Mini Factory Crossbars require cutting rubber trim above doors.
Decisions, decisions……. Mini installed factory crossbars or Yakima, Thule brand crossbars. Let Rack Attack give some insight on a call we take daily. “I’m thinking about purchasing this _________ vehicle and need to carry ___________ “. You fill in the blanks but you get the general idea. If your like most people that live an active lifestyle your almost always better purchasing Yakima or Thule racks after the fact. That way your years of Rack Accumulation in the garage can be re-used, recycled. Anything made by Yakima and Thule will attach to their own crossbars made today or 25 yrs ago. This is not always so for most factory installed racks.
Mini Cooper Thule 400xt Aero Crossbars and Yakima Load Warrior Basket
See above for the Thule 400xt Aero Rack – It attached to the vehicle very similar to the Factory Style Crossbars – unfortunately it’s limited to the doors which puts the bars at 24″ apart. The ideal distance for most accessories is 30 – 36″.
Parts needed below for this fit -
Thule 430 Tracker Towers and Tk14 Kit
Here at Rack Attack this is one preferred option for Crossbars as it’s gives you flexibility to mount anywhere on the flat surface of the roof. It is a bolted option – but easily removed when unlocked leaving only the 4 bases (the tracker kit) attached to the vehicle.
Here the parts you will need for Thule Tracker Option (100lbs or less evenly distributed over both bars)
Thule 430 Tracker Towers / or 430R
Thule 430 Quick Disconnect from the TK bases
If you add the Thule lock cores to the 430 Tracker towers it will prevent anyone from just popping off your bars and accessories. Security is always a good idea.
Yakima Control Towers and Landing Pads on Clubman
The Yakima Control Towers and Landing Pad #7 are the prefered fit here at Rack Attack for the Clubman for the reasons mentioned above (if your without the raised factory rail). You can mount these wherever you choose and re-use all your Yakima Accessories.
Yakima Parts used in this application (100lbs or less evenly spread over both bars)
Mini Cooper with Yakima Tracks and Control Towers
For the largest load carrying capacity and flexibility of being able to adjust your load bars installing Yakima or Thule Tracks is the best option for the Cooper (this option will not work on the Clubman unfortunately)
Parts for this application same as above – changing only the Yakima Landing Pad # and adding the Yakima Tracks -
Mini Cooper with Yakima Tracks and Kayak Carrier
Tiny Car – BIG Kayak. Notice the bow and stern lines – very important! The Yakima tracks allow a good distance between the bars and disperse that load nicely over the length of the roof.
Quick Disconnect for Thule 430 Tracker or Yakima Control Towers
If you have any other questions for the experts here at Rack Attack please call 888-399-7225 or EMAIL US
Enjoy your Mini!
