Skateboard trucks play a vital role in determining how well your board performs, and choosing the right ones can make a big difference in your skateboarding experience.

To make the right choice, it's important to understand the different parts that make up skateboard trucks and how they work together to make your skateboard turn.

Here are the main parts of a skateboard truck:

base plate
This is the part of the truck that attaches to the deck. It houses the kingpin and pivot cup, both of which are essential for turning.

hanger
The hanger is the T-shaped section of the truck that holds the axle and pivot. It's the part that sticks out from the side of the skateboard.

accelerator
The axles pass through hangers that hold the wheels and bearings at each end. Axle width is an important consideration when selecting trucks.

pivot
The pivot is part of the hanger and extends into the pivot cup in the base plate, providing the axis of rotation for making sharp turns and carving around the skatepark.

Pivot Cup
The pivot cup is the part that holds and cushions the pivot within the base plate. It is a vital part of the turning mechanism and is easily replaced if worn.

Kingpin
The kingpin attaches to the base plate and passes through bushings and hangers to hold everything together, allowing the truck to pivot and turn.

Bushing
The bushings are replaceable urethane cushions that mount on either side of the kingpin to provide stability. Bushings are available in different hardnesses and can be swapped out to customize the feel of your truck.

Kingpin Nut
The kingpin nut holds the truck together and is easily adjusted by providing compression to the bushing, it is important to ensure this is tightened properly to avoid any wobble or instability.

Choosing the right skateboard trucks is an important decision that will greatly affect your ride. There are many different designs available and it's important to understand the differences and benefits of each.

There are five main truck designs available, including standard kingpin trucks, high trucks, low trucks, hollow trucks, and longboard trucks, each offering unique features and benefits.

Exploring these options will give you valuable insight into choosing the perfect skateboard trucks to suit your style, terrain, and desired performance. Whether you're looking for stability, maneuverability, lightweight construction, or specialized features, read on to discover your ideal truck design.

The most versatile type of skateboard truck is the standard kingpin truck, which can be used for a variety of skateboard styles. The trucks are adjustable, allowing you to customize your board's turning ability. Standard kingpin trucks are a great choice for street skating, bowls, and skateparks.

High track is the standard, but some brands offer both high and low models. High track offers more responsive turning and more wheel clearance. This is recommended for beginners, as it allows you to use larger wheels without worrying about wheel bite.

Low trucks are lower in height than regular trucks and are utilized by technical skaters who require quick, responsive pop and a more stable center of gravity. A low truck is only labeled as such if the model is available in both high and low options, or only in a low version.

Hollow trucks have hollow kingpins or axels to reduce weight. This feature gives the board more pop and allows for faster flicks. Lighter trucks can be beneficial for any ride, but the choice is down to personal preference.

The most versatile type of skateboard truck is the standard kingpin truck, which can be used for a variety of skateboard styles. The trucks are adjustable, allowing you to customize your board's turning ability. Standard kingpin trucks are a great choice for street skating, bowls, and skateparks.

High track is the standard, but some brands offer both high and low models. High track offers more responsive turning and more wheel clearance. This is recommended for beginners, as it allows you to use larger wheels without worrying about wheel bite.

Low trucks are lower in height than regular trucks and are utilized by technical skaters who require quick, responsive pop and a more stable center of gravity. A low truck is only labeled as such if the model is available in both high and low options, or only in a low version.

Hollow trucks have hollow kingpins or axels to reduce weight. This feature gives the board more pop and allows for faster flicks. Lighter trucks can be beneficial for any ride, but the choice is down to personal preference.

The most versatile type of skateboard truck is the standard kingpin truck, which can be used for a variety of skateboard styles. The trucks are adjustable, allowing you to customize your board's turning ability. Standard kingpin trucks are a great choice for street skating, bowls, and skateparks.

High track is the standard, but some brands offer both high and low models. High track offers more responsive turning and more wheel clearance. This is recommended for beginners, as it allows you to use larger wheels without worrying about wheel bite.

Low trucks are lower in height than regular trucks and are utilized by technical skaters who require quick, responsive pop and a more stable center of gravity. A low truck is only labeled as such if the model is available in both high and low options, or only in a low version.

Hollow trucks have hollow kingpins or axels to reduce weight. This feature gives the board more pop and allows for faster flicks. Lighter trucks can be beneficial for any ride, but the choice is down to personal preference.

The most versatile type of skateboard truck is the standard kingpin truck, which can be used for a variety of skateboard styles. The trucks are adjustable, allowing you to customize your board's turning ability. They're a great choice for street, bowl, and skatepark use.

High track is the standard, but some brands offer both high and low models. High track offers more responsive turning and more wheel clearance. This is recommended for beginners, as it allows you to use larger wheels without worrying about wheel bite.

The most versatile type of skateboard truck is the standard kingpin truck, which can be used for a variety of skateboard styles. The trucks are adjustable, allowing you to customize your board's turning ability. Standard kingpin trucks are a great choice for street skating, bowls, and skateparks.

High track is the standard, but some brands offer both high and low models. High track offers more responsive turning and more wheel clearance. This is recommended for beginners, as it allows you to use larger wheels without worrying about wheel bite.

Low trucks are lower in height than regular trucks and are utilized by technical skaters who require quick, responsive pop and a more stable center of gravity. A low truck is only labeled as such if the model is available in both high and low options, or only in a low version.

Hollow trucks have hollow kingpins or axels to reduce weight. This feature gives the board more pop and allows for faster flicks. Lighter trucks can be beneficial for any ride, but the choice is down to personal preference.

Low trucks are lower in height than regular trucks and are utilized by technical skaters who require quick, responsive pop and a more stable center of gravity. A low truck is only labeled as such if the model is available in both high and low options, or only in a low version.

Hollow trucks have hollow kingpins or axels to reduce weight. This feature gives the board more pop and allows for faster flicks. Lighter trucks can be beneficial for any ride, but the choice is down to personal preference.

Once you're familiar with the different skateboard truck designs, the next step is to make sure the axle width of your truck matches the width of your skateboard deck.

An exact match is ideal, but slight variations of less than 1/4 inch are generally acceptable. However, track widths are labeled differently by different brands, which can make it difficult to determine the correct size.

For further assistance, please see the chart below for recommended truck sizes based on deck width. Finding the correct size truck for your specific deck width will ensure optimal performance and stability.

Hardware
Skateboard hardware refers to the screws and nuts that attach the skateboard trucks to the deck. These small parts are essential to keeping the skateboard together and also to making sure the trucks are securely attached to the deck.

Some skateboard hardware brands offer different types of bolts, such as Phillips or Allen head bolts, which require different types of tools to install, and some bolts may be designed to be more durable or lightweight than others.

Skateboard hardware may seem like a small and insignificant component, but it plays a vital role in the performance and safety of your skateboard. It's important to choose the right hardware and ensure it's installed correctly.

Bush
Skateboard bushings are an integral part of skateboard trucks and play a key role in how the board turns. Made from urethane, these small cushions slide onto the kingpin and rest on either side of the hanger. Bushings provide stability and allow skateboarders to customize how their trucks turn.

Stiff bushings are ideal for those looking for a more stable ride. The stiffness of the bushing limits the truck's turning, resulting in a more stable ride. This type of bushing is commonly used when stability is important, such as in situations like downhill skating or cruising.

Softer bushings provide a more responsive turn. Perfect for those looking to make tighter turns and move quickly on their board. The softness of the bushings allows for a greater range of movement, making the board easier to maneuver. Used in situations such as street skating and skatepark riding.

It's important to note that bushings come in different shapes and sizes, and not all bushings will fit all types of skateboard trucks. Additionally, the hardness or durometer of bushings can vary, and choosing a bushing hardness will depend on your skill level, riding style, and personal preference.