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Tube Chassis

A tube chassis is a welded steel frame that arrives largely built, which is why it holds a direct drive wheelbase so well for the money. The full tubular range is stocked here in Australia, with local warranty support and advice on fitting your gear.

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What a welded frame gives you

The joints are welded rather than bolted, so there is nothing to work loose and nothing to retorque after a few months of hard braking. That matters most under a strong wheelbase, where any flex in the frame shows up as vagueness in the wheel.

It also arrives closer to finished. A tubular rig is largely assembled before it ships, so you are bolting on a seat, a wheel deck and pedals rather than squaring up a frame from loose parts. Pair it with a load cell pedal set and the build is done.

Trak Racer TR8 Pro tubular racing simulator frame

Tube frame or aluminium profile

The honest split is rigidity per dollar against adjustability. A welded tube frame is stiffer for the money, and it is the better buy if the rig is going to stay roughly as it is.

Aluminium profile bolts together from extruded sections, so it takes mounts, shelves and monitor arms anywhere along the rail and extends later. If you expect the setup to keep changing, or you have motion in mind, the aluminium chassis range is the one to look at. Tube frames generally will not take a motion platform afterwards.

Playseat Trophy tubular frame racing simulator

Formula or GT seating

Open wheel driving puts you low with your legs raised and the wheel high. GT and touring car driving sits you more upright with the wheel closer to your chest. The same car feels different from each, so it is worth choosing on purpose rather than on looks.

Playseat build to the formula position and to GT, and Trak Racer make a convertible frame that moves between the two, which saves buying twice if more than one person drives the rig. Frames of every construction sit together in sim racing cockpits, and complete builds with the hardware already fitted are in racing simulators.

Trak Racer TRX tubular racing simulator fitted with racing gear

Tube chassis FAQs

Is a tube frame stiffer than aluminium profile?

For the same money, generally yes, because welded joints do not move and there are fewer of them. Spend more on profile and the gap closes. At the budgets most people are working to, the welded frame is the stiffer option.

Can I add motion later?

Usually not. Motion loads a frame in ways a welded tubular rig is not built to carry, and the mounting points are not there. If motion is even a maybe, buy profile now rather than replacing the frame later.

Does a tubular rig need assembly?

Some, but a good deal less than a profile build. The frame arrives largely welded up, so you are fitting the seat, the wheel deck and the pedal plate rather than building the structure yourself.

Will it hold a direct drive wheelbase?

Yes, and that is the main reason to buy one. The rigidity is there out of the box, which is what keeps the wheel feeling precise as the forces climb. Check the wheel deck bolt pattern against your direct drive wheelbase before you order.

How much room does one need?

Less than you might think, because a tubular frame does not extend the way profile does. Measure anyway, and give yourself clearance behind the seat at its furthest back setting.

Can I change the seat?

On most of them, yes. Seat rails are a standard fitting on the frames here, so a different bucket bolts straight in if the one supplied does not suit you.

Buying a tube chassis in Australia

Gamer Gear Direct is an authorised dealer for Trak Racer and Playseat, so every frame here is genuine stock with its manufacturer warranty intact and your rights under Australian Consumer Law behind it. Stock ships from our Adelaide warehouse.

A frame is a large thing to buy sight unseen. Sit in one at our Dandenong South showroom in Melbourne, or call us on (03) 9961 0240 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Tell us what you drive and which wheelbase you run, and we will tell you honestly whether a welded frame is the right call or whether you want profile instead.