MINI2

ixi_ixi · May 9th, 2007, 02:55 PM

hello everyone,

i'm looking to install a tow bar to my cooper cabrio, primarily to facilitate fitting of a bike rack.

I did some searches and it seems that Hayman Reese tow bar is the only choice in Aus. Got a quote of $445 (includ GST) + fitting ($220) all up approx $650.

I think it is quite dear for a tow bar. Just wonder who can suggest other cheaper brand (locally available) ? or know somewhere having a special on Hayman Reese going on? or even better, have a used one for sell !!

many thanks

minigolf · May 10th, 2007, 01:29 AM

DON'T DO IT!!!

Snapper>///"> · May 10th, 2007, 02:58 AM

Try these guys: Minifini

maryc · May 10th, 2007, 09:54 PM

This is sooooo wrong!

Paul_T · May 11th, 2007, 01:50 AM

Where abouts are you located ixi ixi? I'm a haymen reese dealer so I can help you out.

Snapper>///"> · May 11th, 2007, 02:26 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by maryc (original)

This is sooooo wrong!

do you think so?? I think it would be a good thing to have, but only on long distance tours like the Tassy one we just had.

Mr G · May 13th, 2007, 12:35 PM

what a shame they don't make some sort of run-flat tyre. They'd be a little more expensive I'm sure, but it would save having to do all that.

Mini-Fugly.

TOJO · May 15th, 2007, 02:38 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Mr G (original)

what a shame they don't make some sort of run-flat tyre. They'd be a little more expensive I'm sure, but it would save having to do all that.

Mini-Fugly.

Good Idea!!

First get a tyre.

I reckon you could stiffen the sidewalls, to make the ride unpleasant. (And, of course, keep the rims off the road when the air has escaped)

Then use a dodgy tread pattern, so the tyre looks mediocre.

Lastly make it out of some compound that wears quickly, but doesn't really grip the road.

These would have to be a good ideas!

You think I could get a patent?

Ingle_CooperChilli · May 21st, 2007, 06:55 AM

Hi,

I had a Hayman Reese towbar fitted to my 05 Mini Cooper Chili about 2 years ago.

It cost $330 and that included $30 extra to have the tongue chrome plated.

The main reason it is cheaper than the $1500 (approx) that the mini dealer in Adelaide wanted to charge is that it does not include extra wiring for plugging in trailer lights. At the time, those were about $450 just for the parts.

Not a big deal for me as I only want it for the bike rack and the only thing you need for them is a light for the number plate if you are going to drive at night.

It was done at Allin towbars in Adelaide (google allin tow bars). I also got a price at Halls towbars in Adelaide but they wanted $425 and started getting stroppy when I asked them to match the price (they are closer to my home).

I am very happy with the job they did, a very neat cut to make the hole for the bar to come through UNDER the rear bumper (not through thankfully).

I am thinking of a different option next year when I may upgrade to a new Cooper S. The Saris Bones RS bike rack, although this may not work for you if you have a spoiler on a Cooper as the straps may not fit under the non-S type spoiler (They are quite different shapes). Check their website for a fit guide. (just google saris)

A friend has the Saris Bones that he mounts on the back of his Ford Territory and to stop the paint getting marked he has put coloured tape over the parts of the hatch where the straps attach. They are noticeable but it is better than scratching your paintwork and I think still more practical than roof mounts (which I am told by the dealer in Adelaide can be fit to the new minis).

I could post a picture of the tow bar if you want.

Hope this helps

ICC

May 9th, 2007, 02:55 PM	#1
ixi_ixi MINI2 Newbie Join Date: May 2007 Local Time: 08:35 AM Posts: 1 Offline	Hayman Reese tow bar the only choice? hello everyone, i'm looking to install a tow bar to my cooper cabrio, primarily to facilitate fitting of a bike rack. I did some searches and it seems that Hayman Reese tow bar is the only choice in Aus. Got a quote of $445 (includ GST) + fitting ($220) all up approx $650. I think it is quite dear for a tow bar. Just wonder who can suggest other cheaper brand (locally available) ? or know somewhere having a special on Hayman Reese going on? or even better, have a used one for sell !! many thanks

May 10th, 2007, 01:29 AM	#2 (permalink)
minigolf Blue is the colour! Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canberra, Australia Local Time: 09:35 AM Posts: 14,096 Offline	DON'T DO IT!!! Sabine Schmitz: Fear disturbs your concentration.

May 13th, 2007, 12:35 PM	#7 (permalink)
Mr G Its not me - Its you Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Spiffington Manse Local Time: 08:35 AM Posts: 3,129 Offline	what a shame they don't make some sort of run-flat tyre. They'd be a little more expensive I'm sure, but it would save having to do all that. Mini-Fugly. I love Warsaw. Where else can you hug a pole? If you have any information, any information at all, please contact me as I'm writing an encyclopaedia.

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May 10th, 2007, 02:58 AM	#3 (permalink)
Snapper>///"> tag, you're It Join Date: May 2006 Location: Penrith, Syd, Aust. Local Time: 08:35 AM Posts: 453 Offline	Try these guys: Minifini

May 10th, 2007, 09:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
maryc - Little Miss Sunshine - My Classifieds Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Canberra Local Time: 09:35 AM Posts: 1,291 Offline	This is sooooo wrong!

May 11th, 2007, 01:50 AM	#5 (permalink)
Paul_T MCS Chilli Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Australia Local Time: 08:35 AM Posts: 339 Offline	Where abouts are you located ixi ixi? I'm a haymen reese dealer so I can help you out.

May 11th, 2007, 02:26 AM	#6 (permalink)
Snapper>///"> tag, you're It Join Date: May 2006 Location: Penrith, Syd, Aust. Local Time: 08:35 AM Posts: 453 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by maryc (original) This is sooooo wrong! do you think so?? I think it would be a good thing to have, but only on long distance tours like the Tassy one we just had.

May 15th, 2007, 02:38 AM	#8 (permalink)
TOJO MINI2 Senior Join Date: May 2005 Location: Outback Local Time: 08:35 AM Posts: 372 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Mr G (original) what a shame they don't make some sort of run-flat tyre. They'd be a little more expensive I'm sure, but it would save having to do all that. Mini-Fugly. Good Idea!! First get a tyre. I reckon you could stiffen the sidewalls, to make the ride unpleasant. (And, of course, keep the rims off the road when the air has escaped) Then use a dodgy tread pattern, so the tyre looks mediocre. Lastly make it out of some compound that wears quickly, but doesn't really grip the road. These would have to be a good ideas! You think I could get a patent?

May 21st, 2007, 06:55 AM	#9 (permalink)
Ingle_CooperChilli MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Adelaide Local Time: 10:35 PM Posts: 9 Offline	Hi, I had a Hayman Reese towbar fitted to my 05 Mini Cooper Chili about 2 years ago. It cost $330 and that included $30 extra to have the tongue chrome plated. The main reason it is cheaper than the $1500 (approx) that the mini dealer in Adelaide wanted to charge is that it does not include extra wiring for plugging in trailer lights. At the time, those were about $450 just for the parts. Not a big deal for me as I only want it for the bike rack and the only thing you need for them is a light for the number plate if you are going to drive at night. It was done at Allin towbars in Adelaide (google allin tow bars). I also got a price at Halls towbars in Adelaide but they wanted $425 and started getting stroppy when I asked them to match the price (they are closer to my home). I am very happy with the job they did, a very neat cut to make the hole for the bar to come through UNDER the rear bumper (not through thankfully). I am thinking of a different option next year when I may upgrade to a new Cooper S. The Saris Bones RS bike rack, although this may not work for you if you have a spoiler on a Cooper as the straps may not fit under the non-S type spoiler (They are quite different shapes). Check their website for a fit guide. (just google saris) A friend has the Saris Bones that he mounts on the back of his Ford Territory and to stop the paint getting marked he has put coloured tape over the parts of the hatch where the straps attach. They are noticeable but it is better than scratching your paintwork and I think still more practical than roof mounts (which I am told by the dealer in Adelaide can be fit to the new minis). I could post a picture of the tow bar if you want. Hope this helps ICC

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