New Receiver Hitch Option

[SBJester]

Hey everybody, you may have noticed that I've been on the look out for a way to install a trailer hitch receiver on a MINI...well, i stumbled across this company, miniature trailers (http://www.miniaturetrailer.com/).

The guy seems to have put a lot of work into it, and it's a nice option to the mini fini system. I'm still debating between the two. You can't beat peace of mind when you have pro's install something (the mini fini that is) that's goign to carry your second true love. Speaking of, anybody have experience removing the back bumper? I may just have to wait for another mod day to come around to get some help with this one.

[Will]

WOW thats pretty neat. I think Steve aka Azzul may have exp with removing rear bumper. Hopefully he will chime in.

[weezer2282]

Yup, Steve has installed the MINI Fini. He should know more about it. :thumbsup

[azuul]

Yep, I've removed the rear bumper cover and bumper with help from Mike (Doc) from STMC. I remember it not being too hard. To install the mini fini system, we also needed to remove or lower/loosen the muffler to get to some bolts.

I also have the famous Bentley manual, so removing the bumper instructions should be in there. Is this a project for our mod/detail day, or for a later time?

[SBJester]

I'd love to do it on Mod Day, but it takes about a week to 10days for shipment and I haven't even ordered it yet. If i decide to go with this option, I'll put up a post and maybe try to organize another mod/detail day if there's any interest. I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks for the help though, I may need to take a look at that manual whenever it comes in. Thanks guys!

PS the ipod adapter is GRRRRRREAT!

[drdave113]

I had my sportlink installed at the dealer in 6/05 when I bought my MINI and got one the last available tow-links a couple of months ago. I haven't purchased a wiring harness yet, does $85.00 seem to be a high price for just a harness not installed or should I contact someone like Spillars Custom Hitches in Austin? Thanks for any input :bows

[azuul]

I had my sportlink installed at the dealer in 6/05 when I bought my MINI and got one the last available tow-links a couple of months ago. I haven't purchased a wiring harness yet, does $85.00 seem to be a high price for just a harness not installed or should I contact someone like Spillars Custom Hitches in Austin? Thanks for any input :bowsI just bought the wiring harness for the tow link, if that is what you are referring to, for $30 at Pep Boys. Hobby part 46255, I believe.

[scuderia]

and if i may ask what are you guys towing?

[azuul]

and if i may ask what are you guys towing?
I'm going up to Lake Texoma this coming summer for a camp, with 3 people in the car. So, in order to take up all of the "stuff" I need, I need to tow.

[drdave113]

My son and I are going to Fl this summer and I plan to buy a tear-drop trailer like Terry Saither has to put our "stuff" in :thumbsup

[harebrain]

I installed the Sport Link and it is fairly easy. As for wiring the harness at Miniature Trailers, it does not look much different than the Hoppy version mentioned earlier for about $30. Either way you have to connect the trailer wires to the factory wires in some way. I went for the cleanest look and best-connection. I soldered the trailer wires to the clip that goes into the plug that connects to the tail light. So far it works great. As for what I will pull with my MCS, I am finishing a trailer that I will pull for work. I sell phone accessories to businesses and will have them in my 5' x 5' trailer.

[weezer2282]

I don't really understand this trailer pulling with a MINI. I wouldn't subject a unibody with those kinds of stresses. I know it is possible to tow small trailers and loads, but it is still going to put more wear and tear on your frame and structure. Why not rent a larger vehicle for trips where more space is needed or have a second, inexpensive, larger car than a MINI for occasions where you need more room. :confused:

[azuul]

I don't really understand this trailer pulling with a MINI. I wouldn't subject a unibody with those kinds of stresses. I know it is possible to tow small trailers and loads, but it is still going to put more wear and tear on your frame and structure. Why not rent a larger vehicle for trips where more space is needed or have a second, inexpensive, larger car than a MINI for occasions where you need more room. :confused:Well, as a 2 MINI family, we have chosen no other vehicle. ;). DOC towed his trailer to Indiana and back, no issues.

[harebrain]

I will be pulling my trailer every day for business. There are a lot of unibody cars pulling trailers and not having issues. In the future I may post a message that the trailer pulled my car apart but I doubt it. Also FYI the MINI is rated in some places (less law suit happy places) to pull I beleive 1400 pounds and not over 75 pounds of tongue weight. That is a rating on the MC not MCS from MINI.

[scuderia]

i second Weezer, but it all depends on how much you tow, for 1000ibs, i don't see problems in short term, however, honestly, MC or MCS is not geared up for towing. Couple of times a year is alright, pass that, it will hurt the transmission.

[harebrain]

That is why I drive a standard. It may be a little harder on the clutch but the tranny should be ok. Fortunately we can all appreciate other MINI motorists opinions and there harebrained ideas that may or may not work.

[weezer2282]

I just don't think it is a good idea towing a trailer with a MINI if you plan on keeping it for a long time. When they designed the MINI they probably didn't take into account towing a trailer as a major consideration. The MINI does have a very stiff structure, but regular towing could cause it to fatigue. What do these hitches mount to by the way?

[azuul]

I just don't think it is a good idea towing a trailer with a MINI if you plan on keeping it for a long time. When they designed the MINI they probably didn't take into account towing a trailer as a major consideration. The MINI does have a very stiff structure, but regular towing could cause it to fatigue. What do these hitches mount to by the way?The MINI FINI sport link replaces the bumper with another, heavier bumper with the sport link attachment. Those are the two exhaust looking things that stick out of the back of the bumper cover. You have to cut 2 holes in it so the links can stick out.