I Tested the Ultimate American Truck Simulator Setup for the Most Realistic Driving Experience
If you’re anything like me, diving into American Truck Simulator isn’t just about driving from point A to B—it’s about fully immersing yourself in the experience of life on the open road. But to truly capture that feeling, having the right setup is crucial. From the controls to the environment, every detail can make a huge difference in how real and enjoyable the game feels. In this article, I want to share my journey and insights on creating the perfect American Truck Simulator setup that brings the thrill of trucking right to your fingertips.
I Tested The American Truck Simulator Setup Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
HORI Truck Control System for Windows 11/10 with Force Feedback Steering Wheel, Shifter Control Panel, & Pedals
USB American Truck Simulator Shifter, Gearshift Knob Fit for ATS & ETS2 Games, PC Sim Racing Shifter Compatible with Logitech G27 G29 G920 Thrustmaster TH8A Fanatec SQ
Logitech G Driving Force Shifter – Compatible with G29, G920 & G923 Racing Wheels for-PlayStation 5, Playstation 4, Xbox-Series X|S, Xbox-One, and-PC
GTPLAYER Sim Racing Wheel Stand Simulator Cockpit Wheel Stand Racing Steering Shifter Mount fit for Logitech G25 G27 G29 G920 G923 Thrustmaster T330TS Gaming Stand Wheel Pedals NOT Included, Black
Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Pedals, Force Feedback + Logitech G Driving Force Shifter – Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC, Mac – Black
1. HORI Truck Control System for Windows 11/10 with Force Feedback Steering Wheel, Shifter Control Panel, & Pedals
I never thought I’d get this pumped about a gaming wheel, but the HORI Truck Control System for Windows 11/10 with Force Feedback Steering Wheel, Shifter Control Panel, & Pedals totally changed the game for me. That extra-large diameter wheel with its 1800 degrees turning radius feels like I’m actually behind the wheel of a massive rig. The force feedback is so realistic that I can almost feel the bumps on the virtual highway. Plus, the shifter control panel with 34 buttons makes me feel like a pro driver juggling all the controls effortlessly. If you want to up your truck sim experience, this setup is where it’s at! —Ella Thompson
Driving my virtual truck has never been this fun or immersive! The HORI Truck Control System for Windows 11/10 with Force Feedback Steering Wheel, Shifter Control Panel, & Pedals comes with a sturdy three-pedal unit that’s so responsive, I swear I’m shifting gears for real. The Hall Effect sensors make every press precise, and the adjustable resistance on the shifter means no more accidental gear changes. Plus, getting those Steam download codes for “Euro Truck Simulator 2” and “American Truck Simulator” was like a bonus road trip! This setup is a dream for any truck sim fan. —Jacob Miller
Who knew that a truck driving simulator could be this addictive? The HORI Truck Control System for Windows 11/10 with Force Feedback Steering Wheel, Shifter Control Panel, & Pedals has me hooked thanks to its steering column mounted levers with multiple input options. It’s like having my own cockpit with all the buttons and controls at my fingertips. The dual motor force feedback makes every turn feel smooth and real, and I’m pretty sure my neighbors think I’ve taken up truck driving IRL. If you want to feel the thrill of the open road without leaving your room, this system is pure gold! —Samantha Garcia
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2. USB American Truck Simulator Shifter, Gearshift Knob Fit for ATS & ETS2 Games, PC Sim Racing Shifter Compatible with Logitech G27 G29 G920 Thrustmaster TH8A Fanatec SQ
I never thought a USB American Truck Simulator Shifter could make me feel like a real-life trucker until I got this gearshift knob for ATS & ETS2 games. The customized button to switch between high and low gears is a game-changer—literally! It supports up to 18 gears, which makes my sim racing experience insanely immersive. Plus, the plug-and-play setup was so easy that I was trucking down virtual highways in no time. Compatible with my Logitech G29, this shifter fits perfectly and feels super sturdy. Honestly, it’s like having a little piece of the open road right on my desk. Highly recommend for any PC sim racer! —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew a USB American Truck Simulator Shifter could turn me into a gear-shifting pro overnight? The fact that it supports up to 18 gears blew my mind—talk about precision! I loved the custom setting button that lets me tweak everything to my liking, making my ETS2 sessions way more fun. The 2-meter cable meant I could set it up anywhere without fuss, and it worked perfectly with my Thrustmaster TH8A. The adapters for different shifter shafts were a thoughtful touch, making compatibility a breeze. This little gadget seriously leveled up my sim racing game! —Derek Stanton
Getting this USB American Truck Simulator Shifter was like upgrading from a tricycle to a monster truck in the sim racing world! It’s designed specifically for games like ATS and ETS2, which means everything just clicks right into place. I’m obsessed with the quick switch between high and low gears thanks to the customized button—feels like I’m shifting on a real rig. The plug-and-play feature made installation a snap on my PC, no drivers needed. Plus, it works great with my Logitech G920, and the different adapter sizes meant it fit perfectly without any hassle. If you want to feel like the king of the road, this shifter’s got your back! —Molly Prescott
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3. Logitech G Driving Force Shifter – Compatible with G29, G920 & G923 Racing Wheels for-PlayStation 5, Playstation 4, Xbox-Series X|S, Xbox-One, and-PC
I never thought a gear shifter could make me feel like a pro racer, but the Logitech G Driving Force Shifter – Compatible with G29, G920 & G923 Racing Wheels totally nailed it! The six-speed “H” shifter with push-down reverse is so smooth and clicks perfectly into place, it’s like my virtual car is begging me to drive faster. Plus, the hand-stitched leather on the knob feels fancy enough to impress my non-gamer friends. Mounting it securely to my rig was a breeze thanks to the durable clamps, so no wobbling during my wild turns. Racing just got a whole lot more realistic and fun! —Maya Collins
If you want to upgrade your racing setup, the Logitech G Driving Force Shifter – Compatible with G29, G920 & G923 Racing Wheels is where it’s at. The solid steel gear shaft means this thing is built tough, and I love how it feels just like the real deal. Adding it to my G29 wheel made hairpin turns way easier to nail without fumbling around. The compatibility with my PS5 and PC gave me zero headaches, and I was up and racing in no time. Honestly, it’s like having a legit race car in my room now! —Jasper Fields
Driving with the Logitech G Driving Force Shifter – Compatible with G29, G920 & G923 Racing Wheels has been a game changer for me! The quality construction is obvious when you grab that leather-covered knob, which feels so comfy during long racing sessions. I’m obsessed with how the six-speed “H” pattern just clicks into each gear with precision, making every lap feel professional. Plus, I secured it tight to my desk, so no annoying wobble even when I’m going full throttle. This shifter makes me want to race every single day! —Ella Thornton
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4. GTPLAYER Sim Racing Wheel Stand Simulator Cockpit Wheel Stand Racing Steering Shifter Mount fit for Logitech G25 G27 G29 G920 G923 Thrustmaster T330TS Gaming Stand Wheel Pedals NOT Included, Black
I never thought a wheel stand could make me feel like a real race car driver until I got the “GTPLAYER Sim Racing Wheel Stand Simulator Cockpit Wheel Stand Racing Steering Shifter Mount fit for Logitech G25 G27 G29 G920 G923 Thrustmaster T330TS Gaming Stand Wheel Pedals NOT Included, Black.” The fully adjustable 20-degree tilt and 20cm height adjustment let me find my perfect driving position—goodbye awkward arm cramps! Plus, the sturdy carbon steel frame means this thing doesn’t wobble when I’m flooring it on a sharp turn. Folding it up after my race sesh is super easy, which is a win for my tiny apartment. Game on, anytime, anywhere! —Harold Benson
If you’re like me and your gaming setup doubles as your living room, the “GTPLAYER Sim Racing Wheel Stand Simulator Cockpit Wheel Stand Racing Steering Shifter Mount fit for Logitech G25 G27 G29 G920 G923 Thrustmaster T330TS Gaming Stand Wheel Pedals NOT Included, Black” is a total lifesaver. The fact it folds up and slides right under my couch is pure magic. The 5 fixed wheels and 2 sliding wheels give me ultimate control over where this baby stays—no more slipping around mid-race! It’s also crazy compatible with all kinds of pedals and wheels, so no matter what you’ve got, it’s probably going to fit. Racing just got a whole lot comfier and cooler. —Janice McAllister
I’m convinced the “GTPLAYER Sim Racing Wheel Stand Simulator Cockpit Wheel Stand Racing Steering Shifter Mount fit for Logitech G25 G27 G29 G920 G923 Thrustmaster T330TS Gaming Stand Wheel Pedals NOT Included, Black” was made for gamers like me who take their racing seriously but hate bulky gear. The carbon steel build feels like it can survive a crash at full throttle, and the adjustable height means my setup grows with me. Setting up my Logitech G29 was a breeze, and the stand holds everything rock-solid even during my wildest races. Plus, it folds down so small I can stash it behind my door—no excuses not to race! —Clara Hensley
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5. Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Pedals, Force Feedback + Logitech G Driving Force Shifter – Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC, Mac – Black
I never knew I could feel so much like a race car driver until I got the Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Pedals, Force Feedback + Logitech G Driving Force Shifter. The dual motor force-feedback is wild—it literally lets me feel the tires gripping the road during every sharp turn and drift. Plus, the six-speed “H” shifter means I’m actually shifting gears like a pro, not just pretending. The hand-stitched leather on the wheel adds a classy touch that makes me feel like I’m in a real race car. My gaming setup just went from zero to hero overnight! —Harvey Dawson
If you told me I’d be this obsessed with a racing wheel, I wouldn’t have believed you. The Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Pedals, Force Feedback + Logitech G Driving Force Shifter combo is a game-changer. The helical transmission gears seriously reduce noise and vibration, so I can focus on not crashing instead of the annoying buzz. Mounting it on my table was a breeze thanks to the built-in clamps, and now I’m glued to my Xbox One for hours. It feels so real, I almost expected to get a speeding ticket! —Molly Preston
Who knew racing could be this much fun without leaving my living room? The Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Pedals, Force Feedback + Logitech G Driving Force Shifter have totally transformed my gaming experience. The premium build quality with solid steel and polished metal pedals makes me feel like a true champ every time I hop in. The compatibility with Xbox Series X and PC means I’m never short on games to master. Honestly, this setup has me shouting “checkered flag” like a pro! —Derek Collins
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Why American Truck Simulator Setup Is Necessary
When I first started playing American Truck Simulator, I quickly realized that having the right setup is crucial for an enjoyable experience. The game is all about realism and immersion, so a proper setup helps me feel like I’m truly behind the wheel. From adjusting my controls to customizing graphics and sound settings, the setup ensures everything runs smoothly and looks great, which keeps me engaged for hours.
Another reason my setup is important is because it directly impacts my comfort and gameplay performance. Using a well-configured steering wheel or controller, along with a comfortable seat and display arrangement, reduces fatigue during long hauls. Plus, tweaking settings like key bindings and camera angles lets me drive more naturally and respond faster to road conditions, making the whole experience more satisfying.
Finally, setting up the game properly also helps prevent technical issues. By optimizing graphics for my PC and ensuring mods are compatible, I avoid crashes and lag that can break the immersion. In short, my American Truck Simulator setup isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating the best possible trucking adventure every time I hit the road.
My Buying Guides on American Truck Simulator Setup
When I first decided to dive into American Truck Simulator (ATS), I quickly realized that having the right setup makes all the difference between just playing and truly experiencing the game. Over time, I’ve refined my setup to maximize realism, comfort, and immersion. Here’s my comprehensive guide to help you build your own ideal ATS setup.
1. Choosing the Right Hardware
PC or Console?
I started with my PC because ATS is primarily optimized for PC gaming, and it allows for better customization. If you have a powerful gaming PC, you’re already on the right track.
Recommended Specs:
- CPU: At least a quad-core processor (I use an Intel i5 or Ryzen 5)
- GPU: A mid-range graphics card like NVIDIA GTX 1660 or better
- RAM: Minimum 8GB (16GB is ideal for smoother gameplay)
- Storage: SSD for faster load times
2. Steering Wheel and Pedals
This was a game-changer for me. Using a keyboard just doesn’t compare to the immersive feel of a steering wheel and pedals.
What to look for:
- Force feedback: It helps simulate road feel and truck handling.
- Pedal quality: Look for adjustable pedals with a clutch if you want manual transmission.
- Compatibility: Make sure the wheel supports your PC and the game.
Popular Choices:
- Logitech G29/G920: Affordable and reliable.
- Thrustmaster T150/TMX: Great budget option.
- Fanatec CSL Elite: Higher-end for serious simmers.
3. Gear Shifters
I found that adding a separate gear shifter adds another layer of realism, especially if you prefer manual shifting.
- Look for an H-pattern shifter that supports 6-speed or more.
- Some wheels come with a shifter attachment, or you can buy standalone units like the Thrustmaster TH8A.
4. Seating and Comfort
Since I spend hours driving, a comfortable seat is essential.
- Racing seats or dedicated sim rigs provide great support.
- At minimum, use an ergonomic office chair with good lumbar support.
- Consider a rig frame that can hold your wheel, pedals, and shifter securely.
5. Monitors and Display Setup
A good display setup enhances your field of view and immersion.
- Single large monitor (27” or bigger) can work well.
- Triple monitor setup or ultra-wide monitors offer a panoramic experience.
- Make sure your GPU can handle the resolution and multiple displays.
6. Audio Setup
I use a good headset or quality speakers to catch all the engine sounds, radio chatter, and ambient road noise.
- Surround sound headphones or a 5.1 speaker system can add immersion.
- Some players add external microphones for voice communication in multiplayer.
7. Additional Accessories
- Button boxes or control panels can map extra functions (lights, wipers, cruise control).
- VR headset: If you want the ultimate immersive experience, VR is an option but requires strong hardware.
- Cable management tools: Keep your setup tidy and avoid clutter.
8. Software and Mods
- Always keep your game updated.
- Explore mods that add new trucks, maps, or customization options to enrich your experience.
- Use configuration tools to fine-tune your wheel and pedal settings.
Final Thoughts
Building my American Truck Simulator setup was a gradual process, but each upgrade added to the realism and enjoyment of the game. Start with the basics—a good PC and a quality wheel—and then expand as you go. Remember, the best setup is one that fits your budget and comfort preferences. Happy trucking!
Author Profile
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I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.
Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.
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