American Truck Simulator Wheel Setup Guide: Best Controls for ATS
American Truck Simulator is one of the most popular and enduring sim titles in Australia - and one of the most underrated when it comes to hardware. Running ATS with a keyboard or gamepad is a completely different experience from running it with a dedicated truck sim wheel, a proper set of pedals and an H-pattern shifter. This guide covers the best hardware for ATS at every level, from entry-point dedicated systems to the full MOZA truck sim bundles.
Who Is Truck Sim Hardware For?
The typical truck sim customer at GGD is either someone dedicated to truck simulation as their primary hobby, or someone who enjoys the occasional spin in a big rig alongside their main sim racing or flight sim interests. A controller or keyboard can get you rolling, but the experience that makes long-haul trucking across the American Southwest genuinely relaxing and immersive comes from a proper wheel in your hands, pedals underfoot, and a gear shifter that requires you to physically select each ratio.
Why Dedicated Truck Sim Hardware?
For ATS and Euro Truck Simulator 2, a dedicated truck sim wheel delivers the best immersion and realism. A standard round sim racing wheel works in ATS, but the large-diameter flat-top truck-style wheel, the truck-specific controls and the H-pattern shifter are what turn truck simulation into the meditative, authentic experience it's designed to be.
The H-pattern shifter in particular matters. Selecting gears manually through a physical shifter, feeling each ratio click into place, managing engine revs through the clutch pedal - this is the heart of realistic truck simulation.
Truck Sim Hardware at Gamer Gear Direct
HORI Truck Control System - Entry Pick
The HORI Truck Control System with Force Feedback is the cleanest entry point for truck sim on PC. A complete self-contained system - large-diameter truck-style steering wheel with force feedback, integrated pedals and gear shifter - designed specifically for ATS and ETS2. Everything you need in a single purchase. For Windows 11/10.
MOZA R9 V3 Trucking Bundle - Mid-Range Pick
The MOZA R9 V3 Trucking Bundle is GGD's dedicated mid-range truck sim bundle. Built around the R9 V3 wheelbase (9Nm direct drive force feedback) paired with the MOZA TSW Truck Wheel - a large-diameter flat-top truck-style rim - and the MOZA HGP H-pattern shifter. Everything you need for a proper MOZA truck sim setup, configured for the job from the start.
MOZA R12 V2 Trucking Bundle - Premium Pick
The MOZA R12 V2 Trucking Bundle steps up to the R12 V2 wheelbase for more torque and an even more immersive force feedback experience through the MOZA TSW Truck Wheel. The premium truck sim setup at GGD - for sim truckers who want the best available.
MOZA TSW Truck Wheel
The MOZA TSW Truck Wheel is also available separately - a large-diameter, flat-top truck-style rim that pairs with any MOZA wheelbase.
MOZA HGP Shifter
The MOZA HGP Shifter is included in the trucking bundles and available separately with quality H-pattern construction and satisfying mechanical action.
The H-Pattern Shifter: Non-Negotiable
If you're building a truck sim setup and want the authentic experience, an H-pattern shifter is essential. Without one, you're managing gears on paddle shifters - it works, but it removes the most distinctive physical element of truck simulation.
What Sims Work with Truck Sim Hardware?
- American Truck Simulator (ATS) - Cross-country routes across the US. Full wheel, pedal and H-pattern shifter support.
- Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) - The European counterpart. Same hardware support. Many truck sim players run both.
GGD's Recommended Truck Sim Setups
Entry: HORI Truck Control System - self-contained, purpose-built, everything included.
Mid-range: MOZA R9 V3 Trucking Bundle - 9Nm direct drive, TSW Truck Wheel, HGP Shifter, all configured for truck sim.
Premium: MOZA R12 V2 Trucking Bundle - R12 V2 wheelbase with TSW Truck Wheel and HGP Shifter at higher torque.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wheel do I need for American Truck Simulator?
Any PC-compatible sim racing wheel works. For the best immersion, the HORI Truck Control System is the entry pick and the MOZA R9 V3 Trucking Bundle is the mid-range dedicated setup.
Is the HORI Truck Control System good for ATS?
Yes - purpose-built for ATS and ETS2 with force feedback, large-diameter truck-style wheel, pedals and gear shifter all included.
Do I need an H-pattern shifter for truck simulation?
For the authentic experience, yes. The MOZA trucking bundles include the HGP Shifter, and it's available separately at gamergeardirect.com.au/products/moza-hgp-shifter.
What is the difference between the MOZA R9 V3 and R12 V2 Trucking Bundles?
Both include the MOZA TSW Truck Wheel and HGP Shifter. The R12 V2 steps up in wheelbase torque for a more powerful and immersive force feedback experience. If you want the best available, go R12. If value is a priority, the R9 V3 is an excellent truck sim setup.
Where can I see truck sim hardware in person in Australia?
Gamer Gear Direct's Dandenong South showroom carries truck and vehicle sim hardware. Visit us or browse the full range online.
Ready to hit the road? Browse the HORI Truck Control System, MOZA R9 V3 Trucking Bundle and MOZA R12 V2 Trucking Bundle at Gamer Gear Direct - Australian warranty, fast delivery, and available to view at our Dandenong South showroom.
Written by Blake Sterling, Founder and CEO of Gamer Gear Direct. Blake has been helping Australian sim enthusiasts build their dream racing and flight simulator setups since founding GGD in 2019. When he's not in the Dandenong South showroom, you'll find him behind the wheel in Assetto Corsa Competizione, Forza Horizon and Wreckfest.