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 information you need, you can choose the truckthat’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 thebaseplate(A), which is bolted to the deck, and thehanger(B), which controls the steering movement. The hanger is mounted so it can move within the baseplate—more specifically, via the pivot in thepivot cap(H). The hanger is held in place between thebushings(D) on thekingpin(C), which is firmly mounted in the baseplate.
Steering bushingsaremade of polyurethane, just like skateboard wheels, and allow you to control the truck effectively.
Bytightening or loosening the kingpin nut(I), you canadjust thesteering characteristics of your trucks.
Thewasherhelpsreturn the steering bushings to their proper position after a turn.
The wheels of a skateboard aremountedon theaxle pin(E), which is set horizontally into the hanger. They are secured by theaxle nut(G).Speed rings(F) protect your ball bearings from damage caused by being pressed in.
Which skateboard truck fits my deck?
For a 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 ismeasuredat 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.
Titus
| Truck Size |
Recommended Deck Width |
| 5.0 |
7.375–7.875 |
| 5.3 |
7.875–8.375 |
| 5.375 |
7.75–8.125 |
| 5.75 |
8.125–8.5 |
Independent
| Axle Size |
Recommended tire width |
| 109 |
6.25–7.6 |
| 129 |
7.375–7.875 |
| 139 |
7.875–8.25 |
| 144 |
8.25–8.375 |
| 149 |
8.375–8.6 |
| 159 |
8.6–9.0 |
| 169 |
9.0–9.5 |
| 215 |
9.5–10.0 |
Thunder
| Axle Size |
Recommended deck width |
| 143 |
7.4 and narrower |
| 145 |
7.4–7.9 |
| 147 |
7.9–8.125 |
| 148 |
8.125–8.38 |
| 149 |
8.38–8.62 |
| 151 |
8.625 and wider |
Venture
| Axle size |
Recommended deck width |
| 5.0 |
7.4–7.8 |
| 5.25 |
7.75–8.25 |
| 5.6 |
8.1–8.3 |
| 5.8 |
8.25–8.75 |
| 6.1 |
8.625 and wider |
Ace
| Axle size |
Recommended deck width |
| 00 |
6.5 and narrower |
| 11 |
6.5–7.0 |
| 22 |
7.0–7.75 |
| 33 |
7.75–8.25 |
| 44 |
8.25–8.75 |
| 55 |
8.75–9.25 |
| 66 |
9.0–10 |
Key point
| Axle size |
Recommended deck width |
| 7.6 |
7.25–8.0 |
| 8.0 |
7.75–8.25 |
| 8.25 |
8.0–8.25 |
| 8.5 |
8.25–9 |
| 9.0 |
8.5–10.5 |
Film
| Axle size |
Recommended Tread Width |
| 4.25 |
6.25–7 |
| 5 |
7–7.8 |
| 5.25 |
7.8–8.25 |
| 5.5 |
8–8.3 |
| 6 |
8.3 and wider |
Padding
| Axle size |
Recommended deck width |
| 4.25 |
7 and narrower |
| 4.5 |
7–7.35 |
| 5.0 |
7.3–7.75 |
| 5.25 |
7.75–8.125 |
| 5.5 |
8.125–8.5 |
| 5.85 |
8.25–8.75 |
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 determine the specific riding characteristics of the model. Choosing between a low, mid, or high truck is therefore another important factor when selecting a skateboard truck.
Low trucksofferthe most stable ride. When popping, they respond more directly than taller trucks. They’re also generally lighter. However, you need to keep in mind that low truckslimit your wheel options.53mmisagoodmaximum guideline for wheels. If you mount wheels that are too large, you risk wheelbites (where the wheels touch the deck).
Withhigh trucks, youcantake tighter turns and also mount larger wheelswithouthaving to worry about major wheelbites. Additionally, high trucksallow forhigher 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 manufacturersoffermid-height trucks. With mid-height trucks, you strike abalance between high and low trucks.
Standard trucks or state-of-the-art skateboard trucks?
Thestandard truck, with a cast baseplateandcast 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?Thenyou’llbe interested intechnical refinements likehollow axles, hollow kingpins, forged baseplates,ortitanium axles.
“Hollow” means hollow. So, with skateboard trucks featuringa hollow axleorhollow kingpin,you’redealingwith ahollow axle shaft or kingpin, which makes themslightly lighter. Additionally, hollow axle shafts and kingpins aremore resistantto breakagethanstandard versions.
In addition to trucks with classic cast baseplates, some manufacturers alsoofferskateboardtrucks withforged baseplates. Forged baseplates are manufactured through a forging process, whichmakesthem significantlymore robust than cast baseplates and also results in a lighter weight.
Want something even more exclusive?Titanium axle pins offer a significant weight advantage, as they’re lighter than traditional axle pins and even lighter than hollow ones. Titanium axle pins are also the ultimate in stability. As a result, trucks withtitanium axlesareboth lightweight and robust.
How do you adjust the steering response of a skateboard axle?
You canadjustthesteering responseofskateboard trucksby tightening or loosening the kingpin nut.Tightening thekingpin nut providesmore stability.Looseningthekingpin nut makes thesteering more agile. However, be careful not to loosen the kingpin nut too much, 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 youstillcan’t steerproperlyeven withthekingpin nutloosened, you should be able to achievethedesired effect withsofter steering bushings. If theride still feels too wobbly even after tightening the kingpin nut, youcanswitchtohardersteering 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 carrymounting kits—each consisting ofeight screws and nuts—for installing two trucks in all standard lengths. Forassembly without riser pads, ascrew length of 7/8" to 1"issufficient.
Whether you choosePhillips-headorhex screws is a matter ofpersonalpreference. Poly-stops inserted into the nuts prevent them from loosening due to vibrations while skating.
Riser padsaremountedbetween the baseplate and the deck and are available in various thicknesses. They allow youto increase thedistance between the deck and the wheels toprevent unwantedwheelbites. 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 aset of trucks that’s long enough.
Like riser pads,shock padscanbemountedbetween the baseplate and the deck. Their shock-absorbing propertiesreduce vibrations while skatingandprotect your deckbycushioning high-impact forces, such as those experienced during landings. Shockpads are typically 1/8" thick, so you’ll needmounting kits with screws ranging from 1" to 1 1/8" in lengthtoinstall them.
Steering bushings, also known as 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 areavailableinvarious degrees of hardness.The heavier you are,the harderthe bushings you’ll needto ensure controllable steering. Verylight skaters,such asyoung beginners, will get alongbestwithsoft 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 alsorequiredfor fine-tuning steering characteristics andreplacing bushings. With a handyskate tool,you’llalwayshavethe right tool at your fingertips. Perfect!