Mini/BMW as tow vehicle

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Tizeye
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Mini/BMW as tow vehicle

Just joined the forum and didn't see the search function to research, thus this post. In the middle of VW buying back my VW Passat diesel, and while was considering a Jeep GC, I know that would be no issue to pull a 16 Scamp, however, wife has issue with 'large cars'. Talked her out of the Fiat 500x , but the BMW X1/ Mini Clubman/Countryman (all the same chassis and engine) look interesting. Local dealer has VIP into of the new 2017 this Thursday which am most interested in. Unfortunately, BMW/Mini USA are very conservative and don't list towing capacity as they tend to discourage it however, google search shows European spec quite capable 750kg (1650 lb) without braking and 2000kg (4400 lb) with trailer braking. Is anyone using the BMW/Mini as a tow vehicle. Beyond weights limits, another concern would be towing a 16' trailer with a 14.5' vehicle. And haven't checked, but does the 16' Scamp have braking as it would obviously exceed the non-braking limit.

 

ELongest
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Misleading Towing Info.

Mfg's like to overstate towing capability. They will quote a towing weight, but once you read the towing fine print the capability can be as much as 1/3 less than stated. The Subaru Outback is a prime example with tongue weight. electric brakes, temperature and uphill towing limitations. Ford likes to throw in frontal area limitations. The american specs. are reviewed/written by lawyers. If you exceed any of them expect your warranty to be voided and if you are in a wreck expect a lawsuit which your Insurance company won't defend. Read the towing info. in the cars owners manual before buying, don't rely on the sales staff. As for towing a Scamp 16. I would recommend vehicle with a tow rating of at least 3500 lbs.

Eddie  

Tizeye
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Eddie...I agree, towing

Eddie...I agree, towing information from manufacturers is conservative and in many cases, non-existent. Kudos to Ford, GM and Fiat/Chrysler as their owners manual at least have a section "Recreational Towing" where they actually discuss it and address the various types - trailer pull, 4 wheel flat "dingy" tow, raised wheel dolly tow, or prohibited requiring trailer tow. European and Asian cars don't even address it, to a large extent due to "caravaning" is not as developed in their home market as it is in the States so it is an afterthought if it actually goes into the design. An issue with cars with a 3500lb rated capacity - no one stocks them. Looking at the Lincoln MKC with a 3500lb rating, there is an optional tow package that not only adds the hitch (that I could do myself through e-trailer) but also other components, such as anti-sway. Good luck finding a MKC with tow package. LOcally, even the Jeep GC 4x2 with a 6200lb capacity, 99% don't come with a tow package and at only 1 of the 6 dealerships. It is really frustrating.

 

mk evenson
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Scamp 16'

Tizeye, I believe the 16' Scamp comes stock with electric brake.

Mark

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