19 replies to this topic

[mini-mad uk]

hey ive been thinkin about gettin a tow bar fittin to my mini and i was wonderin wether itz a good idea an if so were can i get one from, an could i plz have some pics of the underneath of the minis with one on so i can see were they fit onto because i curious were they go.
many thanx

[Guess-Works.com]

I have two styles of towbar, one fitted to the 72, which is about 30mm box section which connects to the rear of the subframe ( 4 bolts ) and then extends to connect to the floor pan through the rear seat squab panel.

I use that for a bike rack, and would easily tow a small trailer or 1/2 mini..

I have another on in the garage which is of slightly different design which is 2 angle bars instead of the box section, and again attaches to the subframe and rear squab, and also the rear valance...

If you're interested PM me, and I'll sort some photies out..

[CharlieBrown]

Can you post the pics anyway GW, just out of interest, please?

[Tom Sanderson]

say a towbar on a mini that was bolted to two gussets welded in the middle of the back subframe
it looked verys strong

I have another on in the garage which is of slightly different design which is 2 angle bars instead of the box section, and again attaches to the subframe and rear squab, and also the rear valance...

i have one of thoes

[Grayedout]

Also note that it is illegal to tow with a Mini built after a certain date as the powers that be decided the car wasn't fit for towing with and removed it's approval.

Will try and find the date !!!

[Guess-Works.com]

Sometime in '98 I believe, so on the safety side.. pre 98 minis can have a towbar.

[Grayedout]

Found it.
"All cars sold here from the 1st August 1998 must be European Whole Vehicle Type Approved. The vehicle maker decides when he applies for approval if the car will be allowed to tow and the car has towbar mounting points built in to the chassis."

[mini-mad uk]

mines a 94 so does that mean i can or cant have one, soz bit thick, well i wonted to make a trailer for me an my m8z bikes (puch bikes) because itz kinda hard 2 fit couple of bikes in the back , ermmmmm could u post the pics on here please because cant fink of anything to write in the pm box soz lol
thanx

[wolfie]

yes you can

dont forget the amount you can tow depends on the curb weight of the tow car, saying that i would not put alot on the towbar as it will stress the subframe mounts quite a bit if there the soft rubber type

try www.towequipe.co.uk search mini they have several mini towbars from saloons though to pickups

witter are prob the best known watling only make towbars for unusual towing vehicals i bought one from watling for my golf clipper convertible

[stevet4361]

Anyone know if these £45 towbars from towequipe are any good?, I'm thinking about putting one on my 85 mini Ritz.

[transtrack]

hi tow bars and minis dont mix in my opinion,the trailer would have to be lightweight thers not much you could carry and a 1985 mini dosnt have the braking ability,to cope with a trailer.But you are still going to do it anyway seriously we have fitted a tow bar to my sons mini I think it came off a Merc we cut it down welded plates to it and welded and bolted it to the subframe.It is now part of the car if we want to remove it it means a new rear subframe,and a lot of work with a angle grinder.It seamed a good idea at the time,dont they all,think twice about it is all I can suggest

[cornflakes5210]

Also remember that if you fit a towbar the value of your vehicle will go down aswell as it would be classed as putting a strain on the engine therefore cheaper cars for me...

[stevet4361]

Thanks for reply, my 85 ritz is something unusual, I beleive its adequate for my needs, ( the towing weight is under 400kg) , the problem being my car has an ERA bodykit, and the towbars ive seen for the mini seem to take a bit of support from the rear valance? which i would find it difficult to work on, I only want something simple to bolt on and legal, Any help appreciated.

[Sprocket]

This has been covered before.

The max towed weight is 450kg with a BRAKED trailor, that includes the weight of the trailor. This is documented in the Rover workshop manuals, and granted is probibly for standard 998 engines, however, note it states BRAKED trailor.

As far as the law is concerned, they will use this as the limits as its the only official documented towing weights for the Mini saloon.

[taffy1967]

Found it.
"All cars sold here from the 1st August 1998 must be European Whole Vehicle Type Approved. The vehicle maker decides when he applies for approval if the car will be allowed to tow and the car has towbar mounting points built in to the chassis."

Yes and Rover didn't bother getting the approval after 1998 since it knew the real Mini was ending soon no doubt?