Heavy Hauler

After a long time waiting for it I finally received the Heavy Hauler at home. The product works as expected and described. The most relavant features to me, as they were the ones more attractive and unique in comparison to other custom controllers I own, are the availability of the two steps ignition key, brakes handles and the CB mic. They work very well and add an extra bit of realism to your experience. Key is mapped to two different buttons, so you can assign the electricals and engine start separately in games supporting this, such as Omsi2 bus simulator. The mic is another interesting feature as it works with a dedicated push to talk button, and is connected to your sound card via a regular jack cable going from the back of the box to your PC. Sound quality is good as far as I have tested.

Mounting of the device is available via Vesa standard supports or 90º brackets. Please note that the USB cable and the audio jack outputs are on the back of the box. So the box is supposed to be mounted vertical, as seen on the screenshots.

About the key mapping, the device is detected by Windows as a regular 32 button controller, so any game supporting joysticks will be able to see it and you will be able to map any game command to it. As described in the instructions for more advanced mapping, you can use JoyToKey software to assign key presses to all buttons. Please note that most of the switches are momentary ones in terms of their real output, and their output signals are quite short in time, but enough for the device to send the keystrokes anyway. For that reason I would recommend Antimicro freeware tool instead, as it allows a more powerfull mapping, including keypress duration, on release commands, delays and multiple macros in addition to autoprofiler. I have been using this tool for years on my games and it works perfect. It could be needed on the cases of a game requiring a longer keypress to operate a control, such as tank fuel selectors or light selectors in flight simulators.

At the time of this review I can confirm the device is working and detected by the version v2.21 x64bit running Win 10 64bit. Antimicro tool is available here:

https://github.com/AntiMicro/antimicro/releases

I would also like to say thanks to Jim for his understanding and support during the purchasing process.

Cheers

This is a must buy controller if you love playing ATS or ETS2 and want to be immersed into the game

Let's start with the bad things and get them out of the way. This is a custom controller, and it takes time for it to be built and shipped to you. That is the only truly bad thing I can think of with this controller. Even with that being said, I still urge anyone considering this controller to not let the wait time deter you from ordering one.

The rotary encoders could stand to be a bit more precise in their operation. I ordered my Heavy Hauler with standard labels and as such set up the encoders to cruise control and retarder. The only problem with doing so is that the game often reads way more turns than I actually tried to make. So the retarder will go from off to full on even though I barely turned it at all. Other times I may want it to turn all the way on or off and I end up with the game getting confused and starting to turn the retarder on then back off then on again. What I eventually did was change the cruise encoder to just control the game radio volume since that is less critical. The retarder encoder is still set to that, but I use it very little. 

Even with these problems, I still think the controller is great.

On to things I really like about it.

Let's start with the perceived build quality (I say perceived because I'm not about to go mucking around and opening it up to see what it's like on the inside). It feels great.The case is solid and has a good heft to it without it being overly heavy. The switches all feel really nice. They have a satisfying click to them and are securely mounted.

They offer two different mounting options which is nice. I chose the 100mm VESA mounts. I still haven't mounted it to anything. I actually just have it sitting on a little tray table propped up on the mounting pegs. This is probably not the best method, but it will work until you get around to mounting it.

I ordered my unit with the CB Mic option which is also really nice. The Mic itself is a real handset and as such means you can swap to another CB handset if needed. The Fuel button that stays in when you push it is a great addition to the box. One thing I have found over time using this box is that I never really made use of the Trailer Brake handle. The game logic and real life just don't quite line up on this point and so I decided to instead use that handle to hold the "zoom interior" button on instead. Using it this way I can more easily see how to back up the trailers using the mirrors on the truck itself instead of the virtual ones. The keyed ignition is one of my favorite features of the box. It is awesome to be able to start the truck by turning an actual key. The backlighting is a must have option as well even if you don't play in a completely dark room. The backlight helps me actually read the labels when I need to glance over at the unit even with my poor eyesight. There are plenty of buttons on this controller overall.

On to customer service. These guys offer some of the best customer service I have ever seen from a company, big or small. They respond quickly to any email questions you have and you can contact them on twitter too. I feel like if I were to have any kind of issue with the unit, they would be there doing their best to help resolve the issue. 

For me this is a great product from a great company, and I will continue to watch for new products to be released which will further improve my simulation gaming immersion. These units may be expensive, but they are worth every penny if you value immersion in your sim games. Don't even question whether or not they are worth it. Quite simply, they are completely worth the investment.

What other word to start my review but one word: wow! Any ATS or ETS2 fan should find some way to get this product. It's a game-changer. Alot of thoughts were put in the design and the assembly process that knowing where the mainly used switches are is a walk in the park to find. Installation is staightforward : plug and play. Also, a video is available for you to know how to map all the switches so there's no way to get them wrong. Waiting time is a little downer but don't get me wrong, once you got it setup, you won't regret it. All is working as it should. Unit is nice and sturdy once installed (I used the 90° mounting option). I never spend time writing reviews but I'm so happy about this product. Hoping to see A.S.P. come up with new products down the line.Will definitely buy again. Excellent seller communication also as I had my order wrong. Don't be afraid, buy with confidence like I did, you won't regret it.

Ordered the Heavy Hauler button box in August. I was worried about the 2 month wait (excitement get's the best of me), but it was actually shipped and delivered just before the 2 month mark. Upon unboxing it you could tell it was well made and is sturdy and durable. I immediately got everything unpackaged and hooked up to the computer. Very very easy to hookup and start to play. No downloads needed, except for joytokey in order to use the CB mic, but that is easy to install and use in it self. Other than the CB mic I just went into my keys for American Truck Simulator and set all the switches and buttons for the game and was ready to go. The buttons while using in the game are well built and very sturdy. I can say that it really makes the game that much more immersive. How I have been playing for so long without it is beyond me. If you are very much into truck sim I would HIGHLY recommend this button box! You won't be disappointed one bit at all. Also any questions that I had during and after order I had emailed them and got a reply back instantly. I was very impressed with the service and the product. I have been recommending this box to numerous people that are looking to order as soon as possible. Keep up the AMAZING work A.S.P!

I had done a lot of research before purchasing my controller and had communication with Jim before making the order. I must say it has taken 9 months to get to do a review something I can only apologise for. But now I can review having had 9 months of drive time under my belt. Planning with some precision where I wanted my desired switches/ operation, the ability to have a custom faceplate is awesome. I have mine rear mounted onto a Vesa mount/ TV cantilever bracket, so it floats above my game pad positioning. The build is awesome and has not missed a beet, the switches commercial strength and durability. The switch box looks impressive and a worthy partner to my Wheel and gear box set up. It looks good, feels good and works good. I drive MP and also as part of a VTC so the mic is a great addition, quality is very good (I have used this for business zoom meetings  when standard mic was U/S).  Would I buy again, yes. Would I recommend, yes. There is some nuances you get to understand with the box, eg. resetting switch position at end of game etc.  I have my ATS/ETS radio and channel also set up through the heavy hauler. For me it added the same immersion from driving with keys to a wheel, as keys to controller. Well its part of my Big Rig and there to stay. Jim is exceptionally helpful and worked with me as I altered my order slightly and was able to arrange delivery to coincide with my vacation. Top quality, well done guys. So get you layout sorted, take the plunge and buy. Spend the next 2 months in anticipation of a game changer. If there was any improvement it would be this:- when key in off position box powers down!! (a thought for you Jim!!!)

What an awesome addition to ATS and ETS.  I have many hours under my belt playing ATS.  I have watched youtube video's on this product line and contemplated it for quite a while.  I finally committed to ordering a box and couldn't be more pleased with it.  I have to mount it, but I have used it for several hours.  I have  had a few questions that Jim has answered extremely quickly.  I have had several correspondences with him and he has always gotten back to me within a day, and very often within hours.  

I find the product to be well built with quality parts.  The backlight allows game play without other lighting in the room.  If your debating,  just do it.  You will be pleased!  Adds a whole new level to game play.  Designed so it can be programmed for other games. I many have to order a few more faces.

I just received my Heavy Hauler yesterday and I am already loving this product! I can tell this product is very high quality and it is definitely worth the 2 month wait! It will definitely make my ATS Experience much more realistic. Luckily my box did ship early and I received it 5 days before the 2 month order date. Amazing job! 5/5

Absolutely fantastic product! I am extremely surprised by the quality. The Heavy Hauler legitimately feels like something I would buy from a much larger company like Thrustmaster, etc. All the buttons and switches feel extremely crisp and well put together. It's worth every penny. The customer service is top notch too. I got responses to all my questions very quickly. It definitely shows that they put a lot of pride into what they're doing. My box also shipped at least 3 weeks ahead of schedule, and arrived at my door in just a couple days. I'll definitely be doing more business with this company. I really hope they expand their product line to include Eaton Fuller style shift knobs in the future. Because I know the quality would be amazing.

Thanks again!!!

Rock, and Roll! This Console Box Rocks! Forget Big Box Stores. You Will Not Find This Uniquely Made Box Anywhere. Well Worth The Wait of a Custom Made Add on to Your Trucking Experience. I Did Make a Video of it, but it is Part of a Ongoing Project For a Later Date. The Plug, and Play is a Bonus! Took Just Over a Month to Get it, but Hey This is no Fast Food Item. This is Custom Made to Your Specs. Awesome Job to Everyone Who Helped Make This Box For me! 

Definitely recommend this product, after debating whether to order the heavy hauler for almost a year, i finally pulled the trigger and ordered mine, after waiting a month and a halfish, it arrived, first of all the product is high quality, buttons and switches have satisfying clicks, the ignition is a satisfying way to start your truck, the leds aren't too bright so they dont borther you while driving in a darkroom, the button box built quality is superb, mic feels amazing and works too.

When i first picked up my wheel for ets and ats i said this is the best thing i got for ets/ats, same went when i got my skrs, now with the button box definitely on the top of the list, i never thought that a simple button box can change my ats/ets experience so much.

Advanced simulation products, you guys rock.

This is by far the most superior product that I have in my simulator arsenal. Don’t let the shipping time deter you from this product. The wait is worth the quality and craftsmanship of the device. If you want a solid product and top notch customer support for a product that won’t fail you look no further. 

I would like to start off by giving a HUGE shoutout to Jim Kelly for this AMAZING product. Two years ago when he first started this business, he presented a concept like no other on the market that would indeed change our gaming experience. Being a big fan of ATS this product made sense and after seeing a few preview videos on youtube, it made me want to own one. Shortly after the pre-orders for this product were being taken and I can happily say I was amongst the first 10 customers to submit an order for the Heavy Hauler Controller. Just recently last month I came back to yet order another controller for a second set up I have been working on and the customer service that Jim provides is truly phenomenal. He will go above and beyond to make sure you will be satisfied with your order should you have any questions, comments or concerns before or after you have made an order. The quality build on these controllers are very well done. Since my first purchase(2yrs ago), my controller has given me absolutely no problems and is still looking in good shape even after being used almost everyday. If I were to be asked why I would recommend this product it would be because 1) The level of customer service is outstanding, 2) The build on these controllers are professionally made and the quality is top notch, & 3) There is NO other custom controller like this on the market. If you are a big fan of driving in ATS or ETS 2 then this is a MUST have product for you. This product is definitely worth every penny and you will in fact get what you pay for.  Lastly to those who may have doubt whether they should order or not, DON'T WAIT much longer as this is something you wont wanna miss out on, make the investment and I guarantee this will elevate your gaming experience to a whole new level!!

First off, I have to say if you are a simulation fan and want to take it to the next level, then look no further. After searching to enhance my experience in ets2 and ats, I came across the ASP button box, and by the style and build quality I had to have one. I placed an order for a custom unit and within the two month advertised waiting period, I had one in my hands. After a rare and unforeseen technical hiccup, Jim Kelly had me back up and running. With quick and awesome customer service, Jim cares for his customers and products and goes above and beyond to prove it, so don't hesitate to purchase this product. I love this box and would buy one again in a heartbeat. 10 outta 10!!!

Really good product works really good love the realism of the controller. One thing that I don't like is that my trailer break switch doesn't work? But other then that I would recommend this to any one that love ats or ets 

Two words... Must have!!!

This button box is really nice overall and if you want to be immersed into a truck driving/farming simulation game, this is a must have!

This button box was worth the wait (shockingly small amount of time waiting for delivery). When I ordered the Heavy Hauler, I saw the message : "Due to high demand, please expect shipment of your controller in approximately 2-3 weeks from your order date". But then when I was ready to order and was in checkout, the standard Canada shipping was two months wait time. I was excited and really impatient to get it (knowing that I would only get it in two months, or will I?) Then this morning, my girlfriend come to see me and said to me that my button box was here already! I was shocked and I didn't believe her! It took only a week from my order date (28th of April) to today (5th of May) to get it! *BE AWARE* Since I am in Canada, I needed to pay extra at the door when receiving my delivery and it was around 80$CAD extra. It may not be the same for you but just be careful when ordering.

Enough about delivery time and import fees and let's get into the unboxing and first feeling of the box and the buttons! When I opened the box, I immediately felt like this wasn't going to be cheap opening, I opened the box and removed the plastic wrap that was covering the whole button box. It felt premium at first touch and looked pretty solid. Installed it on my desk for the moment and plugged the USB in the PC, the CB mic into my Heavy Hauler and the jack from the button box into the PC. The buttons and switches are bigger than what I imagined them to be, overall the Heavy Hauler was bigger AND lighter than what I was expecting. The light switch felt nice but sadly the only issue with this button is the way the game reads it (button box is not the issue, the game is!!). When switching from 0 to 1, it works well, when switching from 1 to 2, it works too. Only issue is when I want to go back from 2 to 1. I then need to switch from position 2 slowly to position 0, then go back to 1. It's not a big issue that I can't live with, but SCS Software really need to add a light switch back button, just like the wipers for example. The two little "radio style buttons" I call them (or the rotary encoders) are nicer than what I was expecting. I was a little scared of what they would feel like because I heard they turn infinitely and may be a little sensitive. But they had a nice click if you turn them slowly, which is not bad. The red buttons are soft buttons (they do not click). They feel nice even if I know people may not like soft buttons. Horn button was a surprise for me since I was expecting it to be like the red buttons but with a different shape from the red buttons, but it is a click button. You push it in, it clicks and then you release and it comes right back! Ignition switch with two keys are definitely working like expected and have a nice tension when from ACC to START position. I decided to go with the A.S.P. faceplate (option is called "None") option and it came with a A.S.P. key chain (really nice touch from A.S.P. here)! Both Trailer Air Supply/Trailer Brake and the Parking Brake push/pull buttons are really nice feeling, they do click when you pull them, works obviously like expected. Fuel button is nice and it does click and hold it's position until you click again to release, really nice to do the obvious refuelling function like it was made for (just in case you didn't know, you need to map this little green button to the "activate" function, just like the ENTER button on your keyboard). Plastic switches are nice and work like expected, nice feeling but not amazed by them since it is only made of plastic. The metal switches though are a different experience, both little and big metal switches felt absolutely amazing! I just love to pop the switch for the Engine Brake function, it is really satisfying! CB mic works like a champ and is really clear, you can increase and even boost the mic volume in the windows setting if you like. But be careful! If you increase too much the volume or boost it too much, a "static" kind of sound will appear when you push to talk. I recommend to either keep it like it came or increasing it to 70% max, microphone is already loud and clear and it is not necessary that you increase the volume.

Like I said earlier, the product works like expected overall, some good surprises and some things that may be improved but overall really happy with this premium button box. I ordered a vesa mount that is expected tomorrow (I didn't have time to order it earlier and the button box came here faster than expected lol). I am running the Heavy Hauler with my Logitech G923 Xbox version, the Logitech G Shifter and the Logitech Heavy Side Pannel as well. I will provide a picture tomorrow when receiving my vesa mount and when everything will be in place.

Thank you so much A.S.P. for creating these beautiful button boxes for every kind of people, and for different kind of games, I am sure excited for the Farming Simulator button box prototype and will probably buy one in the future when it will be able to order one. You guys out there are more than creating button boxes, you are changing the way we play the game and this feels 10 times better! The immersion is real!

The is the best purchase I've made for my truck simulator setup. One of the best built add-ons you can get and they have the best customer support I've ever interacted with. They went above and beyond to make sure my issue was solved. You will not regret getting this button box.

If i could give My heavy hauler button box and this company 10 stars i would. i bought mine just about a year ago now, i have bought multiple faceplate and couldnt be happier. The customer service is outstanding Jim takes great care of his customers and will do what it take to make sure his customers are 110% happy with their product. If your looking at a sim button box this is the place to go. Dont waste your time or money on the look a likes (copy cats)  with wack warrenties and sus customer support. I know ill be getting more sim products from here thats for sure. 

After around a two month wait and having it for a few days I really seem to enjoy it so far! My box came about a week before the two month mark as other reviewers have mentioned. I really like how you can customize the faceplate and have whatever words/lettering you choose which is awesome compared to other competitors who make button boxes. It is really worth the purchase price as it can really change the way you play ats/ets 2 and other games potentially as well. But from seeing various streamers use and demonstrate the heavy hauler that is what sold me on getting one for my personal use. There are two options to mount it, either via 90 degree screw down mounts or a vesa mounting option. At first I choose in my order to have come with my box the 90 degree screw down mounts, but then I emailed customer service to request to change my box mounting option to vesa mount screws, and they assured me that they would make a note on it and they really kept their promise as well. If your into any simulation/trucking and or driving games, I would recommend this button box. You will not be disappointed.

Thank you to Jim and the rest of the A.S.P. team for the wonderful job and getting back to my request so quickly as well. 

I absolutely love my Heavy Hauler button box that I purchased back in March of 2018! It took a bit to get mine after buying (i.e. 2 months for shipping) however the build quality is excellent and is a very solid product since they're built from scratch. You'll honestly have it before you even realize it, trust me! Since I purchased mine, there are even more options for face plates and ways to customize your own build when placing your order. If you have any issues or concerns, Jim is always there to answer all questions. Highly recommend if you love trucking and have the passion for it such as myself. Stop thinking about it, go now.. what are you waiting for?! Order one today and be the envy at all your Saturday night convoys! 

I ordered my Heavy Hauler with the 90 Degree Screw mount, I have only 1 bad to say about the Mount itself is that it came with only 4 screws, i had to go out and buy 4 more to feel it was truly secured to my desk,  the 4 screws it comes with are fine, but it does allow the button box itself to wiggle a bit while using it and i was afraid that screws might not hold under long term use.  using 8 screws (Mount has 4 holes on each side two into the box, 2 into the desk) there is ZERO wiggle to it and ((to me)) it feels much sturdier and secure,

OK, thats out of the way,  onto the Button Box itself.  I have nothing, i mean NOTHING bad to say about it, at all,  and many other people have already said what i have to say about it,  switches feel real, everything works the way it is suppose to. Key Mapping is easy and i agree with another commenter that the rotary dials could maybe use some fine tuning, i find myself turning one to many times ((maybe not enough resistance on the dial?)) but over all, i would most certainly recommend this to Anyone into ATS/ETS, i have even mapped it to a few of my Need for Speed games with amazing results and my Farming Sims as well   

I recently had moved and went to set up my heavy hauler and like a dumbass I dropped it. It was no longer recognized by my computer and a rotary switch broke. I contacted support and was immediately contacted back. I explained the situation and I sent my Heavy Hauler back to them at my expense and the same day they received it I was sent and email detailing what was found. A broken rotary switch and only $17 including shipping and less then 1 week I had my box back and was working 100%. They guys at ASP are helpful and quick to respond to a problem you may have. 100% would recommend any product made by ASP.

One word, Awesome.

From start to finish this is one of the best interactions I've had with an online order. 

Even when I first started and the website was having issues with letting me create an account the support staff in the chat on the site stepped in and helped me get my account going. The product arrived in the time frame given, considering the demand it got here sooner than I expected. 

Quality is grade A, all the switches are well made. The labels are just as I wanted. I may be ordering a new faceplate soon, just cause I'm re-thinking my button uses some not any thing bad on ASP. It makes the game 100 times more of an immersive experience to me. Anyone playing ATS and probably ETS2 will greatly like this item, best game add on in my collection to date.

So far I am very happy with this product I love it when playing ATS,ETS2 I know It was a long wait time but it was totally worth it. Thank you Jim and the rest of the ASP Team in making this product and god bless.

5/5

  I would give this a 10 out of 5 if I could. If you are really trying to get the ultimate trucking sim set up this box is a must have. I have been using mine for about 8 months now and have not had a single problem. The quality and detail put into these boxes is  incredible. Absolutely worth the wait and money

Just ordered a heavy hauler