Get DRIVING TIPS -> Trailer and rear carrier Guide for Mini Countryman SUV Third Generation (2023-2026)

DRIVING TIPS

Trailer and rear carrier

Loading

Vehicle features and options

To load the trailer, distribute the cargo as

evenly as possible over the loading surface.

This chapter describes model-specific

equipment, systems, and functions that are

currently available, or may become available

in the future, even if they are not present in

the vehicle.

Stow the cargo as low and close to the

trailer axle as possible. A low center of

gravity in the trailer increases the driving

safety of the entire trailer.

Additional information:

Do not exceed the approved gross vehicle

weight of the trailer and the permissible

trailer load of the vehicle. The smaller value

applies in each case.

Vehicle equipment, refer to page 8.

Using trailers and rear carri-

ers

Tire pressure

When towing a trailer, follow the tire

pressure specifications for the vehicle and

trailer.

Principle

The trailer and rear carrier, e.g., rear bicy-

cle rack, can be connected to the vehicle.

When driving with a trailer or rear carrier,

you must follow certain values and specifi-

cations for drawbar nose weight, load, tire

pressure, exterior mirrors, and electrical

consumption.

For the vehicle, the tire inflation pressure

for higher loads applies.

For the trailer, the specifications of the

manufacturer apply.

After correcting the tire pressure or con-

necting or disconnecting a trailer, reinitial-

ize the Flat Tire Monitor or reset the Tire

Pressure Monitor.

General information

Additional information:

The permissible trailer loads, the axle loads,

the drawbar nose weights, and the permissi-

ble gross vehicle weight are specified in the

technical data.

–

Tire pressure specifications, refer to

page 330.

–

Flat tire monitor, refer to page 352.

Tire pressure monitor, refer to page 345.

Drawbar nose weight

The maximum payload of the towing vehicle

is reduced by the weight of the trailer hitch

and the drawbar nose weight. The drawbar

nose weight increases the vehicle weight.

Do not exceed the approved gross vehicle

weight of the towing vehicle.

Exterior mirrors

Exterior mirrors, which bring both rear

edges of the trailer into the driver's field

of vision, are available as optional accesso-

ries from an authorized service center or

another qualified service center or repair

shop.

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Follow the instructions for maintaining the

trailer hitch mount.

Electrical consumption

General information

To preserve the vehicle battery and reduce

electrical consumption, keep the switch-on

times of power consumers short during

camper operation.

Additional information:

Caring for special components, refer to

page 389.

Safety information

Trailer lighting

Before starting a drive, make sure that the

trailer lighting is working properly.

Warning

While driving, high temperatures can oc-

cur underneath the vehicle body, for in-

stance caused by the exhaust system. Con-

tact with the hot components can cause

burns. There is a risk of injury. Do not

touch hot components. Do not perform

work in the vicinity of hot components

until after they have cooled down.

The output of the trailer lighting should not

exceed:

–

Turn signals/brake lights: 54 watts per

side.

–

Tail lights: 100 watts total.

Reversing lights: 54 watts in total.

Removing the cover

Mount for trailer hitch

Principle

The trailer hitch mount is located at the rear

of the vehicle and is used to mount a trailer

hitch.

General information

Pull the cover to the rear out of the mount

and stow it in your vehicle.

The mount for the trailer hitch is located on

the rear of the vehicle.

Information on suitable trailer hitches is

found on the underside of the mount, see

arrow.

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Trailer and rear carrier

Trailer power socket

Warning

If the trailer safety line or the trailer

safety chain is not fastened correctly, the

safety line or safety chain may get caught

and cause damage to the vehicle or trailer.

There is a risk of accident. Before driving

with a trailer, correctly couple the trailer

safety line or the trailer safety chain to

the eye of the trailer hitch. Ensure that the

safety line or safety chain can move freely

and is not dragging on the ground.

The trailer power socket is located to the

left of the trailer hitch mount.

Loops for trailer safety chain

General information

Driving with trailers or rear

carriers

Principle

To drive with a trailer or rear carrier, your

vehicle must meet certain requirements,

e.g., trailer towing is activated. In certain

driving situations, you must follow given

instructions for correct handling of your

trailer or rear carrier, e.g., when driving up-

hill or downhill.

When driving with a trailer or rear carrier,

some driver assistance systems may be re-

stricted or not available. A Check Control

message is displayed where applicable. The

driving stability control systems, e.g., Anti-

lock Braking System, are still available.

Two eyes can be found on the mount for the

trailer hitch for attaching the trailer safety

chain.

Safety information

Warning

Additional information:

–

Driver assistance systems, refer to

page 214.

If the trailer safety line or the trailer

safety chain is not fastened correctly, the

trailer may unintentionally come loose.

There is a risk of accident. Before driving

with a trailer, correctly couple the trailer

safety line or the trailer safety chain to the

eye of the trailer hitch.

–

Driving stability control systems, refer

to page 209.

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When the trailer socket is occupied or

trailer towing is activated, some driver as-

sistance systems may be restricted or not

available. A Check Control message is dis-

played where applicable.

Safety information

Warning

Depending on the design and load-

ing of trailers, they may begin

swinging at speeds exceeding approx.

50 mph/80 km/h. There may be a risk of

accidents or risk of damage to property.

Safety information

Warning

Adapt your speed when driving with a

trailer. Immediately brake in the case of

swinging. Apply necessary steering cor-

rections as carefully as possible.

If the Interaction Unit is configured in-

correctly, some driver assistance systems

may have limited functionality or malfunc-

tion completely. There is a risk of accident.

Make sure that the corresponding setting

is enabled when using the trailer or rear

carrier.

Warning

The tire inflation pressure must be ad-

justed to the increased axle weight in

trailer towing. Driving with too low tire

inflation pressure can damage the tires.

There may be a risk of accidents or risk

of damage to property. Do not exceed a

speed of 60 mph/100 km/h. Increase the

tire pressure of the towing vehicle by

0.2 bar/3 psi. Note the maximum possible

tire inflation pressure indicated on the

tire.

Activating/deactivating trailer towing

manually

Trailer towing can be activated or deacti-

vated manually.

1. Go through the menu as follows: Apps

menu / "Vehicle" / "Driving settings" /

"Driver Assistance" / "Trailer mode" /

"Type".

2. Select whether you are driving with or

without a trailer/rear carrier.

Using a trailer or rear carrier

General information

When the trailer power socket is occupied,

a drop-down menu appears on the Interac-

tion Unit. The menu can be used to specify

whether the vehicle is being driven with a

trailer or rear carrier.

Maximum speed

The maximum permitted speed for the ve-

hicle-trailer combination can be set when

towing a trailer. Depending on vehicle

equipment, this setting is considered by

speed limit systems.

1. Go through the menu as follows: Apps

menu / "Vehicle" / "Driving settings" /

"Driver Assistance" / "Trailer mode" /

"Max. speed".

Some driver assistance systems may have

limited functionality or may malfunction

when driving with a trailer or rear carrier,

e.g., rear bicycle rack, and an unoccupied

trailer power socket. To avoid malfunctions,

activate use of the trailer or rear carrier

manually.

2. Select the desired speed.

Additional information:

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–

Speed Limit Info, refer to page 214.

With the Trailer Assistant, the steering

wheel is not used to steer the vehicle-trailer

combination when reversing. The vehicle-

trailer combination is steered by continu-

ously entering and correcting the articula-

tion angle on the Interaction Unit or using

the buttons for adjusting the exterior mir-

rors. The articulation angle is the angle be-

tween the vehicle and trailer. This angle is

thus the desired direction of travel for the

vehicle-trailer combination in reverse.

Speed Limit Assistant, refer to page 236.

Uphill grades

Permissible gradients

Trailer towing is permitted up to gradients

of 12 %.

If higher trailer loads are approved at a later

point in time, the permitted gradient limit is

8 %.

When reversing, the system takes control of

steering the front wheels. The driver must

control the speed using the accelerator and

brake pedals.

Driving off on uphill grades

When driving off on gradients with a ve-

hicle-trailer combination, use the parking

brake to prevent the vehicle-trailer combi-

nation from rolling backwards.

Vehicle features and options

This system may not be available in the

owned vehicle, e.g. due to the selected op-

tional equipment, the national-market ver-

sion or the option for later enabling and

software updates. This also applies to indi-

vidual functions of the system.

1.

On the switch cluster, press and

release the parking brake button shortly

before driving off.

The parking brake is set.

For information on whether a function is

currently available in the vehicle or when

the function can be installed in the vehi-

cle, contact an authorized service center or

another qualified service center or repair

shop.

2. Step on the accelerator pedal suffi-

ciently to drive off.

The parking brake is automatically re-

leased when the accelerator pedal is ac-

tivated.

Additional information:

Hills

Vehicle equipment, refer to page 8.

Vehicle-trailer combinations tend to sway

more on hills.

General information

Manually downshift to the next-lowest gear

before driving on a hill and drive downhill

slowly.

Follow the information in the "Parking as-

sistance systems" chapter.

Additional information:

Parking assistance systems, refer to

page 242.

Trailer Assistant

Principle

The Trailer Assistant helps when reversing

with a trailer.

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A message on the Interaction Unit prompts

the driver to drive forward at low speed

while steering actively.

Safety information

Warning

The system cannot serve as a substitute

for the driver’s personal judgment in as-

sessing the traffic situation. Based on the

limits of the system, it cannot independ-

ently react to all traffic situations. There

is a risk of accident, injury, or property

damage. Adjust driving style to traffic con-

ditions. Watch the surrounding traffic sit-

uation closely, be ready to take over steer-

ing and braking at any time, and actively

intervene where appropriate.

Turning operating tips on/off

The Trailer Assistant operating tips provide

specific information for operating the sys-

tem properly. The operating tips can be

turned on/off.

1. Select a MINI ID or driver profile on the

Interaction Unit.

2. Go through the menu as follows: Apps

menu / "Vehicle" / "Driving settings" /

"Driver Assistance" / "Parking" / "Trailer

Assistant tips".

Warning

Reversing with the Trailer

Assistant

The Trailer Assistant can be used for re-

versing with a trailer.

The system can steer the vehicle over or

onto curbs. There is a risk of injury or risk

of damage to property. Watch surround-

ing traffic closely and actively intervene

where appropriate

1. Attach and connect a trailer to the vehi-

cle.

2. Teach the Trailer Assistant.

Functional requirements

The following functional requirements apply

for the Trailer Assistant:

3. Depending on vehicle equipment and

national-market version, activate trailer

towing on the Interaction Unit.

–

A trailer is attached and connected.

The system is taught for the trailer to be

used.

4.

When your vehicle is stopped,

press the Park Assist key on the switch

cluster or engage reverse gear.

–

Depending on vehicle equipment and

national-market version, trailer towing

is activated.

The parking assistance systems view is

displayed.

–

The rearview camera is clean and clear.

5. On the bottom toolbar, select the follow-

ing function: "Trailer Assistant".

Vehicles with removable trailer hitch:

Only use suitable accessories approved

by the vehicle manufacturer.

The rearview camera display appears

with a view of the tow bar and a stylized

view of the vehicle with trailer.

Teaching the Trailer Assistant

Whenever you hitch a trailer, the Trailer

Assistant must be taught again.

6. Confirm or turn off operating tips as

necessary.

7. If necessary, shift into reverse.

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–

In case of a slippery surface.

8. Set the desired articulation angle.

When the vehicle is rolling such as on a

slope.

Follow the instructions on the Interac-

tion Unit.

–

In case of changed ambient conditions.

9. Take your hands off the steering wheel

and carefully drive off using the acceler-

ator pedal and the brake.

If the vehicle speed exceeds approx.

6 mph/10 km/h.

The status symbol for the Trailer

Assistant illuminates green. The system

takes over the steering.

Activating/deactivating the trailer

brake

When driving in reverse, observe the

vehicle's surroundings.

The trailer brake intervention system helps

prevent the vehicle-trailer combination

from rolling away in an uncontrolled way.

Whenever the Trailer Assistant is canceled,

the trailer protection brake is applied and

the vehicle is secured at a standstill. The

trailer brake can be activated/deactivated

on the Interaction Unit.

In case of obstacles, stop immediately

and take over steering.

10. If necessary, adjust the kink angle while

driving to correct the direction.

11. Engage selector lever position P when

you are finished maneuvering.

Go through the menu as follows: Apps

menu / "Vehicle" / "Driving settings" /

"Driver Assistance" / "Parking" / "Trailer

protection braking".

Canceling the Trailer Assistant

manually

Maneuvering of the car-trailer combination

can be aborted manually:

System limits

Speed threshold

On the bottom toolbar, select the following

function: "Cancel".

The maximum speed is limited to approx.

6 mph/10 km/h.

Canceling the Trailer Assistant

automatically

The Trailer Assistant is canceled automati-

cally in situations such as the following:

If the maximum speed is exceeded, the

function is interrupted.

A warning is given at a speed of approx.

4 mph/7 km/h.

–

When the driver grasps the steering

wheel or takes over steering.

Functional limitations

The Trailer Assistant may be restricted in

the following situations:

–

When shifting from reverse gear to se-

lector lever position D, the Trailer Assis-

tant switches to standby mode.

If reverse gear is engaged again after

a short distance, the function is active

again.

–

Trailers with fifthwheel steering are not

supported.

Accessories on tow bar, e.g., a rear bicy-

cle rack.

–

During activation or intervention by

driver assistance systems.

Tow bars and trailers with unusual

shapes.

When overlaying messages on the Inter-

action Unit display.

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–

Unsuitable removable trailer hitches.

Rearview camera is dirty or covered.

–

If Dynamic Stability Control is deacti-

vated or has malfunctioned.

When the power consumption of a

trailer is too low, for instance due to

tail lights with LED technology, to be

detected by the system.

Additional information:

Cameras, refer to page 34.

Trailer stabilization control

Brake Controller

Principle

Trailer stabilization control helps by absorb- Trailer brakes only work if a brake control-

ing the swinging movements of the trailer.

ler is installed.

The system detects swinging and automati-

cally brakes the vehicle quickly in order to

leave the critical speed range and stabilize

the trailer.

Trailer brakes will not work without the

brake controller.

The vehicle manufacturer recommends hav-

ing the brake controller installed by an au-

thorized service center or another qualified

service center or repair shop. Incorrect in-

stallation or pinning of the connector can

cause the trailer lights and brake system to

fail.

General information

If the trailer power socket is occupied but

a trailer has not been hitched, the system

can also become active in extreme driving

situations, e.g., when using a bicycle rack

with lighting.

For information on installing a brake con-

troller, contact an authorized service center

or another qualified service center or repair

shop.

Functional requirement

To use trailer stabilization control, the fol-

lowing functional requirements must be

met:

Rear carriers

–

A trailer is attached.

Principle

Rear carriers, e.g., rear bicycle racks, are

devices that are mounted on the vehicle in

order to help transport cargo.

The trailer power socket is occupied.

Vehicle speed must be more than ap-

prox. 40 mph/65 km/h.

When driving with a rear carrier, you must

follow various specifications, e.g., correct

load.

System limits

The system cannot intervene or not inter-

vene in time in the following situations, for

instance:

General information

Rear carriers recommended by the manu-

facturer of the vehicle are available as op-

tional accessories.

–

If a trailer jackknifes suddenly, for in-

stance on slippery roads or loose surfa-

ces.

–

If a trailer with a high center of gravity

tilts, before swinging is detected.

Rear bicycle racks for a maximum of three

bicycles can be used.

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Only use rear carriers that are mounted di-

rectly on the mount for the trailer hitch.

Additional information:

–

Electrical consumption, refer to

page 315.

Installation

Follow the assembly instructions for the

rear carrier when installing.

–

Driving with trailer or rear carrier, refer

to page 316.

Driving with a rear carrier

When loaded, rear carriers move the vehi-

cle's center of gravity, which affects how

the vehicle handles and steers.

Loading

Therefore, note the following when loading

and driving:

–

Do not exceed the gross axle weight

rating and permissible gross vehicle

weight.

–

Drive cautiously and avoid driving off

and braking with jerky movements or

fast cornering.

The permissible gross weight of the loaded

rear carrier depends on how far its center of

gravity is from the ball head.

–

If the center of gravity is up to 11.8 in-

ches/30 cm from the ball head, the gross

weight of the rear carrier must not ex-

ceed 165 lbs/75 kg.

–

If the center of gravity is 23.5 in-

ches/60 cm from the ball head, the gross

weight of the rear carrier must not ex-

ceed 77 lbs/35 kg.

–

Stow heavy cargo as close as possible to

the ball head.

Fasten cargo securely to the rear carrier,

making sure it will not slip.

Before driving

Before starting your trip, make sure that the

tail lights on the rear carrier are working.

The maximum output of the rear carrier tail

lights should not exceed that of the trailer

lighting.

Activate trailer towing when necessary to

prevent functional limitations and malfunc-

tions of driver assistance systems.

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DRIVING TIPS -> Trailer and rear carrier for Your Mini Countryman SUV Third Generation (2023-2026)

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