American Truck Simulator’s v1.53 update adds new cities and sliding tandem trailers

American Truck Simulator’s v1.53 update is available to download now, featuring extensive map updates, a new trailer type and quality-of-life improvements.

We run through the main changes below.

California Rework, Phase 4

10 southern California cities have been rebuilt from the ground up in v1.53, three of which are entirely new to ATS. 

Bakersfield, Santa Maria, Oxnard, Mojave, Barstow, Indio, Blythe, Los Angeles, San Diego and El Centro are present and correct in their updated glory, with major coastal routes like the US-101, CA-1 and I-5 also receiving some visual upgrades.

Highways that connect to other states have also been improved, including the I-10, I-15, I-40 and I-8, with their corresponding truck stops, rest areas and inspection stations being given the same coat of polish by SCS Software’s artists.

Dynamic cargo addition

Since the introduction of dynamic cargo loading and unloading with the Arkansas DLC, more cargo options have been added to the game.

In v1.53, for example, it’s now possible to load and unload logs in all US States for the first time, treating players to realistic animations of a log stacker at work.

New truck for Driving Academy

ATS’ Driving Academy will now allow players to use the game’s latest new truck in its challenging scenarios. The fifth-generation Freightliner Cascadia truck isn’t due to hit roads until 2025 but it impressively debuted in ATS at the same time as its real-world premiere.

A new Special Transport route from Los Angeles to San Diego has been added too, with the speed limit for Special Transport jobs raised from 40 mph to 55 mph.

Sliding tandem trailers added

Some trailers now feature slideable axles to enable the even distribution of loads, an improvement over the fixed forward or fixed rear positions available previously.

In the name of realism, players risk in-game fines if they exceed stringent weight limits at California weigh stations, so distributing weight correctly will be ultra important.

Quality of life improvements

Just like Euro Truck Simulator 2’s v1.53 update, ATS players can now change how quickly and smoothly the in-game camera returns to the centre while driving. For those who prefer to change this manually or use a head-tracking device, this option can also be turned off.

Players can also see when they have moved options sliders away from default values, enabling better fine-tuning of the game’s settings.

What’s your favourite aspect of American Truck Simulator’s v1.53 update? Let us know in the comments below.

American Truck Simulator, v1.53 changelog

Map

• California Rework – Phase 4 release

Gameplay

• Dynamic cargo loading & unloading of logs available throughout the USA
• New Special Transport route from Los Angeles to San Diego
• Raised speed limit for Special Transport jobs from 40 mph to 55 mph

Vehicles

• The new Fifth Generation Freightliner Cascadia® added to Driving Academy
• Fully functional sliding tandems and fines system

UI

• Smooth and Auto camera centering
• Visualization of changed options in the settings

Source: SCS Software’s blog