Complete Guide to Lift Kits for Mercedes Sprinter & VW Crafter Vans in Australia

Modern vans like the Mercedes Sprinter and Volkswagen Crafter have become the foundation of many of Australia’s most capable campervan and touring builds — and fitting a suspension lift kit is one of the most popular upgrades for campervan owners across Australia. With more people exploring remote areas and national parks, van owners are increasingly looking for ways to improve ground clearance, off-road capability and overall durability. One of the most common upgrades is an upgraded suspension kit. A lift kit raises the ride height of the vehicle, allowing larger tyres, improved approach angles and greater clearance over rough terrain. For vans used in touring or off-grid travel, this can make a significant difference to both capability and confidence on uneven tracks. It also helps to level the van by raising the rear end in heavy builds, preventing unwanted sag. This guide explains how lift kits work, the options available for Sprinter and Crafter vans, and what van owners should consider before installing one.

Why Van Owners Install Lift Kits

Many vans are designed primarily for on-road commercial use. While they perform okay on sealed roads, ground clearance can be limited when travelling on rough tracks, sand or rocky terrain. This applies more so to the Crafter than the Sprinter — the Crafter 4Motion gains significant capability from a lift kit, and the Sprinter 4WD regains lost height in the rear as a result of factory sagging. The standard 2WD Crafter & Sprinter will also see a noticeable improvement in on-road and off-road performance from the suspension upgrade. This is clearly broken down in Van Creed’s YouTube videos below on suspension for VW Crafter and Mercedes Sprinter

Depending on your vehicle type (e.g. Sprinter 4WD, Crafter 4Motion, or 2WD Sprinter and Crafter models), the 4×4 Proyect kit designed for that vehicle will deliver some or all of the following improvements. Not every improvement applies to every vehicle, as each kit is designed to work with and enhance the existing setup already in place on that specific vehicle.

Improved ground clearance

Raising the vehicle reduces the risk of scraping underbody components on rutted tracks, steep driveways or uneven campsites, opening up far more aggressive terrain that would otherwise be out of reach for a standard van.

Safer water crossings

The additional clearance also enables safer water crossings — depending on your van’s configuration, increased depth can be navigated safely without water ingress.

• This helps keep your interior and conversion protected from water damage.
• Bear in mind that van configurations vary — deeper crossings may require additional waterproofing or preparation. These vehicles are not designed for full water immersion.

Better off-road capability

Lifted vans generally perform better on rough tracks by improving approach and departure, and ramp-over angles, and also increased articulation due to longer travel in the shocks.

Improved touring capability

For vans used in remote touring, extra clearance and suspension travel as well as specific valving make a noticeable difference in comfort over long journeys. The digressive valving automatically displaces oil to absorb bumps and reduce bounce, giving a smoother ride over distance, while extra reservoirs and volume on some shocks hold additional oil for better cooling and less fade. Fitting a quality lift kit is particularly beneficial on heavier builds — upgraded suspension is far better equipped to handle the extra weight of a full campervan conversion than a standard factory setup. The result is better handling and cornering, less sway, and no wandering around the road in windy conditions. The valving and springs are matched to the specific vehicle, giving a planted drive as well as maintaining articulation across the system — not wallowing, but not stiff like a rally car either.

Suspension Lift vs Body Lift

When researching lift kits, you’ll often come across two different types: suspension lifts and body lifts. Some listings simply say “lift kit” without specifying which, so it’s worth checking exactly what you’re getting before you buy.

Suspension Lift

A suspension lift increases ride height by modifying the suspension components. This can involve upgraded springs, spacers or revised suspension geometry. Benefits include:

• Levelling van out with a heavy rear
• increased ground clearance
• improved suspension travel
• better off-road capability
• Less fade on corrugations
• Better cooling
• Smoother tuned design

For most touring and campervan builds, a suspension lift is the most common option.

Body Lift

A body lift, in theory, raises the body of the vehicle using spacer blocks. This creates additional clearance for larger tyres but does not change the suspension geometry or travel. The vehicle underside itself does not gain additional ground clearance, but will raise the body — therefore providing extra clearance to body work, fuel and AdBlue tanks etc., which can be beneficial in certain builds.

Lift Kits for Mercedes Sprinter Vans

The Mercedes Sprinter is one of the most popular platforms for campervan conversions in Australia, and the demand for Sprinter lift kits in Australia has grown significantly — particularly for the 2018+ VS30 models. For touring builds, a moderate lift combined with all-terrain tyres can significantly improve performance on gravel roads, sand and rough tracks. Corrugated roads are also handled more effectively, as the upgraded shocks operate well within their range — unlike standard units, which can be pushed to their limits on rough, corrugated terrain.

Some owners undertaking particularly heavy campervan builds may also need to consider a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) upgrade. A GVM upgrade increases the van’s legal payload capacity to accommodate heavier builds. While GVM upgrade will be necessary if you are over a certain weight, some people may seek out a GVM upgrade as a solution to a sagging rear end. The GVM upgrade will provide heavy duty rear springs however this will compromise the performance of their van due to additional weight and less articulation in the rear. The 4×4 Proyect 7016/7016HD is a better option, adding only 19kg total to the build, lifting the rear and maintaining articulation. Installation of the Sprinter suspension kit is typically completed in 6 to 8 hours. Van Creed provides comprehensive installation documentation for the mechanics who carry out the work. We’ve also put together a list of trusted mechanics across Australia who can handle the installation for you.

Lift Kits for Volkswagen Crafter Vans

The Volkswagen Crafter shares a similar platform philosophy with the Sprinter and is increasingly popular for campervan conversions and touring builds. Slightly different to the Sprinter, a 50mm suspension lift is an all round common upgrade for the Crafter platform. This provides additional clearance and allows for tyre upgrades while maintaining comfortable road handling. Many van builders choose this style of lift because it strikes a balance between improved capability and everyday drivability. It also allows you to level the vehicle front to rear, depending on how the van is loaded. Installation of the Crafter lift kit is straightforward and typically takes 4 to 6 hours and can be completed by one mechanic working alone. Van Creed provides full installation documentation for the mechanics carrying out the work.

Legal Lift Heights in Australia

Lift modifications are regulated in Australia and the allowable lift height varies depending on the state or territory. In many cases, moderate suspension lifts (such as 40–50mm) can be installed without major engineering modifications, but larger lifts may require certification. Van owners should always check the relevant vehicle modification regulations for their state before installing a lift kit.

This is general information and buyers should check their own state’s regulations on this.

Tyres and Lift Kits

One of the main reasons van owners install lift kits is to level the van and give more ground clearance and to allow for slightly larger tyres. Larger tyres can provide:

• improved ground clearance
• better traction in sand and loose surfaces
• stronger sidewalls for touring conditions

However, tyre size should always be chosen carefully to avoid interference with wheel arches or suspension components.

Choosing the Right Lift Kit

When selecting a lift kit, it’s important to consider:

• intended use (touring vs daily driving)
• tyre size plans
• vehicle weight after conversion
• compatibility with existing suspension components

Van Creed lift kits can be purchased directly online at vancreed.com.au. Mercedes Sprinter and VW Crafter 50mm suspension lift kits are available with full fitting instructions included. The current pricing is $7,195.00 for the Mercedes Sprinter and $6,659.00 for the Volkswagen Crafter. Fitting can be arranged through our growing network of recommended installers located across Australia. Contact us for more information.

A well-designed lift kit maintains good road handling while improving clearance and durability. It also gives you the ability to adjust ride height front and rear, ensuring your van sits level regardless of how it is loaded.

Suspension Upgrades for Modern Van Builds

As campervan builds become more capable and travel further into remote areas, suspension upgrades are becoming one of the most valuable improvements owners can make. A moderate lift combined with appropriate tyres and careful vehicle setup can dramatically improve the usability of a touring van while maintaining safe on-road handling.

Browse our full range for Mercedes Sprinter and VW Crafter and purchase directly online at vancreed.com.au. Our kits come with comprehensive fitting instructions, and we have a growing network of recommended installers across Australia who can fit your kit professionally. Visit our website for full product details, specifications and pricing. For specific questions, our contact page is there to help — though you’ll find most answers covered in our detailed product information.