SCS hints at oversized load DLC

[Kenadian]

When I hook up my first load I'll likely test reversing it before I leave the lot. I've no idea what to do with these things so it's best to prepare myself for the inevitable reverse job after I botch the forward park lol.

 

[Shilka]

Here's the first multi-pivot mod I've come across; doubles for ATS, downloadlink is in the description of the video:

 

[Skid_Marc_]

That is incredibly unrealistic, at least for the U.S. We don't use steerable-axles on double-hauls... and most states don't allow double-hauling with one, or more, full-size trailers. Only with "stub-nose" trailers.

Also, I don't understand the purpose of the dolly on the back of the three-piece over-size trailer. It isn't load bearing, so what is the point? Trailers that utilize a third dolly carry some of the load the same way the front dolly does. I've never seen an over-sized load pulling an extra dolly behind... :/

 

[Shilka]

The video is wrongly named (it's made by a german guy and he translated badly), it's multi pivot, not steering axle. If you watch the video you can see the double has no steerable axles. It's what you call a B-train, and functions as it is supposed to. They are allowed in the USA along predefined routes, Some places and routes even allow triples. Here's a nice 17 axle resource hauling double from South Dakota that can gross out over 170.000 lbs:

The one I showed the video of is a MOD btw, the doubles that SCS software showed us are the stubnose type you have shown (STAA double), those aren't ingame yet.

Names of doubles in the US:

Map where doubles are allowed (bit outdated):

The extra dolly in the heavy load DLC is load bearing btw, the last dolly is connected with one of those rigid sideswing pins, just like the steering point of an articulated loader. It is called a spreader-stinger in the USA.

Here's a more detailed picture of a small spreader-stinger, where you can see the turning pin construction. The pistons are used to regulate the amount of weight that gets transferred to the stinger.

 

[Shilka]

Of course I had to park my first trip with that doubles mod on one of the smallest yards ingame. I managed to park it though, including backing up (which involves a lot of if I steer left then my back goes right, so the first trailer goes left so the second trailer goes right kind of thinking, lol)

 

[Shilka]

And here's the next mod already, a turnpike double (this should be as big as it can get without becoming impossible):

Downloadlink in the video description

(just tried these, great to drive around with, not suitable for parking the hardcore way though...but interesting)

 

[Shilka]

K, after some driving, I have to conclude that the turnpike double mod, although fun to drive on the open road, really is not fitting the game. Sometimes the parking is physically impossible, and when spawned on yards, it often blocks the way to all trailers behind it, so that's a no go for me when it comes to regular play.

The B-train mod is really nice though, it's challenging but not impossible, it fits the parking spots and reversible, and causes no problems when spawning. There's a new improved version of it too, to be found here: http://atsmods.lt/double-trailer-ats-siebel3d-edit-3-0/

 

[Skid_Marc_]

Wow, nice @Shilka! Who knew there was map showing, almost literally, every state I have never been to? Lol

 

[Shilka]

Lol Zac, figures eh.

And found a new mod, resource hauling double this time:

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=847235955

Going to test it this evening, this one looks like it might be a bit too long for parking/spawning as well though... we'll see.

 

[Kenadian]

So I've done 3 hauls now with the Heavy Cargo Expansion and can say without a doubt it's breathed some life back into American Truck Simulator for me.

The only part of my truck I upgraded was the axles but everything else is pretty much the same, 10 speed with 575hp Cummins Diesel Engine.

I've hauled a Bulldozer and this gigantic road thing I have no idea what it's called and all have been AWESOME!

I'm purposely taking this route between California and Northern Nevada as it has this really great incline that is tough to traverse with this weight. I'm continually poking my way up the road with hazards on and 5th gear is all I can run, it's amazing.

Coming back down the hill on full retarder keeps me at the speed limit but only just, I love it.

We need more States BADLY, preferably in a Northern direction with greenery but at least I have something to keep me in it just a bit longer.

At $5 or whatever it is, this expansion is totally worth it; it was on the first haul.

 

[Shilka]

As a final icing on the cake, SCS has updated the game to give you some achievements for hauling heavy cargo DLC loads. Personally I'm not really an achievement hunter, but for those interested, these are the achievements to be had:

No all we are waiting for are the official doubles

 

[Shilka]

After fooling around with the longer double combinations, I've definitely come to the conclusion that out of all available double mods the B-train doubles are the only viable option when it comes to picking up /delivering. STAA doubles should be good too, but haven't seen those as mods yet, but they were shown by SCS as the ones they would add, hopefully soon.

Here's a new B-train double I've tested, and it works great (uses heavy load forward parking spots, is reversible when necessary, has advanced coupling and looks great)

And it's available on steam, which is nice as I'm getting more and more an aversion of all those dodgy download sites that a lot of mods use.,.. Get it here:

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=960734642

 

[Kenadian]

I've actually dropped ATS in favor of ETS 2.

I just love how much more is on offer in ETS 2 by comparison so much so I'm probably going to start yet another Driver and level him up.

 

[Shilka]

Yeah, I can understand that, the thing ATS really needs right now is more miles of road for sure, and a few more truccks to pick from wouldn't hurt either. Still, with 1300 hours in ETS already, ATS is a welcome change for me too. Once the doubles arrive we'll have multiple pivot points in ETS too, and then some extremely challenging stuff should be possible in ETS...