Westfalia detachable towbar replacement key

Mr H
Mr H Forum Participant Posts: 356
100 Comments
edited March 2016 in Parts & Accessories #1

I have a new Westfalia tow bar with a special key with a red knob on the end. This does not fit onto a key ring so I am sure it will get lost sometime. So I thought I would buy a replacement. I have found a company that wants £19.75 for a replacement so thought I would have a standard type key made. However, the number on the original key is different from that on the barrel. Have any of you come across the same problem? Assistance greatly appreciated. 

Comments

  • huskydog
    huskydog Club Member Posts: 5,460 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #2

    looks like a standard type key that any key cutting shop could do ( I charge £2.95 ) , just looked on line and some sites want £ 3.95 per key , where did you get £19.75 from ,bit of a rip off 

  • Mr H
    Mr H Forum Participant Posts: 356
    100 Comments
    edited March 2016 #3

    The price was for an approved Westfalia key. It is made without the round piece on the end of a standard key which is replaced by a red disc mounted at right angles rather like a thumb screw. I do not think anyone could make a copy without taking off the
    red plastic unless there is a special fixture to hold it.

    On another forum it seems if you lost your key you would need to go to a registered installer and they would 'borrow' a full set of keys from Westfalia in order to establish which key you would need. Still cannot understand why the number on the barrel is
    not the same as that on the key. Seems a bit of a "falia" to me.

     

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2016 #4

    As the key can only be removed when the towball is on the car, it's only while towing that you have a chance of losing it.Wink My Westfalia bar
    did come with 2 keys Undecided

  • Mr H
    Mr H Forum Participant Posts: 356
    100 Comments
    edited March 2016 #5

    I only got one key when it was installed. Still can't understand why it needs to have special key. Now we have to find a safe place to put it whilst the tow bar Is attached. 

  • Mr H
    Mr H Forum Participant Posts: 356
    100 Comments
    edited March 2016 #6

    I have managed to buy two spare keys for £3.50 each, using the number on the lock barrel. So there is no need to buy a Westfalia special key at £19.75. I have mentioned this in case anyone else loses their key.

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2016 #7

    I have managed to buy two spare keys for £3.50 each,  ..... So there is no need to buy a Westfalia special key at £19.75.  ...

    That's some mark up Surprised Glad you're sorted Cool

  • huskydog
    huskydog Club Member Posts: 5,460 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #8

    As I said , just a standard Yale key ............. 

    why pay an inflated price for something that is not special

  • Mr H
    Mr H Forum Participant Posts: 356
    100 Comments
    edited March 2016 #9

    Thanks for your posts guys.

  • lorraine13
    lorraine13 Forum Participant Posts: 1
    edited April 2018 #10

    Hi Mr hAre just bought car with westfalia towbar no keys can you remember  web site for replacement keys using barrel number to lorraine

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2018 #11

    my westfalia came with 2 keys and the key number was written in the book and on the warranty sheet from fitting company but didn't come with cover for when key is removed. must say it's a lot easier than the witter one we had. is the spare not in the bottom of the storage bag.

  • Mistral107
    Mistral107 Forum Participant Posts: 26
    edited June 2018 #12

    We have just bought a Volvo V50 and we need a tow bar fitted. the Garage that sold the car to us gave us a Westfalia detachable towbar that they'd taken off another car and forgot to put it back on and now cant remember what car it was, but as soon as we said we had to get a tow bar fitted, they gave us that one.  It has no key.  I am guessing I can use the number on the barrel? And then I shall sell it.  Are they a pretty universal fit??  We know it don't fit our volvo as it doesn't appear to have the cross bar fitted for the Westfalia to fit into. I was hoping to flog it and put towards the cost of a towbar.

     

  • Les Bowie
    Les Bowie Forum Participant Posts: 1
    edited August 2018 #13

    Hi Mr H can you please tell me where to get replacement key for me westfalia tow are I have the barrel number.

    many thanks

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2018 #14

    I made a hole in the spare wheel polystyrene where the jack and brace are so the spare key fits nice and tight. always there when/if I need it.  

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