Air suspension for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 campervans
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter AWD vehicles are a popular base for campervan and motorhome conversions in Australia. They are used for long-distance touring, off-grid travel and trips that go well beyond sealed roads. Once a Sprinter is converted into a campervan and fitted with extra equipment, accessories and touring gear, vehicle weight can increase significantly. At the same time, these vehicles are expected to perform in a wide range of conditions, from highways and country roads to corrugations, gravel roads, muddy tracks and rough terrain.
That places greater demands on the vehicle, and especially on the suspension system. The standard suspension on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is not always ideally suited to this combination of touring use, added weight and variable load distribution. With heavier payloads, changing weight balance or regular driving on poor surfaces, stability, ride comfort and vehicle control can all be affected. An air suspension system for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter AWD campervans helps improve stability, maintain a constant ride height and provide more control, both on the road and off it.
The benefits of air suspension for a Sprinter AWD campervan
A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter AWD campervan needs to perform reliably in changing Australian conditions. That can mean long days on the highway, gravel roads through regional areas, muddy access tracks, corrugated surfaces or rougher off-road sections. Combined with camper conversion weight, water tanks, batteries, recovery gear and other touring equipment, this places high demands on comfort, stability and control. A properly matched air suspension system helps noticeably improve stability, ride height and overall driving performance.
Within the market for Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 campervan conversions, air suspension still does not always receive the attention it deserves, even though it can make a significant difference.
The main benefits at a glance:
- improved stability
- constant ride height
- reduced body roll
- better load distribution across the axles
- greater comfort and control, on sealed roads and unsealed roads alike
Depending on the system selected, adjustable ride height may also be available, allowing the vehicle to be better matched to different driving conditions and intended use.
Our solutions for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter AWD campervans
VB-FullAir – fully automatic air suspension (2C and 4C)
VB-FullAir completely replaces the original suspension and is available as a 2C or 4C system. This fully automatic air suspension system continuously adjusts to payload and driving conditions.
Depending on the vehicle configuration, the system can be fitted to the front axle, rear axle or both axles.
This solution is ideal if you want maximum comfort, optimum stability and automatic ride height control for highway touring, regional travel and more demanding off-road or off-grid use.
Off-road function of VB-FullAir 4C
In the 4C version, VB-FullAir includes an integrated off-road function. This allows the vehicle to be temporarily raised in specific situations to provide additional ground clearance, for example when driving on gravel roads, uneven tracks or rough terrain.
Exact operation depends on the vehicle configuration and system settings.
VB-SemiAir – auxiliary air suspension (basic and comfort system)
VB-SemiAir supports the existing suspension without fully replacing it. The system is available as a basic system and as a comfort system.
The basic version provides functional support for variable payloads, while the comfort system offers additional options for adjusting the vehicle and improving ride comfort and stability.
This solution is suitable when the campervan is regularly used with changing payloads, for example between day-to-day use, touring setup and fully loaded travel.
VB-CoilSpring – reinforced coil springs
For campervans with a consistently higher payload, VB-CoilSpring is a suitable mechanical solution. These reinforced coil springs replace the original springs and are designed for vehicles that operate under higher loads over a long period.
This solution is permanent and not adjustable.
Mercedes-Benz VanPartner
As an official Mercedes-Benz VanPartner, VB-Airsuspension stands for quality and OEM-level technical integration. This means our air suspension systems are fully aligned with the Mercedes-Benz vehicle concept and officially approved for installation. That gives you the assurance of a solution that integrates seamlessly with your Sprinter AWD campervan, even under intensive use, heavy payloads and regular driving on unsealed roads or in off-road touring applications.
Sprinter AWD campervan uprating and payload upgrade
Campervan conversions and additional touring equipment can quickly push a vehicle towards its maximum permitted weight. This also applies to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter AWD.
In practice, heavy payloads often cause the rear of the vehicle to sag, alter weight distribution and reduce stability. These effects can become even more noticeable on unsealed roads, corrugations and rougher terrain.
It is possible to uprate the Sprinter AWD and increase the vehicle’s permitted weight rating. This requires a technical modification to the suspension system, for example with VB-FullAir.
An air suspension system supports this process and at the same time improves stability and maintains a constant ride height, even under heavy payloads.
In addition, a higher permitted weight rating increases payload capacity. You can carry more, which is a clear advantage on longer touring routes, remote trips and off-grid travel.
Contact a VB-Partner to discuss the options for your vehicle.
Please note: uprating may affect the licence required to drive the vehicle. In Australia, a standard car licence generally covers vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes GVM. In New Zealand, a full Class 1 licence generally allows you to drive a motorhome up to 6,000 kg. If the uprated vehicle exceeds the relevant limit, a higher licence class may be required, depending on local regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Offroad camper
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1. What are the main benefits of air suspension for off-road use?
- Greater stability in crosswinds and when cornering.
- No sagging rear end, resulting in more comfort on uneven surfaces.
- A constant ride height and improved road holding.
- Less movement and vibration in the vehicle.
- More control and confidence behind the wheel.
- Greater comfort on long journeys.
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2. For which off-road campers does VB-Airsuspension offer products?
Within the off-road segment, solutions are available for, among others:
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 / AWD
- Volkswagen Crafter & Transporter 4MOTION
- MAN TGE 4x4
- Ford Transit & Ford Transit Custom
- IVECO Daily 4x4
- Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Jumper
Availability depends on make, model and version.
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3. My off-road motorhome is too heavy. Can I uprate my motorhome?
Yes, in most cases this is possible. Due to conversions and additional equipment, off-road motorhomes are often subject to increased loads. If the vehicle exceeds the maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW), this affects safety and it no longer complies with legal requirements. It is possible to uprate the maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW), but this requires a modification to the suspension system, such as VB-FullAir.
Installing one of our (air) suspension systems does not automatically uprate the vehicle. However, it will be equipped with the correct system and the necessary documentation to make uprating possible. Please contact a VB-Partner to discuss the available options.
Please note: if the legally permitted weight is increased, a different driving licence may be required.
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4. Why choose air suspension for an off-road motorhome?
Off-road motorhomes are often heavier and subject to varying loads due to additional water tanks, batteries and other camping equipment. They also regularly travel on unpaved terrain. Air suspension supports the chassis under these increased and variable loads, maintains a constant ride height and improves stability, comfort and driving characteristics.
More information or a quote?
Are you considering an (air) suspension system for your Mercedes camper, or would you like to find out more? Simply leave your details and receive no-obligation information, personal advice or a quote from an authorised VB-Partner near you.
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