If you're planning to use your Mini as a tow-car, can I suggest that the help you need isn't mechanical/electrical???
MCS convert. trailer wiriing -puleeeeze help!
My Sport-Link for trailer hitch is installed - hitch hardware on the way. I'm mechanically challenged - and need very specific instructions as to how to at least tell a good mechanic how to install the wiring pigtail for the lights and brake lights.
I know I need an "isolation converter" .. but really need to know WHERE to get one, what I should pay for one ... and a step by step tutorial for my mechanic to install. It may be simple ... but need the directions. Where to buy the parts and even what to ask for is specially critical.
Many many thanks.
I'm a recovering VETTE owner .... and wilth only 700 mi. on the new Mini, I've already had more fun and satisfaction than the last two years of Z06 driving ... seriously . the Z06 is fast, but the MINI has more personality in the bonnet than the entire vette had from nose to rear bumper ...
I know I need an "isolation converter" .. but really need to know WHERE to get one, what I should pay for one ... and a step by step tutorial for my mechanic to install. It may be simple ... but need the directions. Where to buy the parts and even what to ask for is specially critical.
Many many thanks.
I'm a recovering VETTE owner .... and wilth only 700 mi. on the new Mini, I've already had more fun and satisfaction than the last two years of Z06 driving ... seriously . the Z06 is fast, but the MINI has more personality in the bonnet than the entire vette had from nose to rear bumper ...
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I'm not sure if the last reply was a smart alec reply or not ... but I'll reply to it civily and say this ... I'll be towing a small utility trailer to carry my racing tires. Here is USA, alot of us are not just washers and polishers - we use the car as it was intended - drive the hell of out it and when it breaks, we get another one .
The wiring on the mini is not friendly to normal hook ups and the fuses like to blow if additional lights .. like brake lights (on the trailer) and regular night time running lights are added in .. I'm sure there are others that tow .. and I'm seeking their expertise ...
The wiring on the mini is not friendly to normal hook ups and the fuses like to blow if additional lights .. like brake lights (on the trailer) and regular night time running lights are added in .. I'm sure there are others that tow .. and I'm seeking their expertise ...
a) The emoticon at the bottom of the message previous to you would indicate the guy was just funnin' ----relax.
b) while I have not done any trailer wiring in PKT RKT, I have done such things as installing additional gauges, killl switches and lights......I personally have not found any difficulties or differences with the MINI's electrical system.
Hope this helps
b) while I have not done any trailer wiring in PKT RKT, I have done such things as installing additional gauges, killl switches and lights......I personally have not found any difficulties or differences with the MINI's electrical system.
Hope this helps
I've seen the converters online for $80-$90 or so IIRC from several places (I did a google search a while back and some of the advertising companies had them).wheelspinninMini said:I know I need an "isolation converter" .. but really need to know WHERE to get one, what I should pay for one ... and a step by step tutorial for my mechanic to install. It may be simple ... but need the directions. Where to buy the parts and even what to ask for is specially critical.
When we finally order our hitch, I think we're going to find a professional trailer person to install the electricals. I would imagine that the MINIs wiring system isn't all that different from that of a relatively modern 3- or 5-series BMW, so anyone who can install in a car like that should have no problems with the MINI, but I wouldn't want to try it myself at this point.
The converters are wired directly into the battery at one end and then only use the brake light wires to trigger a relay. This will keep you from fritzing the electrics in the lighting system or the computer. From what I understand, this is far different from the lower-power systems typically used for internal lighting, gauges, etc. and a lot more critical.
-Eric
Isolation adapter
Photo of the left fender bin in the boot of my MINI S
http://user.mc.net/~jdewey/MINI/Trailer_hitch/Isolation_adapter.jpg
Photo of the left fender bin in the boot of my MINI S
http://user.mc.net/~jdewey/MINI/Trailer_hitch/Isolation_adapter.jpg
Final Chapter- trailer wiring
JDewey provides terrific info and know-how on the hitch wiring. Only problem I had was obtaining the Hoppy converter. The Mfg, Hopkins, is very arrogant and doesnt seem to want to sell anything other than LARGE orders. After one week of them sitting on my order, I told them to shove it and went another direction.
Drawtite - a very well know brand of hitches and wiring with a wide distribution network has a similiar power converter, part # 48176. My source charged me $40 for the part, $60 to install. A very slick installation and everything works well.
Now there's TWO sources to whip this situation.
JDewey provides terrific info and know-how on the hitch wiring. Only problem I had was obtaining the Hoppy converter. The Mfg, Hopkins, is very arrogant and doesnt seem to want to sell anything other than LARGE orders. After one week of them sitting on my order, I told them to shove it and went another direction.
Drawtite - a very well know brand of hitches and wiring with a wide distribution network has a similiar power converter, part # 48176. My source charged me $40 for the part, $60 to install. A very slick installation and everything works well.
Now there's TWO sources to whip this situation.
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
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