Open World Garage Field Manual
American Truck Simulator Shifter Guide: What to Buy and How to Set It Up
Quick answer: You do not need a shifter to play American Truck Simulator, because the game can shift for you. Add an H-pattern shifter when you want to select gears by hand, and add a clutch pedal if you want to operate one yourself. For 13- or 18-speed trucks, you also need separate range and splitter controls, which can be assigned to buttons.
Looking for a shifter? Open World Garage sells the GTR RSH3 USB 7+1 gated shifter, $89.99 for PC. It has seven forward gates and reverse, and a clamp or bracket is not included. Price checked November 3, 2026, before shipping and tax.
Which transmission setup do you want?
| Goal | What you need | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Relaxed driving | No shifter; use automatic mode | Your first setup |
| Choose gears without a lever | Wheel paddles or buttons | A low-cost step up |
| Conventional manual feel | H-pattern shifter; clutch pedal if you want to use one | Trucks with simpler transmissions |
| 13- or 18-speed trucks | H-pattern shifter plus range and splitter controls | Experienced drivers who want the full routine |
Most drivers should start on automatic, then add a lever once the rest of the setup feels right. Our truck simulator setup guide covers the whole build, and the controls guide explains how to begin with a keyboard, controller, or wheel.
What to look for in a truck simulator shifter
Layout
An H-pattern shifter gives each gear its own physical gate. A seven-plus-reverse layout, like the RSH3's, has more gates than the six forward speeds on many racing shifters. An 18-speed truck has more ratios than any common lever has gates, so range and splitter controls make up the difference.
Range and splitter controls
Real multi-speed truck transmissions use a range selector and a splitter to multiply the gears available from each lever position. In the game, these are separate inputs. A dedicated truck knob provides them on the lever itself, but buttons on your wheel or a button box can do the same job.
The RSH3 listing does not advertise built-in range or splitter switches, so do not buy it expecting them. If you choose it for a 13- or 18-speed truck, plan to map those functions to other buttons.
Connection
A separate USB shifter plugs directly into the PC, which avoids relying on a wheelbase-specific port. A USB connection alone does not guarantee that a game maps every gear as expected, so confirm current driver and game support before ordering.
Mounting
This is where most shifter purchases go wrong. Before ordering, work out:
- Where the lever will sit. It should be reachable from your normal driving position without leaning.
- What holds it. A desk needs a compatible clamp, and a cockpit needs a compatible bracket. The RSH3 includes neither.
- Which side suits you. A US truck has its shifter on the driver's right, while a right-hand-drive setup puts it on the left. Check that your rig can mount on the side you want.
- Whether a mount fits your cockpit. The GTA shifter and handbrake mount, $59.99 is intended for supported GTA, Revolution, and GTM configurations. Confirm the RSH3's bolt pattern against it before ordering both, along with any adapter you may need.
If you drive at a desk, read our cockpit versus desk comparison before deciding where the shifter will go.
Clutch
A clutch pedal is optional for using a lever, because the game can manage the clutch for you. If you want to work one yourself, check that your pedal set has three pedals. Many entry-level sets have two.
How to set up a shifter in American Truck Simulator
Exact menu names can change with game updates, so treat this as a guide rather than a fixed recipe. Players commonly describe this sequence:
- Connect the shifter before launching the game, and confirm that Windows detects it.
- Open Options, then Controls.
- Make sure the shifter appears among the selected input devices.
- Set the transmission type to H-shifter.
- Choose a layout that matches your truck's transmission and your lever.
- Assign each gate, then assign range and splitter controls if your truck needs them.
- Test each gear while parked, then on an empty road.
Some players report that shifter toggles need to be reassigned after a game update. If a gear stops responding, check the assignments there first.
Does this also apply to Euro Truck Simulator 2?
Both games come from the same developer and share similar control options, so the same buying checks apply. Confirm the current game settings for your own version, since options can change over time.
Should you buy the RSH3 for trucking?
The RSH3 is a sensible lower-cost lever if you drive on a PC, want an H-pattern, and are comfortable arranging your own mount and mapping range or splitter functions to buttons. Note that we sell it directly, so we have a commercial interest in this recommendation. The currently stocked version is the $89.99 configuration without angle adjustment.
Skip it if you want range and splitter switches on the lever itself, if you play on a console, or if you do not yet have a plan for mounting it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a shifter for American Truck Simulator?
No. Automatic mode works well, and paddles or buttons are a cheaper way to choose gears yourself. A lever is an upgrade for drivers who want a more realistic routine.
Do I need a clutch pedal to use a shifter?
No, the game can handle the clutch automatically. A third pedal is only needed if you want to operate the clutch yourself.
Can I drive an 18-speed truck with a basic H-pattern shifter?
Yes, if you assign range and splitter controls to separate buttons. Expect some practice, since you will be coordinating the lever with those buttons.
Does a racing shifter work for trucking?
It can. A game sees a USB shifter as a set of inputs, so what matters most is whether it is detected, whether every gate maps properly, and whether it mounts in a comfortable spot.