hour or two per trip. Or, go with manual tranny and never worry about over heating Auto tranny fluid.
Mike.
#27
Hi tornado,
Thanks for the favor of a reply,
I just ordered my Countryman. Definitely got the manual transmission. Talked the rest of it over with my salesman, Neil.
Apparently the official word from Mini regarding towing is... no comment. The thought process is just like I thought. Since they do not offer a towing option they can't/want comment on how much one can tow. I guess when Minifini comes out with their towing bar they will have to make some statement.
I saw a 12% number somewhere in a Mini review. Maybe that is the acceptable tongue weight? 12% of around 1000 lbs = 120 lbs ?
Thanks for the favor of a reply,
I just ordered my Countryman. Definitely got the manual transmission. Talked the rest of it over with my salesman, Neil.
Apparently the official word from Mini regarding towing is... no comment. The thought process is just like I thought. Since they do not offer a towing option they can't/want comment on how much one can tow. I guess when Minifini comes out with their towing bar they will have to make some statement.
I saw a 12% number somewhere in a Mini review. Maybe that is the acceptable tongue weight? 12% of around 1000 lbs = 120 lbs ?
#29
#30
#31
I spoke to the guy at MiniFini just now. He indicated they would get a countryman by the end of the month from a dealer in Pittsburgh. They intend to develop a "Link" for the countryman and need to know such things as spacing and license plate location.
He also indicated that since the countryman is a larger vehicle the hitch would have a little more capacity than the clubman hitch.
I got the impression we were a few months away from a product.
Bill
He also indicated that since the countryman is a larger vehicle the hitch would have a little more capacity than the clubman hitch.
I got the impression we were a few months away from a product.
Bill
#32
We're hoping they will be available in time for The Dragon, we could pick it up there.
From Motoring File earlier this week:
From Motoring File earlier this week:
Countryman news, color options will remain the same for the MINI 4-door. March production updates will not bring a USA rear bench seat option for the R60 as hoped, but our sources tell us that the bench is still coming and should land very soon thereafter. Official towing capacity for the Countryman will also be issued.
#33
One thing to think about when towing with a small/mini vehicle is how to handle a trailer when it starts to wobble or jackknife. In some situations you have to power the towing vehicle to pull the trailer straight otherwise it may actually flip both vehicles. I think many people make a mistake and hit the brakes too much when the trailer starts to swerve.
Don't take this to apply to all situations, just something I've found in my experience towing a boat trailer (not with a MINI) yearly to and from a lake. from what I recall, emergency braking requires steering in the direction of any skid the trailer is doing to keep things straight.
Disclaimer - I am not a professional trailer instructor...take my advice as a personal opinion. If you are going to do a lot of towing, it wpuld be worthwhile to educate yourself on it with your own research/instruction.
Don't take this to apply to all situations, just something I've found in my experience towing a boat trailer (not with a MINI) yearly to and from a lake. from what I recall, emergency braking requires steering in the direction of any skid the trailer is doing to keep things straight.
Disclaimer - I am not a professional trailer instructor...take my advice as a personal opinion. If you are going to do a lot of towing, it wpuld be worthwhile to educate yourself on it with your own research/instruction.
#34
#35
Hi tornado,
Thanks for the favor of a reply,
I just ordered my Countryman. Definitely got the manual transmission. Talked the rest of it over with my salesman, Neil.
Apparently the official word from Mini regarding towing is... no comment. The thought process is just like I thought. Since they do not offer a towing option they can't/want comment on how much one can tow. I guess when Minifini comes out with their towing bar they will have to make some statement.
I saw a 12% number somewhere in a Mini review. Maybe that is the acceptable tongue weight? 12% of around 1000 lbs = 120 lbs ?
Thanks for the favor of a reply,
I just ordered my Countryman. Definitely got the manual transmission. Talked the rest of it over with my salesman, Neil.
Apparently the official word from Mini regarding towing is... no comment. The thought process is just like I thought. Since they do not offer a towing option they can't/want comment on how much one can tow. I guess when Minifini comes out with their towing bar they will have to make some statement.
I saw a 12% number somewhere in a Mini review. Maybe that is the acceptable tongue weight? 12% of around 1000 lbs = 120 lbs ?
#36
I work part time for an RV dealership, we are making plans to build a teardrop camper for me to tow behind the All4. It will be less than the 1650# limit and it will have brakes. I would highly recommend brakes for any trailer you tow behind a MINI, the wear and tear alone is enough but the ability to control the trailer is essential. You do NOT need a built in brake controller anymore, there are models that are totally wireless and work with any tow vehicle. Tow, but tow smartly.
#37
FiremanMike,
Good name,
I was not aware that one could have braking on a trailer without the wiring set up, great information. I hope you will keep us posted on the teardrop, Annette and I have been thinking about one for years. If it could be set up to haul dogs we might jump on it with all 4's, so to speak.
We have a warm spot for fireman since a couple of them pulled Annette and our daughter MacKenzie out of El Kabong a little over a week ago.
Good name,
I was not aware that one could have braking on a trailer without the wiring set up, great information. I hope you will keep us posted on the teardrop, Annette and I have been thinking about one for years. If it could be set up to haul dogs we might jump on it with all 4's, so to speak.
We have a warm spot for fireman since a couple of them pulled Annette and our daughter MacKenzie out of El Kabong a little over a week ago.
#38
The brake controller I mentioned is produced by a company here in Iowa, Innovative Electronics, and is about as simple as it comes. I believe they use a motion sensor to detect slow down which starts to apply the brakes to 'recenter the ball' so to speak. 2 wires and screw the base to the trailer, done. Two great advantages, no controller in the tow vehicle so the trailer can be pulled by any vehicle. You obviously need a wire harness for the lights and a hot source or a battery in the trailer for 12v.
The teardrop is going to be an interesting build, I have access to all of the parts mfgrs, just a matter of laying out the design and floor plan. If building is not an option, there are a couple of companys out there that do make lightweight units already.
Just waiting for the hitch folks now.
The teardrop is going to be an interesting build, I have access to all of the parts mfgrs, just a matter of laying out the design and floor plan. If building is not an option, there are a couple of companys out there that do make lightweight units already.
Just waiting for the hitch folks now.
#39
We have checked into lots of possibilities for hauling dogs. We came close to buying a trailer strictly for hauling dogs and still might. The big problem with that option is the heat factor in those tight spaces. Fan systems are fairly easy and not to expensive but may not be sufficient here in the deep south. AC is hard to do and very expensive for a dog trailer.
A teardrop might be easier to keep cool with the additional space. It could also provide a number of other functions that a dog trailer could not. I am wondering if a small teardrop with brakes could be made safer than a dog trailer?
A teardrop might be easier to keep cool with the additional space. It could also provide a number of other functions that a dog trailer could not. I am wondering if a small teardrop with brakes could be made safer than a dog trailer?
#41
#42
What is "The Dragon" ? I've seen it mentioned before.
Most states require trailers with GVWR of over 3000# to have brakes by law and automobile manufacturers generally recommend brakes with even lighter trailers.
Trailers with non-electrical braking systems (no electrical connection to the tow vehicle's braking system) are known as "Surge Brakes." When the tow vehicle slows down or stops the forward momentum "surge" of the trailer against the hitch ball applies pressure to a master cylinder in the trailer coupler. This pressure activates the trailer brakes through a hydraulic system much like the brakes on your vehicle.
Most states require trailers with GVWR of over 3000# to have brakes by law and automobile manufacturers generally recommend brakes with even lighter trailers.
Trailers with non-electrical braking systems (no electrical connection to the tow vehicle's braking system) are known as "Surge Brakes." When the tow vehicle slows down or stops the forward momentum "surge" of the trailer against the hitch ball applies pressure to a master cylinder in the trailer coupler. This pressure activates the trailer brakes through a hydraulic system much like the brakes on your vehicle.
#43
Oh, young grasshopper, a question with many answers.
It is basically Woodstock for MINI enthusiasts. The Dragon is a stretch of road that runs between North Carolina and Tennessee that is famous for it's twisties. For many car and motorcycle drivers it is one of THE roads to drive. There is a 5 day gathering every spring for MINIs that is all about driving and hanging out. Here's a link to some more info. Go to YouTube and search for minis on the dragon for some fun videos.
http://www.minisonthedragon.com/
Annette
It is basically Woodstock for MINI enthusiasts. The Dragon is a stretch of road that runs between North Carolina and Tennessee that is famous for it's twisties. For many car and motorcycle drivers it is one of THE roads to drive. There is a 5 day gathering every spring for MINIs that is all about driving and hanging out. Here's a link to some more info. Go to YouTube and search for minis on the dragon for some fun videos.
http://www.minisonthedragon.com/
Annette
#46
#47
#48
I’m thinking the “no comment” on towing in the USA is a legal position. I talked to a Mini rep at the L.A. auto show and was told Mini does not recommend towing with any Mini and is could void the warranty; but on the UK Mini site they show a tow bar option and claim you can tow up to 1000 Kg (about 2,200 lbs) on certain models
#49
If you are wondering what a CM looks like towing a camper, here you go, check out this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3kCerkfq2E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3kCerkfq2E
#50
If you are wondering what a CM looks like towing a camper, here you go, check out this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3kCerkfq2E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3kCerkfq2E