What Anti-Sway Upgrade Is Best For my 2021 Mercedes Sprinter 2500 Towing a Trailer?
Updated 06/20/2026 | Published 06/17/2026
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Question:
I’ve got a 2021 4x4 Mercedes Sprinter Campervan. We just purchased a 6x12 cargo trailer we’ll be using to tow four dirt bikes, fuel and gear totalling about 3400 lbs including the trailer weight. I’m wanting to know what is the best antisway weight distribution hitch or setup for this application? With my van being lifted 2” from the factory because of 4x4, plus and additional 2” lift I’m concerned about crosswinds etc driving across the country. Thanks for any assistance
asked by: Ryan H
Expert Reply:
Hey Ryan,
I totally understand why you're concerned about sway with the extra weight and the lift on your camper van. While you could use a weight distribution hitch for your application, in my experience, an anti-sway bar and air bag system would be more beneficial. Because camper vans are typically tall and top heavy, they experience a lot of sway from the wind, rough terrain, and passing trucks that can make handling difficult and exhausting. Since you're planning on towing dirt bikes, I'm guessing you may be in some rougher terrain which can be hard on weight distribution systems as well.
To help deal with the sway, I recommend adding a rear-anti sway bar to your 2021 Mercedes Sprinter 2500. The Hellwig Rear Anti-Sway Bar part # HE54FR is designed to fit your year and model of Mercedes so it won't require any drilling to install. It's 1 5/16" solid chromoly bar will replace your factory sway bar (if you have one) and will tie the rear axle to the frame to balance weight transfer and cut down on side-to-side sway. So, if the roads are rough or weight is shifting it'll help keep you under control. It'll also reduce constant steering correction coming from windy days or large trucks passing you on the highway.
Because camper vans are heavy from the interior build and with the additional weight from towing, you're probably going to experience squat even with the 2" lift. Because of that, an air bag system would help reduce the squat, but it also absorbs shock and reduce body roll and sway as well. If you've got a 2WD Sprinter, I recommend using the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000, it will mount directly to your frame, is rated for 5,000lbs of load support, and will keep you from bottoming out on rough roads. There are two kits depending on your wheelbase size, part # AL29FF for a 170" wheelbase, and part # AL36FF for a 144" wheelbase. If you have a 4WD, you can use the part # AL96FF for the 144" wheelbase or the part # AL56FF for the 170" wheelbase. You can adjust the pressure in each air bag separately to help accommodate how much support you need for uneven loads as well. If you need an air compressor to inflate them, the AirLift WirelessAIR Compressor system part # AL74000EZ will mount to the Sprinter's frame using an EZ-mount bracket and can be adjusted using a remote or app from your phone to change the pressure in the air bags on command. I've included a link for how this system installs for reference.
Where are you planning on taking your camper van and dirt bikes too next?
Product Page this Question was Asked From
B&W Continuum Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control for 2" Hitch - 16K GTW, 1.6K TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Hydraulic System
- Fits 5 Inch Frame
- Fits 6 Inch Frame
- Includes Shank
- Top-Mount
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 1200 lbs
- 1300 lbs
- 1400 lbs
- 1500 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- B and W
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on Weight Distribution Hitch
Ryan H.
6/19/2026
Thanks for your reply. That said, I’ve already got a Hellwig sway bar installed on the van and I’ve also upgraded all of the shocks to Falcon fully adjustable front and rear along with a beefier leaf pack to go along with the Stryker lift which all came in a package. I’m wondering if what I’ve got already installed will be enough to handle it. I can set the rear and front shocks to o be stiff which will limit squat. I was just thinking some antisway device might additionally help. The van itself is equipped with crosswind control which kicks in automatically during stiff crosswinds. With all of this in mind would adding an additional antisway device for the trailer help more than what I’ve already got?