Heading out road trip racing ergonomics (seat comfort matters)

New game, same problem: your hardware either disappears… or gets in the way. Heading Out is often played in longer, relaxed sessions. A comfortable seat and a monitor at the right height can make the difference between “one more drive” and “my back hurts.”

Release note: Heading Out was released May 7, 2024

This guide matches the game to the hardware: which cockpit makes sense, which seat style fits the driving, and how to think about monitor placement without overcomplicating it.

Key takeaways for Heading Out

Comfort first: choose a seat you can sit in for an hour without thinking about it.
A stable screen position improves control even in casual driving games.
A mid-range cockpit is the sweet spot if you mix open-world driving with proper sims.

Wheelbase, pedals and controller choice (and why your cockpit matters)

Heading Out will run on anything from an entry-level gear-driven wheel to a 20+ Nm direct drive wheelbase. The key is matching the cockpit to the forces you’re generating.

Entry wheels (Logitech G29/G923, Thrustmaster T248/T300) work best when the wheel mount doesn’t bounce or flex.
Mid-range direct drive (Fanatec CSL DD, Moza R9/R12, Asetek La Prima) benefits from a rigid 8020 cockpit so the force feedback stays clean.
High-end direct drive (Simucube 2, Fanatec DD1/DD2, Asetek Invicta) really wants a stiff chassis and a strong pedal deck — otherwise you feel flex instead of detail.
If you use a load-cell brake, cockpit stiffness often improves lap time more than upgrading wheel torque.

Cockpit choice: the part that makes everything else feel better

Open-world driving and “chill” racers don’t need the stiffest cockpit on earth. What they do need is comfort, easy entry/exit, and a wheel position that doesn’t change between sessions.

Rig picks from SimXPro

GT - RS GT Sim Racing Cockpit – A comfortable, clean cockpit style that’s great for cruising and “just jump in and drive.”
R80 GT Sim Racing Cockpit – A compact way to get off the desk and into a real seated driving position.
X80 GT Sim Racing Cockpit – If you also play sims, this is the versatile step-up option.

Seat setup: your “driving position” is a performance setting

Comfort is the feature here. If you’re cruising or doing long sessions, a seat that supports your lower back (and allows small posture changes) is a big quality-of-life upgrade.

Use a seat slider if more than one person drives — sharing a rig should take seconds, not tools.
Avoid an overly “locked in” bucket if you prefer relaxed sessions.
Match monitor height so you’re not craning your neck forward.

Seat picks that pair well with this style of game

Basic Leather Reclining Seat + Slider – Comfort-first: great for long sessions, open-world driving, and sharing the rig with others.
Torq GT Seat – More locked-in support if you want a sportier feel.

Monitor setup: the fastest “feel” upgrade after a solid rig

For relaxed driving and manager-style games, comfort and clarity matter most. A clean single-monitor setup is often the best balance for a living-room or desk-adjacent rig.

Monitor stand options

Single screen stand tiltable - VESA 100/200 – A single screen setup is often perfect for living-room or desk-adjacent rigs.
Single integrated monitor mount 75/100 VESA – An integrated single mount for a clean cockpit look.

In-game settings worth checking (before you blame your hardware)

These settings take 5–10 minutes and usually fix 80% of the “something feels off” complaints:

Calibrate your wheel and pedals.
Reduce deadzones and avoid extreme sensitivity.
Set a stable camera and keep your horizon consistent.
Tune force feedback for detail, not just strength.

Accessories that actually make a difference

For Heading Out, these are the add-ons that tend to improve the experience the most:

Seat slider + quick adjustments for multiple drivers.
A single monitor stand so you can bring the screen closer without redoing your desk.
A comfortable seating angle (small changes reduce fatigue massively).

Quick checklist before your first serious session

Calibrate wheel rotation and pedal travel in-game (do this once, then stop chasing it).
Set your seat distance so you can fully press the brake without locking your knee.
Bring the monitor closer than you think, then lower it slightly so your eyes look at the horizon naturally.
Do 10 minutes of slow laps to build muscle memory before pushing for a hotlap.

A simple SimXPro build that works (and how to upgrade it)

Cockpit: GT - RS GT Sim Racing Cockpit
Seat: Basic Leather Reclining Seat + Slider
Monitor stand: Single screen stand tiltable - VESA 100/200

If you want a clear upgrade path: start by locking in your posture (seat + pedals), then upgrade rigidity (cockpit), then expand your view (monitor setup).

Heading out setup guide: Road trip racing ergonomics (seat comfort matters)