MINI2

wh1tby · Apr 14th, 2003, 01:46 AM

We own a Cooper S and want to tow it behind our 33' Class A diesel powered motorhome.

We have two options: Either use a tow dolly (raise front wheels off the ground) or tow it "flat" or "4 wheels down" with a tow bar (Blue Ox make the necessary hardware). Putting it on a trailer is OK for a long distance move but not for normal RV use.

Has anyone had experience they can share with us. We cannot get a straight answer out of anybody and we are new to the RV scene.

Thank you.

AprilWhine · Apr 14th, 2003, 01:50 AM

You are going to have to use the tow dolly.

BMW says the MINI cannot be flat towed.

GMINI · Apr 14th, 2003, 01:53 AM

Third option so often forgotten: Why tow when you can park it inside and sleep on it? 33' sounds like a decent ammount of space and the MINI can be drasticly lightened to have even less impact on the suspension.

I have heard witness of an RV that garaged a MINI. You're not a motorhome unless you've got a motorgarage...

AprilWhine · Apr 14th, 2003, 01:55 AM

GMINI, I've GOT to keep you and the fuzzy one apart! He's hot to do a bus conversion, complete with a garage for my MINI.

MiniMan7 · Apr 14th, 2003, 02:28 AM

I just saw a pic of Mini2 of a Mini driving into a Motorhome... why not do that!?

AprilWhine · Apr 14th, 2003, 02:42 AM

Realistically, you are not going to do that with an existing motorhome. Making a traveling garage is something that would have to be designed in at the beginning.

wh1tby · Apr 14th, 2003, 03:04 AM

[font=arial]This is all very useful but not ultimately helpful. Blue Ox have a kit specifically for the Mini which allows it to be flat towed, despite BMW's recommendations, it would seem. You can even download the manual showing how to install the tow bar. So who is right, Blue Ox or BMW? Is there anything to be damaged by flat towing (tow dollys (or is it dollies!) are quite tricky to use and have to be stowed somewhere when you are on site), it would seem that there will be no transmission issues (the clutch has disconnected all parts that may be damaged due to lack of lubrication) and all that is left is the CV joints.

Any thoughts?

MiniMan7 · Apr 14th, 2003, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AprilWhine
Realistically, you are not going to do that with an existing motorhome. Making a traveling garage is something that would have to be designed in at the beginning.

Realistically it is impossible with an existing motorhome, but it does look cool seeing a Mini drive into one.

AprilWhine · Apr 14th, 2003, 04:42 AM

I agree with you, MiniMan7. I've seen pictures of a Mini, not a MINI, that was hauled sideways in the cargo bay of a bus conversion.

Jim Ray · Apr 14th, 2003, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wh1tby
[font=arial]This is all very useful but not ultimately helpful. Blue Ox have a kit specifically for the Mini which allows it to be flat towed, despite BMW's recommendations, it would seem. You can even download the manual showing how to install the tow bar. So who is right, Blue Ox or BMW?
Is there anything to be damaged by flat towing (tow dollys (or is it dollies!) are quite tricky to use and have to be stowed somewhere when you are on site), it would seem that there will be no transmission issues (the clutch has disconnected all parts that may be damaged due to lack of lubrication) and all that is left is the CV joints.
Any thoughts?

Blue Ox is a good product. I have installed and used their base plates and tow bars.

I have been a technician, motorhome, and auto for years.
You are mistaken about the transmission not turning when towing. Everything connected to the wheels will turn when towing. I don't understand your statement that the clutch will be disconnected. True, the clutch disconnects the engine while your foot is on it. I have seen people use a board to hold the clutch down, very shaky.

If the transmission is designed so that it is oiled from the gearing attached to the wheels, then you can tow it limited distances wheels down. I have done this for years with Nissan trucks. In their transmissions, the tailshaft drives the lowest gears in the tranny, and provides lube to the gears. If the trans is designed with the output shaft above the input shaft, there will be no lubrication to the gearing, and your transmission will burn up. Period. Only some one with a shop manual can tell you how the transmission is designed. BMW?

You will not be able to conceal the drilling or welding from mounting the tow bar base plate, and you will have no warranty coverage from the manufacturer.

There are wheel adapters that bolt to your axle shafts which provide free wheeling bearings when your wheels are bolted to them. This is the safest way to tow a front wheel drive car flat down. ( I did a google for those adapters, but they seem to not be in production any more. They were pretty high maintainance)

BMW designs the transmissions and has them manufactured. Blue Ox is a fine company, however they do not design cars, or transmissions, and do not warranty your transmission when using their products.

I prefer flat down towing, and have always done that with my various motor coaches.

"In life, you may do anything you are willing to live with the consequences".

I do understand this is not the answer you are looking for, and I have no interest in debating the subject. I have retired from working on other peoples vehicles. Best of luck, and we may meet at some park in the future. I will have my MINI on a trailer or dolly.

wh1tby · Apr 14th, 2003, 06:28 AM

Thank you for help. Your experience was just what I was looking for.

My comment on the clutch was meaningless and I mislead you (brain not connected). What I was really thinking was that with the gearbox in neutral there would less turning in the gearbox and, as you say, it depends on the design whether or not the components that would be driven by the wheels would be lubricated.

However I think you answered my question. Sounds like a tow dolly or trailer is the answer.

Thank you again.

groeshl · Apr 14th, 2003, 06:51 AM

Towing a MINI using a dolly (for me behind my RV would be a huge issue.
I'm going to explore another option and would appreciate comments from you mechanics out there who may have a thought on this. REMCO (a tow bar company) makes an external lubrication pump for the transmission activated (when towing)through a simple in-line wiring harness. This system is sold for particular front wheel drive cars but, unfortunately, not (at least yet) for the MINI. I'm thinking.............adapt. Any good thoughts out there?

BillO · Apr 14th, 2003, 10:39 AM

I own a RV Park and of this date,I have not seen a MINI come in behind a MH either towed or trailered. The only MINI,I have seen is a trailered one on the Interstate behind a bus conversion.

BillO

BruceK · Apr 16th, 2003, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AprilWhine
Realistically, you are not going to do that with an existing motorhome. Making a traveling garage is something that would have to be designed in at the beginning.

Designed to house MINIs? Take a look at this thread!

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...ht=motorho me

Way cool!

AprilWhine · Apr 16th, 2003, 09:30 AM

Cool link, thanks Bruce! How did I manage to miss that thread?

MiniMan7 · Apr 16th, 2003, 10:20 AM

I find it hard to believe that theres actually RV's to fit other cars, before you know it we'll have flying cars!

yippie42 · Sep 14th, 2003, 01:46 PM

Does anyone have a new information on this subject? I need to tow my car behind an RV across country. tow dolly or flat? and-who do we rent from?

AprilWhine · Sep 14th, 2003, 02:20 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Jim Ray

Blue Ox is a good product. I have installed and used their base plates and tow bars.

I have been a technician, motorhome, and auto for years.
You are mistaken about the transmission not turning when towing. Everything connected to the wheels will turn when towing. I don't understand your statement that the clutch will be disconnected. True, the clutch disconnects the engine while your foot is on it. I have seen people use a board to hold the clutch down, very shaky.

If the transmission is designed so that it is oiled from the gearing attached to the wheels, then you can tow it limited distances wheels down. I have done this for years with Nissan trucks. In their transmissions, the tailshaft drives the lowest gears in the tranny, and provides lube to the gears. If the trans is designed with the output shaft above the input shaft, there will be no lubrication to the gearing, and your transmission will burn up. Period. Only some one with a shop manual can tell you how the transmission is designed. BMW?

You will not be able to conceal the drilling or welding from mounting the tow bar base plate, and you will have no warranty coverage from the manufacturer.

There are wheel adapters that bolt to your axle shafts which provide free wheeling bearings when your wheels are bolted to them. This is the safest way to tow a front wheel drive car flat down. ( I did a google for those adapters, but they seem to not be in production any more. They were pretty high maintainance)

BMW designs the transmissions and has them manufactured. Blue Ox is a fine company, however they do not design cars, or transmissions, and do not warranty your transmission when using their products.

I prefer flat down towing, and have always done that with my various motor coaches.

"In life, you may do anything you are willing to live with the consequences".

I do understand this is not the answer you are looking for, and I have no interest in debating the subject. I have retired from working on other peoples vehicles. Best of luck, and we may meet at some park in the future. I will have my MINI on a trailer or dolly.

This is still the best post on this thread.

white · Sep 14th, 2003, 03:16 PM

why not just drive the cool car? or are you alone? it seems the whole purpose IS to motor. ah well, I will let you be, I am just whining!

Ogo

AidenL · Sep 14th, 2003, 03:23 PM

You really do have big motorhomes in the USA !

Apr 14th, 2003, 01:46 AM	#1
wh1tby MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Greensboro, NC Local Time: 08:53 PM Posts: 3 Offline	Towing a Cooper behind an RV We own a Cooper S and want to tow it behind our 33' Class A diesel powered motorhome. We have two options: Either use a tow dolly (raise front wheels off the ground) or tow it "flat" or "4 wheels down" with a tow bar (Blue Ox make the necessary hardware). Putting it on a trailer is OK for a long distance move but not for normal RV use. Has anyone had experience they can share with us. We cannot get a straight answer out of anybody and we are new to the RV scene. Thank you. Happy Motoring

Apr 14th, 2003, 01:50 AM	#2 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 07:53 PM Posts: 16,078 Offline	You are going to have to use the tow dolly. BMW says the MINI cannot be flat towed. Global Moderator

Apr 14th, 2003, 01:53 AM	#3 (permalink)
GMINI MINI2 Global Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Western Connecticut Local Time: 08:53 PM Posts: 7,162 Offline	Third option so often forgotten: Why tow when you can park it inside and sleep on it? 33' sounds like a decent ammount of space and the MINI can be drasticly lightened to have even less impact on the suspension. I have heard witness of an RV that garaged a MINI. You're not a motorhome unless you've got a motorgarage... NY/NE Mod

Apr 14th, 2003, 01:55 AM	#4 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 07:53 PM Posts: 16,078 Offline	GMINI, I've GOT to keep you and the fuzzy one apart! He's hot to do a bus conversion, complete with a garage for my MINI. Global Moderator

Apr 14th, 2003, 02:28 AM	#5 (permalink)
MiniMan7 Let's Motor. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hamilton, Ontario Local Time: 10:53 PM Posts: 2,891 Offline	I just saw a pic of Mini2 of a Mini driving into a Motorhome... why not do that!? http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/16791/32165.jpg

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Apr 14th, 2003, 02:42 AM	#6 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 07:53 PM Posts: 16,078 Offline	Realistically, you are not going to do that with an existing motorhome. Making a traveling garage is something that would have to be designed in at the beginning. Global Moderator

Apr 14th, 2003, 03:04 AM	#7 (permalink)
wh1tby MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Greensboro, NC Local Time: 08:53 PM Posts: 3 Offline	[font=arial]This is all very useful but not ultimately helpful. Blue Ox have a kit specifically for the Mini which allows it to be flat towed, despite BMW's recommendations, it would seem. You can even download the manual showing how to install the tow bar. So who is right, Blue Ox or BMW? Is there anything to be damaged by flat towing (tow dollys (or is it dollies!) are quite tricky to use and have to be stowed somewhere when you are on site), it would seem that there will be no transmission issues (the clutch has disconnected all parts that may be damaged due to lack of lubrication) and all that is left is the CV joints. Any thoughts? Happy Motoring

Apr 14th, 2003, 04:30 AM	#8 (permalink)
MiniMan7 Let's Motor. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hamilton, Ontario Local Time: 10:53 PM Posts: 2,891 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by AprilWhine Realistically, you are not going to do that with an existing motorhome. Making a traveling garage is something that would have to be designed in at the beginning. Realistically it is impossible with an existing motorhome, but it does look cool seeing a Mini drive into one. http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/16791/32165.jpg

Apr 14th, 2003, 04:42 AM	#9 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 07:53 PM Posts: 16,078 Offline	I agree with you, MiniMan7. I've seen pictures of a Mini, not a MINI, that was hauled sideways in the cargo bay of a bus conversion. Global Moderator

Apr 14th, 2003, 04:44 AM	#10 (permalink)
Jim Ray AprilWhine's Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Where the wind blows Local Time: 06:53 PM Posts: 1,531 Offline	OK, here is the straight answer. Quote: Originally posted by wh1tby [font=arial]This is all very useful but not ultimately helpful. Blue Ox have a kit specifically for the Mini which allows it to be flat towed, despite BMW's recommendations, it would seem. You can even download the manual showing how to install the tow bar. So who is right, Blue Ox or BMW? Is there anything to be damaged by flat towing (tow dollys (or is it dollies!) are quite tricky to use and have to be stowed somewhere when you are on site), it would seem that there will be no transmission issues (the clutch has disconnected all parts that may be damaged due to lack of lubrication) and all that is left is the CV joints. Any thoughts? Blue Ox is a good product. I have installed and used their base plates and tow bars. I have been a technician, motorhome, and auto for years. You are mistaken about the transmission not turning when towing. Everything connected to the wheels will turn when towing. I don't understand your statement that the clutch will be disconnected. True, the clutch disconnects the engine while your foot is on it. I have seen people use a board to hold the clutch down, very shaky. If the transmission is designed so that it is oiled from the gearing attached to the wheels, then you can tow it limited distances wheels down. I have done this for years with Nissan trucks. In their transmissions, the tailshaft drives the lowest gears in the tranny, and provides lube to the gears. If the trans is designed with the output shaft above the input shaft, there will be no lubrication to the gearing, and your transmission will burn up. Period. Only some one with a shop manual can tell you how the transmission is designed. BMW? You will not be able to conceal the drilling or welding from mounting the tow bar base plate, and you will have no warranty coverage from the manufacturer. There are wheel adapters that bolt to your axle shafts which provide free wheeling bearings when your wheels are bolted to them. This is the safest way to tow a front wheel drive car flat down. ( I did a google for those adapters, but they seem to not be in production any more. They were pretty high maintainance) BMW designs the transmissions and has them manufactured. Blue Ox is a fine company, however they do not design cars, or transmissions, and do not warranty your transmission when using their products. I prefer flat down towing, and have always done that with my various motor coaches. "In life, you may do anything you are willing to live with the consequences". I do understand this is not the answer you are looking for, and I have no interest in debating the subject. I have retired from working on other peoples vehicles. Best of luck, and we may meet at some park in the future. I will have my MINI on a trailer or dolly.

Apr 14th, 2003, 06:28 AM	#11 (permalink)
wh1tby MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Greensboro, NC Local Time: 08:53 PM Posts: 3 Offline	Towing a Mini Thank you for help. Your experience was just what I was looking for. My comment on the clutch was meaningless and I mislead you (brain not connected). What I was really thinking was that with the gearbox in neutral there would less turning in the gearbox and, as you say, it depends on the design whether or not the components that would be driven by the wheels would be lubricated. However I think you answered my question. Sounds like a tow dolly or trailer is the answer. Thank you again. Happy Motoring

Apr 14th, 2003, 06:51 AM	#12 (permalink)
groeshl MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2003 Local Time: 01:53 AM Posts: 2 Offline	towing a MINI Towing a MINI using a dolly (for me behind my RV would be a huge issue. I'm going to explore another option and would appreciate comments from you mechanics out there who may have a thought on this. REMCO (a tow bar company) makes an external lubrication pump for the transmission activated (when towing)through a simple in-line wiring harness. This system is sold for particular front wheel drive cars but, unfortunately, not (at least yet) for the MINI. I'm thinking.............adapt. Any good thoughts out there?

Apr 14th, 2003, 10:39 AM	#13 (permalink)
BillO MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: South Carolina, USA Local Time: 09:53 PM Posts: 48 Offline	I own a RV Park and of this date,I have not seen a MINI come in behind a MH either towed or trailered. The only MINI,I have seen is a trailered one on the Interstate behind a bus conversion. BillO

Apr 16th, 2003, 08:44 AM	#14 (permalink)
BruceK Moderator & Sponsor Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: San Antonio, Texas Local Time: 07:53 PM Posts: 3,758 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by AprilWhine Realistically, you are not going to do that with an existing motorhome. Making a traveling garage is something that would have to be designed in at the beginning. Designed to house MINIs? Take a look at this thread! http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...ht=motorho me Way cool! + 2002 MINI Cooper S - Dark Silver / White roof, Sport, Premium, Lapis blue leather + 1965 Mini Traveller - Tartan Red / White roof, 1275, Cooper S discs, fully restored/renewed

Apr 16th, 2003, 09:30 AM	#15 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 07:53 PM Posts: 16,078 Offline	Cool link, thanks Bruce! How did I manage to miss that thread? Global Moderator

Apr 16th, 2003, 10:20 AM	#16 (permalink)
MiniMan7 Let's Motor. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hamilton, Ontario Local Time: 10:53 PM Posts: 2,891 Offline	I find it hard to believe that theres actually RV's to fit other cars, before you know it we'll have flying cars! http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/16791/32165.jpg

Sep 14th, 2003, 01:46 PM	#17 (permalink)
yippie42 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southwest florida Local Time: 08:53 PM Posts: 140 Offline	Does anyone have a new information on this subject? I need to tow my car behind an RV across country. tow dolly or flat? and-who do we rent from? Winnie "the Mini" Cooper "nothing to fear-nothing to doubt"-radiohead

Sep 14th, 2003, 02:20 PM	#18 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 07:53 PM Posts: 16,078 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Jim Ray Blue Ox is a good product. I have installed and used their base plates and tow bars. I have been a technician, motorhome, and auto for years. You are mistaken about the transmission not turning when towing. Everything connected to the wheels will turn when towing. I don't understand your statement that the clutch will be disconnected. True, the clutch disconnects the engine while your foot is on it. I have seen people use a board to hold the clutch down, very shaky. If the transmission is designed so that it is oiled from the gearing attached to the wheels, then you can tow it limited distances wheels down. I have done this for years with Nissan trucks. In their transmissions, the tailshaft drives the lowest gears in the tranny, and provides lube to the gears. If the trans is designed with the output shaft above the input shaft, there will be no lubrication to the gearing, and your transmission will burn up. Period. Only some one with a shop manual can tell you how the transmission is designed. BMW? You will not be able to conceal the drilling or welding from mounting the tow bar base plate, and you will have no warranty coverage from the manufacturer. There are wheel adapters that bolt to your axle shafts which provide free wheeling bearings when your wheels are bolted to them. This is the safest way to tow a front wheel drive car flat down. ( I did a google for those adapters, but they seem to not be in production any more. They were pretty high maintainance) BMW designs the transmissions and has them manufactured. Blue Ox is a fine company, however they do not design cars, or transmissions, and do not warranty your transmission when using their products. I prefer flat down towing, and have always done that with my various motor coaches. "In life, you may do anything you are willing to live with the consequences". I do understand this is not the answer you are looking for, and I have no interest in debating the subject. I have retired from working on other peoples vehicles. Best of luck, and we may meet at some park in the future. I will have my MINI on a trailer or dolly. This is still the best post on this thread. Global Moderator

Sep 14th, 2003, 03:16 PM	#19 (permalink)
white MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2003 Local Time: 06:53 PM Posts: 7 Offline	why not just drive the cool car? or are you alone? it seems the whole purpose IS to motor. ah well, I will let you be, I am just whining! Ogo

Sep 14th, 2003, 03:23 PM	#20 (permalink)
AidenL Nice TTs......... Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: On The Coast........ Local Time: 01:53 AM Posts: 40,988 Offline	You really do have big motorhomes in the USA ! *Global Moderator*

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