Soft-Touch and Hard-Touch system for air suspension

Not sure which manometer to choose? We're here to help!

The benefits of air suspension

Air suspension is a crucial element in vehicles such as motorhomes and vans, especially when it comes to driving comfort and stability. However, when choosing an air suspension system, motorists are often faced with a choice between different features, such as soft-touch or hard-touch panel. In this article, we take a closer look at the differences and comparisons between the two.

The function of the control panel

The control panel, also known as the manometer, plays a vital role in air suspension. It regulates the air pressure in the system by inflating or deflating the air bellows. When the air compressor is activated, fresh air is injected into the system, allowing the air springs to deploy and lift the rear of the car. When the air is evacuated from the system, the opposite happens: the rear of the car is lowered.

Soft-Touch vs. Hard-Touch

XIMPLIO offers air suspension control panels in soft-touch and hard-touch versions. Both types perform the same function, but have some differences. To explain the differences and to understand the meaning and all the functions, we will only consider a dual circuit system.  The differences are mainly in the control of one or the other compartment.

Standard/hard-touch manometer

The hard-touch manometer has an electrical switch for the compressor and two filling valve. When the compressor is switched on, air is pumped evenly into the two air bellows. If it is decided that there is less air pressure in one cushion than in the other, the valve can be operated to evacuate the air.

Soft touch manometer

The Soft-Touch control panel, on the other hand, has two combined switches. These combine the functions of an electrical switch and a valve. With XIMPLIO Soft-Touch manometers, the two air bellows can be controlled separately, both during inflation and deflation.

To sum up, the differences are as follows:

• With the Hard-Touch manometer, the pressure in the two air springs is inflated together and deflated separately.
• With the Soft-Touch manometer, the pressure in the two air springs is inflated and deflated separately.

Which pressure gauge is best for me?

The choice between a soft-touch and a hard-touch control panel depends on your personal preferences.

If you want fast inflation and independent control of each air springs, which takes less time, the soft-touch panel may be the right choice. On the other hand, if you don't mind a simpler, more time-consuming control, the hard-touch panel may be more to your liking.

It's important to note that :

• A hard touch panel is slightly less expensive than a soft touch panel.
• Both types of control are available as universal or specific, and for single or dual circuit installations.

Both variants offer their own advantages and can help to enhance the driving experience. At X-CAMPING, you'll find a wide range of air suspension options to suit your individual needs and help you get the most out of your ride.