American Truck Simulator creators SCS Software have announced there will be some new DLC for their title. Heavy Cargo DLC will be available now to download.
This DLC will be very similar to a previous version that was released on Euro Truck Simulator 2, you can read our review about ETS2 here, if you need reminding about this sim.
Here are some details relating to this new Heavy Cargo DLC:
- Bulldozer
- Lift Truck Chassis
- Lift Truck
- Cable Reel
- Milling Machine
- All Terrain Crane
- Scraper
- Transformer
- Crawler Tractor
Hauling these heavy loads about will require some skill and careful driving when you consider how much these loads weigh! Ranging from 55000lbs to a massive 125000lbs, or in old money 26 to 56 metric tons. These will certainly affect your fuel consumption and the type of roads you will be driving on.
Another noticeable difference is the design of some of the trailers in ATS when compared to ETS2. In the US there is a mathematical formula used by truck drivers called “Federal Bridge Gross Weight Formula”. Basically this manages the gross vehicle weight and wheel spacing’s on the trailer and this is why you will see multi-link trailers in ATS. This law in the US helps protect roads and bridges.
With these multi-linked trailers each part has a job to do so let me take you though each part of the trailer. The front end of the trailer is known as a “jeep” and this is connected to the tractor unit (cab) by normal means of a “5th wheel”. The next part is called the “Lowboy” and this is where you place the load. You can put the load in the middle or at the end of the trailer depending on the configuration. The 3rd part of the trailer is a semi-optional part and is called various names, “The Spreader” “The Stinger” or “The Axle Booster”. As you can work out this part is for spreading the load over the rear wheels. This coupled with a multi-linked trailer will make reversing a challenge in itself, so is generally not advised. Not around corners anyway!
This new DLC will include 2 part and 3 part trailers to enable you to match the particular loads available.
We will also have new engines available in ATS, these have a real life “behaviour” with their revs and torque. These engines produce in excess of 600bhp and some have the option of more power to haul the heavy loads around America. Remember you still have the option of the lower BHP engines for your day to day truck hauling.
Finally I couldn’t help thinking of this classic:
