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 Posted: Oct 1, 2013 10:35AM
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As others have said, leave the keys in the ignition (first click) to keep the steering lock UNLOCKED.

Presumably you'll be using an A frame to connect to the towing car ?  Be sure the A frame is mounted tight.

Car engines make CO2 and trees absorb CO2. By running your engine you're feeding a tree and helping the environment.

 Posted: Oct 1, 2013 06:32AM
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Pulled lots of trailers with cars on them but flat towing is new to me.

Thanks for all the advice I will let you know how it goes.

'67 Mini Cooper van conversion. 

 Posted: Oct 1, 2013 05:21AM
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US
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr Mini

It hasn't been said yet, but please make sure the Mini is in NEUTRAL while you are moving.  That is, if the Mini is a manual transmission car.  You cannot flat tow an automatic Classic Mini without taking the driveshafts/axles out and replace them with stripped out CV joints.  Also, never try backing up with a vehicle on a tow bar.  As you will be stopping for fuel along your trip, make sure and give the Mini a walk around at every stop.  Check to make sure all the tires look good, car is still in N, tow bar is still tight, etc.  Good luck.

X2 Good stuff, Hugh!

N J

Sarcasm - Because beating the crap out of someone is illegal.

Avatar:  'B, bye Veruca. Luv ya.

 Posted: Oct 1, 2013 03:23AM
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It hasn't been said yet, but please make sure the Mini is in NEUTRAL while you are moving.  That is, if the Mini is a manual transmission car.  You cannot flat tow an automatic Classic Mini without taking the driveshafts/axles out and replace them with stripped out CV joints.  Also, never try backing up with a vehicle on a tow bar.  As you will be stopping for fuel along your trip, make sure and give the Mini a walk around at every stop.  Check to make sure all the tires look good, car is still in N, tow bar is still tight, etc.  Good luck.

"Retired:  No Job, No Money, Wife and I!  Will travel anywhere for Minis"

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 Posted: Sep 30, 2013 06:30PM
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 Posted: Sep 30, 2013 01:34PM
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I have my towing lights inside the mini on the rear parcel shelf. Not had any problems with them there.

"How can anything bigger be mini?"

 Posted: Sep 30, 2013 01:10PM
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I towed my MK3 Mini behind my classic GMC motorhome for over 12,000 miles with no apparent harm to the car's components. Being a car that has a steering wheel ignition lock, I added a battery disconnect so that the steering wheel was free to move. Randy

 Posted: Sep 30, 2013 12:59PM
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Also be careful when reversing. After a long day on the road I forgot about the trailer. I reversed up and tore a hole in the side of my SUV.  This was pre-mini ownership though!

 Posted: Sep 30, 2013 12:48PM
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"Easy does it" is your mantra. Allow for increased braking distances!

I used the "tabbed' tow lights, trapped in the closed bootlid. I flat towed for many miles with few issues, first with a Maxima, then an S Series P/U.

X2 with an exclamation point ! on Mur's note about the unlocking the steering wheel. Not doing so may or may not pull the tires off the rims, but it will make turning considerably difficult and scrub a lot of rubber off needlessly.

 I put a piece of yellow tape on the top center on the steering wheel so I could check it's position as I turned.

 Oh, and be sure to torque your lugnuts and release the handbrake before leaving (ahem!).

 You'll get used to the shock of 'that nut following so close behind you' after a few miles.

N J

Sarcasm - Because beating the crap out of someone is illegal.

Avatar:  'B, bye Veruca. Luv ya.

 Posted: Sep 30, 2013 12:36PM
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What's your tow vehicle? I've flat towed twice with a Windstar Minivan and Sprinter based motorhome. The Windstar was fine but the motorhome not so much. Motorhomes with a lot of overhang from the rear axle are not so good because in turns the rear swings out and counteracts the turning motion resulting in dragging and scuffing with the potential of tearing off a tire.

The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it. G.B.S. Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. Oscar Wilde

//www.cupcakecooper.ca/

 Posted: Sep 30, 2013 12:23PM
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One thing you need to watch for is sharp turns. (such as pulling out of a driveway) As the steering on the towed vehicle unwinds, it can go past center, self correct and set up an oscillation with the steering wheel banging back 'n forth looking like it's being driven by a possessed ghost....

 Posted: Sep 30, 2013 11:55AM
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//restorationmini.com/forum/index.php?page=page3689

 Posted: Sep 30, 2013 11:52AM
mur
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Leave the steering column unlocked.  It then turns as the car is turned.  Not doing this can pull the tires off of the rims, or so I have been told.

Minis have solid brake lamps with separate left and right turn lamps, whereas most towing in North America uses Left, Right, and park.  Magnetic lamps help with this, but they can marr the paint.  I'd use magnetic lamps AND power the car's park lamps.

Be sure to fit a safety chain system.  This should be able to connect the car and the tow vehicle without touching the exact points of the tow bar fitting.  Safety chains should cross under the coupler.

I wouldn't flat tow a mini unless I absolutely had to.  I would only tow a mini that is completely able to cover the distance on its own, so, as a convenience thing to deliver the vehicle towing the mini or something similar.

 Posted: Sep 30, 2013 11:13AM
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I know there has been other posts here but I have a few questions.

Do I need to tie off the steering wheel when towing?

Spend the time to hook up the Mini's lights to the tow vehicle or just use the magnetic lights?

This will be the first time for me to flat tow any car so maybe some do's and don'ts?

 

Thanks!

 

'67 Mini Cooper van conversion. 

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