Recommended Solution to Carry 4 Bikes on 2017 Mini Cooper 4 Door with Hardtop

Question

Question:

I was told 11417 would fit my 2017 mini but reading reviews here say otherwise. I wanted to confirm whether or not this would fit because my spare is also under the car. I only have a single exhaust on driver’s side and am looking to use primarily for 4 mountain bike rack and secondarily for small trailer garbage barrels, wheelbarrow, etc..

asked by: PcB

0

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you, but the Curt # C11417 is not a confirmed fit on the 2017 Mini Cooper; it is designed for older models of the Mini Cooper only. The only available hitch confirmed to fit the 2017 Mini Cooper (excluding S and John Cooper Works editions) is the EcoHitch # 306-X7290, which has a 1-1/4" receiver.

With that said, this EcoHitch is a Class I hitch with a 150-lbs tongue weight capacity and you cannot carry 4 bikes on a Class I receiver. I'll also note that you would need to make sure that any trailer you towed was under 1000-lbs total and the tongue weight is kept under 150-lbs. When it comes to the hitch and bike rack, you'd need to keep the total weight of the bike rack and 2 bikes under 150-lbs.

In order to carry bikes, you'd need to use a light weight 2 bike carrier like the Kuat Beta # B202-114 for 2 of the bikes. You would then need to install a roof rack like the Inno Roof Rack kit using parts # INXB100-2, # INXS200, and # INK463 and add roof mounting bike carriers like the Inno Tire Hold # INA389 or the Swagman # S64720 if you're looking for something a bit more economical.

If you want to use this hitch to tow a small trailer, you will also need a wiring harness, ball mount and hitch ball. You can use the Curt # C45021 for the ball mount and hitch ball # C40001 for 1-7/8" couplers. For a wiring harness I recommend using the Tekonsha # 119190KIT because the Tekonsha converter boxes are traditionally more reliable over time than some of the other ones available. These parts would give you everything you need to tow a small trailer with your 2017 Mini Cooper.

I've linked some informational videos on these parts for you to have a look at, as well.