Ravens Flatbed 1.61.1 UPDATE REVIEW
The Ravens Flatbed’s ATS 1.61 update is here, and I put a lot more into it than just getting it running on the new game version. I reworked the chassis lineup, corrected cargo weights and job generation, expanded company routing, and rebuilt a lot of the trailer’s visual details. The Ravens now uses the new wheels and rims from Trailer Wheels v3 as well.
Chassis Rework
The 48FT tri-axle has been converted into a proper tri spread-axle configuration, and I added a new 48FT quad-axle option. I also corrected axle placement and proportions across the 48FT chassis lineup.
On the 53FT side, the quad-axle chassis has been rebuilt with a 98/72/72 axle spread for a more accurate stance. Chassis weights and gross weight limits are now set according to axle count instead of applying one figure to all seven chassis.
Cargo Weights and Job Economy
I reworked the cargo weights against the correct deck volumes. During that review, I found 23 loads generating more units than intended, making them an average of around 5,000 pounds too heavy. I also corrected two Pad Mounted Transformer loads that exceeded the mod’s own gross weight limit. Cargo is now filtered by deck length and axle class, so a chassis should only show loads it can physically and legally carry.
Loading times now account for cargo weight and fragility across all 97 cargoes. Previously, they ranged from 2 to 427 minutes; they now fall between 23 and 80 minutes.
I also took a deeper pass at payouts after the initial 1.61 release, rebalancing all 97 cargoes against SCS’s flatbed freight rates and fixing a case where a lighter load paid more than a heavier one. The average rate moved from approximately $0.33 to $1.62 per ton-mile, using a US ton of 2,000 pounds. For comparison, the SCS flatbed cargoes used as a reference average approximately $1.51 per ton-mile.
More Realistic Cargo Routing
Company and delivery locations have been completely reviewed so freight appears at places that make sense. I added routing for 36 companies that previously had none, including LA Seaport, Creole Bay Port, Rock Port, and Angel City Airport. The Ravens now has routing for 207 of 217 real ATS companies.
I also reduced the number of companies shipping the JLG Vertical Lift from 77 to 25. That should help keep one load from dominating the job board and give other cargoes more room to appear.
Visual and Accessory Rework
The classic Ravens swirl finish is the part of this update I should emphasize. I rebuilt its materials, textures, and AO maps across the 48FT and 53FT frames, Curtainside, and rear bumper. The swirl is sharper and more defined now, and the way it catches the light looks so much better in game. It’s one of those changes where screenshots help, but seeing the trailer move through different lighting really shows the difference.
Both deck lengths finishes got reworked. I also rebuilt the rear bumper models and added rear license plate nodes.
The wood textures and normal maps have been updated for better grain and surface depth, while the airbag textures have been refined. I updated the aluminum, metal, reflective tape, and logo textures and normal maps, and cleaned up the UI shadows across the trailer.
Finally, I reworked the toolbox accessory system and separated the mudflap brackets, axle light panels, and mudflaps so you have more flexibility when putting together your setup.
There’s a lot packed into this Ravens Flatbed update, from the axle configurations and freight economy to the details you see up close. I’m sure there are a few changes I’ve missed in this write-up, but the classic swirl alone is worth taking another look at.
The latest files are available on the website under My Downloads. Replace your previous Ravens files with the new version, and thank you all for the continued support!