Westfalia towbars not available.

[smallworld74]

Afternoon,

I'm looking to fit a towbar to my T6 Caravelle so I can tow a dinghy. The obvious choice for me was the Westfalia (OEM) version, detachable swan-neck ball, but PFJones have advised me that Westfalia have been bought out, are moving country, and have no stock available. Tried a couple of others and they confirm, can only be put on back order with no delivery date.

Two options: find someone who has stock of this kit or choose something else. So if anyone can point me in the right direction to find one, that would be amazing. Failing that, does anyone have a recommendation for another brand? I only want to have the towbar delivered tomorrow to be fitted next day, so no rush.

Thanks in advance.

 

[matt_w]

Hi,

I was in the exact same position as you with the same vehicle earlier this year. I'm not sure what the crack is with Westfalia, but was told the same back in May.
I fitted the below Brink and I have to say I'm quite pleased with the result.

You are being redirected...

I'll pop some photos on the finished article.

 

[matt_w]

 

[smallworld74]

Thanks Matt,

Looks smart. Do you remember if you needed to get a bumper stiffener? PFJones did recommend a different one which apparently didn't need this.

Fundamentally, you'd hope they'd all basically be as good as each other - I don't imagine they're high-tech bits of kit.

 

[matt_w]

No bumper stiffener required for post 2015 vehicles that have rear seats (or something along them lines) Anyway, the Caravelle already has one in place that you reuse. I also butchered the impact bar that you're supposed to bin, and reused that too. You don't have too, I just liked the idea of the extra protection. A good angle grinder is required if you want to go down that line.

 

[matt_w]

You can see the top blue arrow pointing to the bumper stiffener and the bottom bit is what I chopped up to reuse.

 

[smallworld74]

Good info, thanks. I'll pass this on to my mechanic. I don't trust myself to take our bus apart properly and I certainly don't trust myself to put it back together. I'm unsure as to why you might get rid of the impact bar. When the tow ball is not attached, surely you'd still need it? Thanks.

 

[benp1]

I have a tow trust detachable. Has been great

Westfalia on my previous car. Can't tell the difference

 

[archersam]

I have a tow trust detachable. Has been great

Westfalia on my previous car. Can't tell the difference

I have a Towtrust on mine fitted by a t6 owner and enthusiast in the West Midlands. I drove from Kent to him to give him the business.

 

[smallworld74]

Thanks for the recommendations.