Trucking is something that Americans love to be a part of. From those drivers out on the road delivering the goods society needs to exist to the ones at home watching classic movies like “Smokey and The Bandit” or playing hours of “America Trucking Simulator” (European Truck Simulator for our readers across the pond). It’s time to recognize how our love for the open road can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home, and how it can get you into a somewhat lucrative niche of trucking gamers.
Is that really a T600 dashboard?
Meet Ricotrucker, a YouTube and TikTok sensation who is a part of the “American Trucker Simulator” elite. He even built a full surround simulator in his house. It includes a split windshield, an authentic Kenworth T-600 dash panel, and a realistic shifter.
Ricotrucker started about three years ago, when he used common flat screen TVs and a gaming steering wheel to create a life-like experience. He has upgraded since, adding multiple high-definition monitors, a reclaimed dashboard, wooden floor panels, and a LogiTech-designed gear shifter, replicating the 18-speed shifting experience.
With over 100,000 followers on TikTok alone, Ricotrucker knows that authenticity gets one past the smell test of “does he really have passion for trucking?” With fans begging to know what has gone into his gaming studio, the closest we have heard was “about $3,000.”
Does Rooster play video games too?
To answer that question, I have a few hours on my Steam playtime clock. I’ll have to write another article on my attempt at streaming glory, but that’s for another day. For now, I’ll just start on this series of articles on trucking pastimes. Gaming is one, but for others, it could be any one (or more) of an assortment of hobbies.
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