Which steering wheel should I choose for American Truck Simulator?
If you’ve ever hit the road in American Truck Simulator using a keyboard, you know how frustrating driving can get. Stiff steering, no immersion, and hazardous trailer handling are all things you probably encountered. The solution is simple: switch to a real driving setup! But then, which steering wheel should you choose for American Truck Simulator?
In this article, we’ll see what makes a great American Truck Simulator PC steering wheel, compare various options and, above all, discover three gems to transform your gaming session.
American Truck Simulator: Dive into the world of US road transportation
As a reminder, American Truck Simulator is a driving simulator developed by SCS Software that puts you behind the wheel of a big rig criss-crossing the highways of the United States. Thanks to meticulous attention to detail, this game offers an immersive experience where players can run their own transport company, deliver various goods, and explore iconic landscapes like California, Texas or Nevada. With realistic graphics, crisp driving physics, and regular updates adding new states and trucks, American Truck Simulator is a benchmark for simulation and long-distance driving enthusiasts.
That’s why driving with a steering wheel is essential to fully enjoy this game. But which criteria should you consider?
What makes a good steering wheel for American Truck Simulator
Here is what a steering wheel for American Truck Simulator must have to get the best possible feel and immersion
Good force feedback
Force feedback is a key element for total immersion. This allows you to feel the smallest details of the road, like tight turns, speed bumps, loss of grip on wet ground. A good force feedback system faithfully reproduces what you would experience in an actual truck on the road. This improves the precision of maneuvers and gives you a more realistic feel on every trip.
Suitable rotation angle
A truck doesn’t handle like a sports car. You need a steering wheel with a rotation angle of up to 900°, allowing several full turns and smooth manoeuvring. Having too narrow an angle (270° or 360°) makes turning imprecise and less natural. A steering wheel with an adjustable angle allows you to adapt to different situations, whether you have clear large curves on the highway or conduct precise manoeuvring in urban areas.
Strong mounting
Nothing’s worse than a steering wheel that moves in the middle of a turn or, worse still, comes off out of nowhere! That’s why you need secure, stable, easy-to-install mounting to avoid any bad surprises while playing. Reliable mounting ensures that the steering wheel stays in place even during long gaming sessions.
Pedal set
A good pedal set pairs with the steering wheel for even better control over your big rig. Well-calibrated pedals enable you to manage acceleration and braking with your feet. Responsive pedals provide immediate response to player commands, thus avoiding jerks and providing better control, especially under difficult driving conditions.
Compatibility with a gear shifter
For true enthusiasts, a gear shifter is a must-have addition. Being able to shift manually enhances the experience and takes immersion to the next level. This lets you better mimic the driving style of real-life truck drivers and feel all the subtlety of gear shifting, especially when starting uphill or engine braking.
The T128 SimTask Pack: A comprehensive pack including a steering wheel and a pedal set for American Truck Simulator
The T128 SimTask Pack is THE solution for players who want an immersive trucking experience. With its HYBRID DRIVE force feedback, it faithfully reproduces the weight of the truck, turns, and road irregularities.
A kit designed for virtual drivers
This pack not only includes a steering wheel and a pedal set, but also the SimTask Steering Kit, enabling you to position the steering wheel flat, just like in a real truck cab! Add to that a rotary spinner knob for smooth and agile one-handed driving, perfect for using a shifter simultaneously.
Why it’s a great choice
- Powerful and immersive force feedback.
- Adjustable steering wheel (rotation angle from 270° to 900°).
- Adjustable wheel mount for perfect installation.
- Compatible with PC and Xbox.
SimTask Steering Kit: Turn your desk into a truck cab!
If you already have a compatible steering wheel, but want to take your immersion further, the SimTask Steering Kit is what you need.
Comfortable driving position
This mount allows you to position the steering wheel flat, which is essential to feel the weight and span of a big rig.
Simple and robust installation
- Clamp mounting for desks (15-50 mm thick).
- Adjustable height and tilt.
- Compatible with T128 and T248 steering wheels.
If you’re looking for the best American Truck Simulator experience with a steering wheel, this setup is for you.
TH8A Shifter Add-On: For real truckers!
Because you don’t drive a truck on automatic transmission, the TH8A Shifter Add-On is the perfect choice!
A realistic and sturdy shifter
Its all-metal design means the TH8A is built to last. It offers two modes: H (7+1) for an authentic experience and sequential (+/-) for greater versatility. Its rugged construction provides a true shifter feel, making it a must-have accessory for your American Truck Simulator sessions.
Shifting is smooth and precise, giving you the feeling of being in a real-life big rig. The shifter’s height and option of changing out the knob lets you further personalize your driving experience.
An accessory designed to last
Thanks to its ultra-sturdy mounting system, the TH8A adapts to all gaming configurations. Whether you’re playing on a desktop or in a cockpit, it stays in place and withstands the most intense gaming sessions. Its contactless magnetic mechanism provides steady precision over time.
Become the king of American roads!
If you’re looking for a realistic and comprehensive experience, the T128 SimTask Pack is a safe bet. For those who want to push their immersion even further, the TH8A Shifter Add-On is the ultimate accessory.
With this setup, you can finally live the American Truck Simulator adventure.