Why Host Your Own Convoy? 🚦
Hauling freight solo is peaceful, but nothing beats the sight of your friends’ rigs stretching across a sunrise highway. Hosting your own American Truck Simulator Convoy server lets you take control, routes, mods, and atmosphere, without relying on third-party services.
Since SCS introduced built-in Convoy mode, multiplayer has become easier, faster, and more stable. No external mods, no setup chaos, just pure trucking together.
1. Prepare Your Setup ⚙️
Before you hit the road, make sure you’ve got the basics:
- A reliable internet connection (10 Mbps+ upload recommended)
- The latest version of ATS installed
- Matching DLCs and mods for all players
- Proper port forwarding if hosting publicly (UDP 27015)
Pro Tip: Everyone in your Convoy must have identical mods enabled. Even a missing trailer pack can stop a player from joining.
2. Launch Convoy Mode 🕹️
From the main menu:
- Click Convoy
- Select Host Session
- Enter your server name and description
- Choose between Public or Private (password protected)
- Set player limits (up to 8) and options like time sync or traffic
Once confirmed, your session will appear in the Convoy browser for your friends to join.
3. Invite Your Crew 👥
- Share your Convoy name and password (if private)
- Friends can join through the Convoy Browser or Steam Friends list
- If they can’t see your server, double-check your firewall or router ports
Bonus Tip: Use a Discord channel or CB radio mod for realistic communication during long hauls.
4. Manage Mods the Smart Way 🧩
Mods can make or break a Convoy session. Here’s how to keep things running smooth:
- Only use lightweight mods (sounds, interiors, skins)
- Avoid heavy AI traffic or graphics overhauls during multiplayer
- Keep all mods in the same load order across players
- Regularly verify Workshop updates to prevent desync
Pro Tip: Create a shared mod collection on Steam Workshop so everyone can subscribe with one click.
5. Improve Server Stability 🧱
To keep your Convoy session silky-smooth:
- Close background apps (browsers, downloads, voice chat if unused)
- Stick to wired Ethernet for consistent latency
- Set a reasonable player cap (6–8 max for home hosting)
- Restart the server every few sessions to clear memory cache
If you want more control, or plan to host large events, ChipHead hosting handles the heavy lifting. Our servers come preconfigured for ATS Convoy, with strong bandwidth and zero setup hassle.
6. Plan Fun Convoy Events 🛣️
Keep your crew engaged with creative session ideas:
- Themed deliveries (hazmat night, oversized loads)
- Coast-to-coast challenges
- Screenshot stops at landmarks
- Fuel efficiency contests or parking challenges
ATS’s Convoy mode syncs traffic lights, weather, and time, so every driver shares the same world.
Final Thoughts 🌟
Hosting your own ATS Convoy server transforms trucking from a solo job into a shared adventure. With a few setup tweaks and reliable hardware, you can build lasting routes and friendships on the open road.
With ChipHead hosting, you can forget the lag and focus on the drive. Stable servers, mod compatibility, and smooth Convoy sync, everything you need for miles of seamless trucking across America. ⚡
