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The history of Peitz axles: their background and today’s spare parts supply

May 12, 2026

Anyone looking at the chassis technology of older car trailers from the 1970s, 1980s or early 1990s will frequently come across the name Peitz.

Based in Paderborn, the company was for many years a well-known manufacturer of chassis technology, axles and braking systems for light and medium-duty trailer construction. The overrun devices of the “PAV/SR” series and the Peitz wheel brakes were widely used throughout the industry. However, no new axles from this manufacturer are available today.
In this article from Trailer.One, we take a closer look at the history of Peitz, show which companies emerged from the company’s environment following its insolvency, and clarify whether there were any links to its competitor Westfalia.

The successful years and the Peitz brake

In the late 1960s, Peitz significantly expanded the production of rubber suspension axles, torsion bar suspension axles and overrun devices. One of the key factors behind this success was the design of the Peitz servo brake.
Compared to other brakes on the market, this system had a comparatively short overrun travel. As a result, the trailer’s braking system responded quickly. To complement this, Peitz developed specialised overrun devices (such as the PAV/SR and PAH models). These components were robustly engineered and were installed as original equipment by many trailer manufacturers.

The acquisition by BPW in 1986

During the 1980s, Peitz encountered financial difficulties. High production costs and changes within the market eventually led to the company’s insolvency.
In 1986, Peitz was acquired by BPW (Bergische Achsen Kommanditgesellschaft). During a transitional period, the well-known Peitz products continued to be manufactured, in some cases already under the BPW name.
BPW utilised the existing expertise and facilities to expand its own light vehicle technology division (BPW Fahrzeugtechnik in Paderborn). Until the early 1990s, the older Peitz systems continued to be produced alongside newer developments. Towards the end of the decade, production of the classic Peitz components was finally discontinued completely.

The foundation of WAP Fahrzeugtechnik

BPW’s withdrawal from the older product ranges left a gap in the market, although the technical expertise of the workforce remained within the region.
In 1994, WAP-Fahrzeugtechnik GmbH was founded in nearby Borchen. Former Peitz employees were also involved in establishing the company. WAP continued the engineering principles of the Paderborn axle manufacturing tradition and today produces axles, braking systems and overrun devices. To this day, the company remains an established supplier within the trailer industry.

Was there any cooperation with Westfalia?

This is a question we are frequently asked at trailer.one. The answer is: There was no direct corporate connection; the companies were simply based in the same region and competed with one another.
At the time, Peitz in Paderborn and Westfalia in Wiedenbrück formed a regional centre of the German trailer manufacturing industry. Technically, however, they pursued different approaches:

Westfalia used its own patented trailing arm suspension systems with coil springs, as well as its own overrun devices (e.g. WAE).
Peitz generally supplied standard chassis systems (rubber suspension/torsion bar) which were delivered to many different vehicle manufacturers.

There was usually only limited overlap when Westfalia needed to rely on standard supplier components for simpler trailer models. Otherwise, the two companies operated independently.

Spare parts for Peitz chassis systems today

Anyone who still owns a trailer fitted with a Peitz chassis system (e.g. EBD or EBG axles) should be aware of the following when carrying out repairs:

Complete axles: New Peitz axles are no longer available on the market. In the case of major damage, such as a severely corroded axle tube, conversion to modern axles (for example from AL-KO or Knott) is generally required. In some cases, axles may also be professionally repaired.
Wear parts: The situation is considerably better for routine maintenance items. As many Peitz chassis systems are still in use, the aftermarket continues to stock the relevant parts.

Spare parts are still readily available. Whether overrun dampers for the PAV/SR series, brake shoes for the R234-76 or S234R types, or new bellows: in the Trailer.One online shop, we offer a comprehensive range of suitable spare parts to help keep older Peitz systems roadworthy.

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