How To: Create Your Own Mini Trailer

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Crashed Mini's aren't for the junkyard anymore,


This is how it all started, a crash damaged Mini City. The engine and front sub frame had already been removed along with all the interior. Anything else that wasn't required was sold and this paid for the shell.



First job was to weld a bar across the back of the doors to keep the shape and strengthen the shell. Then the roof was removed.



Then the front of the car was cut off to make it more manageable.



Next the rear seat back was removed to increase the load space. More bracing welded in place for strengthening and and to support the paneling.



Bracing bars for the hinged lid were welded in place, trying to leave as small an overhang as possible so we don't have to stretch to load up.



A 2" square bar was welded across the floor to stop it flexing. Then a 1" square bar was fixed from top to bottom to support the wheel carrier on the front. The front panel was probably the hardest part to do. On hindsight it would have been better to make it out of two pieces to stop it from buckling.



Next the panel work on the top could begin.



Experimenting with the towing bar to get the correct position bearing in mind that the trailer would be lower when loaded up. We tested this by having two people stand in the back!!



Finally with all the panel work complete, it was starting to look like a proper trailer.



The towing bar was attached to the front box section and to the back of the sub frame. The bar was designed so that it could be removed to save space in the garage. The sub frame had been lightened and all the braking system removed. The only things that remain are the radius arms and the hubs.



After the spray job. It was only painted on the outside to save money, also we carpeted the inside anyway.



Adding the finishing touches was the easy part.



Here it is just before the trimmers.



The trimmer used the same material as used on cabriolets for the cover. This provides waterproof protection that has so far not let any water in.



Here is the trailer attached to the car. It certainly turns plenty of heads, more so than my 30 year old Cooper.



The trailer was finished 2 days before our holiday to Switzerland. We covered 2500 miles in 12 days without any problems. The car only struggled on the mountain passes when we were over 2000 metres altitude. On the motor way it cruises along nicely and still returns good fuel consumption.



Each area has different laws regarding creating your own trailer. Please check with your local authorities!
Mini trailer design/words, by Ian H.