Tag: Towbar

  • The Great South African Showdown: Why the Jimny is Redefining Adventure

    Here at Towbar Experts, we have a unique view of the South African automotive landscape. We see the trends up close as we fit towbars to everything from rugged 4x4s to versatile family SUVs. Lately, a fascinating shift has taken hold in what adventure means to drivers across the country. It’s a showdown between two icons: the legendary Jeep Wrangler and the spirited Suzuki Jimny.

    For decades, the Jeep Wrangler was the king of off-road. It’s a legend, an armored beast designed for conquering the toughest terrain. This is the dream machine, a status symbol for those who seek the ultimate expression of freedom. But let’s be frank: with a price tag well over a million rand and high running costs, the is a specialist’s choice. Its raw capability is phenomenal, but for many, it’s a vehicle more admired in a suburban driveway than truly utilized on remote mountain passes.

    Then there’s the Suzuki Jimny, a marketing masterclass in understanding the modern South African adventurer. It didn’t try to outmuscle the Wrangler. Instead, it carved out its own path, proving that genuine, go-anywhere fun doesn’t have to break the bank. The Jimny has become a phenomenon, building a massive cult following because it delivers serious capability with a huge personality at a price that makes sense. Jimny owners aren’t just buying a car; they’re joining a vibrant community. They’re out there every weekend, exploring gravel roads, navigating coastal dunes, and actually using their vehicles for what they were built for because they can afford the daily adventure.

    This tells a clear story: South Africans want real adventure, but they demand practicality and affordability too. The Wrangler remains a hero of a past era, admired for its heritage. The Jimny, however, is the new people’s champion, proving that serious fun doesn’t need financial strain.

    Ready for Your Next Adventure? Trust Towbar Experts.

    Whether you drive a Wrangler, a Jimny, or any other vehicle, having the right gear is crucial. We understand the specific needs of each car and provide the highest quality towbar solutions for every model. For the Jimny, we ensure a lightweight and durable towbar is installed to maintain its performance. For a Wrangler, our heavy-duty towbars are fitted to match its strength. We provide a wide range of towbar solutions, from heavy-duty towing to versatile bike rack mounts.

    Ready to gear up for your next adventure?Contact us today and find the right towbar solution for your vehicle.

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  • The Complete History of Towbars: Brands That Shaped the Towing Industry

    The History of Towbars and the Pioneers Who Shaped the Industry

    Towbars have become an essential component for millions of vehicles around the world, enabling safe towing of trailers, caravans, and equipment. But how did this crucial automotive accessory come to be, and who were the manufacturers that shaped its development?

    When you connect a caravan, trailer, or bike rack to your car, you’re tapping into a story rooted in creativity and craftsmanship. From humble beginnings in a 1930s German forge to the sleek, vehicle-specific systems of today, here’s the fascinating evolution of towbars through the eyes of six legendary manufacturers: Bosal, Brink, Oris, GDW, Westfalia, and Steinhof.

    The Spark That Started It All: Franz Knöbel, 1932

    Long before towbars became vehicle-specific accessories, they existed as crude hook or eye couplings. That changed when German engineer Franz Knöbel—from the Knöbel family’s Westfalia-Werke—designed a ball-head trailer hitch in 1932, officially patenting it two years later, on March 14, 1934  inspired (reportedly) by a chicken-bone socket beneath a farm table, Knöbel’s ball-and-socket design transformed towing overnight—universal, versatile, and rock-solid. That moment marks the birth of the modern towbar .

    Westfalia logo - original inventor of the modern towbar with over 90 years of heritage

    1. Westfalia – From Forge to Global Fame

    • 1844: Johann B. Knöbel opens a forge in Rheda-Wiedenbrück en.
    • 1922: Franz registers the company as Westfalia.
    • 1932: Franz invents and patents the breakthrough ball hitch; Westfalia proudly claims the title “Original Towbar Inventor Since 1932” 
    • 1966: Launches Western Europe’s first detachable towbar.
    • 1987: Introduces the fully automatic A40V coupling.
    • 2002: Debuts factory-built electric retractable system.
    • 2016–2023: Joins Horizon Global and the First Brands Group, continuing its legacy

    With over 1 million towbars produced annually and more than 1,700 vehicle-specific fittings, Westfalia’s story is one of engineer-driven innovation.

    Brink logo - Dutch towbar specialist known for innovative trailer hitch systems

    Brink – Forged by Passion

    • 1903: Reint Brink establishes a blacksmith’s shop in Assen, Netherlands .
    • 1960s: Expands to trailer production, then towbars under “RBS”—later renamed Brink .
    • Introduces advanced retractable systems (MX/MXe) across Europe.
    • 2006: Acquires French firm SFEA (Atlux), joining the Thule Group.
    • 2014: Returns to private ownership, expanding operations including in South Africa .

    From humble beginnings to global influence, Brink has shaped towing innovation for over a century.

    Bosal logo - leading global manufacturer of vehicle towbars and towing solutions"

    Bosal – A Century of Dutch Design

    • 1923: Karel Bos founds B + Al in Alkmaar (Bos + Alkmaar) 
    • Evolves from exhaust systems to accessories like towbars and bike carriers.
    • 1965: Launches aftermarket towbar production in South Africa .
    • 1985: Debuts the world’s first detachable towbar
    • 2025: Celebrates its 100-year milestone, earning a “Royal” royal designation in the Netherlands .

    Bosal blends enduring Dutch design with global presence—especially in South Africa.

    Oris logo - German automotive towing technology pioneer and swiveling towbar expert

    Oris (ACPS Automotive) – Engineering Elegance

    • 1955: Otto Riehle launches ORIS in Stuttgart .
    • By the 1970s, introduces the first horizontally removable towbars .
    • 1999–2000: Jörg Riehle takes over; ORIS debuts the world’s first swivelling towbar .
    • 2009: Unveils the first fully electric swivelling towbar .
    • 2023–2025: Integrated into ACPS Automotive, accumulating over 140 patents and earning €440 million in revenue .

    Oris epitomizes tech-meets-style in modern towing solutions.

    GDW logo - Belgian precision-engineered towbars and trailer hitches manufacturer

    GDW – Belgian Precision Since 1952

    • 1952: Germain Deconinck establishes GDW in Waregem (“Germain Deconinck Waregem”) 
    • Specializes in sturdy, precisely engineered towbars for diverse European vehicles
    Steinhof logo - Poland’s largest towbar manufacturer with a strong European presence

    Steinhof – Polish to the Core

    • 1960: Stanisław Steinhof begins crafting towbars in his home in Tarnów 
    • 1981: Opens a larger production facility.
    • 1993: Leadership transitions to Marek Steinhof.
    • 2000: Earns ISO 9000 certification; debuts at Frankfurt Motor Show .
    • 2014–2015: Scales up finishing and painting lines.
    • Today: One of Europe’s largest towbar manufacturers—1,400+ references, 1,000+ employees .

    The Towbar Legacy: From Forge to Function

    What started as a chicken-bone-inspired idea in the 1930s has grown into an industry defined by innovation—from detachable and electric models to vehicle-specific designs.

    Every hitch you attach carries a story—of engineers like Franz Knöbel, of blacksmiths turned industrialists, and of global brands shaping how we tow forever.

  • The Importance of Using SABS-Approved and SARF-Endorsed Towbars

    When it comes to vehicle safety and towing reliability, not all towbars are created equal. A towbar is more than just a metal attachment—it’s a critical link between your vehicle and the load you’re pulling. That’s why using SABS-approved and SARF-endorsed towbars is essential for safety, performance, and peace of mind

    Why SABS Approval Matters

    The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) ensures that towbars meet strict safety and quality requirements. When a towbar is SABS-approved, you can trust that it has undergone rigorous testing for durability, strength, and load-bearing capacity. This certification protects you from the risks associated with substandard towbars, such as structural failures, compromised towing stability, and even road accidents.

    The Role of SARF Endorsement

    The South African Roads Federation (SARF) plays a vital role in advocating for road safety and infrastructure excellence. A SARF-endorsed towbar means it meets industry best practices, ensuring that your vehicle remains roadworthy while towing. This endorsement provides added assurance that the towbar aligns with national safety standards.

    Towbar Experts: Committed to Quality and Safety

    At Towbar Experts, we take no chances when it comes to safety. We exclusively install SABS-approved towbars, ensuring that every product we fit meets the highest standards. Our trusted brands, Brink and Bosal, are internationally recognized for their superior engineering, reliability, and innovation. Whether you need a towbar for personal or commercial use, you can rely on us to provide the best.

    The Risks of Using Non-Approved Towbars

    Choosing a towbar that lacks SABS approval or SARF endorsement can lead to serious issues, including:
    ✔ Compromised safety – Uncertified towbars may fail under stress, putting you and others at risk.
    ✔ Legal and insurance complications – Many insurers require SABS-approved towbars for coverage.
    ✔ Vehicle damage – Poor-quality towbars can strain your vehicle’s chassis, suspension, and braking system.

    Make the Right Choice Today

    When it comes to towing, safety should never be a compromise. At Towbar Experts, we stand by the quality of every towbar we install, ensuring that you drive away with confidence. Trust the best—choose SABS-approved, SARF-endorsed towbars from trusted brands like Brink and Bosal.

    Need a towbar you can rely on? Contact Towbar Experts today!

  • Don’t Be Jorge: The Adventurer Who Learned the Hard Way Why Towbars Matter.

    Jorge, a young, spirited trailblazer with a thirst for adventure, is cruising down a rugged, off-the-beaten-path trail. His car is packed with gear, his heart is full of excitement, and the horizon promises endless possibilities. Jorge is the kind of guy who lives for the thrill of exploration—mountain trails, desert dunes, and hidden forest roads are his playground. But there’s one thing Jorge didn’t pack for his journey: a towbar. And that’s where his story takes a turn.

    On this particular trip, Jorge’s adventurous spirit led him to a remote area where the terrain was as unforgiving as it was beautiful. His car, sturdy as it was, eventually met its match—a deep, muddy ditch that refused to let go. Jorge was stuck. No cell service, no help in sight, and no way to tow his vehicle out. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Jorge realized his mistake: he should’ve installed a towbar.

    The Towbar: A Small Addition with Big Benefits

    A towbar might seem like a simple piece of equipment, but for adventurers like Jorge, it’s a game-changer. Here’s why:

    1. Safety Net for Emergencies: Whether you’re stuck in mud, sand, or snow, a towbar ensures you can be towed to safety. Without one, you’re left stranded, just like Jorge.

    2. Versatility on the Road: A towbar isn’t just for emergencies. It allows you to tow trailers, caravans, or even transport extra gear for your adventures.

    3. Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a reliable way to get help in tough situations lets you focus on enjoying your journey.

    Jorge’s Regret: “I Wish I Called Towbar Experts”

    As Jorge sat in his stranded car, he couldn’t help but think about how different things could’ve been if he’d just called Towbar Experts. They’re the go-to professionals for mobile towbar fitments, making it easy and convenient to get your car adventure-ready. With their expertise, Jorge could’ve had a towbar installed in no time, ensuring he was prepared for whatever the road threw his way.

    But Jorge didn’t call. And now, he was stuck—literally and figuratively.

    Don’t Be Jorge: Call Towbar Experts Today

    Jorge’s story is a cautionary tale for every adventurer out there. Don’t wait until you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere to realize the importance of a towbar. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time explorer, a towbar is an essential addition to your vehicle.

    At Towbar Experts, we make it easy. Our mobile towbar fitment service comes to you, so you don’t have to put your adventures on hold. We’ll equip your car with a high-quality towbar, ensuring you’re ready for anything the road throws your way.

    So, don’t be Jorge. Don’t let a lack of preparation turn your adventure into a nightmare. Call Towbar Experts today and get the peace of mind you deserve. Because when it comes to exploring the great outdoors, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

    Ready to equip your car for adventure? Contact Towbar Experts now and schedule your mobile towbar fitment. Don’t wait until it’s too late—be prepared for every journey!

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