On a skateboard, the trucks are the metal T-shaped assemblies that connect the wheels to the deck and dictate how the board turns and responds to rider input. Often overshadowed by the deck graphic or the shine of the wheels, these components are the actual suspension and steering system of the board, making them fundamental to the ride, feel, and performance of the skateboard.
Breaking Down the Anatomy of a Truck
To understand what are the trucks on a skateboard, it helps to visualize their core structure. Each truck resembles a capital "T" and is composed of several key parts working in harmony. The baseplate is the flat, rectangular part that screws directly onto the skateboard deck, serving as the anchor for the entire assembly. Rising from the baseplate is the kingpin, a central bolt that holds everything together and acts as the primary pivot axis. The hanger, the wide arm at the bottom of the "T," extends outwards and holds the wheels via the axles. Completing the mechanism are the bushings, which are donut-shaped rings of urethane seated on the kingpin; they control the tightness of the turn and the rebound of the truck.
The Role of the Kingpin and Bushings
The kingpin might look like a simple bolt, but it is the backbone of the truck's functionality. Positioned vertically through the center of the baseplate and hanger, it allows the hanger to pivot left and right. The degree of this pivot is managed by the bushings. Softer bushings allow for deeper, easier turns favored by surfers and transition riders, while harder bushings offer more resistance, resulting in a stable, responsive ride ideal for technical street skating. Adjusting the tension on the kingpin nut—often called "truck tightness"—is one of the most immediate ways to customize how a skateboard feels.
Truck Size and Deck Compatibility
One of the most common points of confusion is matching truck size to the skateboard deck. Trucks are generally categorized as small, medium, or large, and this designation usually corresponds to the width of the hanger. A widely accepted rule of thumb is that the truck width should match the deck width within a quarter inch. For instance, a standard 8.0-inch deck pairs well with 8.0-inch trucks. If the trucks are too wide for the deck, the wheels will hang over the edges, making the board prone to wheel bite. Conversely, trucks that are too narrow can feel unstable and limit the leverage for turning.
Deck Width | Recommended Truck Size | Typical Use
7.5" and below | 7.0" – 7.5" | Small street boards, younger riders
7.6" – 8.4" | 8.0" – 8.4" | All-around standard boards
8.5" and above | 8.5" – 9.0"+ | Vert pools, larger cruiser boards
