MINI2

johncacomanolis · Dec 3rd, 2003, 04:33 PM

Hi all - new to the site, and had a quick question.

Has anyone towed a boat or PWC (JetSki) with a Mini? Based on my searching of the message boards, I see that you can tow up to I think about 1400 pounds, so it's not the weight I'm converned about (700 lbs for the jet ski, and then a trailer which is I guess about 400 lbs). What concerns me is getting it up and down a boat ramp. Has anyone done this, and any tricks to make it easier? Will it depend on the angle of the ramp? (A US '02 Cooper by the way if it matters).

TIA.
John

tornado · Dec 4th, 2003, 06:41 PM

A boat ramp should be no problem for a mini. I pull a 400 lbs sailboat on a 500 lbs trailer up ramps with a VW rabbit. Some tire slip can happen, but it's not too bad.

I have an MCS and there are no tow hitches available at this time, but a place called MiniFini is planning to make one & distribute through Mini Dealerships starting in the 1st quarter '04.

Mike.

Yellow Belly · Dec 4th, 2003, 09:06 PM

Check out the tech spec on this website- you can only officially tow 650Kg ! I checked with MINI and they said 800 Kg if the route was no steeper than 10% or 1 in 10.

Dec 5th, 2003, 01:37 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by johncacomanolis

Hi all - new to the site, and had a quick question.

Has anyone towed a boat or PWC (JetSki) with a Mini? Based on my searching of the message boards, I see that you can tow up to I think about 1400 pounds, so it's not the weight I'm converned about (700 lbs for the jet ski, and then a trailer which is I guess about 400 lbs). What concerns me is getting it up and down a boat ramp. Has anyone done this, and any tricks to make it easier? Will it depend on the angle of the ramp? (A US '02 Cooper by the way if it matters).

TIA.
John

Good God!!! A 700 pound jet ski???

The last jet ski I rode, we could pick it up out of the water and put it on the dock.

-Andrew

johncacomanolis · Dec 5th, 2003, 02:59 PM

Ok, thanks for the info. I had seen the MINI Fini low hitch and that was what initially confused me beacuse they had I think a 1400 pound limit. I guess if the spec limit for the car is 800, then it won't work for me (but I wonder why Fini is selling a 1400 LB hitch for a car that can only pull 800???).

And Andrew, yes, it's pretty amazing the size some of these skis have gotten to. They have FOUR seaters out there now, with 4 stroke engines, etc. SeaDoo this year released a 2 seater that is a supercharged 4 stroke that puts out 215 horsepower! Pretty nice boat (and over $10K).

Jeep-2-mini · Dec 5th, 2003, 05:26 PM

Never towed (or ridden on) a jetski - but I do reguarly tow a boat

Approximate weight of that combination is 600lbs including trailer, and the MINI had no problems towing that at motorway speeds, and up & down some steep hills - but not a slipway - us sailors use muscel power to launch, since it saves getting the car & road trailer from the salt.

Mark

Dec 5th, 2003, 08:44 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by johncacomanolis

And Andrew, yes, it's pretty amazing the size some of these skis have gotten to. They have FOUR seaters out there now, with 4 stroke engines, etc. SeaDoo this year released a 2 seater that is a supercharged 4 stroke that puts out 215 horsepower! Pretty nice boat (and over $10K).

Holy smokes!

Thats....more....power....than....my.....mini!!!

*Runs off to get jet ski engine to put in mini*

-Andrew

CUTiger3 · Dec 5th, 2003, 09:25 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by johncacomanolis

Hi all - new to the site, and had a quick question.

Has anyone towed a boat or PWC (JetSki) with a Mini? Based on my searching of the message boards, I see that you can tow up to I think about 1400 pounds, so it's not the weight I'm converned about (700 lbs for the jet ski, and then a trailer which is I guess about 400 lbs). What concerns me is getting it up and down a boat ramp. Has anyone done this, and any tricks to make it easier? Will it depend on the angle of the ramp? (A US '02 Cooper by the way if it matters).

TIA.
John

We had a SeaDoo XP for about 6 years and loved it

Your MINI should not have a difficult time pulling the ski/trailer, but stopping could be an issue. If your trailer does not have brakes and you need to make a quick stop

watch for the jet ski to pass the MINI on the left side...

What kind of ski do you have?

johncacomanolis · Dec 7th, 2003, 02:53 PM

We have an '02RX ** andan '02 GTX **. Yes, they are a lot of fun.

BUT.....last time out was jumping waves on the RX and got up a little high (maybe 15 feet) and came down dead flat instead of at the correct angle. All the weight on my right ankle = snapped two bones and turned the interior ankle bone to power. 1 titanium plate and 7 srcrews later......

Live and learn.

Yellow Belly · Dec 7th, 2003, 07:30 PM

Sorry everyone for causing confusion, the error is mine. The tow limit is 500KG unbraked/650Kg braked/ 800Kg on 10% max slope. Multiply the KG figure by 2.2 to convert to Lbs.

Electrc109 · Dec 7th, 2003, 07:53 PM

U-haul does custom reese hitches, and will definately design a set-up for your MINI

lugnutz · Dec 8th, 2003, 12:40 AM

I can attest that you can safely tow 1,400# with a MINI Cooper at 75mph!

1 1/4" receiver available @ $259 USD

johncacomanolis · Dec 8th, 2003, 10:30 PM

Ok, so it looks like the concern with the weight is not really there. (But out of curiosity - why is there a higher weight limit on a slope? If it is an UP slope, you'd think that the weight limit would be LOWER and if it were on a down slope, you'd also think the weight limit would be LOWER. Odd.)

In any event, I think that at 500KG unbraked (1100 pounds), we'll be fine, but has anyone (other than Jeep-2-Mini) seen an MC pulling something up a boat ramp? My guess is that the HP is plently to do it since it's probably all of 20 feet distance wise, ecpecially with the front wheel drive.

Thanks again to all for the info.

JC

stryder · Dec 8th, 2003, 10:52 PM

Umm, I don't think the weight limit is lower on a 10% max slope. You sure you read that correctly? I'm seeing it as if the slope is below (maximum) 10% you can tow 800kg if its not, you're at 650kg for braked trailers.

Jeep-2-mini · Dec 9th, 2003, 11:27 PM

I cant say I've pulled anyting up a boat ramp with the MINI either, since I usually use muscle power for launching - the attached photo shows a typical method

Mark

thejunkman · Dec 17th, 2003, 04:49 AM

You might check the other Mini forum site (North America Motoring). There are a couple of people who offer hitches for the Cooper or the S.

Abe

Electrc109 · Dec 18th, 2003, 08:02 AM

Dude, I'm Abe too!!!! I thought you were talking about me!!! =)

SteveBrass · Dec 18th, 2003, 08:35 AM

But if you were to tow a boat or ski jet, wouldn't your mini get rather wet? And do you need special wheels to go on water - would there be an aquaplaning issue?

johncacomanolis · Dec 18th, 2003, 02:42 PM

Good point Steve. It's ok for me though since the wife is an airhead and thus will give us plenty of bouyancy.

John

Dec 3rd, 2003, 04:33 PM	#1
johncacomanolis MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2003 Local Time: 07:43 PM Posts: 5 Offline	Towing a boat/jet ski Hi all - new to the site, and had a quick question. Has anyone towed a boat or PWC (JetSki) with a Mini? Based on my searching of the message boards, I see that you can tow up to I think about 1400 pounds, so it's not the weight I'm converned about (700 lbs for the jet ski, and then a trailer which is I guess about 400 lbs). What concerns me is getting it up and down a boat ramp. Has anyone done this, and any tricks to make it easier? Will it depend on the angle of the ramp? (A US '02 Cooper by the way if it matters). TIA. John

Dec 4th, 2003, 09:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
Yellow Belly MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Lincoln Local Time: 12:43 AM Posts: 59 Offline	Check out the tech spec on this website- you can only officially tow 650Kg ! I checked with MINI and they said 800 Kg if the route was no steeper than 10% or 1 in 10. Last edited by Yellow Belly : Dec 7th, 2003 at 07:26 PM.

Dec 5th, 2003, 05:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
Jeep-2-mini World Traveler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Barrow-in-Furness Local Time: 12:43 AM Posts: 1,200 Offline	Never towed (or ridden on) a jetski - but I do reguarly tow a boat Approximate weight of that combination is 600lbs including trailer, and the MINI had no problems towing that at motorway speeds, and up & down some steep hills - but not a slipway - us sailors use muscel power to launch, since it saves getting the car & road trailer from the salt. Mark Lifes a reach ... and then you gybe

Dec 5th, 2003, 09:25 PM	#8 (permalink)
CUTiger3 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Upstate South Caroli Local Time: 08:43 PM Posts: 345 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by johncacomanolis Hi all - new to the site, and had a quick question. Has anyone towed a boat or PWC (JetSki) with a Mini? Based on my searching of the message boards, I see that you can tow up to I think about 1400 pounds, so it's not the weight I'm converned about (700 lbs for the jet ski, and then a trailer which is I guess about 400 lbs). What concerns me is getting it up and down a boat ramp. Has anyone done this, and any tricks to make it easier? Will it depend on the angle of the ramp? (A US '02 Cooper by the way if it matters). TIA. John We had a SeaDoo XP for about 6 years and loved it Your MINI should not have a difficult time pulling the ski/trailer, but stopping could be an issue. If your trailer does not have brakes and you need to make a quick stop watch for the jet ski to pass the MINI on the left side... What kind of ski do you have? Coop 2 (Speedy) - '07 DS/DS MCS

Dec 7th, 2003, 07:30 PM	#10 (permalink)
Yellow Belly MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Lincoln Local Time: 12:43 AM Posts: 59 Offline	Apology Sorry everyone for causing confusion, the error is mine. The tow limit is 500KG unbraked/650Kg braked/ 800Kg on 10% max slope. Multiply the KG figure by 2.2 to convert to Lbs.

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Dec 4th, 2003, 06:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
tornado MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Ventura, CA. Local Time: 04:43 PM Posts: 36 Offline	A boat ramp should be no problem for a mini. I pull a 400 lbs sailboat on a 500 lbs trailer up ramps with a VW rabbit. Some tire slip can happen, but it's not too bad. I have an MCS and there are no tow hitches available at this time, but a place called MiniFini is planning to make one & distribute through Mini Dealerships starting in the 1st quarter '04. Mike.

Dec 5th, 2003, 01:37 AM	#4 (permalink)
L8 Apex Posts: n/a	Quote: Originally Posted by johncacomanolis Hi all - new to the site, and had a quick question. Has anyone towed a boat or PWC (JetSki) with a Mini? Based on my searching of the message boards, I see that you can tow up to I think about 1400 pounds, so it's not the weight I'm converned about (700 lbs for the jet ski, and then a trailer which is I guess about 400 lbs). What concerns me is getting it up and down a boat ramp. Has anyone done this, and any tricks to make it easier? Will it depend on the angle of the ramp? (A US '02 Cooper by the way if it matters). TIA. John Good God!!! A 700 pound jet ski??? The last jet ski I rode, we could pick it up out of the water and put it on the dock. -Andrew

Dec 5th, 2003, 02:59 PM	#5 (permalink)
johncacomanolis MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2003 Local Time: 07:43 PM Posts: 5 Offline	Ok, thanks for the info. I had seen the MINI Fini low hitch and that was what initially confused me beacuse they had I think a 1400 pound limit. I guess if the spec limit for the car is 800, then it won't work for me (but I wonder why Fini is selling a 1400 LB hitch for a car that can only pull 800???). And Andrew, yes, it's pretty amazing the size some of these skis have gotten to. They have FOUR seaters out there now, with 4 stroke engines, etc. SeaDoo this year released a 2 seater that is a supercharged 4 stroke that puts out 215 horsepower! Pretty nice boat (and over $10K).

Dec 5th, 2003, 08:44 PM	#7 (permalink)
L8 Apex Posts: n/a	Quote: Originally Posted by johncacomanolis And Andrew, yes, it's pretty amazing the size some of these skis have gotten to. They have FOUR seaters out there now, with 4 stroke engines, etc. SeaDoo this year released a 2 seater that is a supercharged 4 stroke that puts out 215 horsepower! Pretty nice boat (and over $10K). Holy smokes! Thats....more....power....than....my.....mini!!! Runs off to get jet ski engine to put in mini -Andrew

Dec 7th, 2003, 02:53 PM	#9 (permalink)
johncacomanolis MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2003 Local Time: 07:43 PM Posts: 5 Offline	We have an '02RX andan '02 GTX . Yes, they are a lot of fun. BUT.....last time out was jumping waves on the RX and got up a little high (maybe 15 feet) and came down dead flat instead of at the correct angle. All the weight on my right ankle = snapped two bones and turned the interior ankle bone to power. 1 titanium plate and 7 srcrews later...... Live and learn.

Dec 7th, 2003, 07:53 PM	#11 (permalink)
Electrc109 DRIVER Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ormond by the Sea FL Local Time: 08:43 PM Posts: 691 Offline	U-haul does custom reese hitches, and will definately design a set-up for your MINI

Dec 8th, 2003, 12:40 AM	#12 (permalink)
lugnutz MINI2 Regular Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: us Local Time: 12:43 AM Posts: 105 Offline	I can attest that you can safely tow 1,400# with a MINI Cooper at 75mph! 1 1/4" receiver available @ $259 USD

Dec 8th, 2003, 10:30 PM	#13 (permalink)
johncacomanolis MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2003 Local Time: 07:43 PM Posts: 5 Offline	Ok, so it looks like the concern with the weight is not really there. (But out of curiosity - why is there a higher weight limit on a slope? If it is an UP slope, you'd think that the weight limit would be LOWER and if it were on a down slope, you'd also think the weight limit would be LOWER. Odd.) In any event, I think that at 500KG unbraked (1100 pounds), we'll be fine, but has anyone (other than Jeep-2-Mini) seen an MC pulling something up a boat ramp? My guess is that the HP is plently to do it since it's probably all of 20 feet distance wise, ecpecially with the front wheel drive. Thanks again to all for the info. JC

Dec 8th, 2003, 10:52 PM	#14 (permalink)
stryder Sponsor/Moderator/Other Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Cleveland Local Time: 07:43 PM Posts: 3,267 Offline	Umm, I don't think the weight limit is lower on a 10% max slope. You sure you read that correctly? I'm seeing it as if the slope is below (maximum) 10% you can tow 800kg if its not, you're at 650kg for braked trailers. Magic 8-ball was correct. All be in awe of Magic 8 ball.

Dec 9th, 2003, 11:27 PM	#15 (permalink)
Jeep-2-mini World Traveler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Barrow-in-Furness Local Time: 12:43 AM Posts: 1,200 Offline	I cant say I've pulled anyting up a boat ramp with the MINI either, since I usually use muscle power for launching - the attached photo shows a typical method Mark Attached Thumbnails Lifes a reach ... and then you gybe

Dec 17th, 2003, 04:49 AM	#16 (permalink)
thejunkman MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Tenino, Washington Local Time: 05:43 PM Posts: 8 Offline	You might check the other Mini forum site (North America Motoring). There are a couple of people who offer hitches for the Cooper or the S. Abe

Dec 18th, 2003, 08:02 AM	#17 (permalink)
Electrc109 DRIVER Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ormond by the Sea FL Local Time: 08:43 PM Posts: 691 Offline	Dude, I'm Abe too!!!! I thought you were talking about me!!! =)

Dec 18th, 2003, 08:35 AM	#18 (permalink)
SteveBrass MINI2 Senior My Classifieds Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: staffordshire (not a Local Time: 12:43 AM Posts: 383 Offline	But if you were to tow a boat or ski jet, wouldn't your mini get rather wet? And do you need special wheels to go on water - would there be an aquaplaning issue? R56 AB Cooper

Dec 18th, 2003, 02:42 PM	#19 (permalink)
johncacomanolis MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2003 Local Time: 07:43 PM Posts: 5 Offline	Good point Steve. It's ok for me though since the wife is an airhead and thus will give us plenty of bouyancy. John

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