10 Best Steering Wheel For Truck Simulator of January 2024

I didn’t think I’d love Euro Truck Simulator 2 as much as I did. A lot of people on Reddit are still shocked that there is a driving game that isn’t a race car game. To be honest, I’m glad there is one. The mood in ETS2 is very calm and cool, and I used to play it in VR after work and it was so nice.

All of this is important to me because I set up my system so that I can play ETS2 or ATS in the utmost comfort and ease. Even though VR glasses aren’t very comfy, I bought extra padding and head straps to make them better for long drives, which is something I like to do in ETS2. I also tried out a number of different mounting choices, steering wheels, and gear shifters to find the most relaxing and immersive setup for simming.

What does the ideal ETS2/ ATS wheel look like?

These were my top considerations during my tests:

1. Comfortable for long trips, which means you can stay behind the wheel for more than an hour at a time.
2. You can feel the high quality of the cloth on the grip.
3. You don’t want your arms to get tired, so the force input can be changed.
4. Range of motion that is the same as the truck’s turning wheel, which is 1 to 1. You don’t have to do this, but it helps with realism.
5. Durability, since these two games will probably keep you busy for hundreds of hours!

Based on all these factors, here are my top picks.

1. Best Overall

I’ve used the Logitech G29 for more than six years. I race with other wheels sometimes, but this is the one I use the most. This is the only wheel I use for ETS2/ATS. Of course, there are other high-end wheels that cost $1000 or more, but they’re mostly used for racing, not Euro/American Truck Simulator. The price of this wheel is just right for how well it performs.

The wheel can turn 900°, which is a nice, big range of motion. That’s good news for truck simmers, because it means our cars will get more turns. The wheel boats are made of high-quality materials, such as Anodized Aluminum, Leather, Steel, Glass-Filled Nylon, Polyoxymethylene Thermoplastic, and more. These materials give the wheels the sturdiness and build quality you need for these kinds of games.

It feels good to step on because the pedals are made of metal and have a lot of weight to them. For that full experience, they give you a nice, smooth range of motion with real pushback. It’s pretty close to being real.

I will also talk about the other two choices since they are here. The first one is the Logitech G920, which is the exact same wheel but lacks some knobs and buttons. The third one is the later Logitech G923, which is a lot like the first two but has a better and more up-to-date force feedback system. However, it costs a lot more, so you’ll have to weigh that cost against your plan.

I really think you should get a shifter no matter what wheel you pick. With the gear shifter, you can really get into the game. I will be honest with you: this isn’t the best gear shifter out there, but it’s the only one Logitech has to give. Plus, it works fine for games like Truck Sims where you don’t need to change gears like a race car driver. It’s pretty cheap either way, and I think you’ll get a lot for your money. Yes, I have!

2. Best Budget/ Entry Level

The PXN Xbox Steering Wheel V3II is my choice for a cheap one. Even though it doesn’t have as many features as some of the more expensive choices, this is your best bet if you’re on a budget. It’s pretty durable, has nice, smooth buttons, pedals, and even a dual vibration motor built in for some nice input. It even has a gear shift and two paddles on the sides. They did a great job of putting so much into an entry-level wheel.

To be honest, it feels pretty strong for how cheap it is, and the materials used on the 3 and 9 o’clock places of the wheel are very nice. The pedals are good and heavy, but you will need to make sure they are properly put down so they don’t move.

In general, you should be pleased with this item as long as you know it’s mostly a starting wheel. But this is by far the best starting wheel you can get.

3. Best Premium Option

For race fans, the Thrustmaster T-GT II is a great choice, but only if you’re ready to spend a lot of money on it. A beautiful leather-wrapped wheel with 25 buttons and 4 rotating switches. They’re very useful for turning up or down the radio sound. The 40-watt brushless motor has one of the best force feedback systems on the market and works very smoothly. That’s right, this motor has been used in other models and has worked well every time.

Also, the pedal set is one of the best out there. It’s made of a lot of metal and has great pedal movement, especially on the brake, which has a progressive rubber resistance system. But the leather on the steering wheel is the real cherry on top. It feels almost as good as my old Mercedes. Most likely, you won’t be racing your cars in ETS2 any time soon, but the wheel’s high-end feel will make you want to grab it and never let go!

I also think you should get the amazing Thrustmaster TH8A gear changer. While this one is very good, it does cost a lot. It’s suggested for fans.

Buying guide for Best Steering Wheel For Truck Simulator

Force Feedback

Force feedback creates lifelike sensations as you turn the wheel, feeling bumps, traction and road texture in-game. Stronger motors allow for quick but smooth responses from subtle feedback to big hauling tugs as you navigate. Brands like Logitech G offer adjustable degrees of feedback for control. This level of realism is worth investing in for serious players or long gaming sessions.

Buttons and Controls

Programmable buttons are important to control in-cab functions without hassle. Wheels vary in button counts from 8 to 40 programmable, allowing gear shifts, lights, blinkers and more to be easily within reach versus combos on a keyboard. Multi-function buttons or LED-lit screens aid setting customized control schemes. Handles and wheels may also flip between trucks for added authenticity.

Pedal

Quality three-pedal sets (gas, brake, clutch) create full control immersion. Firm, responsive pedals closely resemble truck cab units to truly feel the drive. Adjustable sensitivity customizes pressure needed. Load cell brake pedals using force sensors offer the most accurate pressure control. Separate pedals offer fullsize individual pads for realistic positioning and feel of maneuvering a heavy hauler.

FAQs

What type of connection do steering wheels use?

Majority connect through USB, though some older models require parallel or PS/2 ports. High-end wheels often use quick-release systems for easy mounting/removal. Most include USB cables but check compatibility if upgrading. Wireless options exist but may exhibit lag versus wired for serious simulation.

How strong should force feedback be?

There is no right setting as strengths suit different player types and trucks. Stronger feedback immerses heavier vehicles, while lighter provides control of smaller rigs. Gradually increase resistance in-game instead of max settings to adjust over time. Try evaluation models before investing in high-end for best match to your play style.

My wheel only has 2 pedals, is this enough?

While 3 pedals is ideal, many entry wheels come with just gas and brake sets. This still gives the basic driving experience for starting out or simpler games. Over time you may want to upgrade pedals separately if wanting full clutch control for manual shifting. Check compatibility first if purchasing later.

What desk clamp sizes can it fit?

Make sure the wheel’s clamp diameter range accommodates your desk edge thickness, commonly between 25-55mm. Measure first before ordering if close to minimum/maximum. Freestanding wheel stands give flexibility for any desk though add to the cost. Wheel-specific mounts also keep it secure during enthusiastic driving sessions.

Are there compatibility issues across games/consoles?

Generally major gaming brands like Logitech, Thrustmaster make multi-platform wheels compatible with PC, Xbox and PS versions of major truck sim titles. Research exact models to ensure driver support. PCs tend to have widest compatibility while consoles usually match their 1st-party controllers. Start with bigger publishers before lesser known games.

Conclusion

I hope this guide has given you helpful insights into wheel features to look for whether your goal is realism or value. Let me know if you need recommendations – I’d be glad to suggest top packages. Matching the right wheel setup to your simulator and preferences will optimize gameplay for maximum enjoyment on the open roads!