Open World Garage Field Manual
American Truck Simulator Controls: Wheel, Pedals, Shifter, and Stalks
American Truck Simulator can be played with a keyboard or controller, but a wheel-and-pedal setup changes how the game feels and how many controls you need within reach. The right hardware depends on whether you want a simple automatic-transmission setup or a more involved cab with shifting, range controls, stalks, and secondary switches.
Looking for a lower-cost start on a Windows PC? We sell two parts directly: the GTR RS30 wheel with two pedals, $249.99, and the GTR RSH3 shifter, $89.99. The RS30 is a 10.5-inch racing wheel rather than a truck-style wheel, so check game support and mounting first. Prices checked November 3, 2026, before shipping and tax.
Already have a suitable PC and display?
Start with the selected MOZA Trucking Bundle, $459.99 USD, including the R5 base, truck wheel, two pedals and truck clamp. The PC, display, game, desk and chair are separate. Check the current seller listing and your mounting needs before ordering.
GTR Simulator is the seller. Open World Garage may earn a commission from an eligible purchase. Price and availability checked October 27, 2026, before shipping and tax.
Need the computer and display too? See the full truck simulator shopping list.
Start with the smallest usable control set, test it in the game, and add specialized controls only when you know which functions you reach for repeatedly. That approach is easier to configure and less likely to leave you with incompatible parts.
For the complete room and equipment sequence, begin with our truck simulator setup guide.
Ready to choose the parts? Open the automatic truck simulator shopping list, with the selected controls, PC, display, and optional extras. Reuse suitable equipment you already own.
The minimum useful control set
A practical PC truck-simulator setup needs:
- a steering device;
- throttle and brake pedals;
- accessible controls for indicators, lights, wipers, parking brake, cruise control, camera views, and menu navigation; and
- a stable desk or cockpit that keeps the wheel and pedals from moving.
An automatic-transmission profile can work with two pedals. A clutch pedal and physical shifter become relevant when you want manual shifting. A range-and-splitter control is a separate decision and should match the way you plan to configure transmissions in the game.
Wheel and wheelbase
Truck simulation benefits from a comfortable wheel position and smooth steering more than extreme force-feedback strength. Look at the complete system:
| Decision | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Platform | The wheelbase, software, and accessories support your PC and intended games |
| Wheel size | The rim clears your legs, desk, monitor, buttons, and nearby accessories |
| Rotation | The driver software and game let you configure the steering behavior you want |
| Force feedback | The desk or cockpit can hold the base without flexing or sliding |
| Mounting | The supplied clamp fits the desk, or the base and bracket match the cockpit |
| USB and power | You have available ports, outlets, cable length, and a safe cable route |
A larger truck-style wheel changes leverage and clearance. Measure before buying, especially if a keyboard tray, display, shifter, or stalk assembly sits close to the wheel.
Pedals and clutch
Two pedals are enough for an automatic setup. The MOZA Trucking Bundle discussed below includes throttle and brake pedals but no clutch. If you want a clutch, confirm that the add-on pedal works with the exact pedal set and that you have enough mounting width.
Loose pedals on hard flooring can move under braking. Use a supported hard mount, a stable pedal stop, or another manufacturer-approved method. Do not rely on a product photo to establish mounting compatibility.
Shifter, range, and splitter controls
A standard H-pattern shifter does not automatically provide every truck-transmission function. Depending on the experience you want, you may also need assignable controls for range and splitter functions. Verify the intended shifter, knob or add-on, mounting bracket, and current in-game mapping before buying.
Place the shifter where it can be reached without twisting your shoulder or leaning away from the seat. Check whether the mount supports the left or right side you need and whether it conflicts with an armrest, keyboard tray, or entry path.
Stalks, buttons, and keyboard access
Turn signals, wipers, lights, cruise control, engine functions, parking brake, camera controls, and route-adviser commands can quickly exceed the convenient buttons on a wheel. Multi-function stalks, a button box, stream controller, or nearby keyboard can reduce menu hunting.
Prioritize frequent driving controls. Keep setup, profile, mod, and maintenance commands on the keyboard until you know they deserve dedicated hardware. SCS Software has continued revising controller and interface behavior, so recheck assignments after major game updates.
A matched starting point
The MOZA Trucking Bundle available through GTR Simulator includes:
- an R5 direct-drive wheelbase rated by MOZA at 5.5 Nm;
- a 400 mm TSW truck wheel;
- two-pedal SR-P Lite pedals; and
- an adjustable truck-wheel clamp.
MOZA identifies it as a PC bundle and lists American Truck Simulator and Euro Truck Simulator 2 among its supported trucking titles. The clutch pedal, physical shifter, multi-function stalks, cockpit, display, computer, and game are separate.
GTR Simulator is the seller and controls current pricing, payment, stock, fulfillment, shipping, returns, support, and warranty service. Open World Garage may earn a commission from a qualifying purchase at no additional cost to you. Confirm current compatibility and every included component before ordering.
Configure one layer at a time
- Install the current manufacturer software and firmware.
- Confirm that Windows recognizes each connected device.
- Create or select an in-game control profile.
- Assign steering, throttle, and brake, then test them.
- Add shifting and clutch behavior if applicable.
- Assign indicators, lights, wipers, parking brake, cruise control, and camera functions.
- Test the setup before adding mods or another control device.
- Save a record of the working assignments before a major game or firmware update.
If an input behaves incorrectly, isolate the device and configuration before changing several settings at once. Duplicate assignments, calibration, firmware, Steam input settings, mods, or another connected controller can all affect behavior.
Can you play American Truck Simulator with hand controls?
Yes. You don't need pedals to drive. In the game's controls settings you can assign steering, throttle, and brake to a keyboard, a gamepad, or the buttons and axes on a wheel, so you can drive with your hands alone.
- Keyboard and mouse. Works with no extra hardware. Smooth steering and gentle braking are the hardest parts.
- Gamepad. The analog triggers give gradual throttle and brake, and a stick steers. It's a low-cost way to try the game before buying a wheel.
- Wheel with hand-operated throttle and brake. Assign throttle and brake to the wheel's paddles, buttons, or a spare analog axis. Paddles and buttons are on or off, so smooth braking is harder than with an analog control.
- Purpose-built hand-control add-ons. Hand-operated levers for sim setups exist. Before buying one, confirm that Windows recognizes it as a game controller and that you can assign it in the game.
Whichever you choose, assign one function at a time and check that it responds on the game's calibration screen before you drive.
What to buy next
Choose the physical driving position before filling it with accessories. Our truck-simulator steering-wheel guide explains wheel size, force feedback, and mounting. If you have not chosen furniture yet, compare a desk with a dedicated cockpit.
Manufacturer specifications were checked September 24, 2026. Review MOZA's current Trucking Bundle specifications and verify the game's current control behavior through SCS Software's official updates.