What Are Skateboard Trucks?
Skateboard trucks are the T-shaped metal axle assemblies that mount to the underside of your deck. They serve two critical functions: attaching your wheels to your board and enabling you to turn and steer. Despite looking simple, trucks are complex components with several interacting parts that dramatically affect how your board feels and rides.
Anatomy of a Skateboard Truck
Understanding the parts of a truck helps you make smarter choices when buying or replacing them:
- Baseplate – The flat plate that bolts directly to your deck. The kingpin angle on the baseplate affects how the truck steers.
- Hanger – The large T-shaped metal piece. The axle runs through it and the wheels attach to both ends.
- Kingpin – The large bolt that holds the hanger to the baseplate. It runs through the bushings.
- Bushings – Soft urethane rings that sit on either side of the hanger pivot. They control the feel and resistance of turning.
- Axle – The rod running through the hanger where wheels and bearings are mounted.
- Pivot Cup – A small urethane cup that the hanger pivot sits in. It wears over time and affects truck responsiveness.
Truck Sizing: Getting the Right Width
The most important measurement when choosing trucks is axle width. Ideally, your truck axle width should match or closely match your deck width. Here's a general sizing guide:
| Deck Width | Recommended Truck Size |
|---|---|
| 7.5" – 7.75" | 7.75" axle (Independent 129, Thunder 147) |
| 7.875" – 8.125" | 8.0" axle (Independent 139, Thunder 148) |
| 8.25" – 8.5" | 8.25"–8.5" axle (Independent 149, Thunder 149) |
| 8.5" and above | 8.5"+ axle (Independent 159, Venture 5.8) |
Truck Height: Low, Mid, or High?
Truck height refers to the distance between the baseplate and the hanger, which affects how high your board sits off the ground:
- Low trucks – Closer to the ground, better for technical street skating and flip tricks. More stable at slower speeds. Requires smaller wheels (50–53mm) to avoid wheel bite.
- Mid trucks – The all-around option. Works with a wide range of wheel sizes and suits most skating styles.
- High trucks – More clearance for larger wheels (54mm+), better for cruising, carving, and transition skating. Slightly less stable for technical tricks.
The Top Truck Brands
A few brands dominate the skateboard truck market, each with loyal followings:
- Independent Trucks – The industry standard since 1978. Known for durability, excellent turning, and a huge loyal following among street and transition skaters alike.
- Thunder Trucks – Lighter than Independents, slightly lower profile, popular with technical street skaters who prioritize flip tricks.
- Venture Trucks – Affordable and reliable, a solid choice for beginners and intermediate skaters.
- Ace Trucks – Known for a deeper, more carvy turn. Popular with bowl skaters and old-school enthusiasts.
- Tensor Trucks – Lightweight magnesium construction, favored by tech skaters who want a snappy, responsive feel.
Bushings: The Secret to Truck Feel
Bushings are one of the most underrated components in a skate setup. They come in different durometers (hardness levels) — softer bushings make turning easier and more responsive, while harder bushings provide more resistance and stability. Most stock trucks come with medium-hardness bushings that are a reasonable starting point, but swapping them out is an affordable upgrade that can transform how your board feels.
When to Replace Your Trucks
Trucks are durable but not indestructible. Signs it's time for new trucks or components include: cracks in the hanger or baseplate, a stripped or bent kingpin, worn-out pivot cups causing sloppiness, or axles that are bent from hard impacts. Replacing bushings and pivot cups before buying entirely new trucks can often restore the ride significantly.