Skateboard Trucks

Worn-out hangers? We’ve got your new skateboard trucks!

Are you looking for skateboard trucks that are especially durable, offer excellent steering, or save a few grams in weight to make your setup lighter? You’ll find what you’re looking for at the TITUS Online Skate Shop! Before you decide on a truck, do you want to learn more about skateboard trucks? We’ll answer all your questions about how a skateboard truck is built. Do you also want to know what features high or low trucks offer? No problem! With all the info you need, you can choose the truck that’s right for you and your board.

High-quality skateboard trucks are the essential foundation of a good skateboard. At the Titus Online Skateshop, we carry only skateboard trucks from the best manufacturers, such as industry leaderIndependent Trucksand other truck specialists likeAce Trucks.

Looking for trucks for a longboard? Then checkoutourlongboard trucks!

How is a skateboard truck constructed?

The construction of skateboard trucks is similar across all manufacturers and has proven itself in practice over decades. The main components of a skateboard truck are the baseplate (A), which is bolted to the deck, and the hanger (B), which controls the steering movement. The hanger is mounted in the baseplate so it can move. More specifically, it’s mounted via the pivot in the pivot cap (H). The hanger is held in place between the bushings (D) on the kingpin (C), which is firmly mounted in the baseplate.

Steering bushings are made of polyurethane, just like skateboard wheels, and allow you to control the truck effectively.

By tightening or loosening the kingpin nut (I), you can adjust the steering characteristics of your trucks.

The washer helps return the steering bushings to their proper position after a turn.

The wheels of a skateboard are mounted on the axle pin (E) , which is set horizontally into the hanger. They are secured by the axle nut (G). Speed rings (F) protect your ball bearings from damage caused by being pressed in.

Which skateboard truck fits my deck?

For a well-balanced setup, the width of the skateboard trucks should match the width of the deck as closely as possible. The width of a skateboard truck is measured at the truck pin. The truck pin length cannot always be determined from the model names provided by truck manufacturers. To make it easier for you to choose the right truck, we’ve created a table. From the table, you can see at a glance which model fits your skateboard deck.

Are you interested in a truck model that isn’t listed in the table? In the Titus Online Skate Shop, you’ll find a recommendation for the appropriate deck width for each truck. That way, you’re guaranteed to find the right skateboard trucks for your deck.

Low, Mid, or High Skateboard Trucks?

We specify whether each skateboard truck is a low, mid, or high model. You can use this information to understand the specific riding characteristics of each model. Choosing between a low, mid, or high truck is therefore another important factor when selecting a skateboard truck.

Low trucks offer the most stable ride. When popping off, they respond more directly than taller trucks. They’re also generally lighter. However, you should keep in mind that low trucks limit your wheel options. 53mm is a good maximum guideline for wheels. If you mount wheels that are too large, you risk wheelbites (where the wheels touch the deck).

With high trucks, you can take tighter turns and also mount larger wheels without having to worry about major wheelbites. Furthermore, high trucks allow for higher ollies than low trucks because they let you angle the board more steeply when popping. You’ll have to compromise on weight and riding stability with higher trucks.

Many manufacturers offer mid trucks. With mid trucks, you strike a balance between high and low trucks.

Standard trucks or state-of-the-art skateboard trucks?

The standard truck, with a cast baseplate and cast hanger made of aluminum alloy, has proven itself over decades. With optimized material compositions, manufacturers are constantly striving to improve the grindability and durability of their standard trucks. And there are also ongoing improvements in steering characteristics. Is the tried-and-true standard not enough for you? Then you’ll be interested in technical refinements like hollow axles, hollow kingpins, forged baseplates, or titanium axles.

“Hollow” means hollow. So, with skateboard trucks featuring a hollow axle or hollow kingpin, you’re dealing with a hollow axle shaft or kingpin, which makes them slightly lighter. Additionally, hollow axle shafts and kingpins are more resistant to breakage than standard versions.

In addition to trucks with classic cast baseplates, some manufacturers also offer skateboard trucks with forged baseplates. Forged baseplates are manufactured through a forging process, which makes them significantly more robust than cast baseplates and also results in a lighter weight.

Looking for something even more exclusive? Titanium axle pins offer a significant weight advantage, as they’re lighter than standard axle pins and even lighter than hollow ones. Titanium axle pins are also the ultimate in stability. As a result, trucks with titanium axles are both lightweight and durable.

How do you adjust the steering response of a skateboard axle?

You can adjust the steering behavior of skateboard trucks by tightening or loosening the kingpin nut. Tightening the kingpin nut provides more stability. Loosening the kingpin nut makes the steering more agile. However, don’t overdo it when loosening the kingpin nut, or you’ll end up with wheelbites.

Can’t you adjust the truck to your liking with the medium-hard steering bushings that come pre-installed? If you stillcan’t steer properly even with the kingpin nut loosened, you should be able to achieve the desired effect with softer steering bushings. If theride still feels too wobbly even after tightening the kingpin nut, you can switch to harder steering bushings .

Which accessories are right for skateboard trucks?

In the TITUS Online Skateshop, you’ll find not only skateboard trucks but also the accessories needed for assembly. We carry mounting kits— each consisting of eight screws and nuts—for installing two trucks in all standard lengths. For assembly without riser pads, a screw length of 7/8" to 1" is sufficient.

Whether you choose Phillips-head or hex screws is a matter of personal preference. Poly-stops inserted into the nuts prevent them from loosening due to vibrations while skating.

Riser pads are mounted between the baseplate and the deck and are available in various thicknesses. They allow you to increase the distance between the deck and the wheels to prevent unwanted wheelbites. So you don’t necessarily have to buy new trucks just because you want to ride slightly larger wheels. A set of riser pads might be all you need. To install riser pads, you’ll need a mounting set that’s long enough.

Like riser pads,shock pads can be mounted between the baseplate and the deck. Their shock-absorbing properties reduce vibrations while skating and protect your deck by cushioning high-impact forces , such as those experienced during landings. Shock pads are typically 1/8" thick, so you’ll need mounting sets with screw lengths ranging from 1" to 1 1/8" to install them.

Bushings are a wear-and-tear part. So, from time to time, you’ll want to treat your skateboard trucks to a fresh set of bushings. Made of polyurethane, these bushings are available in various degrees of hardness. The heavier you are, the harder the bushings you’ll need to ensure controllable steering. Very light skaters, such as young beginners, will get along best with soft bushings.

There’s a lot of screwing involved with skateboard trucks. Trucks need to be mounted under the deck, and wheels need to be attached to the trucks. Tools are also required for fine-tuning steering characteristics and replacing bushings. With a handy skate tool, you’ll always have the right tool at your fingertips. Perfect!