Towbar Brands Compared: Witter vs Westfalia vs Brink

When choosing a towbar, the brand matters. Different manufacturers offer varying quality, fitment, and features. Here's an honest comparison of the major towbar brands available in the UK.

The Major Towbar Brands

Witter Towbars

British manufacturer, established 1950

Strengths:

• Designed and manufactured in the UK
• Extensive range covering most UK vehicles
• Known for quality and durability
• Good availability through UK suppliers
• Reasonable pricing for quality offered
• Excellent technical support

Weaknesses:

• May not cover latest models as quickly as OEM options
• Some detachable systems not as refined as premium brands

Best for:

British vehicles, value-conscious buyers wanting quality, DIY fitters (good instructions)

Price range:

£150-£400 (towbar only)

Westfalia

German manufacturer, OEM supplier

Strengths:

• OEM supplier to Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, and others
• Premium quality engineering
• Excellent detachable systems
• Seamless integration with vehicle electronics
• Often the only choice for perfect OEM-spec fit

Weaknesses:

• Higher cost than non-OEM alternatives
• May need to order through dealers
• Limited range outside German vehicles

Best for:

German vehicles (VW, Audi, BMW, Porsche), buyers wanting OEM-quality, vehicles under warranty

Price range:

£300-£600 (towbar only)

Brink

Dutch manufacturer, part of Westfalia group

Strengths:

• High-quality European manufacturer
• Good coverage across European vehicles
• Innovative detachable systems
• Strong in the UK market
• Often more affordable than Westfalia

Weaknesses:

• Less well-known than Witter in UK
• Availability can vary

Best for:

European vehicles, buyers wanting premium quality at mid-range prices

Price range:

£200-£500 (towbar only)

PCT Automotive

British manufacturer

Strengths:

• UK designed and manufactured
• Good value for money
• Solid range of applications
• Popular with professional fitters

Weaknesses:

• Less refined than premium brands
• Smaller range than Witter

Best for:

Budget-conscious buyers, commercial vehicles, older vehicles

Price range:

£100-£300 (towbar only)

Bosal

Belgian manufacturer, global presence

Strengths:

• Large international manufacturer
• OEM supplier to several brands
• Wide vehicle coverage
• Good quality control

Weaknesses:

• Less UK-focused than Witter
• Customer support can be slower

Best for:

European vehicles, buyers wanting global brand quality

Price range:

£150-£400 (towbar only)

Thule/Brink

Swedish brand (Thule acquired Brink)

Strengths:

• Premium brand reputation
• Integration with Thule accessories
• High-quality detachable systems
• Good for bike rack users

Weaknesses:

• Premium pricing
• Availability mainly through Thule channels

Best for:

Buyers planning to use Thule bike carriers and accessories

Price range:

£250-£550 (towbar only)

Quality Comparison

Materials and Construction

Detachable Mechanism Quality

Which Brand for Which Vehicle?

German Vehicles (VW, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche)

First choice: Westfalia (OEM-spec)

Alternative: Brink (excellent quality, lower cost)

British Vehicles (Jaguar, Land Rover, Vauxhall)

First choice: Witter (UK-designed, good fit)

Alternative: Brink or Bosal

Japanese Vehicles (Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda)

First choice: Witter (good coverage)

Alternative: Bosal

Korean Vehicles (Hyundai, Kia)

First choice: Witter or Brink

Alternative: PCT for budget option

French Vehicles (Peugeot, Citroën, Renault)

First choice: Bosal or Brink

Alternative: Witter

What About "Budget" Brands?

You'll find cheaper towbars from unknown brands online. Consider:

• Type approval: Check for EC type approval (legal requirement)
• D-value rating: Ensure it meets your vehicle's requirements
• Warranty: Reputable brands offer meaningful warranties
• Fitting instructions: Budget brands may lack proper documentation
• Wiring compatibility: May not work with dedicated wiring kits

Saving £50-£100 on the towbar isn't worth the risk when you're towing your family.

Our Recommendations

Best Overall Value

Witter - Quality British manufacturing at reasonable prices with excellent support.

Best for German Vehicles

Westfalia - OEM quality and integration, worth the premium.

Best Premium Alternative

Brink - Near-OEM quality at more accessible prices.

Best Budget Option

PCT - Honest quality for straightforward applications.

Final Advice

The towbar is a safety-critical component. Choose a reputable brand that:

• Has proper EC type approval
• Is recommended for your specific vehicle
• Comes with clear fitting instructions
• Offers a meaningful warranty
• Is supported by your chosen fitter

Your professional towbar fitter will usually recommend brands they trust - their recommendation is worth considering.