Westfalia towbar availability / Tow-trust

OtterCali · Mar 4, 2026

Hi,
I have just been in touch with a local towbar fitter having requested a quote for a Westfalia towbar for my T5.1. I am told that the Westfalia is no longer available and have been recommended the Tow-Trust equivalent instead.

I have seen various similar reports from 2025 on problems sourcing Westfalia kit. Can anyone confirm whether this is still a widespread problem or whether there is any likelihood I might be able to source the Westfalia from elsewhere before I commit to getting the Tow-Trust fitted?

Thanks!

Campercon · Mar 4, 2026

I couldn't get a Westfalia for my 6.1 California as I was told they were no longer available. I wanted a detachable one. My fitter got me one manufactured by ORIS which coincidentally is the same make as the one supplied as OEM on my VW ID3. They are a superb job at a price - £800 fitted to my Cali.

KevH · Mar 4, 2026

Westies no longer stocked here following Brexit according to a chap at TF Jones.
I had a Tow-Trust detachable fitted for about £700 including the dedicated harness and am very pleased with it.

Scarlett · Mar 5, 2026

About a year ago I was looking for the Westfalia removable and lockable, but it couldn’t be sourced in the UK then. I went with the tow trust bar and I’ve got no complaints. I think the reason given was that westfalia UK distributor closed? Maybe you could source one from Europe but it might be a hassle given weight (high post costs) and tax? Probably cheaper and easier to go with tow-trust. I seem to remember with the westfalia you need and extra “thing” to stop the rear bumper crushing when you lean on it, whereas with the tow-trust you don’t need the extra “thing”.

Gozzie11 · Mar 5, 2026

Campercon said:
I couldn't get a Westfalia for my 6.1 California as I was told they were no longer available. I wanted a detachable one. My fitter got me one manufactured by ORIS which coincidentally is the same make as the one supplied as OEM on my VW ID3. They are a superb job at a price - £800 fitted to my Cali.

Same here, the detachable Oris towbar is as good quality as the Westfalia!

OtterCali · Mar 5, 2026

Ok, thanks everyone! I’ll go with the Tow-trust then.

OverDub · Mar 6, 2026

Yes went down the same route last year. Happy with our removable Tow-trust for carrying bicycles installed a year ago. ECU coding will allow the LCD screen to show you having a trailer and disable the rear bumper parking sensors so it doesn't pick up the hitch when backing up for our T6.1 ( camera still working ). I would purchase it again and am happy with the quality.