Compare prices on a used Volkswagen Transporter towbar from UK breakers. Free part request, no obligation.
Find the right part faster and get quotes direct from UK breakers - free, and no obligation.
Used towbars vary between vehicles - and whether you call it used, second hand or a replacement, matching the right one matters. These are the details breakers need to match the right part to your car - our request form asks them so you only hear from suppliers with the correct part:
Yes, generations matter significantly for towbar fitment on the Transporter. The main generations are the T4 (1990–2003), T5 (2003–2015, with a facelift in 2009–2010), T6 (2015–2019), and T6.1 (2019–present), and towbars are not interchangeable across these platforms as the rear frame, bumper mounting points, and wiring provisions differ completely between them. Always source a towbar from the same generation as your van, and confirm the exact year with the breaker against your registration.
Yes, wheelbase is relevant because the Transporter was sold in short wheelbase (SWB) and long wheelbase (LWB) variants, and rear underframe and bumper arrangements can differ between them. When contacting a breaker, always specify whether your van is SWB or LWB to avoid ending up with a towbar that does not align correctly with your mounting points or bumper cut-outs.
It can matter, because the rear bumper and its associated mounting hardware are sometimes different between barn-door and tailgate variants, and some towbar assemblies are designed around a specific rear-end configuration. When sourcing a used towbar, tell the breaker whether your van has barn doors or a tailgate so they can confirm the part is from a matching vehicle.
The T5 facelift around 2009–2010 primarily affected the front end, but there were some changes to rear panels and bumpers on certain variants that could affect towbar fitment. The generation boundary here is named for a reason – while many T5 towbar components may carry over, whether a specific pre-facelift unit fits a post-facelift van is not something to assume, so confirm directly with the breaker against your registration before purchasing.
Trim level does not affect towbar fitment on the Transporter – the relevant variables are generation, wheelbase, and rear door configuration, not whether the van is a Startline, Trendline, or Highline. That said, wiring loom routing and any factory-fit tow electrics can vary, so it is worth mentioning your trim to the breaker so they can supply a matching wiring harness if needed.
Towbars are a genuine factory and aftermarket fitment across all mainstream Transporter variants – T4, T5, T6, and T6.1 – and were offered regardless of engine or drivetrain choice, making this a straightforward part to source used. The key is matching the correct generation, wheelbase, and rear door style rather than worrying about engine specification, and a reputable breaker will be able to confirm fitment from your registration plate.